Page 5 of The Ranger

Kwaku’s brows shot up.

“He fainted when he saw her flux.”

Kwaku’s mouth broke into a wide smile. He laughed boisterously and smacked Dallan hard in the shoulder. “Much like you, eh, Boyeee?”

He ignored his laughter. “Kwaku, I’vealready goneto the 1860s and told Duncan Cozette was Muiraran. I know I have. This is all wrong.”

Kwaku slowly lowered himself onto the cushions. “Tell me, Boyeee. Who sent you dere?”

Dallan gaped at him. “You did.”

Kwaku blanched. “No, Boyeee. I did not.” He got to his feet and began to pace. “I had you perform dat task within hours after your first assignment.” He turned to him. “But dat was months ago.”

“For me, hours.” Dallan closed the distance between them. “Has someone infiltrated the palace?”

“I do not dink so. But time has been disrupted and dis is de result of it. What we need to do is find de creature wid de time disrupter.” He looked at Dallan, eyes narrowing. “De one dat was spying on you when you went to fetch Tillie White.”

Dallan sighed. “The king’s wee Sarian spy is who ye should be talking to.” He arched an eyebrow. “Mrs. Popkins.”

Kwaku smiled. “Ah, yes. She is one of de best.”

Dallan’s other eyebrow went up as he made a face. “Weel, whatever she is, best question her, eh?”

Kwaku nodded and left the balcony. Dallan followed him into his main living area where Zara and Shona were relined on huge cushions, eating grapes and cheese. “Want some?” Shona offered.

Dallan’s eyes narrowed. “Yer no—what do ye call it—stress eating, are ye?”

“Me?” She looked at the fruit and cheese piled on her plate. “Nope.” She popped a few grapes in her mouth and rapidly chewed.

Dallan gave his wife a heartfelt look. “Flower, ye dinna need to be frightened.”

“I’m not scared.” She shoved cheese into her mouth this time and chewed just as fast.

“Och, aye, lass. Ye are. And I’ll no have it.” He went to her and sat. “Dinna fash, I’ll no let anything happen to ye.” His voice was a gentle caress, and she closed her eyes, as he hoped she would. He’d created a wee moment for her and hoped it helped.

Dallan tucked a finger under her chin, tilted her face to his, and ever so gently, brushed his lips against hers. “I love ye,M’eudain. Be with me.”

Her eyes fluttered open, locked with his, and she nodded.

He smiled and ran a finger down one side of her face. “That’s it, Flower, put yer mind at ease, aye?”

She nodded again then looked at her plate and put it down.

He breathed a sigh of relief. He hated when she got like this. Nervous and jumpy, her heart beating like a hummingbird’s.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “I forgot myself.”

“And me,” he said. “What sort of husband would I be if I didna protect ye with life and limb, lass?”

She smiled at him and nodded. They were, for all intents and purposes, still newlyweds, and as such, still learning about each other.

He smiled, cupped one side of her face, and kissed her.

Kwaku laughed, breaking them apart. Shona made a face. “You just ruined my moment!”

“You will have plenty of time for dat later. Right now, we will go to Clear Creek, scout around, and make sure it is safe before bringing the king’s ranger to his maiden.” His eyes narrowed again. “They are something special, unique, and if Brennan is out dere, I do not want him stumbling across dis particular joining.”

Dallan gave him a curt nod. “Neither do we.” He looked at Shona. “We dinna want to see the cur ever again if we can help it.”

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