by Olivia Rae
“That is not Thomas’s mother.” Gavin pulled his hand away and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees.
Confusion swept through Audrey as she glanced to Edlyn’s picture. The boy did not look like either parent, but that did not mean Edlyn wasn’t Thomas’s mother. “If not, then who is?”
Gavin lifted his head. “You truly dinnae know?”
She placed a hand over her heart. “If you wish me to swear, I shall. But I beg you to believe me. What I told you is the truth.”
For a while, he said naught, examining her features. New lines she had not noticed before creased his forehead. Finally, he nodded. “That became apparent when you rode into Perth and saved my life.”
A deep well of joy sprung forth, and she almost hugged him. “I would never want to see any harm come to you or your family.”
“I know.” A misery covered him like a heavy cloak. “Giving trust is not easy for me.”
If he trusted her, then maybe someday… “From this moment on, let us speak nothing but the truth to each other. Now tell, if not Edlyn, who do you believe to be Thomas’s mother?”
“Who ordered you to come here?”
Audrey’s brain tripped. Her eyes flipping to Edlyn’s picture and then to the memory of Queen Elizabeth’s face. “That is why you forced me to write that letter? You believe the queen is…” Audrey fell back on her heels. “Nay, that cannot be. She is a virgin.”
“There are rumors—”
“There are always rumors. I cannot believe you would be taken in by such gossip.”
“Not gossip. I went to Perth to fulfill a debt to Maxwell. I offered my services to him, if he would allow me to talk to Hetta.”
“The boys’ old nurse?”
“Aye, I wanted to send Thomas away, back to his original father.” He raised his hand, no doubt shielding himself from the horror he probably saw in her eyes. “That sounds terrible. Looking back, I know I could have never done it. The lad means everything to… I dinnae want to choose who would inherit Warring Tower. I dinnae want to see my children fighting over this scrap of land. One could end up like my father’s brother Colban. I know my father and Hew killed him. That is why they divided up this land.”
“You think Thomas would kill Marcas?”
“Or the other way around. I cannae lose either of them.” He looked away as if hiding something in his soul. “Hetta told me how Thomas came to Lanercost.”
Audrey sat on the floor in front of him as Gavin spoke of his past. The bargain struck at his marriage, Edlyn’s virginity, and Thomas’s possible mother. She did not doubt that Gavin spoke the truth, but she wondered about his reasoning. “But you do not know for sure?”
With a huff, Gavin rose to his feet. “If it were not true, then why would Queen Elizabeth send you here? By your own admission, you said she wanted you to keep an eye on the lad.”
“I know, but I cannot believe she would not have claimed the boy the moment she ascended the throne.” Audrey fought not to rub her aching temples.
“I agree, which makes me think there are many parts missing from this tale. Who is the lad’s father? Where is he now? Was the queen married or not?”
The same questions plagued her, but why would Gavin goad the queen? She could very well come to Scotland. Understanding dawned like a bright morning sun. “You wish to challenge the queen for Thomas.” Audrey rose to her knees and reached out, placing a hand on his cheek. “You play a deadly game.”
His warm skin tingled against hers. An earnest twinkle rose in his brilliant blue eyes. “I know.” He rested his forehead against hers. His warm breath soothed like a sweet balm. “I am sorry that you are in the middle of this,” he murmured.
All sound slipped away. Her mind focused on nothing else but the nearness of his lips. He drew away ever so slightly. Their gazes met and all she saw was a lonely man and a father. Her lips parted. He leaned in and gently brushed his against hers. She sighed and lifted her chin, welcoming his long, lingering kiss. He tried to pull away, but she would not let him. Her senses craved more. She pulled him close and captured his lips again. He moaned, wrapping his arms around her. From that moment on, Audrey knew that her heart belonged to this perplexing man. To him alone.
A quick rap and the door swung open. “Excuse me, but…”
The rapture broken, both rose. Fraser stood in the doorway. A fierce frown on his fiery face.
“Fraser. What is it?” Gavin briskly asked.
The large Scot did not answer but stomped away. Neither Audrey nor Gavin spoke a word, but both knew a friendship had been broken that day. Unfortunately, they didn’t know why.
* * *
A sennight had passed since Fraser stormed out of Warring Tower after finding Gavin and her in an intimate embrace. In truth, the kiss meant nothing, for not once since that time did Gavin deem to touch her. Instead, he immediately apologized profusely for his actions. But his repentance did not bring his cousin back to the tower. Fraser’s anger mystified her. Gavin believed that his cousin carried some affection for her, but such an idea felt false. Nay, there had to be another reason why Fraser left in such a huff.
Sweat dripped down Audrey’s back as she shielded her eyes from the sun’s intense rays. The sweet mild days of spring had given way to summer’s heat. The butt outside the tower walls loomed before her like an impenetrable barrier. Though Gavin had not included her in all the plans he arranged with Hew Armstrong, she knew that its success rested on her winning the blade toss.
Pulling her dagger from its sheath, Audrey took her stance, reaching out her hand to measure her aim while the red cloth pinned to the butt fluttered in the wind. She flipped her wrist, and the knife flew to the mark. It landed slightly to the left of the cloth. That would not do. If she could not hit the target every time, then they were all doomed.
At least according to Lady Francis, they were. She claimed if the Armstrongs did not win the Truce Day coin, Gavin would not be able to pay Warring’s debts. Knowing that alone made Audrey want to do her best. She was riddled with enough guilt as it was for not being honest with Gavin from the beginning. Adding to Warring Tower’s demise by writing secret missives to the queen was not acceptable.
What worried Audrey all the more was that her last message to the queen was the one Gavin told her to write. Surely Queen Elizabeth would send someone to find out what exactly was going on at Warring Tower. What would happen to Gavin and his children then? What would happen to her family? The queen was not the most kind and tolerant person.
Audrey pulled the blade from the butt and walked back to the line. She used the back of her arm to wipe the sweat from her brow before taking aim once again. Inhaling deeply, she let the blade sail through the air. A spark of elation jumped within her when the knife landed square in the middle of the target.
“Well done, Audrey. Our chances of winning the games grow greater every day.”
A flaming blush ascended on her already heated skin hearing Gavin’s voice. How she wished she could control the embarrassing condition, but alas, it was impossible. “My thanks, but I wish my aim was better. I just pray when Truce Day does come, I will not lose the little skill that I do have.”
Dressed in just a white shirt and a pair of tan breeks, Gavin strolled to her side. “You will not falter. Look at what you have accomplished in your life.”
His words surprised her. For she could not think of one thing she had ever done correctly. “Though I am grateful for your faith in me, I possess no great skill in anything.”
His lips twitched, and the memory of their kiss filled her mind. “I can think of several. Except being an astute spy.”
Ignoring his tease, she worked on taming her unruly thoughts, trying to concentrate on the target instead of his beautiful solid chest. She took a deep breath and let the dagger fly. Another perfect strike.
“See. Many talents.” He strode to the butt to retrieve the knife. “I must speak with you privately on another matter.”
She nodded and followed him to a copse of trees. Once in the shade, away from prying eyes, he stopped. “What’s wrong?” Audrey asked.
“I have been watching you over this past week.”
Her pulse kicked up. She closed her eyes, and once again she was in his warm, strong embrace. When she opened her eyes, she found him leaning against a tree, staring out into the fields. “I have watched you with my mother and Thomas. You are very kind and patient with both of them.”
Audrey’s heart sagged. No words of love would be forth coming. She tried to hold on to the tears that begged to flow. “They grow dearer to my heart every day.”
“I know.” He rested his hand on his sword, which had become a daily part of his dress since returning from Perth. “I notice you practice diligently with the blade.”
His pleasantries were like a simple dance before the floods would whisk away the merriment. “I know what is at stake.”
“You dinnae know all of it.” He paused, watching a small bee buzz through the air. “At first I wanted to keep you in the dark, fearing you would betray my confidences.”
A ball of indignation ripened in her stomach. What must she do to win this man’s trust?
“But not once have you tried to seek out Maxwell or write a missive to Queen Elizabeth. You speak no ill of any in the tower but cheer those who are forlorn. My mother is attached to you, and Thomas adores you. So, I must trust you.”
Again, another thing that had been established before. Or was it just she who had given her trust and love so completely? What then must she do to make him see where her loyalties lie? She shortened the distance between them until he was but a breath away. “I would never hurt Thomas or anyone here. This family is as precious as my own.”
A jab of pain pierced her heart. Her family would suffer if she did not make Queen Elizabeth understand. She would not let a betrayal go unpunished. Audrey remembered the squeaking rats clawing at the meager food she and her family received when they were in debtors’ prison. The years had taken a toll on her father. He did not live long after they were released. If her mother was forced back into prison, she would not last long. No matter what happened here, Audrey knew she would have to return to England and beg for mercy. She could not let them suffer.
“That is why I want you to know all in case our plan falters.” Gavin bent down and picked up a few sticks and began running them over the smooth ground.
She focused on his words, trying to put the worries of her family to the back of her mind.
“Do you know why Maxwell never came seeking my head after Ualan died?”
“I assumed it was because there was no proof of a real crime in Perth. Certainly, he doesn’t want his failed plot to come to light.”
Gavin lifted his chin to the heavens and laughed. “Oh, you know so little about Scotsmen. These are the Debatable Lands. No law reigns here. If Maxwell wanted to rally his kinsmen this eve, no one would think twice about it. Nay, I sent Hew first with an offer Maxwell could not refuse, and then I added more to the pot to sweeten his appetite.”
His last word offered little comfort. The glint in his eye bespoke of a plan of trickery. And a plan developed on such a shifty foundation would not stand. Audrey squeezed her hands together. “What are the details of this plan?”
“Warring Tower is in poor straits. If our land does not produce good crops this year, we will starve come winter. Maxwell knows this, so I bargained with him. If the Armstrongs win the feats, not only do we get the coin prize, but Maxwell will have to supply us with grain all winter long. If we lose and he wins, then the prize is Warring Tower and my lands.”
“’Tis a foolish bet. Why would you do such? Why would you once again give Warring Tower to him?” Audrey’s mind buzzed with the implications of such a pact. She began to pace, destroying the drawings he had dug in the dirt. “By your own admission, the Armstrongs have not won these feats in years.” Her spirits lightened slightly. “There is also the possibility that you both might lose. What then? What makes you think he would not just kill you and take your lands anyway?”
“Because he found another way to do it without spilling a drop of Maxwell blood.”
Audrey stalled her steps. “What do you mean?”
“Because Hew offered to double-cross me.” Gavin’s words were said so nonchalantly that Audrey had a great desire to throttle him.
“How?” she asked, tightening her hands into fists.
“Hew will lose the archery event, or so Maxwell believes, in exchange for a large sum of money. Coin he will use to buy land from the English. He will give this land to his youngest, Fraser, and Jaxon will inherit the Scottish land. This will strengthen the family as a whole on both sides of the border. A plausible idea.”
In truth, it was. The hair started rising on her neck. What prevented Hew from going through with such a plan?
“Hew told Maxwell your skill with the blade is fair and beatable. Making it sound as if we no longer hold the advantage.” Gavin almost leapt into the air as he rubbed his hands together. “But we know you are the best with the blade and Duncan has the swiftest feet. We will not lose those two feats. I have figured it all out.”
A large lump formed in Audrey’s throat and descended to her stomach. The man put too much faith in her. ’Twould have been better had he kept his plan to himself.
“I will win the horse race,” he continued.
“If all happens as you say, then we shall win the feats, but something still could go wrong. Like me losing.” Her belly sizzled. She wanted to bash him in the chest for putting such a heavy burden on all of them.
“You will not. But if something does go wrong, then Hew will win the games for us in the archery match. Only the English can beat him.”
“What if he loses?”
“Ah! If a tie happens. Then Fraser will win the ax throw.” Gavin circled Audrey’s waist with his hands, lifting her high and twirling her about in the air.
“Put me down, you oaf. Your plan is nothing but maybes and mights.”
He placed her on her feet; disappointment wrinkled his forehead.
She brushed invisible creases out of her gown, trying to control her riotous senses, hoping he might just kiss her again. “’Tis still a risky plan.”
“If I thought there was another way to keep the peace in the land, do you not think I would follow that course?” He kicked the soft dirt with his boot. “Nay, there is no other way, and we will not lose.” He hid his worry behind a false smile. “Think on it. There are three possibilities. We win, the English win, or Maxwell wins. Maxwell would never start a war over losing the feats on Truce Day. ’Twould be a cowardly thing to do.”
“What makes you think he will not take your head in any case? All know Truce Day can be quite rowdy. He could claim someone else did the deed. Look at what he tried to do in Perth?” A vision of Gavin lying on the ground dead sucked her breath away. Audrey fought to fill her lungs; this was no time to be weak.
Gently, he placed his palm against her cheek, becoming deadly serious. “If that happens, I want you to take my mother and my sons to Queen Elizabeth. Beg for mercy. For them and your family.”
Audrey placed her hand over his, relishing his tender touch. He had not forgotten about the plight of her family. A lone tear slipped from her eye. Nothing could happen to either family—or to him. No matter the outcome next week, she had to be strong. “I will make sure no one comes to any harm.”
With his thumb, Gavin swiped her tears away and then placed a tender kiss on her lips, before pulling back. “All will be well. We have you praying for us.”
“I thought you do not believe in our Lord?” She struggled to lift a smile to her lips, even as she wished for another kiss.
“True. But on the chance I am wrong, then I have the most pious Audrey Hayes making intercessions for me and our families.”
Her voice was lost among the tears that clogged her throat. He grabbed her hand and kissed it, sending her heart into a tumble.
“Come. Let us leave this melancholy behind.” Hand in hand they started walking back to the tower. “’Tis a bonnie day to go riding.”
And they did. They rode the marches until the sun glided away, until purple and pink hues filled the skies. But no matter how splendid the day was, both knew a torrent stood on the horizon, which would change the lives of all in Warring Tower forever.
Chapter Twenty-four
Another week swiftly passed, and the gaiety of Truce Day buzzed through the tower. In the past there would have always been several days a year and mostly held at the border. A while back it was decided that the summer Truce Day would be held by one of the families. Last year’s events was held on the English side of the border at the Hall family keep. This year it would be held on the Scottish side of the borders at one of the Armstrong holdings.
Hew, being the eldest kin, decided the place. “Best at yer keep,” he said a fortnight ago. “Seeing and possibly owning yer lands might excite Maxwell to make a grave mistake.”
Gavin wished he had his uncle’s confidence. He stood on the battlements and watched the visitors from each family assemble in the fields below. Having Truce Day on familiar ground would give them the advantage, but it would not be a sign of instant victory. His mother, Audrey, and even Thomas had spent many an hour in the chapel. Perchance their prayers had been answered for not a cloud dotted the sky and the winds were mild. The land was dry and in perfect condition. A perfect day for the feats.
From the east, Maxwell approached with his family while the Dunneses and the Halls were already erecting their pavilions in front of the gate. Quickly, Gavin descended the stairs, eager to welcome his guests. But alas, a most alarming scene met him in the hall. There lay Duncan on a bench, his long legs stretched out before him.