Lucan cleared his throat. “In the time until the king’s decision, you have been appointed to serve Master Boyd. I expect that you all will fulfill your roles properly. Your loyalty, until you are informed otherwise, is to him.”
One of the burliest men chuckled. He was ugly and bald and greasy. “My loyalty is to him that pays my wage. And that beLord Hargrave.”
Lucan paused and pinned the man with a cool stare. “Your loyalty shall be to Master Boyd. And if I receive word otherwise, you will be dismissed from Darlyrede altogether.”
The ugly man’s condescending smile never left his face. “I’d like to see you try, me fair lad.”
The entire chamber seemed to be holding its breath, waiting for Lucan’s response.
Padraig felt like a child, seated at table and yet forced to remain silent while the adults conversed. The more the image turned in his mind, the angrier and more resentful he became. This was not Lucan Montague’s battle.
“I am here on the direct command of the king,” Lucan began ina stern voice.
Padraig gained his feet, but no one paid him any heed as they were too enraptured with the exchange between the rough servant and the fine knight. It was only until Padraig put himself directly in front of the contentious man that the servant took notice of him in an annoyed fashion.
Padraig realized the man wasn’t actually very tall.
“What’s your name?” Padraig asked in a low, curious tone.
The man huffed a laugh and glanced to either side of him at his mates before lifting his chin in an arrogant fashion, so as to look Padraig in the eye.
The man spat a mouthful of warm saliva at Padraig. It struck his throat and slid down thickly.
“That’s my name to you.” His grin was challenging, mocking. “I can say it again, if you wish.Master Boyd.”
The chamber was tomb silent.
Padraig’s mind swirled with indecision. He knew this would be a crucial moment in his future—how the people in the chamber would forever remember his first actions at Darlyrede House, his first actions as the lord of the hold. Although his instinct wanted him to send his forehead into the man’s wide nose, Padraig did not want loyalty through fearof punishment.
But he could not be seen a coward by the rest of the servants, and certainly not by theman’s cronies.
What had his da always said? “Padraig, it is verra fine to have a friend at your side. But it is greater to keep those who are nae your friend in your sightat all times.”
This man was clearly not invested in Padraig’s success.
“Nae need for that,” Padraig said easily. He took out a kerchief from his belt and swiped at his neck. “Let it be noted that I’ve found my chambermaid, Sir Lucan.”
The crowd gathered in thechamber gasped.
“Aye, this man here shall be myown attendant.”
The servant’s eyes widened for a moment, and then his heavy brows dropped.“Not a chance.”
“Verra well,” Padraig acquiesced. “If the job doesnae suit, you can, the lot of you, take yourselves back to Hargrave and tell him you’ve been dismissed.” Padraig’s gazedid not waver.
It was clear that the man was now backed into a corner, and it confirmed Padraig’s suspicions: Vaughn Hargrave had chosen the band of rough, brawny servants to spy on Padraig and cause trouble—perhaps worse. If one of them was refused and they were all sent away, it would diminish the evil man’s assets, and Padraig thought the punishment doled out by Hargrave would likely be worse than any retaliation Padraig could think of in the moment for the man’s insult.
“Your choice,” Padraig urged. “Stay or leave. If you’re to stay, ’tis a chambermaid you’ll be.”
The man’s jowls quivered, his nostrils flared.
“What say you”—Lucan called out from behind Padraig—“Booger, is it?”
“It’s Cletus,” he said at last, through clenched teeth. His chin lifted again. “Chamberlain is the moreproper title.”
“Cletus,” Lucan said airily, and Padraig could hear the scratching of Montague’s quill as he muttered, “Chambermaidto Master Boyd.” He paused. “There. I am sorry, but Master Boyd doesn’t know better at this point, and so chambermaid it is. It has a certain quality to it, though, I must say.”
The man’s face was nearly violet now.
