“I only need to get a message to my cousin, King Richard. He is no’ the warrior his grandfaither was. If he kens his army is about to be slaughtered, there’s a chance he might turn around and head back to England.”
“Mayhap the boy doesn’t have as much bloodlust in his veins as his father or grandfather, but don’t forget John of Gaunt is his uncle and still advises him. He will want to raid the whole country if he can. I know him personally. He is as ruthless as he is unpopular even amongst his own people.”
“But Richard is the king and gives the commands,” Fia protested. “I am sure if we can get the message to him, he will reconsider. Do ye have a way to do this?”
The woman’s eyes lowered to the table. She sighed and nodded slightly. “I do have the means, but I don’t think it will work. How do we know he will believe it and not think it isn’t just a trick?”
“Richard trusts me. He will ken if the message comes from me then it is true.”
“There is no way to prove to him that the warning has come from you. It will not work, so forget it. It is too dangerous of a plan.”
When Lorraine stood up and looked as if she were going to walk away, Fia reached out and locked her fingers around the woman’s wrist.
“Wait! I ken how we can get him to believe the message came from me.”
“How?”
Fia reached over and opened the travel bag, letting the woman see the crown within. “This is my proof.”
Lorraine peered into the bag. “Is that the late Queen Philippa’s crown?”
“Aye, it is. And Richard kens it well. He has wanted it ever since it was given to me as a child. If ye get the message to him along with this crown, he will ken it came from me. Then he will heed my warnin’.”
Lorraine pulled back her hand and shook her head. “Nay. There is no way to sneak something like that out of here without Alastair knowing it is gone. You’re his prisoner, aren’t you?”
“I’m to be a trade for his imprisoned faither. Clan Grant has him locked in their dungeon. They have been feudin’ for years.”
“Then you’d better not anger Alastair. I have seen the temper he holds at bay, and it is not pretty.”
“I have to do this,” said Fia. “I owe it to Philippa. I canna let so many of the Scots or the English die needlessly. Ye are English and married to a Scot. Surely, ye can understand how I feel?”
The woman hesitated before she answered. “I do understand, Fia. You are right. I will do it.” Her eyes darted back and forth. “Sneak the crown into my bucket with the dirty dishes. Fast. No one is looking.”
Fia’s hands shook as she quickly removed the crown and placed it into the bucket, covering it with scraps of food and empty drinking vessels. “We’ll need to replace it with somethin’ or Alastair is goin’ to notice the bulge in the pack is gone.”
“Use this.” Lorraine handed her a round of half-eaten bread along with an empty tankard.
Fia shoved them into the travel bag and quickly closed them inside.
“Thank ye, Lorraine. Because of ye, we might have just saved the lives of those we love.”
“There isn’t much of a chance that this will work, but we have to try. Although, it is very risky.”
“It is a risk I am willin’ to take.”
“Me too.” Lorraine stood up straight and lifted her chin. Her stance told Fia she was confident now. “I can see why the late queen chose you. Philippa would have been very proud of you, Fia. But I am worried about your safety when Alastair finds out what you did.”
“Dinna worry. I think I can keep him from noticin’ the crown is missin’ until we get to the Highlands. And by then, it will be too late to do anythin’ about it.”
“Good luck,” said Lorraine.
“The same to ye.” Fia smiled. “I am sure Philippa would be proud of both of us. I am happy to have met ye, Lorraine.”
“Fia, here is yer ale.” Niven squeezed around Lorraine and plunked three tankards of ale down on the table. “I brought one for Alastair and myself as well.”
“Have ye been watchin’ her?” asked Alastair, approaching the table at the same time.
“Aye my laird,” answered Niven.
Alastair picked up a tankard of ale and downed it in three gulps. Lorraine turned away.
“Wait, Lorraine! Dinna go anywhere,” Alastair commanded.
“My lord?” Lorraine stopped and looked back over her shoulder. Fia held her breath. Had he seen them talking and did he know what she did?
“Put this in yer bucket as well.” He handed her the empty vessel. “Bring me a bottle of whisky instead.”
“Of course.” Lorraine took the cup and added it to the top of the bucket, using it to help hide the crown. Her eyes interlocked with Fia’s.
Fia’s heart lodged in her throat. Alastair slid onto the bench next to her. “And hurry up with that food. I am tired and have secured a room for the night. I am anxious to get some shut eye.”
“Right away,” Lorraine answered and nodded to Fia. Then she quickly left the table.
Fia let out a sigh of relief. The plan was working so far. Now, all she had to do was to keep Alastair from looking into the travel bag until they got to the Highlands. Hopefully, by then, the English will have turned around and the deadly battle would not take place after all.
Chapter 11
“Niven, watch over the horses tonight and dinna bother me unless there is a problem.” Alastair pushed the empty bowl from the pottage to the middle of the table. He stretched and yawned and stood up.
“Problem, my lord? Like what?” asked Niven.
“If Brohain and Rhodric do anythin’ suspicious, tell me. I still canna trust those two.”
“Aye, my laird. Should I alert ye for anythin’ else?”
“Nay. Dinna be knockin’ at the door unless the English are burnin’ the place down.” He reached over the table for the travel bag, but Fia snatched it up before he could grab it.
“I’ve got the bag,” she said, standing up, clutching the thing to her chest.
“Why are ye actin’ so odd?” he asked, thinking she seemed a little nervous.
“Odd? I’m no’ actin’ odd.” She flashed a smile and yawned. “I am tired as well.”
“This way,” he said, guiding her to the stairs.
“I think I need to relieve myself outside first.”
“Ye’re no’ goin’ alone with all these men watchin’ ye like bulls in heat. I’m comin’ with ye.”
“Nay.” She put her hand on his chest. “I see Lorraine. I will have her keep watch. I’ll be right back.”
He noticed Brohain and Rhodric staring and talking behind their hands. Matter of fact, everyone in the place was looking at Fia. He didn’t like it. The idea of letting her out of his sight bothered him, but it was probably better that another woman went with her. Lorraine was a tough lassie and had even hit him over the head with a pitcher once when she thought he was being fresh with her. She wouldn’t let anything happen to Fia.
“All right, but if ye’re gone longer than two minutes, I am comin’ after ye. And dinna even think to try to escape because, if so, I will be right on yer tail.”
“Well, I wouldna want that to happen, would I?”
“Wait! Give me the travel bag,” he called out, but she kept going and didn’t even turn around.
“Lorraine,” said Fia, clutching the bag, looking over her shoulder to make sure Alastair wasn’t watching. “Quickly, step outside with me.”
Lorraine grabbed her cloak and a bag off the hook and walked out back with Fia.
“I’ll set up the exchange and meet my contact, giving her the crown and the message for Richard,” Lorraine explained, heading over to her horse.
“Her? Is it another lassie taught by Imanie?”
“It is better if you don’t know too much.” Lorraine tied the bag containing the crown to the side of her horse and then mounted. “This will have to go through several people before actually getting to King Richard,
but I think we can do it.”
“How will ye be able to make it through his army and to him directly?” asked Fia.
“Didn’t Imanie teach you that we do nothing directly? I have connections; don’t worry. I know someone with the means to get this crown directly into Richard’s hands.”
“How wonderful! If this works, it will be the most important thing I have ever done in my life.”
Lorraine turned her horse. “Fia, there is no doubt in my mind now that this message will get to Richard. Whether he heeds your warning or not is yet to be determined. What I’m not so certain about is how you are going to get away from Alastair. Mayhap when I return, I can help you.”
“Nay, Lorraine, but thank ye. I am no longer sure I want to escape.”
“But you are his prisoner. What are you saying?”
“There is somethin’ about him that is different from the rest of the men I’ve met. I dinna ken for sure yet, but somethin’ draws me to him. I have to find out why.”
“Good luck,” said Lorraine. “I wish you the best.” She kicked her heels into the horse, and it took off at a run.
When Fia turned to go back into the building, she thought she saw someone lurking in the shadows, so she called out.
“Who’s there?” When there was no answer, she started wondering if she’d imagined it. Then from the door to the tavern came a voice.
“Yer two minutes are up. I’m comin’ out there to get ye.” Alastair walked out the door, quickly scanning the area as usual. “Where is Lorraine? I thought she was out here with ye.”
“She was . . . but she had to leave.”
“Hrmph,” he said with a puff of air from his mouth. “It seems I canna count on anyone lately. Come on; we’re goin’ up to our room.” With his hand on her elbow, he guided her back inside. “And give me that already.” He snatched the travel bag from her hands so quickly that she didn’t have time to hold on tightly.
“Nay.” She grabbed for it, but he moved it to his side. “Dinna worry, I am no’ goin’ to pilfer yer precious crown while ye sleep. Although, mayhap I should. Then ye wouldna have to worry about it so much.”
They headed up to the room, climbing the tall, creaky staircase. Following the long corridor, they made their way down to the end. Once inside the room, Alastair closed the door. It was dark and cold inside. Fia heard him put down the bag and go to the hearth to light a fire. The room lit up in a soft, orange glow. In the dim firelight, she took a look at her surroundings.
There was one pallet held up by ropes and positioned atop a wooden frame. Two chairs with a small table made from a barrel were in the center of the floor. The room had a small window with a shutter that hung by one hinge. The shutter swayed in the breeze making a squeaky sound like a mouse.
“It’s cold in here,” she remarked, wrapping her arms around her.
“The fire should help, but what did ye expect? This is a room above a tavern, not a bedchamber in a castle like ye’re used to.”
He walked over and closed the shutter. Since it was broken, they were still exposed to the cool night air.
“Not much we can do about this,” he said, playing with the hinge. “Mayhap I have somethin’ in my bag to fix this.” He headed over to the table where he’d deposited the bag. Her heart picked up in pace.
“Nay, that’s fine. I’m no’ that cold anymore,” she said, trying to stop him.
“What?” He squinted one eye. “Make up yer mind, Fia. And stop actin’ so odd.” He still reached for the bag. Her heart jumped into her throat. If he found the crown missing now, he would send his men out to look for it. And if he figured out that Lorraine had it, he would be asking a lot of questions that could get them both in trouble. She had to distract him quickly. Therefore, she did the only thing she could think of that would stop a man in his tracks. Moving in between him and the bag, she stood on tiptoe and pressed her lips up against his in a passionate kiss.
“Mmm,” he said with a satisfied moan. Her distraction worked beautifully. His hands lowered to her waist as he forgot all about the bag. Pulling her closer against his chest, he kissed her deeper, letting his tongue enter her mouth.
It triggered off a reaction in her, causing a tingling sensation between her thighs. Fia couldn’t stop thinking that Alastair had entered her body! She was a virgin, and this was the first time a man had kissed her in this way. It was invasive, yet at the same time erotic. She liked it.
His open palms grazed over her hips and slowly slid down her thighs, rounding her bottom as he kissed her again. His hands cupped her rear, and he gently squeezed, sending a shiver of delight through her. Then, as she was warming to him and welcoming his touch, he did something that scared her. He pulled her up against him, surprising her when she felt his hardened length against her stomach. She gasped and quickly backed away.
“What’s the matter, lass?”
“I – I’m no’ sure. But I dinna think ye should be doin’ this to me.”
“Ye were the one to start it. Dinna start somethin’ unless ye are willin’ to finish it.” In one sweeping motion, he lifted her off the floor and carried her in his strong arms over to the pallet. His lips caressed hers as he walked and he didn’t break the connection of their kiss at all. Gently laying her down, he positioned himself atop her. His palm cupped her breast right through her clothes, causing her to close her eyes and arch her back, wanting even more. A warning flashed through her mind that she should stop him, but her heart urged her to let him continue his exploration.
“Alastair, what are ye doin’ to me?” She opened her eyes slightly, barely able to breathe she was so excited by his touch.
“Relax, Fia. I assure ye I willna hurt ye. Ye might even enjoy it.”
His hand slipped down under the edge of her bodice, his fingers hot against her bare skin. And when he fondled her breast, his thumb grazed over her nipple. She jerked, feeling herself going taut at his touch.
“I have the idea ye need a man’s touch. Ye are so tight ye are about ready to snap.”
“I – I have a lot on my mind.”
“Then close yer eyes and try no’ to think of anythin’ else but what is happenin’ right here, right now.”
She did close her eyes, wetting her parched lips with the tip of her tongue. A passionate fire burned out of control deep within her. To her surprise, his lips closed over her nipple. Then, his tongue swirled around in slow, sensuous circles. Her eyes popped wide open. Was this really happening? And was she letting him do these intimate things to her when she barely even knew him? She was about to protest when he started suckling at her like a babe, gently pulling and releasing her taut nipple, making her squirm. He ignited a fire deep down to her core, causing Fia to crave more intimate actions found between lovers. His lips suddenly released her with a slight popping noise that about drove her from her mind.
“Mmm, ye taste even better than ye look,” he said, his voice sounding low and sexy.
“Alastair,” she managed to say through ragged breaths. “I think – I think we should stop now.”
“Nonsense. This is only the beginnin’. The best is yet to come.” His hands slid up and under her gown to cup her womanhood next. Her eyes closed and she released the breath she’d been holding, as his actions caused her to feel moist between her thighs. He excited her in every way, making her want to experience the act of coupling. However, she didn’t want her first time lying with a man to happen like this. It wasn’t the way a lady acted! She had to stop it now before it went any further.
“Nay,” she said, pushing against his shoulders, causing him to sit up in bed. He looked down at her with confusion in his eyes.
“Nay? What do ye mean?”
“I dinna want this,” she said.
He looked down to her taut nipple and chuckled. “Aye, ye do. Yer body doesna lie.”
“Nay, I dinna!”
He shrugged his shoulders and held his hands, palms up, in the air. “Then why the hell did ye kiss m
e?” He slid off of her and sat on the edge of the pallet, cradling his head in his hands.
She couldn’t tell him the truth and wasn’t sure what to say. Her actions, she realized, had deceived him in more ways than one. Now, she was sorry she hadn’t figured out another way to distract him instead.
“I – I’m sorry,” she apologized, knowing her words were not going to make the situation any better. The damage had already been done. “I didna mean to lead ye on.”
“Nay.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s fine.” Standing up, he straightened his plaid and made his way to the door.
“Are ye leavin’?” she asked, not wanting him to go.
“I left my bottle of whisky downstairs. I think I need a dram right now.” He opened the door, stopping to glance back over his shoulder. “I’ll have Niven sit outside yer door tonight and I will be back first thing in the mornin’.”
Fia watched him go, feeling her heart break. Her body still vibrated from their foreplay, and her cheeks were on fire. What had started as a means to protect her secret, turned into an act of betrayal in a way. She could tell by the disappointment in his eyes that she had hurt his manly pride. And now that she’d turned him down and pushed him away, she wasn’t sure if he would ever try to kiss her again.
She rolled over on the pallet, fixing her clothes, telling herself that it didn’t matter. He was only her captor and as he said – her enemy. She did what she had to in order to protect her secret. That was the most important thing of all. If her plan worked, she would have the chance of saving hundreds, mayhap thousands of lives and protecting those she knew and loved.
But if her plans fell through, she would have nothing to show for her actions. And then, she will have made the biggest mistake of her life. Because when Alastair found out the truth, he would never want her again.
Chapter 12
The traveling party arrived at Cluny Castle just after nightfall the next day. Fia felt exhausted, and her body ached from riding a horse for so long. It wasn’t easy traveling with Alastair’s arm wrapped around her waist the entire time. They’d barely spoken to each other. This concerned her. What bothered her even more was that Alastair had done nothing to try to kiss her or touch her intimately again.
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