Page 30 of The Guardian's Bride

“What, Kincraig is that way? My lady keeps telling me so.”

“Something else.” The weight of the helmet pulled on her lower back, and she leaned against a tree to ease it. “At Lanercost, I overheard a discussion about you.”

He folded his arms as if in defense. “Who spoke of me?”

“King Edward was angered about something you did. I heard him order your arrest and the forfeiture of your castle in Fife.”

“I know. I was arrested—and now I am out. We are out. As for the castle, Edward would forfeit every Scottish property if he could, to the ruin and decimation of this land. If he sends men to Castle Black, I have soldiers installed and pray their number is enough. That is one reason I mean to get there soon as I can. Is there more?”

“I heard him order one of his knights to take your son into custody.”

He stilled, his face going pale, mouth tightening. “Go on.”

“At first he wanted the child placed in a dungeon, but another argued against it, saying the boy was small. Edward said for himto just give the child milk. Then he relented and ordered the boy to be taken and housed with the young Earl of Fife. His cousin, is it?”

Aedan stared at her, silent, cold, waiting.

“The knight Edward gave orders to was Sir Malise Comyn. Do you know him?”

“Ach!That bastard. Pardon me. He had something to do with shoving me in Yester. I saw his name on the arrest warrant, though he was not there when they took me down. But the rest of what you say—my son, my property—that is news, and I thank you for it.”

“What will you do?”

“Get to Fife quickly to make my kin secure. I had that in mind already.”

“I could stay here if it would help you travel faster.”

He let out a breath and stared up at the tree cover in the purple dusk. “I want you with me. And I am sorry you have been dragged into this.”

“I do not mind. I only regret bringing you such sorry news.”

“It is good that you overheard that, because now I know what they might do. All will be well, hey. Come ahead.” He beckoned, smiling, but it did not reach his eyes. The mask was back, his troubles his own.

They walked toward the tavern and he opened the door to allow her to enter first. “Thank you, Hamish,” she said as she passed.

“I like it,” he murmured, then raised his voice. “Grizel, my sweetling, we will find rest and respite here on our journey home.” He stepped inside after her.

A woman came toward them wiping her hands on a cloth. “Sir, lady! Welcome!”

“Good dame, my wife and I require a meal and a room. My dear, you cannot sleep another night under the stars in that condition.”

She sighed. “Are there two beds?”

“I know how uncomfortable you must feel, madam. I have had three babes myself. The room has one bed. Tell your brawny man to sleep on the floor. Be seated now, and I will see that your chamber is warmed. Extra for a bath?” she went on as Aedan MacDuff shook his head.

“Could we have a basin of hot water, soap, and linens?” Rowena asked.

“Aye. We have good Spanish soap made with almond oil and roses. It costs extra.”

“That is fine,” Aedan said, as the woman guided them to a table.

“I hope you are not traveling far, madam. You are carrying out front. A robust boy is my guess.”

“Surely it is male.” Rowena gave MacDuff a wry glance as he drew out a bench.

“Are you daft, man?” the woman snapped. “Not the bench! Fetch that chair with the sturdy back for your lady! Hurry!”

Chapter Nine