‘I thought you went there for military training.’
‘So I did, but the two things went hand in hand. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference.’
Ashlynn laughed. Then the dance separated them again but his words had given her much to think about. The wider reputation of the man they dubbed Black Iain concealed a personality far more complex, and it intrigued her.
When the measure ended her hand was claimed by other partners and he as host invited other ladies on to the floor. She noted that, without exception, they never took their eyes off him, looking up into his face and smiling, clearly hanging on his every word. It was borne upon her yet again that her husband was a very attractive man.
Later, when the musicians took a break, the company demanded the appointment of a Lord of Misrule to lead the future festivities. After some lively banter a youth called Hamish was duly elected. Ashlynn recalled that he was one of Iain’s many cousins. Lord of Misrule was a role he stepped into with ease. His first act was to call for a game of blind man’s buff, a suggestion received with much favour, especially by the younger members of the gathering. Accordingly a blindfold was produced. Then Hamish turned to Ashlynn.
‘As Lord of Misrule I decree that you shall wear the blindfold first, my lady.’
Taken totally by surprise Ashlynn held up her hands in protest but the company would have none of it and in the end she yielded, laughing. The guests cheered. As Hamish fastened the blindfold over her eyes, Iain handed his cup to Duncan.
‘It has been a while since I’ve played this. Let’s see if I remember how.’
To his brother-in-law’s amused surprise he joined the others in the centre of the hall to the general approbation. Ashlynn heard the increased laughter but knew not the cause. Then Hamish spun her round and let go. Swaying a little she regained her balance, edging forward with outstretched hands. She heard rustlings in the straw underfoot as people skipped out of the way, and heard giggling and laughter all about her. For a while she stumbled around and then, unexpectedly, her hands met the woollen fabric of a tunic. Exploring further they discovered a man’s arms and then a pair of broad shoulders. The laughter grew. Suddenly the arms closed round her waist and shoulders and crushed her against a lean hard body. Then a man’s mouth was over hers in a kiss that had nothing of gentleness in it but something quite other.
Taken by surprise Ashlynn had no time to struggle and the hands that had moved instinctively to push him away suddenly lacked the will or power to do so for deep within a treacherous spark awakened and then flamed, spreading like fire through her veins. It was a kiss so blatantly passionate that it drew shocked gasps from the delighted spectators. When eventually he released her there was a moment of complete silence. Then roars of approval shook the rafters of the hall. Breathless and astonished Ashlynn removed the blindfold and stared into her husband’s face. His eyes were alight with amusement. He was also very clearly enjoying her evident confusion. Speechless, Ashlynn relinquished the blindfold to Hamish and, since there was no help for it, allowed Iain to lead her aside. When they were a safe distance from the others she confronted him.
‘You did that on purpose, didn’t you?’
‘That’s right. It’s the point of the game you see.’
The words took her straight back to their wedding day. He had kissed her then for the benefit of others. She hadn’t been able to help her response then either. ‘By God, lass, you play the game well.’ Was this part and parcel of the same thing? Indignation was replaced by hurt and uncertainty.
‘This is all a game to you, isn’t it?’
Amusement faded. ‘A game? What are we talking about here, Ashlynn?’
‘You know full well.’
‘I don’t think I do. Explain it to me.’
‘This…this whole situation.’
‘You’re angry because I kissed you in public?’
‘No.’
‘Then why?’
Even as she sought the words to tell him, Duncan appeared beside them.
‘Forgive me, but I need to borrow your husband, my lady.’ He grinned and jerked his head towards the far side of the room. ‘There’s an argument over yonder that would be settled.’
Her heart sank but there was only one possible answer. ‘By all means.’
Iain gritted his teeth knowing there was nothing for it save graceful compliance. However, before he left he fixed Ashlynn with a penetrating look.
‘I’ll be back, my lady, and this discussion will be resumed.’
Sick at heart she watched him walk away. Just when everything seemed to be going well she had alienated him. What had possessed her to say it? Of course it was a game! Why couldn’t she have left it at that? She knew perfectly well where his feelings lay.