She couldna stop. She wanted to be alone, away from prying eyes, away from that dark-haired heathen with hypnotic eyes and a handsome face. Once she was safely ensconced in her bedchamber, she drank a cup of wine, trying to wash away his taste. That minty-sweet taste uniquely his own.
Jamie and Kai had returned to the Highlands with a ship laden with treasure from Constantinople, including a collection of exotic plants which grew within the walls of the manor house now. And every morning, Kai could be found in the indoor garden off the kitchen, picking and eating various herbs and leaves he claimed kept a man virile and healthy.
Jamie did the same.
Who knew what kind of poison her cousin ingested.
Nervous, she unbraided her hair and started to comb it out. Would Kai retaliate? Report her bad behavior to Jamie? If he did, Jamie would be left with no choice but to punish her severely to serve as a lesson for other maids living under his protection. No woman was permitted to disrespect or assault an honored captain of the guard, especially one who was a prince. Unless she was fighting for her life. Twas the only exception. And she had violated that rule more than once already.
Kai shouldna have followed her to the loch. In fact, the man needed to turn his attention elsewhere. Then something wonderful crossed her mind…a definite solution for her problem with the captain. Knowing there was no way to change Jamie’s mind about her accompanying Kai on the trip, perhaps she could take advantage of the time and search for a wife for him.
Aye, the kind of woman he was always telling her she needed to be. What man could resist a chance for his daughter to marry the captain of Laird Jamie’s army? Twas the most coveted position in her clan other than laird. And they would be visiting some of the poorer villages along the coast. She smiled, suddenly hopeful. What a blessing it would be if she chose a pretty lass from one of the fishing villages.—Not only would her family’s circumstances improve, but Miran’s own life would return to normal.
Kai had unwittingly provided Miran with the details she needed to choose a comely woman for him. He preferred lighter features, blonde hair, blue or green eyes, and a voluptuous form. Aye, she’d seen a couple of the maids who flirted with Kai, women who had likely shared his bed. She rolled her eyes. One had been a redhead, the other had golden hair like hers, but both were heavy-breasted.
She poured herself another measure of wine and took a delicate sip, quite pleased. No one must know of her plan, not even Helen, who could keep a secret when asked. Kuresh-Kai—she must force herself to remember his new name—would never expect her to do such a thing. And if Miran had her way, by spring, he would take a wife.
Or, was she being silly fantasizing about such a thing?
