Page 39 of Kidnapped By her Highland Enemy
“Pardon, me laird.” A footman came into the room. “Laird McKenna is here to see ye.”
Another jab of irritation ran through him, and Angus almost told his man to send the other laird away. He was not in the mood for humoring peasants and McKenna was the king of them.
“He says he willnae take up yer time,” the footman added.
Even though impatient, Angus waved the man in and paced to his desk.
“What may I help ye with, McKenna?” he asked tersely.
“I heard the rumors, me laird.” McKenna bowed his head of thinning hair. “I’ve come to offer my sympathies, me help, and to ask ye nay to do anything rash against Dunn.”
“And why is that?” Angus snapped. “Ye ken me cannae take him in a fight?”
Placidly, McKenna replied, “I ken that in this time of uncertainty, it might be best to ask for peace.”
Grinding his teeth, Angus said, “There is nay peace to be had with that highland dog. I just need one chance to put the thrice-damned Barclay on his knees.”
“Ye are a wise man, Laird Dunn,” McKenna said. “After all these years, and so much fighting, I ken it might be best to offer him an olive branch, a hand of alliance instead of trying to win over him with bloodshed.”
“I willnae give that sniveling rat anything but a sword,” Angus snapped.
“I only suggested because seeing the state of our land, especially after the wars only a few years ago, I kent it best for us to come together instead of pulling more apart,” McKenna said while rubbing his face.
Flattening his lips, Angus said, “If all ye came here for was to beg me to give in, ye can walk right out those doors. I have more problems to cater to than an asinine suggestion.”
“And what would that be?” McKenna asked.
“I found me daughter is going to the king for help for this feud,” Angus snapped. “I must go before she makes a fool of herself and me.”
McKenna bowed, “Me apologies for taking yer time, Laird Dunn. I’ll trouble ye nay longer. Please, excuse me.”
Waving the man off as if he would do an errant fly, Angus turned to Fergus. “We must leave in the next hour.”
14
Gazing with awe at the Royal Borough of Perth, Maisie could not find one thing to appreciate as everything around her stole her attention. The steeple of towering churches, the cobblestone roads, the men and women strolling around in silk and furs, the caravans of precious spices, the high masts of ships bobbing in the harbor, and most off all, the Castle of the Scone perched high on a hill.
Turning to Lucas, she expected to see him happy that they had made it so far, but no, he was rigid and tense, his jaw set like stone. He had been that way since they had crossed over from the highlands days ago and while he had not told her what was worrying him, she knew it had to be something grave.
Nights ago, after leaving the Cambell lands, and half-asleep, she had heard him whisper something to Oliver, but the only words she had could make out were, “…Double back.”
Why? Then, he had started to glance over his shoulder often and when he could find anything amiss, grew more upset. She decided that he felt someone was following them, but not once had any attacker or spy made itself known.
Now, they were at Perth, the historic seat of their kings and instead of getting relieved, Lucas had taken to wearing a dirk strapped to his side. More often than not, he had his hand on the pommel too.
“Do ye ken the King will allow us into court?” Maisie asked while brushing a hand down her new tartan dress.
He did not reply; instead, his head swiveled up and down the street then up the castle where his eyes narrowed. As she expected a confirmation from him, Lucas uttered, “Something is nay right.”
“What do—”
“I see it too,” Oliver added. “There is nay activity at the castle, and the gate is barred with irons.”
Instantly, Maisie grew worried. “If this is nay where we’re to be, then where are we?”
Lucas stopped a man and asked him about the castle. In grim tones, the man explained that the English King had come again and had gone off with the stone where every Scot king was crowned.
“Who is king now?” Lucas asked tightly.
