Page 11 of Kilty By Association
Craig had sucked in a breath at this news. “That’swhy he needs a bodyguard. What happened?”
“I dinnae ken all the details.” The man sounded…irritated. “One was questionable, whether ‘twas an accident or an attempt against the Earl. Then one was an assassin with a poisoned arrow, one was a brigand with a knife masquerading as one of the Earl’s servants. An agent from Their Majesties foiled both attempts.”
Ah.
No wonder Drum was irritated.
Craig hid his smile. The leader of the King’s Hunters believedhimselfto be the ultimate repository of knowledge when it came to those working for His Majesty, especially in a clandestine manner. If there were others he didn’t know about—otheragents—then of course he’d be pissed off.
Deeming it prudent to change the subject, Craig cleared his throat. “Are there any suspects?”
“No’ officially. That’s part of yer mission, to uncover the bastard who’s doing this. I’d wager on his uncle, his father’s younger brother. The man lives at Dungotit with his wife—his own son is grown—and likely wants the power for himself.”
Craig had to nod, agreeing with that assessment. “’Tis most likely, aye. So, the Earl has requested a bodyguard?”
“Officially.” Was that a bit of an eyeroll from Drum?Hmm. “But considering how the Queen was involved, I’m assuming ‘tis the Earl’s mother who did the requesting. The family and retinue are heading north to Dungotit tomorrow, and he’ll need protecting on the road.”
“Tomorrow?” Craig blurted, thinking how little time that gave him to prepare to leave his life here in Scone, then another thought caught up. “Why return to Dungotitnow? Where is this place?”
Craig was busy tidying up the piles on his desk. “Up near Sinclair land.”
Sinclair land. The image that conjured—wild mountains, peaceful glens, fierce winters, and joyful summers—surprised Craig. ‘Twas near his home with the Oliphants, and until that moment, he hadn’t realized how much he’d missed it.
But Drum was still explaining. “The Earl is actually in line to be the next Sinclair laird, although they’ll no’ accept him unless he’s grown a bit more. As for the timing, the mother feels ‘tis time the lad learns his land and his people, and considering there’s been just as many attacks against him here as at home, why no’ return?”
Craig frowned, trying to tie together the thread he hadn’t noticed before.Grown a bit…the lad…mother?
“Drum…” he began carefully. “Just how auldisthe lad?”
The other man’s brow wrinkled in thought for just a moment. “I dinnae recall. Auld enough to be trained as an earl, no’ yet a man? He’ll need training with the blade in a few years. Ten years auld, mayhap.”
A terrible, wonderful suspicion had lodged in Craig’s mind. “Nine?”
Drummond shrugged. “Aye, likely. His mother is a friend of the Queen’s—related distantly, I believe. When her husband died, she was carrying another bairn, and Her Majesty offered her and the new Earl and the other bairns a place at Scone, especially after the attempts on the lad’s life.”
Aye.“And the mother’s name…” Craig realized he was holding his breath. “This is Lady Elspeth?”
“Elspeth Sinclair, aye. Ye ken her? I though ye didnaeassociate with the ladies—nay, I’m thinking of Payton.” Drum shrugged. “Well, good for her, finding some pleasure after—”
“Nay!” Craig wasn’t certain why it was important, but he couldn’t allow Drum to think he and Elspeth had been…finding pleasure. Even if that’s what happened last night. “I just—I’ve seen her around.”
“Really? My reconnaissance says she avoids court, preferring to spend her time in her chambers with the children, or in the gardens. An unusual lady.”
Craig’s throat felt dry. “Aye, that’s where I must’ve seen her, the gardens.”
No’ in the seediest tavern possible. No’ with her in my lap. No’ with her arms around my neck as she returned my kiss. Definitely the gardens.
Drum’s lips twitched again. “Ye lie like shite, Craig.” He glanced at the window again, and Craig realized he was checking the sun’s location. “If ye ken the lady, this assignment will either be awkward as hellfire for ye, or pleasurable indeed. Christ, I hate it when a mission involves a woman.”
“I dinnae ken her,” Craig growled out, telling himself he was protecting her reputation. “If she’s reclusive, she’ll no’ appreciate ye tying her name to someone likeme.”
“What’s wrong with ye? I’ve seen the way the ladies eye yer shoulders.”
“My shoulders, aye, but that’s as far as it goes.” He kenned he wasn’t good enough for those fancy ladies. “I’m just a blacksmith.”
“Ye’re a King’s Hunter,” Drum snapped. “’Tis a prestigious rank, a respected warrior, and ye’ll no’ diminish it by insulting yerself. Any of them would be proud to fook—”
“Drummond!” Craig knew he was blushing. Out of embarrassment, aye, but also at the thought ofElspethwith her legs wrapped around his waist, her head thrown back in ecstasy… “I’m no’ fooking her. Or anyone.”
