Page 92 of Long Live the King

I asked, “Is everyone well? We hae physicians if ye need medical attention.”

Archie said, “I hurt everywhere.”

“Where is yer gold thread?”

Kaitlyn said, “We had to make sure Junior had one, Archie opted to go without.”

Lady Mairead said, “Good lord, thePrincewent without? I hae heardeverything.”

I squeezed Archie’s shoulder and kissed his head. “Och, I am proud of ye, ye are a brave lad.”

He put up his arms and though he was such a large lad I kent he needed some attention, so I picked him up in m’arms without making a fuss. He put his head on my shoulder.

Fraoch picked up Isla and we all crossed the landing tae the door, then went down the long corridor.

Lady Mairead said, “We are headed tae our war room?”

“Nae, we will go tae the Gallery, there will be plenty of comfortable seats, a billiard table for the boys?—”

“Think of the art!”

“I winna give them a football, likely.”

“And the dog — there is now a pig and a chicken! I am surprised ye dinna drag the horses intae the palace.”

“Aye, there are also a great many people who have fled their home out of fear.” I held the door open for her, watching over the heads of m’family as Colonel Quentin was giving orders, putting guards at every door, sending m’military intae high alert.

He had Lochinvar helping him, which was good, or Lochinvar would be losing his mind while we got the bairns settled. I asked, “Lady Mairead, are ye goin’ tae helpfully listen tae what has happened, or continue complaining? Because I am certain I can hae ye sent from the room.”

CHAPTER 38 - MAGNUS

THE BILLIARD ROOM - RIAGHALBANE

As Sophie sat down, Lady Mairead asked, “When was he born?”

Sophie said, “He is three days auld.”

Lady Mairead put her hand out and stroked his head, “He is a verra fine boy — his name is James Cook the second, but ye will call him Junior?”

Sophie said, “Aye, Lady Mairead.”

“Good, he looks as if he will be verra strong.” She plucked a hair from his head.

The bairn screwed his face up as if tae cry.

“Mother!”

Lady Mairead raised her chin and took the most expensive chair, the one that was covered in silk and near a thousand years auld. “I needed this for the genetic test. We must hae a record of all in the family.”

James was furious, “Damn, you just yank hair right off a newborn’s head?”

She said, “A little discomfort is necessary sometimes, even bairns must know.”

Sophie soothed the baby. James shook his head, “Jesus, I forgot how absolutely insane it was to spend time with you, Lady Mairead.”

She said, “Ye and I hae had tae come tae many agreements through the years, Master Cook, and this is one of them, as long as Junior is a part of the family, he is also my concern. I will take a hair if I need one.”

I said, “Perhaps, and I am sayin’ it with all due respect, if ye become inclined tae cause sharp pain and distress tae a bairn ye ought tae ask the mother first, so she might be ready tae sooth him after. Or ye might use scissors.”

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