“Nowhere near as fun and definitely inconvenient.” Alex’s laughter vibrated his chest. “I will never get my fill of looking at you. I spent so many years wondering what you looked like, praying one day I would be the mon to discover it. My imagination was vivid, but it didn’t come close.”
“Outside our clan, you’re the only mon Cairren and I have ever known who didn’t look twice when he met us. Mayhap because we were still children, but even then, others shied away.”
“That’s because I’d gotten a bad sunburn that summer before I arrived to foster. I was jealous that you never got red or uncomfortable while my skin had been on fire before peeling. I thought you and Cairren were the lucky ones.”
“I always wished my skin were as dark asMaman’sand Cairren’s. It wasn’t until I arrived here that I appreciated being lighter.”
“But that hasn’t made it better.”
“It’s made it a little easier. I’m even lighter in winter, so it feels like people almost—never completely—but almost forget. Cairren didn’t have that luxury.”
“I don’t think any Armstrong would look askance at you, or dare to speak against you, but that’s something you cannot keep to yourself, Caity. Not ever. I need you to believe you can tell me. You’ll be the lady of our clan one day, and I need to be certain people will respect your authority. But even more importantly to me, I want you to always be welcome in your home.”
“I’ve been visiting Mangerton Tower and your clan for years. I loved that we traveled with you for the holidays. Sometimes it was difficult being away from our clan for some celebrations, and I loathed when you left without us—me—but I feel nearly as a part of your clan as I do mine. Your family feels like an extension of mine.”
“That’s how I feel aboot yours. Your parents welcomed me as a third child rather than merely a neighbor sent to train. I recognize I was more fortunate than most.”
“That’s why I didn’t understand what to do with how I felt when I was younger. You stopped feeling like a brother, but then I thought you intended to become one in truth if you married Cairren. My thoughts were decidedly not fraternal.”
“Nor were mine sororal. I think I’ve proven that. But if not, I’m happy to try again.” Alex squeezed Caitlyn’s bottom.
“We shall never leave this bed, or this keep if we keep talking aboot our feelings and what we’d like to feel.” Caitlyn grumbled as she rolled away from Alex. She’d heard movement after they retired the night before and woken to find her maid slipping into the chamber with her packed satchel. They nodded to one another, both careful not to disturb Alex. It shocked Caitlyn that he slept through anyone entering or exiting the chamber, but it gladdened her that he finally slept soundly.
“Where did that come from?” Alex nudged his chin toward the bag Caitlyn rummaged through. He’d pulled his breeks on while she pulled out stockings and a fresh chemise.
“Ellie brought it last night. What?”
Alex’s face had darkened like a thundercloud. “I don’t enjoy knowing someone entered our chamber, and I slept through it.”
“I suspect that once you have a few more solid nights of sleep, you’ll be as alert as you ever were. You know guards stand outside your door, so your mind must have been at ease.”
Alex appeared skeptical, but he didn’t press the issue. He finished dressing, and since it was Caitlyn, he no longer resented having someone help him. Once they’d finished, Alex even tying Caitlyn’s laces at her waist, they met a combination of Armstrongs and Kennedys in the passageway. They made their way to the chapel, knowing the king was an early riser and preferred the first and second prayer services of the day. They arrived as the doors swung open, and King Robert’s retinue of guards escorted him into the passageway.
“I hardly expected to catch sight of either of you.” King Robert’s surly greeting fazed neither Alex nor Caitlyn. They remained hopeful that he might agree to their change of plans. “Since the service is over and Terce isn’t for another three hours, I suppose you seek my attention.”
“Lady Caitlyn and I would like to travel to Dunure to visit her family and announce our marriage. This allows us to travel somewhere safe along a less-risky route.”
“Do you still expect to travel with my guards?”
“I won’t turn down the offer, if it still stands, Your Majesty.” Alex still wanted the escort, but he would depart even with only six guards. If they could leave Stirling and the surrounding area without trouble, then he hoped they could have an uneventful journey the rest of the way.
“Men will travel with you as far as Glasgow.” King Robert watched Alex, but the man’s expression didn’t falter.
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I feel better knowing that there will be more men with us. Hopefully, it will be a deterrent until we travel far enough from here that they no longer guess our direction.” Alex bowed as Caitlyn curtsied. “How long do your men need? We will meet them in the bailey.”
“Hoh, hoh. I didn’t say you could leave sooner merely because you decide to change course. You will still depart tomorrow. The queen wishes to say her farewells, and I’m certain Lady Caitlyn hasn’t seen to her belongings.”
Caitlyn kept her face impassive, but it was clear he’d sent someone to snoop or someone to interview her maid. She appreciated neither of those possibilities. It made her suspect that’s why Ellie brought the satchel when she did.
“My maid can manage, Your Majesty. She’s from Stirling, so she won’t travel with us. What we can’t carry, I’m certain can travel on a wagon that Laird Armstrong sends.”
“I expect you to join Queen Elizabeth for Terce.” King Robert didn’t relent, and it frustrated both Alex and Caitlyn.
“Your Majesty, is it safe for me to move around the keep when those men felt no compunction aboot following me during the light of day?”
“No more dangerous with your guards than you choosing to wind your way through the keep when the sun isn’t even up.” King Robert shot a pointed look at each member of their group. Caitlyn bit her tongue, knowing she would get nowhere arguing. She had to hope that the gallowglasses, if that’s who they were, didn’t attempt to find her again. Turning his attention back to Alex, King Robert swept his eyes over Alex. “You will return to the lists today.”
“Very well.” Alex responded without hesitation. He didn’t wish to go there; he wanted to climb back into bed with Caitlyn. But he understood the king’s mind was unwavering, and he’d tested the man’s good graces too many times already. With a nod, the Bruce and his guards left the others in the passageway.
