Page 37 of Darro

“Tell me why you’d reckon such,” the armorer murmured, and when she hesitated, added, “I shallnae repeat to anyone what you say to me, my lady.”

She related the odd things she’d noticed whenever she was with the chieftain. “I’m outgoing, and a bit cheeky, and I might have startled him a little by what I said and did the first time. But the second time I was in his arms, I know I scared him, at least, most of the time. There was a moment when he seemed to overcome it for a little while. But what would make Darro frightened of me?”

“Only he may tell you thus,” Rory said, looking sympathetic. “’Tis unlikely anyone bespelled him, as we McKeran cannae wield magic, nor can mortals. If you wish to ken the truth, you must ask Darro.” He looked as if he wanted to say more, but didn’t.

“There’s another way, isn’t there?” Esme asked.

“Think on what you did just before he overcame the fear, my lady,” he said. “Then do thus again.”

Olivia knew Alec would be busy for most of the night, or day now that the time had slipped again. After checking with Eachann to assure he didn’t need any help in the garden, she decided to take her journal up to the solar. Of course the sky darkened again as she went up to the rooftop, but Olivia didn’t mind. Hardly anyone used the glass-walled structure, especially after dark, so they didn’t know what a breath-taking view of the stars it afforded. She also needed time to catch up on her notes about the golden spider that had briefly come into the spell trap. If she could find out if the other enchanted creatures had possibly been carried in by a newcomer like Esme Martinez, then they might set up a decontamination process for everyone upon their arrival.

Too bad we don’t have a magic detector.

Inside the solar she took out the fire steel her husband had given her, and used it to light one of the lamps. As soon as she did she saw the laird’s younger brother standing at the back wall, where he looked out through the glass panels at the forest illusion. Darro’s back and shoulders were so stiff he appeared like a statue of himself. The fact that he was so obviously upset made Olivia grimace; too often no one paid any attention to Tasgall’s second. When she took a step toward him without thinking the flame inside her lantern flickered sideways and grew brighter, as if it wanted to jump through the glass at him.

“If you’d leave the lantern over there, my lady, I’d be grateful,” Darro said.

“I didn’t know you were in here, Chieftain,” Olivia said, turning to leave. “I won’t disturb you.”

“Please stay, my lady. You’re the reason I came.” When she glanced back at him he sighed. “I went to the great hall, but you had already left. Alec, he’s busy with changing the patrols to suit the time slippage, and I ken you often come here at night.”

She set the lantern on one of the tables by the door, wondering what troubled him. She knew Darro was more watchful than anyone in the clan except Alec, but she had no idea that he was tracking her movements. A small shadow moved behind him, making her realize that someone else had come to the solar as well. Now Olivia wondered if she should leave anyway, but then decided that talking with the chieftain might help to clear the air.

“Did I do something wrong?” she asked, and then thought of how she’d lost it when Una had come to apologize. “Is it about that maid I yelled at, the one that Elspeth brought back from the stables? Because you weren’t there, and you didn’t hear what she said about Grace. It was awful.”

“No, my lady. I but need advice about Mistress Martinez, and my own troubles,” Darro admitted, looking sheepish now. “I cannae confide in any member of the clan. My brother’s wife might repeat what I say to Tasgall, and Farlan’s lady, while kind, doesnae inspire me to confide in her. You and I, we’ve ever been easy with each other. You also helped Alec overcome much. May I burden you? ”

“It’s no trouble at all.” Olivia went over to join him. “How can I help?” As Darro looked as if he didn’t know how to begin, she added, “Is it something about our newcomer?”

“Aye.” He seemed to struggle another long moment before he said, “Mayhap you heard that Mistress Martinez attacked Rory while we were sparring.”

“Alec mentioned it, yes.” Her husband had thought it was hilarious that the tiny woman had clubbed the largest McKeran over the head and knocked him out cold, but obviously Darro didn’t. “If you’re wondering why she did that, from her point of view the situation probably looked like an assault.”

“’Tisnae that she chose to do thus,” he said, looking very uncomfortable now. “’Twas why upon seeing us sparring that she reckoned I needed her aid. Rory hadnae yet prevailed over me. Men from your time, they’re weak and need aid from females when attacked, mayhap?”

Now Olivia winced. “Ah, no. Most of the men from the modern world are somewhat similar to you and the clan. Those who are soldiers go through physical training so they’re ready for combat situations. Police officers do as well. Other men who aren’t in protective services work out at gyms to stay strong and fit for health reasons.”

“Then why should she…” He stopped, rubbed a hand over his face, and muttered a soft “Fack me” under his breath.

“Yes, I think she likes you,” Olivia confirmed for him. “Women in my time are very protective of the people they care for, and we will fight for them. Esme was probably acting on her emotions as well as the assumption that you were in trouble. She seems a bit impulsive, and she has that spectacular temper, but I’m sure she meant well.”

“You dinnae ken the half of such, my lady.” Darro’s face reddened slightly. “I wouldnae blacken Mistress Martinez’s reputation. She’s lovely and kind, and doubtless fiercely loyal to her kin and friends. ’Tis only I’ve no notion how I should respond to her, ah, impulses.”

Olivia remembered how it had been the first time Alec had kissed her after they’d had an argument about her ability to protect herself. That kiss had been so hot and passionate they’d nearly ended up having sex on the spot.

“Do you mean impulses like romantic overtures?” When he gave her a brief appalled look she had her answer. “Can you tell me more about that?”

“She kissed my hand, and asked me to kiss her back. Later she bid me become her friend with benefits—I cannae fash what she meant—and then behaved, ah, in a surprising manner.” He said the latter as if pained to admit even that much.

Esme had jumped him more than once, she decided, and poor Darro had no idea how to respond to that kind of forthright behavior. He was also very uncomfortable speaking with her about it. Yet why hadn’t he talked to the laird about the newcomer?

Don’t ask. That’s between him and Tasgall.

“This isn’t your fault, Chieftain.” Olivia noticed someone else standing outside the solar and nearly sighed. “Do you remember how Alec was with me when I first got here? It sounds like she’s the same way with you.”

He shook his head. “I refused her. Indeed, refusing her, ’tis all I’ve done.”

“Maybe she can see that despite your refusals that you’re attracted to her, too.” Olivia knew Tasgall’s brother to be reserved, but he’d never been shy or fearful around women. “When Ms. Martinez came through the barrier, did she do or say something that shocked you specifically?”