Page 79 of Highland Jewel
Searc waved him off, barking, “By the devil, Cinaed isnotleaving here. Not until we know where he needs to go and how we can protect him.”
“The ceremony will come first,” the laird said sharply. “The clans will be coming from all over the Highlands to pledge their loyalty.”
“I don’t understand any of this.” Woelk gave up his position by the window and joined the group. “Is this ceremony to be a wedding or a coronation?”
Searc stomped across the floor, confronting the larger man. “They’re already married. This is the first chance Cinaed has had to stand before the clans and have them pledge their weapons and their lives when the time comes to fight.”
“And they’ll do that before the queen confirms his claim to the Scottish throne?” Woelk asked pointedly.
Searc frowned fiercely. “Here in the Highlands, we put our lives on the line when it’s called for.”
“If it’s called for by the right man,” Woelk said.
Searc’s brows bristled like daggers. “Every man worth his salt hopes for an independent Scotland. In this case, Cinaed James Stuart is the direct descendant of our Bonnie Prince, and no respectable Highlander will question that claim, with or without the queen.”
The laird stood and interjected. “The English fear this meeting more than the Scots need it, Mr. Woelk.Cinaed has a claim to the thrones of England, Ireland, and Scotland. With Queen Caroline’s affirmation, many more folk than Highlanders will rise in his support.”
“Exactly,” Rainey insisted. “This is why he should be ready to meet her as soon as she arrives in the Highlands. Her ship could drop anchor on one of our harbors only to be forced to sail off again. We’re not doing this for our own sakes but for everyone who’s waiting to rise.”
“Weareready,” Searc seethed. “But I’m not willing to put Cinaed on some blasted beach and wave a flag for her. I swear to you by the devil, he’ll not become a target.”
“I suggest you put aside the politics of it. My cousin’s own wishes should be considered here.” Woelk looked from one man to the next. “Caroline is not coming as queen to meet with a rebel leader. She is a mother, first and foremost. She wishes to reunite with her son. Remember who she is and whatsherisks in coming anywhere near the Highlands. That should be our priority when we are considering where and when these two meet.”
Searc huffed and stalked to the window. Rainey shook his head and planted his elbows on his knees. A momentary silence settled over the room.
Lachlan peered across the room at Niall. “Since arriving at Dalmigavie, Cinaed has remained distant from many of us. But you, Campbell, have been spending a great deal of time with him. You seem to have gained his trust quickly. Have you any idea what Cinaed’s wishes are with regard to his mother?”
Woelk and Rainey glanced up at him, both looking surprised by the laird’s words.
“I’m not betraying his trust in saying Cinaed still has a few doubts about his lineage. He told me he can’t helpthinking the entire connection might be a mistake. But he understands how important this is for the Highlands and for Scotland. And he’s willing to meet her.”
Searc turned on his heel and faced them all. “But at the right time and at the right place. We’llnotbe putting him in danger.”
CHAPTER31
Maisie was a woman obsessed with her husband. She never thought that life could be like this. Each night, she couldn’t wait until the two of them escaped to their bedchamber. There, in the long twilight of the summer nights, they made love. And in the morning, they awoke with the desire of two lovers who’d been separated for years. During the day, she couldn’t stop thinking of him and searching him out. And he did the same. Not too many days ago, it had been Isabella and Cinaed that she would espy stealing kisses from each other in the gardens or the dark corridors. Now, she and Niall were the amorous ones who couldn’t get enough of each other.
Clouds only descended over their relationship whenever Maisie asked about the recent months. Niall and Rainey and Woelk had traveled together from the Borders for a reason. They were an envoy of the queen, and yet nothing more was being said about why they’d been sent. At least, not to her. When she pressed him, Niall’s hesitation and evasion slipped closer and closer to refusal.
This morning, Maisie sat on the edge of the bed and watched Niall dress and prepare to go down to the training yard with Cinaed.
She knew it wasn’t her imagination, but a distinct feeling of unease in the castle was on the rise. She thought that perhaps it was due to the anticipation of so many other clan leaders arriving. People like Blair and Searc were always on the alert and wary, but something else was in the air, and everyone was affected. She heard that extra lookouts were posted along the Inverness Road. On market day, more fighters were stationed between the village and the castle gates. And a fierce quarrel even broke out last night in the kitchens that spilled out into the Great Hall. Whatever it was, everyone was increasingly on edge. And her husband’s reticence matched the prevailing mood.
“Is it true that the queen plans to come to the Highlands?”
He smiled at her. “So, what are you planning to do this morning?”
Maisie was immediately irked, as he was doing it again. He wouldn’t be open with her about whatever he’d been assigned to do or why he was sent here. And every time she asked, he tried to distract her, as if she wouldn’t notice.
“I’m no spy. I’m only curious. The last five months of your life continue to be a mystery to me.”
He strapped on his sword belt. “Please don’t ask, my love. Not now.”
“Niall, you need to know that there’s a weight that I carry. A worry that I trapped you into this marriage. I am not sure you married me because of convenience or coercion or survival or…”
He walked back to Maisie and pulled her to her feet. She looked into his eyes and once again Niall was back.She saw the man she loved. The one she cherished. The cloud lifted.
“Never doubt why I married you. Loving you and being your husband are the only true blessings in my life.”
