So today she would ask a McQuade to help her friend.
With a whispered prayer she moved forward and felt the man’s eyes on her. Raising her chin, she looked straight at him, issuing her invitation with a quick motion of her gaze cutting toward the doorway. Men understood such things and women learned them when they came to court. She walked on by, looking for all the world as if she had never intended to stop.
The hallways that led away from the great hall were full of turns and arches that offered privacy. She paused in one, fingering the fabric of her skirts.
“I’d have thought the queen would keep ye a little closer today, Mistress McKorey.”
His tone implied that he agreed with that notion.
“Be assured that she has ordered it so. I left without permission.”
Raelin turned, rather grateful to see that the man was still several paces from her and holding still. But a shiver still crossed her neck because Keir McQuade was plenty large enough to close the distance quickly if he were of a mind to do so. His father had lunged quick enough to slice her cheek open before she moved.
She shook her head and forced her mind onto the world of the living. Dwelling in the past would not aid her friend.
“I owe ye a debt of gratitude for defending my honor in front of the king.”
Keir scoffed, his expression turning dark. “No ye don’t. No woman should suffer such treatment. Be she lady or common born. ’Tis small enough payment for the wrong my father did ye and the name of my clan. It is I who need to assure ye that the raiding my father inflicted on his neighbors will nae be tolerated on McQuade land while I am laird. I only wish I could undo the rumors my kin attached to yer name.”
The scar itched and she reached up before her thoughts forbid her to. Keir’s eyes focused on her fingers. She jerked her hand away, humiliated by her own impulses.
“I am stronger than gossip.”
He grinned. “Of course. Ye are a Scotswoman, after all. I expect as much.”
There was a flicker of admiration in his eyes that touched her. But she felt the bite of guilt for forgetting why she’d sought him out.
“Helena has nae come to court again.”
Keir frowned. His lips pressed into a hard line and his eyes narrowed. The expression was dark and foreboding. Raelin watched his eyes, trying to see what manner of man he was.
“Her brother has disobeyed the king. Why didna ye take yer complaint to the queen instead of me?” There was temper edging his words, like he was forcing himself to direct her to someone other than himself. It was a trait that she recognized from her brothers. They were men of action, not prattling discussions. The structure of court, with its necessary steps to doing everything from supping to greeting the king, frustrated them near to death. Hope flared inside her, hope that she may indeed have made a wise choice in seeking out Keir McQuade. But she would have to dispense with polite terms.
“She is the man’s sister. He has the right to direct her, and she is no’ a maid of honor. I did hope that might change soon, but complaining to the queen will gain Helena nothing. She cannae interfere between a brother and sister without causing a scandal. The king fears his nobles and he would think long before allowing even Edmund Knyvett to be blackened. It is a delicate balance that often claims the sacrifice of a few innocents. Everyone shall be so sorry for her ill fate but that willnae change anything. Her brother can do anything he wants with her.”
Keir McQuade stiffened. His hands tightened around his biceps. Raelin watched the rage dance in his eyes for a moment.
“Why do ye tell me?”
“Ye made her blush.” His expression changed, and this time she stared at his face and felt envy rise. True jealousy blossomed within her. But it was not a bad thing. She clutched at it, absorbing the sight. It gave her hope that love might someday touch her.
Keir shook his head. “Why do you come to me?”
“Because I think ye are nae like yer father and so ye may understand how different Helena is from her brother.”
Keir’s face darkened. Raelin stared straight at him. “I dinnae know if ye can help her, but I believe ye are the