“Can we not leave it there?” she asked, smiling slightly. “Please? My grandmother and I are exhausted, frightened and hungry. We can tell stories another day.”
“Did ye tell Buchan ye nursed my wound? Is that why he was displeased?”
It would be so easy to take that tangent, which he had offered her. “No.”
It was a moment before he spoke, as he considered her words. “So it was Buchan who struck ye?”
She started in alarm. “I did not say that!”
“Ye dinna need to.” His eyes were dark with anger. “Did he strike ye, Alana?”
Alana was grim. Then she reminded herself that it didn’t matter if he knew Buchan had hit her, as long as he did not know why. “Yes. Where is the earl?” she asked carefully.
“He fled, coward that he is.”
Alana glanced at Eleanor, surprised. “Did Duncan also escape?”
“Aye. They escaped together.”
She trembled. Nairn had fallen, her uncle and Duncan had escaped—perhaps with her father—but she had been left behind. She did not know what to think, except that now, these lords would not be downstairs to reveal her identity to Iain and to Robert Bruce.
“Ye seem dismayed.”
“Duncan is my guardian—I am pleased.”
His gaze narrowed. “They ride for Elgin, to defend it from us next.”
So they would attack Elgin next. She stared at him and finally sat down. He was right. She was dismayed. She had been left behind, because no one cared about her fate. She should not care, or even feel hurt, but she did.
And then she looked up and saw Iain gazing far too closely at her again. She managed a small smile. “I see that you are unscathed.”
He continued to stare, then turned to Eleanor. “Do ye wish for a different chamber? I can try to arrange it, although these halls are full tonight.”
“Do not bother, my lord,” Eleanor said. “If you bring me some repast, I will be fine.”
He nodded and his expression softened slightly as he glanced at Alana. “The castle maids are preparing a feast for the king. Will ye come downstairs?”
Alana stiffened. She could not go down and dine. She did not dare meet Bruce, or attract his attention, in any way. She could not risk discovery. She realized he was staring. “I am the enemy, my lord.”
“Alana is exhausted, my lord,” Eleanor said carefully. “We have feared for our lives this day.”
Iain gave her grandmother a sharp glance; clearly sensing something was amiss. “Ye have my protection tonight. Tomorrow, ye will return to Brodie. Tomorrow, I will fight yer liege, and God willing, kill him and Buchan. Tonight, we will not think of the war and we will not be enemies. Tonight, we will enjoy the king’s feast.”
Alana bit her lip, her heart racing. It was not wise to mingle with the enemy. “Will you tell Bruce who I am? That I am from Brodie?”
His stare narrowed. “Do ye fear the king?”
She nodded. “Very much.”
He reached out and slid his fingers along her cheek. “Then ye will not meet him,” he said.
CHAPTER FIVE
IAINCLASPEDHERELBOW, guiding her down the corridor. Alana was acutely aware of his touch, of his presence and his proximity.
But even so, she remained afraid. She should have refused his offer to dine. It was too late now.
His step also slowed. “What is wrong?” Iain asked softly.
