“Nay. If you are here to save Malcolm’s life, then you shall do so. Giselle gave you no hint what is to be done?”
“None.”
“I canna say why, but I feel it in my bones.” She patted Alethia’s shoulder. “All will be well.”
The day had been eventful in more than one way, and the upcoming battle was not the only thing on her mind. For a few moments, her thoughts returned to her interlude with Malcolm. “Elaine, can I ask you a personal question?”
“Aye, are we no’ the best of friends?”
“You and Dylan love each other, right?” Elaine nodded. “Have you and he ever…um…have you two—?”
Elaine gasped. “True, are you asking if he and I have…lain together?”
“Well, have you?”
“Nay, of course no’. Such a thing must no’ happen until after a woman is wed.” She looked indignant for a moment, then blushed and stared at her lap with an expression of contrition. “We’ve come perilously close,” she muttered. “Have you and Malcolm…? Nay, dinna tell me.” She put her hands on her ears and made a face. “He’s my brother.”
For the first time that day, her spirits lifted enough to laugh. Elaine looked thoroughly disgusted by the thought of her brother having sex. She reached over and pulled Elaine’s hands away from her ears. “No, but we’ve come perilously close. Where I come from, being a virgin is not that big a deal.”
“Big…a deal? You’re no’ a…?”
Elaine looked utterly perplexed, but Alethia’s train of thought had left the tracks, and she couldn’t seem to find the brakes. “Yes, I am. I haven’t had much experience with men. I’ve always been too wrapped up in my music to become involved with anyone.” She sighed. “I don’t know what to do. You know my situation. I can’t let what I feel for Malcolm go any further. What would happen if—”
“Malcolm has feelings for you. Dinna doubt it, True. He’s an honorable man, and he’ll no’ let Giselle take you from us.”
“I’m sure he’d try to prevent Giselle from taking me; I’m not sure he’d succeed. What if I carried Malcolm’s child and she returned me to my home? What if I had no way to get back here? Even if I could return, what if your father wouldn’t approve of a marriage between us?” She put her elbows on her knees, her chin in her hands, and groaned. “This just gets worse and worse. I am so screwed.”
“Screwed?” Elaine’s expression clouded.
“Yes. Screwed. Every which way from here to there.”
Malcolm seethed. Hugh had informed the Comyns that Malcolm’s father and uncle were away with a good number of their warriors. Of that he was certain. If they thought him unable to strike back, they would soon learn otherwise. In the meantime, organizing the refugees from Meikle Geddes, guard duty and planning the strategy to retake their holding had occupied every minute for the past several days.
It preyed on his mind that he’d not spoken to True since they’d left the sacred spring. He could well imagine the new what-ifs plaguing her thoughts.
His sentries had signaled Liam’s return, and Malcolm paced back and forth at the ferry landing, awaiting the final bit of information before putting their plans to action. From the corner of his eye, he saw his cousin Robley approach from the direction of the garrison. He met him halfway. “Robley, gather the men and have them meet us in the great hall.”
“Aye, Malcolm. I came to tell you our provisions are secured, and we’ve moved them to the mainland. The men are ready to ride at a moment’s notice.”
“Good.” With Robley on his way with orders, Malcolm returned to the landing and resumed pacing. Once Liam disembarked, he joined him on his way to the keep. “You are well?” Malcolm asked, scrutinizing his cousin.
“Aye. I have much to tell.”
“Wait until we reach the keep. I’ve sent Robley on ahead with orders to fetch the men. Liam, I would have you remain at Moigh Hall to take command in my absence.” Malcolm didn’t miss the slight ease in tension at his request. What secret did Liam keep? Why did he not share it with him, rather than True? He did not doubt Liam’s loyalty to clan and family, yet he couldn’t help but wonder who in the Comyn keep his cousin went to for information.
A lass, no doubt. Mayhap his mysterious trips and long absences were for assignations with a Comyn lass. If that be the case, he did not envy his cousin. For such a match would be ill-fated indeed.
All were assembled around the table by the time he and Liam arrived. Malcolm took his place and accepted an ale. He heard a sneeze from the minstrels’ gallery, followed by shushing noises. At once he realized the value of True’s signs. He knew the women listened from above. As a lad, he’d oft joined them and done the same.