A branch snapped back beneath Colin’s hand, spraying him with icy drops of water as he urged his mount faster through the glen. He cursed and wiped his face. He needed to think on something else. Already his belly twisted as if it was infested with a thousand burning snakes.
His mind turned to Morgana. If nothing else, she would be grateful for the confirmation of her vision. It would be proof that her powers were strengthening. And when Morgana was feeling grateful…
Colin’s lips edged upward in a smile. Morgana’s inventiveness would be just the relief he needed. She knew how to drive away the bitterness, the rage that consumed him.A two days’ ride. In just two days, he’d be back at Morgana’s side—and in her bed. Then he’d help her to plot their next move.
And when all was in place, they’d spring the trap and seek vengeance against those cursed few who thought to keep them from the power that had always been their destiny.
Chapter 14
“It’s your own fault, you know. You shouldn’t have done it.”
Aileana twisted away from the chest she was trying to drag across the floor and scowled at Bridgid. “Nay, it’shisdamnable stubbornness that’s to blame.” She tugged at the corner of the massive case, but it remained unyielding. “He’s worse than a bairn, wailing at the tiniest bit of change.”
Bridgid shook her head and then came over to help her pull the chest into place. “Duncan’s a bit peculiar about his things. More so since the Tower.” She brushed a sweaty strand of hair from her forehead. “And you know very well that he allows nothing to be altered in his chamber without his permission.”
Aileana rolled her gaze skyward and sat hard on the chest’s curved lid. “I was only thinking to make the room more welcoming. The way he’s crammed all of the furniture against the walls…why it’s as ugly as it’s unnatural.”
“Likely it stems from his years of imprisonment. Look,” Bridgid gestured. “Windows, candles, carpets, draperies…more chests and cabinets than four men could use.” She tramped over to straighten the bed. “He craves the comforts denied him so long.” She nodded, seeming satisfied with her explanation.
“Tower or no, he didn’t need to use such language upon me,” Aileana mumbled. “It was as if he thought that I’d changed his room solely to plague him. He wouldn’t even listen to my explanation.”
“Aye, well after you put those field mice in his boots, his temper was short. You should have waited a few more days to let him recover before you tried another one of your tricks.”
Aileana stopped so quickly that her shoes slid on the floor.
Bridgid cast her a sideways glance. “Aye, missy, I know it’s you who’s been playing all those jests on Duncan. You don’t need to pretend innocence with me.”
Aileana’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. Bridgid’s expression was playful as she folded a thickly furred deerskin and tucked it into the corner. “Don’t fear—I don’t think there’s any harm in it. Duncan needs a bit of stirring up, if you ask me. It won’t hurt him.” She stopped to frown at Aileana. “Unless you be trying more of those herbs on him. I wasn’t very happy to learn of that, I’ll be telling you.”
Aileana’s shock melted to shame, and she stuttered, “I never meant to cause him any serious hurt by it, I swear. I only—that is, we—”
“Ach, well, your secret is safe with me.” Bridgid looked up over her shoulder. “And with Kinnon, of course.”
“Kinnon?” Aileana drowned in a new wave of embarrassment.
“Oh, aye. It was he who told me. Though I suspected as much myself.” She puffed over and sat next to Aileana, taking her hand in her own. “Allow an old woman her say, missy. Rattle the MacRae as you like, but leave the herbs and such out of your plans.” She shook her head and sighed. “I wouldn’t have him feeling poorly again.” Then she patted Aileana’s hand and stood. “Come now. We’ve no more time to dawdle. The lot of them down below expect another feast tonight. I’ve a dozen geese to baste, puddings to stew, and loaves to bake.”
Through her tightened throat, Aileana managed to mumble, “But I’m not allowed to help you with the cooking anymore.”
“Ach, I forgot.”
Aileana looked away. Just a few hours ago she’d been so sure of herself and the little revenges she’d been taking against Duncan. Each action had seemed to restore her wounded dignity a bit more. But now everything seemed more muddled.
“Well,” Bridgid shook her head as she gathered her arms full of more blankets, “You can come with me nonetheless. You’ve no cause to be wasting time in this—”
A clamor rose from the courtyard, followed by shouts and hooting. Aileana and Bridgid went to one of the windows and looked below. Several boys waved their arms and bellowed as they raced in circles. “The MacKenzie himself—he’s arrived! The MacKenzie’s here!” The lads yelled so loudly that anyone who hadn’t heard the call must needs be deaf.
Bridgid put down the blankets and planted her strong hands on her hips. “This changes everything, it does. Duncan will not be too pleased, I think.”
Aileana peered out the window again to see several horsemen ride through the gate. “Why?”
The rider in the lead made an impressive figure; his white hair flowed to blend with a thick beard, and his legs were muscular beneath the distinctive plaid covering him. With the wind snapping his cloak, he appeared regal and in command.
Moving toward the door, Bridgid answered, “Duncan will chafe at having to entertain the MacKenzie. Though his clan is always welcome here, Duncan doesn’t feel kindly toward or respect the chief.”
“Is he unfit to lead, then?” Aileana stole another glance out of the window. The white-haired man looked distinguished enough. He dismounted and began striding toward the entrance.
“Nay, I wouldn’t go that far. And yet Duncan has cause enough against him. It was on the MacKenzie’s orders that an army was not raised when Duncan was sold to the English. The chief could have gone to war for him, but he did nothing.”
