Highlander's Ransom (31 page)

Seeming to read her thoughts, he turned to her and
said softly, “I still want to see him dead. He brought war to my doorstep,
killed my people, razed my land, and dared to attempt to harm you.” This last
he said through gritted teeth. “But I am not so vain anymore to insist that it
be me who brings him to justice, just so long as he can no longer threaten us
any longer.”

“I relish the opportunity, brother,” Garrick
interjected heatedly, “but as I said, I work alone. I have done the same kind
of work for the Bruce, and never needed a babysitter before.”

Before Burke could add his objection, Robert held up
his hand. “It is already decided. Both of you will leave on the morrow for the
borderlands. I expect you to be able to move quickly and quietly, considering
there are only two of you. Once you approach Warren’s holding, make sure you
are less conspicuous; otherwise you’ll stand out like sore thumbs with your
weaponry and warhorses. You are to stay no longer than a week, collecting as
much intelligence as you can. If you happen to stumble upon any important
missives, shipments, or supplies, well—” Robert gave a predatory half-smile
“—all the better. But you are to return after a week in the borderlands—
together
.”

Burke scowled and Garrick crossed his muscular arms in
front of his chest, looking like he wanted to challenge Robert once again, but
said nothing.

Trying to break the tension in the room, Alwin stood
and took a deep breath. “Well, if that’s all decided, we should prepare a fine
evening meal for tonight to see the two of you off. I’ll go speak with Nora.”

“And perhaps each of you would like to prepare for
your journey,” Robert said, pointedly ending further discussion. The two
unhappy warriors strode out of the solar, Alwin following behind them. But
before she could reach the doorway, Robert had snaked an arm around her middle,
just above the still-slight swell of her belly. He spun her around and to her
surprise, planted a passionate kiss on her lips. When he finally released her
and she could breathe again, she said, “What was that for?”

“Oh, nothing. I just had to make sure you were real.
Sometimes I can’t believe that I am not only married to the most beautiful
woman in all of England or Scotland, but that she is smarter and braver and
more spirited than I am.”

She swatted his shoulder in play annoyance, but beamed
at his compliment. “I am glad you agree that I am smarter, because I have some
ideas about how we could improve upon the organization of some of the rooms in
the main southwest tower.”

He groaned and rolled his eyes, but before she could
swat him again, he kissed her heartily once more, then said, “Go on, love, tell
me all about it. We have nothing but time.”

The End

Look for Book Two of the Sinclair Brothers Trilogy, coming
soon!