Page 20 of The Mountain King
She waved a hand, smiling a bit. “Never mind.”
“What did he do?” Maddugh’s teeth snapped. “Amnan, correct?”
“Your son has a competitive streak. Is he your eldest?”
Maddugh snarled. “No. I’ll have a discussion with him.”
“Hmm. Well, there was no harm done. He’s rather charming. But that isn’t why I sought you out.”
He crossed his arms, still irritated. “Well?”
“I wanted to know what your intentions are for this evening.”
He sat in his own chair, crossing an ankle at his knee. “How is your youngest daughter? I’m told she awoke.”
“She did, and her color is almost normal.”
“She’s excused from the festivities this eve. There is time enough after she is rested. I’ll have a woman of my house sit with her.”
Kailigh appreciated the gesture, but shook her head. “No, Cinvarra wants to go, I think. I’ll just have her take it easy once there. And the girls don’t get much time for fun, anyway.”
“Ah. Then I’m glad to provide an opportunity. As for your questions—I have no plans. It’s best to allow these things to proceed naturally, you agree?”
She returned his regard thoughtfully. “You’re truly hoping my girls will just... fall in love with some nubile young Dwyrkin boy?”
He laughed. “Not a boy, I hope. Your daughters seem fearsome enough to warrant warriors.”
True. “There is something to be said for an easily managed husband, though.”
Maddugh shook his head, waving an elegant hand. “No, no. She would soon grow tired of that. What woman wants to mother a man? The sport in that goes sour far too soon.”
True again. Kailigh pursed her lips. “Well, I guess I’ll see what the pickings are this evening. We’re on the same page, right? Any man who gets too friendly, will find himself on the wrong end of a pointed object.”
“Of course.” He continued to hold her gaze for a long moment. “Tell me, mistress. What credentials must a man present to be considered for your hand?”
Kailigh frowned. “You’re flirting, and it isn’t necessary.”
“Not necessary, but certainly enjoyable. You can’t object to pleasure, can you?”
She shook her head. The man was incorrigible. He caressed the word pleasure, implying all kinds of gooey, satin-slick images with it. “The girls will go along with your mad scheme. I’ll even put on a dress and pretend to be happy about it.”
“What makes you think I care about you putting on a happy face? Your frowns are invigorating. I’ve never known a woman who frowned when faced with an offer of luxury and protection.”
She’d be foolish to take him seriously—but then false modesty was just as foolish and Kailigh knew she was handsome enough. If Maddugh preferred a woman with a bit more brain than beauty, she might toy with the idea of a liaison. She dismissed the thought that he would seriously consider marriage. What for? He had sons, and if he wanted more, it would make better sense to pick from among the Dwyrkin women.
But maybe she should test his so-called offer and see how far it extended. Kailigh ran her tongue around her teeth, eyeing him. “My daughters and I will need to return to town to run down the vermin who shot Cin.”
His expression closed. “That won’t be necessary, mistress. My sons and I will take care of this business.”
That wasn’t the response she’d wanted, but it wasn’t the worst response he could have given.
“I’m used totaking careof things on my own, Maddugh. I’d welcome your gun in a fight, but—”
The Lord rose, the subtle shift of his shoulders screaming loud and clear an intent to leap over the desk and… do what, she wasn’t sure, but it might involve bedrooms and locked doors.
“You’d put yourself in unnecessary danger,Kailigh.” His eyes glinted. “When you should be here, caring for your sick child.”
She didn’t like the dangerous croon in his voice. Kai stiffened. “She’s cared for well enough by your household, and I’ve never hid behind a man’s trousers in my life.”
