by Olivia Rae
As she feared. In such a state, Gavin would tire first and Maxwell would give the final blow. “Let me go.” She wrestled against Fraser’s chest. “He’ll kill Gavin.”
Dear Lord, please place your vast hand between them. Only you have the power to prevent this madness.
But God seemed so far away. What if He didn’t want this to stop? What if He wanted Gavin to die?
Her lungs squeezed for air. Her breath became short. The room floated away. Nay. She would not faint. She would fight. Pushing out her chest to fill her lungs, she stomped on Fraser’s foot. He let out a howl, releasing his hold.
Just as she tried to rush forward, a young boy raced in front of her and stood between the fighting duo, a barking dog at his heels.
From the doorway, a cool mist seeped in, twirling up the stairs. Like a specter stepping into the human world, a woman draped in a black veil and ebony gown stepped out of the shadows. Flanked by her dark ghastly demons. “Stop this at once,” she cried.
Her guards rushed forward, their swords drawn. In the middle stood Thomas. “It’s gone. Someone stole it. God didnae protect my ring,” he wailed.
Gavin’s and Maxwell’s swords locked together above the boy’s head. The fever fled from their eyes. Audrey’s knees buckled. Thank you, God.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Just when Gavin could not carry on, Thomas’s auburn head lay right below Maxwell’s sword. Bairn barked and nipped at the man’s heels. Gavin blocked the blade’s descent with the strength of a titan. His arms shook, and his back muscles burned, but he would not give way, not until he saw the fury leave Maxwell’s eyes.
“Get away from me dug.” Maxwell kicked Bairn and then realized who he tried to protect. “By the Holy Mother,” the elder laird cried at Thomas. “I could have killed ye.” Maxwell dropped his sword.
The woman in black all but floated into the room and came to a stop next to the fighting men. Mist-damp droplets spotted her long veil. Her guards’ sharp-pointed swords were aimed at his and Maxwell’s chest.
“Take all their weapons.” Upon her command, her men picked up the swords and took their daggers from their belts. They then took away Fraser’s and Ewart’s arms as well until none but the veiled woman’s guard held a blade. When satisfied, she continued, “Now then. What nonsense is this?”
Audrey paled while Gavin had a pretty good idea who stood before them. Maxwell scrubbed his straggly beard. “Beggin’ yer pardon, but just who the blazes are ye to be tellin’ us what to do?”
Pimberly stepped forward on weak knees. “Allow me to introduce, Laird Maxwell, Laird Armstrong, and Mistress Hayes. This is Mistress Pittman.” He paused and stared at Ewart. “And I believe this is Laird Maxwell’s heir.”
A moment of excitement sizzled through Gavin. Never had he expected the queen to make an appearance in Scotland. ’Twas a risk. And well she knew it. Thus the disguise. He assumed her entourage still sat on the English side of the border, but he wondered how long it would remain there.
Gavin bowed sightly while all the others remained stiff as sticks. “My lady, perhaps you would like to sit by the fire?”
Her veil swished as she swiveled her head to the warm hearth. “Aye. What a splendid idea. I am not accustomed to traveling at night.”
Quite so. Once Mistress Pittman took her seat, she raised her veil. She sent a look of censure to those who recognized her.
Maxwell’s eyes narrowed. “Ye have an air of a—”
“Perhaps it would be best if Laird Maxwell and his son would retire?” Pimberly interjected.
Queen Elizabeth shook her head. “Think on it, Walter. He is no fool. ’Twill not take him long to figure out what goes here. Nay, he stays where I can keep an eye on him.”
Thomas thumped to Gavin’s side and placed his fists on his hips. “Me ring is missin’, and I wager he took it.” He pointed at Ewart.
“Me,” Ewart croaked, shaking like a newborn lamb. “I dinnae even know what the lad speaks of.”
“I saw you. I saw you sneakin’ around the chapel before the feats started.” Thomas raised a fist. “Give it back.”
The queen’s perusal went from Thomas to Ewart and then back to Thomas. Maxwell and Bairn both growled and glared at Ewart.
Seeing his father’s reaction, Ewart rallied and stood up straight and proud like a Maxwell should. “I was lookin’ for Mistress Blair, not for yer stupid ring.”
“I want me ring!” Then Thomas rushed at Ewart, but Gavin quickly grabbed him by the back of his tunic before a punch landed in Ewart’s stomach.
“What goes on here?” Queen Elizabeth asked while glaring at Ewart.
Gavin had the same question. What ring had the lad possessed? Searching the room, he found who held the answer—his mother and Audrey.
Before he could seek answers, Audrey came forward and gently knelt next to Thomas, facing the queen. “All this is my fault. I discovered what I believed to be a safe hiding place for Thomas’s mother’s ring, but apparently I was in error.”
Mother’s ring. Did she speak of Edlyn’s ring? The one he had absentmindedly thrown away? Or had he? Gavin glared at Thomas. All knew the lad was a thief, taking objects from the keep and the tenants as well. Apparently, he had absconded with Edlyn’s ring.
“I just want it back.” Thomas’s shoulders became rigid. His fists tight as his side. “Make him give it back to me, Da. Or I will.”
Gavin’s heart lurched. Soon the lad would be a fierce warrior. If possible, he’d give his son so much more than that insignificant ring.
“Hush, son. We will find the ring,” he soothed.
“Would someone tell me what this is all about? Does anyone know the whereabouts of this piece of jewelry so that we can get unto things of more importance?” Queen Elizabeth asked, penetrating every face in the room with her stiff glare. “Well?”
Bairn bound up to the queen and plopped his head in her lap and whined.
The queen threw her hands in the air. “Good heavens.”
“He wants you to stroke his head,” Thomas said, coming to her chair. “Like this.” Thomas started petting Bairn.
The queen delicately rested her finger on the animal’s head, ignoring the drool dripping down her gown. “So this is your dog?”
“His name is Bairn. I bet if he could talk, he would tell me where me ring is.” Thomas pursed his lips and let out a sad sigh.
Elizabeth wrinkled her nose and swept the room with a look of indignation. “No one here knows where this boy’s ring is?” she asked incredulously.
Gavin’s mother crept forward. Her eyes averted. “I know,” she said barely above a whisper.
Astonishment flickered in Audrey’s eyes as she rose. “I don’t understand. You were the one to show me the hiding place. Why would you remove the ring?”
“I feared someone else would discover where it was hidden during the feats, and I couldn’t bear it being lost again.” Gavin’s mother looked pleadingly at Thomas. “It is safe. I will fetch the ring from my chamber.”
“Please do,” Queen Elizabeth ordered. “For I, too, would like to examine this prize possession.”
“It’s mine,” Thomas spat out, clearly fearing he might lose it again.
The queen lifted a slim eyebrow. “Indeed, sir. But surely I can have a quick peek?”
The scowl on Thomas’s face did not speak of charity. Gavin stepped forward and bent down to whisper into his son’s ear. “It would not hurt to show a little kindness.”
Thomas poured a pout on his lips. “Will you make sure she gives it back?”
“Aye. I promise.” Gavin put a hand across his heart.
Thomas folded his arms over his chest, took a firm stance, and resolutely held the queen’s gaze. “All right, ye can look at it, but only for a little while.”
Her cheeks quirked up. She looked to one of her guards. “Accompany Lady Francis to her chamber.”
So silent was the hall, if one tried, you could hear the dust settle
on the benches. The queen continued to stroke Bairn’s head, assessing every fiber of Thomas’s appearance and mannerisms. Her face softened; she must be pleased with the lad. Though she claimed Thomas by blood, Gavin had every intention of fighting for the lad as a father should. But both knew the fight would not take place in his son’s presence.
Gavin had not taken in more than a handful of breaths when his mother came down the stairs carrying the ring.
Thomas rushed toward his gran, snatching the jewel from her fingers. “That’s it. That’s me ring.”
The blue stone caught the sparkle of the afternoon sunlight streaming through the windows. Fractures of color danced off the walls and seemed to make Thomas’s copper eyes glow. Suddenly the radiance disappeared when he clutched the ring tightly in his fist.
“Come, boy. I wish to see your ring.” Queen Elizabeth leaned forward, but Thomas was having none of it. He pulled his hands to his chest.
Gavin cleared his throat. “A promise made must be kept.”
“I didnae make no promise.” Thomas curled his lips in, knowing that wasn’t really true. “I just said she could peek at it.”
“Well then. Show her,” Gavin said sternly.
The queen pushed the dog’s head off her lap. Thomas shuffled closer like a turtle crossing a path. Finally, he stood less than a hand from the queen’s skirts. “Only a peek,” Thomas warned.
Not one readable reaction crossed the queen’s face. “Boy, I hold to my promises.” She stretched out her hand.
Thomas glanced down at the ring he closely guarded and then up at the queen, assessing her as if she was a villain, then he turned to Audrey. “What do ye think? Is she trustworthy?”
Taking a sharp breath, a bubble of air lodged in Gavin’s throat. He should have taken more interest in his son’s education and how to address his betters.
But the queen let out a minute chuckle and dropped her hand to her side. When recovered, she tipped her head toward Audrey. “Well, Mistress Hayes, is my word right and true?”
“Of course, Your…”
The queen lifted a brow.
“Mistress Pittman,” Audrey corrected. “Thomas, ’tis not polite to judge a lady’s character.”
“Why ever not? Everyone questions mine.” Thomas set his jaw.
A howl of laughter escaped the queen’s lips, and Bairn joined in barking. She pushed out of her chair and knelt down until her eyes were even with Thomas’s. “What a delightful child you are. I will let you in on a secret. Everyone questions mine too, they just do not have the courage to say it to my face.”
“Me da says ye should always be forthright.”
Now the lad remembers his lessons. Gavin resisted the urge to clear his throat again.
Queen Elizabeth pinned him with a glare. “Ah.”
Thomas nodded.
“Then I look forward to having a forthright conversation with him very soon.” Her temperament eased as she focused on Thomas. “Now then. May I have a look?”
Thomas twisted his lips into a pout and dropped the ring into Queen Elizabeth’s hand. She rose and held the jewelry to the light. “The blue stone is exquisite. Sapphire. And these markings. The head of a horse on one side and bluebells on the other. Most interesting.”
“Hey now,” Maxwell piped up, stepping forward. “That be the ring I…”
“Yes?” Queen Elizabeth asked with a look that challenged his interruption.
Maxwell stalled and stared at Gavin’s mother. Tears began to form in her eyes as some unknown knowledge passed between the pair.
Gavin’s mother dabbed at her eyes. “Please. I can explain, but not in front of the boy…and some of the rest.”
Foreboding seeped through the hall like a fine mist creeps across the lowlands. Gavin swore a sinister scheme slid between the couple. Had she lied when she said the ring was given to her by his father? At that very moment, he realized he did not know his mother at all.
But the queen did. She handed the ring back to Thomas. “Thank you for giving me a look. Perchance later you will let me look upon it a little more?”
Thomas snatched the ring and shrugged.
“Right.” Fraser stepped forward. “I’m expectin’ ye will want me gone too.” He held out his hand to Thomas. “Come along, lad. Methinks there be some sweet tarts in the kitchens.” Bairn perked up too and followed the pair.
“I will go with them,” Audrey offered.
“Nay,” the queen said as Gavin’s mother cut off Audrey’s retreat. “If I am right…then this concerns you also.”
If she were right? What secret between Maxwell and his mother would be of importance to Audrey?
Her eyes burned with curiosity. But she was not alone, for he too wondered about the mystery of the ring.
Ewart slapped and rubbed his hands together. “This is goin’ be quite interestin’.”
Both Gavin’s mother and Maxwell blanched.
“Nay, lad. This is not for your ears either. Go wait in the courtyard with the others,” Maxwell ordered.
“But she gets to stay.” Ewart pointed a long narrow finger at Audrey. “And she isnae part of anyone’s family.”
Audrey blushed, clearly agreeing with Ewart. However, Maxwell would not back down, and Ewart was ushered to the doorway by one of the queen’s guard.
The queen glared at Pimberly until he understood her wishes. “I think I shall accompany our guest to the courtyard as well.” He bowed and quit the room.
When they stood alone in the hall, the queen lifted her chin. “Well. Out with it. What is the great secret about this ring?”
Gavin’s mother clutched her hands and scanned the large room. “My lady. This is a private matter. Nothing I am sure that would interest you.”
“Are you dismissing me?” Queen Elizabeth rose to her full height. “Methinks what you have to say might be part of the reason I had to drag half my…” She paused. “Entertain me nonetheless.”
Gavin’s mother looked to the stairs and at the guards. “Surely there is a more intimate place? For I fear the walls have ears.”
The queen let out a huff. “I will cut off any of those ears and lop off their tongues too if they deem to hear and tell.”
Her words did not seem to quell his mother’s worry as the color drained from her face and her body began to shake.
Gavin stepped forward to take hold of his mother’s arm. “Do you need to sit down?”
She shook her head, dropping her chin to her chest.
“Oh, all right.” Queen Elizabeth took a heavy breath at the other woman’s hysterics. “Where, Lady Francis, do you propose we go?”
Gavin’s mother raised her chin. “If you please, the chapel, Your… Mistress Pittman.”
Queen Elizabeth rolled eyes. “Where is this chapel?”
It did not take long to assemble their small group. A chair was brought in for the queen while the others stood in a half circle around her. Even though the stone chapel was cool, Gavin’s back dripped with sweat, and he was not alone. Dots of prescription rested on Maxwell’s forehead, while moisture graced his mother’s upper lip. Audrey took a piece of linen and wiped her damp neck. The only one who seemed fresh and bright like spring meadow flowers was Queen Elizabeth. Once seated, she adjusted her gown before resting her hands on the arms of the chair.
Maxwell raised a finger, dawning resting on his face. “I know who ye are.”
Gavin almost laughed. So like a Maxwell, slow to figure things out.
“Then you best keep your thoughts to yourself.” The queen glared at old Scotsman with reproach.
His gaze darted around the room. “’Tis true then. The wee lad be yer bastard?”
“I have no idea what you are talking about. I am just here to visit friends, and well you should remember that as my guards are entertaining your son in the courtyard.” She turned her attention to the others. “Now then. Shall we proceed? What is the story behind this ring?”
Maxwell itched the crooked sca
r on his face. Wisely he did not seek to push the issue of Thomas’s parentage. “’Tis a tale Francis and I promised never to speak of again.”
Francis! Gavin’s jaw slacked. Just how well did his mother know this man? When this was all over, and if Maxwell still drew breath, Gavin vowed…his anger stalled. Years ago, when he was a lad, Fraser and he had gotten into a fist fight. So furious, he had been ready to bash Fraser’s face in. A traveling priest had come upon them and broke up the fight, correcting them with scriptural words. Before losing his faith, Gavin had recited those words often whenever his anger flared or he was ready to punch another. When he turned his back on God, he had forgotten those words. Now with his faith renewed, they rang loudly in his ears.
For all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.
He had almost forgotten the phrase. Thankfully, the Lord had reminded him. Gavin closed his eyes, digging deep for calm.
His mother put a hand on Maxwell’s arm and gave it a squeeze, then she stepped closer to the queen. “I was very young when I was married, and ’twas no secret, the marriage was not forged in love.”
“Few are,” Queen Elizabeth dryly interjected.
“Quite so. Nonetheless, I was ready to fulfill my duties and produce an heir for Ian Armstrong.” Her voice filled with sorrow. Gavin answered her sadness by crossing his arms over his chest. “But the years rolled on, and no child came. I believed I was barren. In his disappointment, Ian took his affections elsewhere. I was certain he would have our marriage annulled as soon as he found a more suitable wife.”
With every word she uttered, Gavin swore another new line creased his mother’s face. How he wanted to stroke every single mark away, for he was certain his antics had created many of them.
To his surprise, Maxwell came forward and continued the story. “Ian and I were good friends in our youth, even though we came from different families. I cannae tell ye how jealous I was when he married one of the most beautiful wummin I had ever seen. But I wished them well.”
“Yes, yes, this is all well and good, but what does this have to do with the ring?” the queen asked.