Page 7 of Kilty Until Proven Innocent
It stung more than usual.
Brigit had been on many missions for the Queen with Avaline and Isabel at her side. But since Isabel’s retirement, their little trio-turned-duo had been relegated to Her Majesty’s side. Brigitmissedthe excitement of a mission, of trusting her fellow Angels.
In the time since Isabel had left them, Brigit had becomebored.
Avaline, as well, had changed. The other woman had always been pious and proper, but now she was at court more often, paying attention to the political intrigues and nuances and who was angling for more power…and she’d become more judgmental.
So Brigit forced herself to tell the truth. “Seducing Drummond willnae be enough. He’s let none of his secrets slip—he claims loyalty to the King, and wouldnae tell such things to a mere bedmate.”
Avaline snorted as the Queen studied her quietly. Finally she said, “I take it you speak from experience. Fine then. Perhaps…you could offer to help? Do you think you could insinuate yourself into his life outside of the bedroom?”
Slowly, Brigit nodded as she considered. “Aye…I think that could work. But what—?”
“He would want to clear his name, aye?” Avaline offered without looking up. “Offer to help with his investigations. While he thinks he’s being clever, ye’ll be gathering evidence against him.”
If thereisevidence against him.
Brigit wasn’t certain if she actually believed he might be innocent, or if she just didn’t want to think of herself as so easily duped.
The Queen was nodding eagerly. “Bring him the crossbow and bolt!”
Avaline gasped. “‘Tis evidence! I thought ‘twas destroyed?”
“No, my husband would not allow it. Surely Drummond will react to holding the evidence of his crime in his hands, and you can bring us the news of that reaction. It might be all we need to convict him.”
Heart aching, Brigit nodded in agreement. Itwouldwork. It would be devastating, but it would work. For certes, if she handed Drummond the bolt he’d used to try to kill the King, he would react.
But what if he doesnae? What if he isnae the traitor? He’ll be confused.
Well, if hewasconfused, then she’d be thrilled.
Or he’s verra, verra good at playacting.
Brigit hid her sigh, hating arguing with her own subconscious. ‘Twas bad enough arguing with Avaline.
It willnae be the first time ye’ve had to go deeper undercover to find evidence ye need.
Aye, that was true.
Unlike Avaline or Isabel, Brigit hadn’t been born a lady. Her mother had been a palace maid, her father a man-at-arms to the old King. She’d been raised working in the kitchens, then as her skill with coiffures had become known, she’d come to the attention of the Queen.
Her association with royalty had begun slowly; at first, ‘twas her ability to bring Her Majesty the palace gossip which had made her a favorite. Brigit had set out to find out all the best and most interesting gossip, and if that meant sticking her nose where it didn’tbelong, well then. ‘Twas worth it to gain the praise of the English Queen.
It was only after several years of this that she learned the Queen had her own cadre of agents: spies who worked for her in many capacities.
The Queen’s Angels.
Some Angels were proficient in fighting, in battle skills and weaponry.
Some were highly intelligent, who used their wits and wisdom for the sake of a united Scotland.
And some, like Brigit, were known for their skills withpeople: gossip, flirtation, infiltration.Spying.
She’d been given assignments which took her all over Scotland and twice down into England itself. She’d seen much, but Scone and Edinburgh would always be her home. And most importantly, the Queen trusted her. Trusted her to do what was right, trusted her honor and loyalty…and trusted her to save Scotland.
It was a heavy responsibility, but one Brigit adored.
She would do this. She would find the evidence against Drummond, even if it meant breaking her own heart.
