Highland Warlord - Amy Jarecki Page 0,38
arrived, not even Seumas could stand straight in this wee nook.”
Ailish stepped inside. “No?”
“I took a pickaxe to the ceiling and now at least you can stand. It isn’t much but ought to give you a modicum of privacy.” He pulled a flint from his sporran. “Would you mind holding the curtain aside whilst I light the fat-burning lamp?”
She grasped the pelt, noticing a large clam shell in a wee hollow with a wick buried in tallow. “Not at all.”
In two strikes of his flint and knife, James lit the lamp, turning the alcove into a private little sanctuary. It was no larger than the silver closet at Caerlaverock but was perfect for sleeping. A pallet had been made up and covered with fur pelts—no bed linens, but what ought she expect in a cave?
“This is lovely, thank you.”
“’Tis rough at best. I pray you sleep well.”
Ailish removed her veil, dropped it to the pallet, and shook out her hair. “I am grateful.”
James plucked a wavy curl and wound it once around his finger. “Though you’re a maid, I reckon ’tis best for you to wear a veil whenever in the presence of the men.”
“Of course. I’m wearing a gown beneath my habit. Do you wish me to remain dressed as a nun?”
“’Tis for the best.” He cupped her cheek and dipped his chin. Ailish’s very breath caught in her throat as he softly brushed his lips across hers. “Forgive me, but I’ve wanted to do that ever since you arrived.”
A delightful shiver spread across her shoulders. All day, she’d waited for him to kiss her, but with an army of men about, kissing ought to be the very last thing upon her mind. She placed her palm in the center of his chest. “If I am going to continue to be pious, perhaps kissing should be off limits?”
“Hmm.” He kissed her again. This time, he lingered while his tongue lazily swept across hers.
“What would Friar John say?” she asked, breathless.
“I reckon the old monk would turn a blind eye.” James glanced back. “But you are right. In Scone, the king entrusted me with your virtue and I cannot deny that kissing you makes me want ever so much more.”
***
James left Hew to guard Ailish and set out on his morning rounds, ensuring everyone was set to task. When he returned to the alcove, Hew was still there, sitting against the cave wall, cleaning his fingernails with a dagger.
“Where is Her Ladyship?” James asked.
“Hasn’t come out as of yet.”
Though she had been exhausted, it didn’t seem likely for her to still be asleep. Had she fallen ill? “Lady Ailish?” Hearing no reply, he pulled the fur aside and peeked in, but it was darker than charcoal. “Are you well, m’lady?”
His query was met with a gasp and some rustling. “Is it morning?”
“Aye, has been for some time.”
“My heavens, I must have been exhausted. I never sleep past sunup.”
James’ eyes adjusted a bit—at least enough to see the lass sit up with a fur clutched beneath her chin. “There’s the conundrum. The sun never shines in here.”
“Mayhap that’s why.”
“I’ll have Seumas fetch you a bit of porridge.”
“Thank you.”
James dropped the shroud and looked to his man. “I’m trusting you to keep an eye on her. Lord kens having a woman in camp can bring out the beast in men.”
“Will do. I’ll put Davy on alert, as well.”
“Good man.”
Her Ladyship may have slept like the dead last eve, but James had barely closed his eyes. What the devil was he to do with her? Aye, he could think of dozens of things he’d like to do with her, but nary a one was possible.
“She should have sent a damned missive,” he growled under his breath as he stepped outside.
The recruits were only beginning to come into their own and there was much to be done. James also should have left for the Highlands yesterday. The king had sent word that he needed every sword. The MacDougalls had refused to declare fealty to Robert Bruce and because the English were chasing him like hounds, he had been forced to send the queen and his daughter north to Kildrummy Castle.
Given the MacDougall threat in the west, the king’s position was all the more precarious.
And I should be at his side.
If they found Lord Harris’ whereabouts quickly, James might only be detained a fortnight or two. And then he’d have to walk away from Ailish once more. If only he could give her a proper