by Kara Griffin
“I understand, Callum. Be safe and take a good number of guards with you. I shall pray it’s not your cousin.”
He pressed his other hand on her cheek and smiled. “I hope so too. Worry not, I’ll be safe enough. Stay inside the keep while I’m gone and look after Dela.”
She nodded and leaned into the press of his hand on her face. “I will.”
The gate watch shouted for Callum and he muttered a curse as he signaled to Peter. He released her and turned when the soldier approached. “What now?”
“Laird, there’s a man at the gate named Henry and he demanded that I allow him entrance.”
“Henry?” Callum turned and peered at her. “Do you think it’s our Henry?”
She laughed. “Probably. Leave it to Henry to show up without notice of his arrival. Let’s greet him.” Violet took Callum’s hand and led him back to the gate. There, the guard raised the gate, and Henry marched beneath it with a grin on his face.
“Sinclair, you look well, much better than the last time I saw you.” He whirled around and stared at her for a moment. “Violet, I deem the Scottish air agrees with you. You’re as lovely as ever and even more beautiful than I remembered.” Henry pulled her forward and kissed her cheek, and then he lifted her and spun her around in an embrace. “I’ve missed you. Has Callum treated you well?”
Callum cleared his throat and tried to revert Henry’s attention from Violet, but he wouldn’t be swayed.
“I missed you too, Henry. Callum has been hospitable and…kind. What are you doing here? We didn’t receive word that you were coming. Did we, Callum?”
He shook his head but said nothing. Violet gave him an inquisitive glance. Callum didn’t seem to want to welcome their friend.
Henry handed the reins of his horse to Peter and took her elbow. “It’s a long story and better told with a cup of ale in one’s hand. How about a little reception? I could use a meal and a hearty cup of mead.”
Callum blocked Henry from proceeding toward the keep. “I can’t stay. I must go and tend to an important matter. Ah, Violet will get you settled. I probably won’t return until the morrow, Henry. Make yourself at home.”
She discerned Callum’s mood had changed. He wasn’t pleased to receive Henry or to welcome him. His mind must be on the man by the rocks and he appeared concerned. But because he had to leave, she couldn’t ask him what bothered him.
“All I need is Violet’s company and I shall be content. We’ll see you then on the morrow.” Henry pulled her away and walked at a slow pace toward the keep.
Violet glanced back at Callum with an apologetic expression. He walked away hastily. She followed Henry and showed him where to enter the castle. Inside the hall, she undid her cloak and set it on the nearest bench. “Come and I’ll get you that drink.”
Gussy entered and squealed with delight to welcome Henry. “My Lord, you’re here. It is good you have come. You’re in good health. And where is my lady, your dear wife? Has she traveled with you? Are you returning to England?”
Henry took the cup offered by her and Violet stood near.
He took a swig before he answered, but his eyes lowered. “Gussy, you’ve done well to take care of our lady. She looks to be in better spirits than the last time I saw her.” Henry turned to her. “You were so out of sorts at Richard’s castle. As for my return to England that’s partly why I came. I have news. My wife died. I’m saddened to say. She was a good woman and mother.”
Gussy genuflected and pressed a hand on her chest. “Oh, My Lord, I’m so sorry. I shall pray for her. Let me find out if the cook has anything to serve. He won’t bring out the evening meal for an hour or so yet, but I’ll find something to serve.” She left the hall.
Violet motioned to Henry to sit. “You must be upset. Was she ill? How did she die?”
“Mary caught the sickness of lungs and there was naught the healer could do to save her. She lingered for a month, but couldn’t recover. I’ve left my children with my servants on Mann. Until I settle the matter of my exile, I want them safe.”
“Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Mary was indeed a good woman. How is it you’ve come? Is your exile finished? If you’ve settled your troubles with the king, does that mean that you are free to return to England? Has Richard forgiven you?”
Henry bellowed a laugh. “No, I’m still on the outs with Richard. But my exile is assuredly finished. I wanted to pay you a visit and to assure myself, you were well. You are, are you not?”
“I am well. Have you received word from your men in England? Have they found Cora?” She frowned when he took her hand from across the table and held it with tenderness.
“I’m afraid they haven’t found her as yet. Richard hides her well because Colfax likely insists she is the means to get you to return. But we shan’t give up hope. I am to meet my followers and allies by the border. But initially, I must travel to France and when I return, we will overtake Richard’s kingdom. I’ve learned he is on his return. It will be easy to take him unawares during his travel.”
“That’s risky, Henry. Are you sure you want to do this? Ruling England is a difficult job.”
He chuckled. “So it is. But yes, I have planned this for so long. I can almost taste Richard’s defeat. When I rule the kingdom, I will make sure there’s no more waste. Richard was a scoundrel, but I must consider what to do with him once I claim his throne.”
“I cannot believe you intend to be King of England.” She hadn’t meant to sound so astounded, but the thought that Henry would try to usurp Richard’s crown was indeed surprising. Although, he’d said on occasion that he’d make a better king. And he’d asserted that he had more right to the kingdom than Richard by way of his grandfather, King Edward III.
“I do and will succeed. Before I go to England though, I wanted to see you again. I need to ask…” Henry rambled and it was unlike him.
She dislodged her hand from his when his eyes peered longingly at her. Violet knew well his guise and manner. It was the same as what he’d given her when he met her at Richard’s castle and told her to flee to Scotland. “Please, Henry, don’t speak… I am uncertain I wish to hear what you will say.”
“I must. You know how I regard you, how much you mean to me. You’ll make a gentle queen for England. I want you at my side when I take the crown.”
She stood and stepped back, away from the table, and turned. Her heart beat madly and thronged in her ears. “I…I don’t feel the same as what…you do. I’m sorry, Henry, because I don’t want to hurt you. You have been an endeared friend to Charles and me. You helped me when no one else would. That night, when you told me to come here and to find a way to win Callum’s heart… I wanted to stay with you and had thought I had sentiment for you, but I was wrong.”
“You don’t mean that.” Henry stood next to her. “I saw the look in your eyes that night.”
“You mistook my sentiment. If I gazed at you in any way, it was of admiration for your help. When I learned of Charles’s death, I was scared beyond belief. But I came here and when I met Callum, there was something between us from the start. I care for him and only this day, I declared my love for him.”
“Late to the feast that’s me. This brings me woe, Violet. Are you pleased?”
“Pleased to hurt you so? Of course not.” She set a hand on his bicep to comfort him.
Henry swayed his chin dejectedly. “No, I mean with Callum. Does he make you happy?”
She stepped away from him and rounded the table. Violet needed to put distance between them because she didn’t want him to view the sadness in her eyes. “I am content for now. Callum has difficulties within his clan and until he resolves them, I fear he won’t allow himself to be happy. And if he’s not pleased, I shan’t be either. But I mean to stand with him and support him as best I can.”
Henry bellowed a laugh. “You see, that is why I wanted to ask you to be my queen. You are loyal and a more tenderhearted woman cannot be found.”
She snorted
a laugh. “You will marry again and she shall be as gallant as you. Please, don’t be irked with me. I wish I didn’t have to reject you, but I must. You insisted I seduce Callum and gain his aid. But I am more connected to him than that of a wanton lover. That certainly wasn’t your intent by sending me here. Why did you?” Violet had wanted to ask him that question many times since she arrived on Sinclair land.
Henry motioned her to sit. He poured her a cup of ale and pushed the cup toward her. “When I met Callum at the battle of Otterburn, I was astounded by his bravery. But more than that, he was fearless of death and a true warrior. I envied his courage. I’d hoped by saving him, he would help me take Richard’s crown with his soldiers, but I need them not. Legions of men have amassed and a good amount of allies rally in support of my war.”
“But why send me to him? You could’ve sent me anywhere. I could’ve hidden in England at one of your allies’ estates far from London.”
Henry grinned. “Well now, I was fond of Callum and he told me about the woes that plagued him. Someone sent assassins after him. He miraculously defeated his foes on the battlefield. But there was a great deal of sadness within him. I hoped by sending you to him that you would bring him joy for you always did to me. Yet, I didn’t deem you would actually fall in love with him.”
“I have. We owe you a great debt, Henry. I shall one day repay you for your kindness toward me and Callum. I know not though what I could do for the future king of England.” She laughed and raised her cup. “May you be successful in your endeavors.”
“You only say that because you detest Richard.”
She chuckled. “As long as you’re a better king than him, what more could I want? But alas, I won’t be a subject of England. I intend to stay here whether Callum accepts me or not. There’s no reason to return to England now, especially if I won’t be reunited with Cora.”
Henry scowled and leaned forward. “Don’t give up hope, Violet, we shall find her. But I cannot fathom that Callum hasn’t accepted you. Tell me that is not true? He would be a fool not to care for you.”
She shouldn’t have confessed her fear. “Until his family discord is settled, he will be plagued with worries. Now, how long do you plan to stay?” Violet hastily turned the topic to one that didn’t concern her relationship with Callum.
He chortled. “Always direct. I only plan to stay until I receive word from my allies that they are ready for my arrival. I hoped for a warm bed.” Henry finished his drink and placed his cup on the table. “Tell me the happenings here.”
Violet stood and her shoulders tensed from their conversation. “I’m certain we can find you a comfortable bed for a night or two, Henry. As to the happenings, I’ll leave the telling to Callum.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The trek to retrieve the body by the sea took longer than he’d hoped. Callum took a handful of men, along with Keith and Grady, who had stayed after Annabella’s feast. When he neared the body, it was barely recognizable. The only thing to give a hint that the body was that of Hammond was the garments he wore and his hair color. He had the same reddish glint to his locks as his father had. Callum tried to discern how he’d died, but because his body was too badly decomposed, Hammond kept the reason to himself.
As they rode toward the keep, he refrained to speak his thoughts. There were two possibilities of how Hammond died. One, which suggested he committed suicide and jumped from the cliff. He couldn’t reason his cousin would do something so drastic regardless of his troubles. And two, someone had pushed him from the ledge. That was more plausible since Hammond wasn’t brave enough to end his own life.
They neared the gates and Clive met him near the iron postern. “Laird, is it him?”
He nodded. “Aye, it is. We’ll prepare for the burials this day. We can wait no longer for Elias. Hawisa and Hammond must be laid to rest.”
“I’ll have the men begin the digging then.”
He walked away from Clive and as he ambled along, he spotted Violet near the keep’s entrance. She held Henry’s hand. The sight of them together tensed his chest. A terrible thought came to him as he watched them. Had Violet changed her mind? Would she return with Henry to England? Was her declaration of love false? Damnation, he wanted to find a jug of the strongest ale and settle in for a bout of wallow.
Violet noticed him and released Henry’s hand. She ran full force at him and threw herself in his arms. The feeling of her against him eased any distress that had come upon him. Why did he think she’d spoken falsely? She loved him and that’s all that mattered to him. He held her tightly and closed his eyes as he set his head against hers.
“Are you…all right? I worried about you.”
“I’m well enough, lass, and glad to be back. I worried about you too.”
She released him. “I need to speak to you in private when you have a moment.”
“Come, we’ll speak now.” He took her hand and guided her to the castle. Henry tried to stop him and approached. “Not now, Henry.” Callum took the steps and was about to enter when Clive called out. He turned and glowered. “Not now, Clive. I’ll meet you at the graves after the midday meal.” Once inside, he continued until he reached his chamber. As soon as he closed the door, he pulled Violet into his arms and kissed her longingly.
She held onto him in a tight grip. “I’m so happy you’re back. I couldn’t take another moment in Henry’s company… You should’ve heard what he told me―”
He pulled her to sit with him on the bed. “I know what’s on his mind. He told you he cares for you and that he wants you to return to England with him.”
She nodded and turned to face him. “How did you know? I told him my place was here and I wouldn’t leave you. Everything I said to you yesterday… I meant every word. I love you, Callum, and I won’t leave unless you want me to.”
“Henry mentioned in his missive that he intended to ask you to be with him. How long does he plan to stay?”
She rushed through her explanation of Henry’s plan to overtake his king and that he awaited word from his allies.
Callum took an exasperated breath. “Well, let’s hope he gets word soon and with good fortune, it’ll come this night. Maybe he’ll only stay one more night.”
“I hope so because he looks at me… It makes me uncomfortable. I only want to be here with you in your arms.”
Callum pressed a hand on her head and sighed. “There’s nothing I’d like more than to be here with you and have you naked in my arms, lass, but unfortunately, I must go. Hawisa and Hammond will be laid to rest this day.”
“So it is Hammond?” She furrowed her pretty brow at his news.
“Aye, it was Hammond. I wish his father would return. Elias should know what happened to his children. Where the hell is he?”
She set her arms around him. “Your uncle will be distraught when he finds out. You’re kind to be concerned for him. Clive tells me that he thinks Elias had a hand in what happened to Gavin and Hammond, and that he was privy to what Hawisa did. If that is so, he is dangerous. I worry he’ll try to harm you too.”
“Until I question him, I won’t hold him in contempt. Until proven otherwise, a man is innocent. And don’t listen to what Clive tells you. He shouldn’t speak of these matters and burden you with worry.” Callum was furious his cousin would speak of clan matters to Violet. He wanted to keep the disheartened matters from her for her own safety. “And Elias wouldn’t harm me. I don’t want you to worry about me.”
She clutched his arm to keep him beside her when he tried to stand. “Is that not what you thought about Gavin? You probably thought your brother wouldn’t try to murder you, didn’t you? If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that regardless of your relations, a knave will take his matters in hand without care for others.”
“What do you mean?”
Violet stood and reached the window casement. “When Sir Nicholas tried to court me, I scoffed at him and disregarded his intention. I caused his anger
and he must’ve felt rejected. That’s why he set my father’s barn on fire and murdered him. I should’ve handled the matter better and perhaps I could’ve prevented my father’s death.”
Callum reached her and pulled her back against his chest. “If someone has a wish to bring harm to others, there is sometimes nothing we can do to prevent it. Even if you’d let him down gently, he might have continued his pursuit. As to my uncle, he’s family. He only wanted his son to prosper. Never had he showed or taken his anger out on me. I want to have faith that he is innocent.” He turned and reached the wall where his weapons were displayed. As he studied the objects, he took a long-bladed dagger from the wall and tucked it in his belt. “I will protect myself, worry not, Violet. Now, I must go. I’ll probably see you later this night. You will be here, won’t you?”
“There’s no other place I’d rather be. I shall come to the burial and pay my respects. Hawisa was a troubled woman, but she didn’t deserve to die. I will pray for her.”
Callum hastily kissed her forehead and left. He wasn’t hungry and forwent the midday meal. He trudged outside and walked along toward the back of the bailey. Behind the keep, the ground held the people who had gone before them. Many stones etched with the names of his clan members. He passed his mother and father’s graves, Lydia’s, and many others who he’d cared for. When he reached Gavin’s grave marker, he stopped short.
Keith approached. “All is ready, are you? Do you want to get started?”
He shook his head. “What I want is for that marker to be removed. I want him,” he said and pointed at Gavin’s grave, “to be forgotten. His name will never be spoken again.”
“I’ll do the honor.” Keith knelt and retrieved the heavy stone, and carried it with both arms. He rushed past the graveyard and ambled unsteadily toward a high hill. When he reached the summit, he tossed the stone and it disappeared over the edge of the land, where it landed in a bog and sunk. Keith hastened back to him. “Done, you’ll never see it again.”