While his mother was distracted, Liam used the moment to escape, ducking behind Connor, who had just joined them. "You won't let her behead me, will you?"
Connor ruffled the boy's hair. "Not today. But you must make amends, or you'll find yourself cleaning the stables."
Liam wrinkled his nose, and Isabel exchanged a glance of amusement with Connor.
"I am glad you are home, Ewan," Isabel continued.
"As am I. It's as it should be, all of us together for Midsummer's Eve." Ewan followed her inside the Great Chamber, holding Honora's hand. Connor walked behind them, but with Liam firmly in his grip.
"Will you have a Midsummer's Eve feast?" Honora asked.
"We will," Ewan said. "MacEgans enjoy any reason to hold a festival."
She braved a smile. "I suppose you enjoy the food and drink."
He nodded and took her hand, stroking her skin. Though he said nothing, he saw the color rising in her cheeks. The two nights they'd spent alone together had only whetted his appetite for more.
Isabel led them through the castle, explaining the different rooms to Honora. When at last she reached the solar, she stopped them both. "Wait here, Honora, and I'll arrange for a hot bath before the welcome feast this eventide." With a hesitant smile, she glanced at Honora's attire. "And I can bring you an extra gown, should you need it."
Honora's expression was grateful. "Thank you."
Once Honora was inside, Isabel closed the door and confronted Ewan. "Are you going to wed her?"
Though he'd expected the question, a denial seemed caught up in his throat. "We're friends. She needed my help after her father forced her to leave."
Isabel pursed her lips in a tight line. "You didn't answer my question, Ewan. And what happened to the heiress you were supposed to wed?"
"It's complicated," was all he could say. "I refused the match with Lady Katherine."
"And you brought Honora home instead?" Isabel glanced back at the solar. "She's fair enough, I'll grant you. I suppose I could make wedding preparations, if you'd care to celebrate the ceremony at Midsummer's Eve."
He held up his hands to slow her down. "She's not going to marry me, Isabel."
"Why wouldn't she want you?" With her hands on her hips, the queen looked ready to wage battle.
"Peace, Isabel. She has no plans to wed any man. She was widowed a year ago, and her husband was not kind to her."
The queen's anger softened. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"I want her to be safe here." Ewan put a hand on her shoulder. "And she means a great deal to me."
Isabel touched his cheek. "She may remain here at Laochre as our guest. But you must stay in your own dwelling."
Ewan shot her a lazy grin. "Are you protecting my chastity, Isabel?"
Isabel shook her head and let out a sigh. "Behave yourself, Ewan. In the meantime, I'll send word to Genevieve and Bevan to come and join us tonight. They will want to know you're home safely."
Ewan nodded, and opened the door to the solar once more. At the interruption, Honora turned to Ewan. "Did you need something?"
He didn't answer but pulled her to him for a kiss. He hadn't touched her in two days, and he needed to feel her mouth upon his. "Yes. I needed this," he whispered against her mouth.
When he pulled back, her face was scarlet. She glanced over at Isabel, as if to apologize, but Ewan saw only a look of amusement upon the queen's face.
"Out, Ewan," Isabel ordered. "Honora does not need you to wash her back."
"I should be happy to be of service," he offered, lifting his hands up. Isabel shoved him out of the room, laughing as she did.
Honorahuddledinsidethesteaming tub, wishing she could stay inside the warmth forever. A maidservant helped to wash her hair while another servant tended to her old clothing. Queen Isabel busied herself, choosing a new gown for Honora to wear.
