“It’s a bloody monstrosity.”
Even with that ridiculous creation on his head, James wore his title with the ease of man who had blue blood flowing through his veins. Tall, with hair the color of chocolate, he was more reserved than the Sinclairs but was part of the backbone that made up their clan.
“The only good thing about being the current Duke of Raven is that I get to judge the plum pudding contest, which annoys Cam, as I won’t let him help.”
“You do realize he was behind that.” She pointed to the bird once more. Up close, she noted its black beak rested on James’s scalp.
“Of course I know and am planning retribution.” He stalked away, taking his daughter with him.
Kate wandered, running into family members as she walked. With so many of them about, it was inevitable. She found Dev, Lord Sinclair, the eldest of his family, at the fudge stall. His wife, Lilly, and their three children, Mathew, Hannah, and Meredith were with them.
“It will make your belly ache if you eat too much of it,” Dev was attempting to explain to the Merry, the youngest. She was in his arms, eating.
“I promise I won’t, Papa.”
“She lies like her aunts.” Dev sighed. “With a sweet smile and absolutely no shame.”
She listened to the music, watched a few brave souls dance, and then continued on, unwilling to stop for long as it was too cold. Completing a full circle, she entered the castle. Huge graceful arches of stone swept above her, each pillar anchored by intricately carved pieces of wood. A grand staircase with carved banisters swept up on a curve to the second floor. The walls were adorned with armor and paintings. History was etched all around her.
“’Tis impressive, don’t you think?
Kate turned to see Alice approach.
“Very much so.”
Alice was like Kate and Wolf in many ways, and yet very different in others. Perhaps more stubborn, but no less willful.
“I see where James gets his looks from,” Alice said, pointing at a portrait of a Raven ancestor. “I see Nicholas in there also.”
“Yes, they are both very regal, Nicholas and James.”
“We’ve been searching for the document.”
“Document?” Kate raised a brow.
“The one that has the history of what transpired between the Ravens and Sinclairs. Apparently, it details who saved whom right up to the last duke. He then had the thing locked away and never looked at it again. The problem is, no one knows where,” Alice said. “It dates back to King Edward, stating the details of the pact and gift of land that Oak’s Knoll stands on.”
“I would love to read that.”
“Me too.” Alice slipped a hand through her arm. “Now tell me about this Rory. I have yet to meet him, but Nicholas tells me you are quite fond of him.”
“What? No, I’m not.”
“He’s a Raven, and you saved him.” Alice ticked the points off on her fingers. “Seems to me that there is a link there, considering…”
“Ravens marry Sinclairs?”
“Exactly.”
“Well, this is not one of those situations. He’s different and has likely already left Crunston Cliff.” Kate wanted to press her palm into the pain that thought left in her chest. Instead she smiled and walked with her sister.
“And this upsets you?”
“No, it does not.”
“Your mouth has the little wrinkle beside it when you’re lying.” Alice tapped Kate’s face. “Right there.”
“I’ll bite you if you don’t remove it.”
