*
It had beena productive day. Not only had Craig Kinnear’s father been open to the idea of his son serving in Jamie’s ranks, the idea of moving up the wedding date pleased him to no end. Kai and his men rode back to camp with their spirits high and appetites that would rival a bear’s.
But when Kai arrived in camp, something was very wrong. Miran’s maids were standing guard outside her tent along with several of his men.
“What happened here?” he hissed.
“Sir,” Dedra risked speaking first. “I canna wake Lady Miran, and Cadha has gone missing.”
“Step aside,” he ordered, nearly running the women over as he pushed through the canvas flap and found Miran asleep on her bed.
She was cocooned in furs, so he rolled her onto her back and gazed upon her pretty face with deep concern. He checked for fever, pressing the back of his hand against her forehead and cheek. She felt normal.
“Is she…”
Kai looked over his shoulder at the four maids who stood behind him, each looking worried.
“No fever. She is merely in deep sleep, I think.” He gave her a gentle shake. “Miran.”
Her eyes fluttered open, and she appeared as if she did not know where she was.
“C-captain?” she whispered. “I thirst.”
Kai snapped his fingers, and a cup of water was shoved into his hand. He held it to her lips. “Slow.”
Miran took a steady sip. “Thank ye.”
“Are you ill?” he asked.
“Nay.”
He didn’t believe her entirely, for she was much too pale and her eyes were red. “Where is Cadha?”
Miran scooted out of his grasp, able to sit up on her own. “I doona know.”
“She has gone missing. And these women were unable to wake you.” He wrapped a supportive arm around her shoulders, and she winced, sliding out of reach.
“I-I am tired, Kai,” she said.
Nay. He knew her demeanor, had never seen her so sallow-faced and weak. But he would not press her for answers in front of her maids. As for Cadha, he would have a team search for her extensively. The maid must be connected to Miran’s condition…for he did not like that woman.
“Dedra,” Kai said as he stood.
“Sir?” She curtsied.
“Watch over yer mistress. Ye are now the head maid. Understood?”
“Yes, Captain.”
“And you three.” He eyed each servant. “Do not leave this tent unless I give you permission. Take turns sleeping. Two of you must remain awake at all times. I will post men outside the tent, along all four sides to protect you.”
“Do ye think someone kidnapped, Cadha?” Dedra risked asking.
He considered it. “Tis possible. But until we know for sure, better to take heed.”
He stormed out of the shelter, darkness descending inside him. Kai possessed strong instincts that had kept him alive through the bloodiest battles.
“Captain Kai?” Colin asked. “Is Lady Miran safe?”
“She is well enough,” he hissed. “What fool was left in charge of this camp while we were gone?”
“Kenneth.”
“Bring the man to my tent, Colin. And post four men around the lady’s tent. No one is to go in or come out without my approval.”
“Yes, sir.”
Kai did a cursory check around the encampment, questioning all of the guards. None had seen or heard anything from Cadha, which only served to deepen Kai’s suspicion of the older woman. People didn’t just disappear. There were no signs of an attack. Nothing was missing. The horses were all accounted for.
First, however, he’d deal with Kenneth.
