Highland Hearts 03 - Crimson Heart (27 page)

Her unease had faded away and he could almost forget. Forget that he was a monster. Forget that she was still afraid of him. Almost.

…

The next day was Sunday and Elena attended mass with her new family in the tiny yet beautiful St. Margaret’s chapel as Henri was still unwilling to let Marie leave the castle walls. Too many traitors afoot, he’d said, and although Marie groused about it, she agreed to stay. Once again Searc and his father ducked under the arched doorway to enter, their bulk seeming to take up half the space in the tiny, pale-stoned room.

Elena listened to Father Renard drone on in Latin, his voice rising in force as he spoke of
daemones
and Satan, his piercing eyes settling on Rachel Munro and Searc during his fervor. The frown on Alec Munro’s face showed he knew a good bit of Latin. Much more and the priest may find himself imbedded on a Highland sword.

Father Renard performed the Holy Communion for Marie but refused to give even a blessing to the rest of them. “None of you have sought confession so you are not fit to receive the sacrament,” he intoned.

“I don’t need yer moldy little wafer,” Alec grumbled and his wife patted his arm as he escorted her out of the chapel.

Searc took them on a tour of the stables where Alec’s and Rachel’s horses were installed next to Dearg. The day was gray and warm, though the breeze once again held the promise that autumn would be descending soon. Elena watched Searc’s powerful frame as he walked with his father. Her breath hitched as she thought about their amazing night together, and her cheeks warmed. In bed her husband was all passion and she could pretend that he forgave her, that he even cared for her. Yet during the day, he watched her solemnly as if distrust still turned him from her. Would she only have his affection in bed? Could he ever love her when she’d betrayed him by not telling him who she really was? She wasn’t strong enough to live her life with a man who couldn’t trust her, who could never love her.

Elena walked up to Dearg, and he nickered softly.

“Searc’s horse likes you.” Rachel stood by her.

Elena pulled a small apple from her pocket, determined to push her fears aside for the moment. She forced a small smile. “I’ve bought his love with apples.”

“’Tis a wise woman who can tame a beast,” Rachel commented and Elena looked sideways at her new mother-in-law. Searc and his father walked farther down the stable, inspecting Marie’s horses. Rachel continued. “Your skill will come in handy when dealing with Searc.”

Elena turned fully toward her. “Excuse me?”

Rachel lowered her voice. “You’ve seen his magic, how he can kill with a touch. You know about his curse.” She nodded as if trying to get Elena to follow. “Although I don’t think something so unholy can be turned with mere apples.”

Elena drew herself up tall. “Milady, I have seen the amazing and yes, lethal, power in your son.” Fury rolled up inside Elena. How could Searc’s mother liken him to an unholy beast? Perhaps it had not been a mistake to leave home. “But his magic is no curse.” Elena’s hiss remained low so Searc wouldn’t hear. “Like the deadly sword arm of your husband, Searc’s power is used for good. He rescued me from rape and probable death.”

“You are not concerned then, that he could hurt you with his power?” Rachel’s face contracted in bewilderment.

“He can control it.” Elena stared at her, her forehead so tight she nearly rubbed it. It was true that she didn’t have a mother, but she knew that one should defend her son, not condemn him. Especially a son as honorable as Searc.

“Have you seen him control it?” Rachel crossed her arms over her chest.

Had she? He hadn’t killed the bandit in the forest, not completely anyway. There was the sad story of the peddler and his horse, but Searc had been young and just realizing his power.

“I’m certain he would not harm me.” Elena met Rachel’s assessing eyes without even blinking.

“You are certain?” Rachel probed once more, glancing down the stable where her son stood. “He has that mark on his arm, since birth. Perhaps he was sent to my womb from the devil.”

God’s teeth!
“How can you even consider such a thing?” Elena’s hands curled into fists in her skirts. “He is your son. You’ve raised him, lived with him, and yet you don’t even know him. Have you never talked with your son, seen him rescue animals, rescue people?”

Elena’s voice didn’t rise, but she bit out each of her words with fervent power. “I’ve known Searc Munro for less than a month and yet I know clearly that his heart is kind and true. He is full of honor, even to his own detriment. I’ve never known a man as worthy of respect and love, most of all from his own mother.” Rachel Munro was a beauty. Her strong, noble features had been passed to her son. But right now, the woman seemed uglier than a hag to Elena.

Slowly the woman’s pinched lips relaxed, the corners tipping upward into a smile. Her condemning gaze transformed into a knowing look as her arched eyebrows lowered. With her smile, her rosy cheeks returned. She nodded then and Elena noticed a shine to her eyes that could be tears. “Aye, Elena. He is so worthy.” She reached forward and squeezed her hand. “And so are you.”

Elena stared confused at the complete turnaround in the woman. “You meant none of that.”

Rachel gave a brief nod as she glanced down where Searc and his father were walking back toward them. “But unfortunately everything I just said, Searc believes about himself. It will take a strong woman to convince him otherwise.” Rachel looked back at her. “And I am relieved to know that you have such strength and wisdom.”

“What has ye looking like a cat with a bowl of cream?” Alec strode close and pulled his wife into his arms for a quick kiss. It was obvious the two loved one another completely, the years between them not dampening their affection.

“Just woman talk.” Rachel laughed. “A mother likes to know to whom she is surrendering her son.”

Searc frowned. “Do not bother her about her past, Mother. She’s a Munro going forward. I have claimed her.” He stepped closer to Elena and tucked her hand through his arm.

Rachel nodded, a mischievous grin transforming her face into that of a young maid. “Aye, I could sense that in her when I touched her.” She and Alec walked out the stable door in front of them. “You may want to give her some time before claiming her again so completely, else the poor lass won’t be able to walk.”

Alec’s boisterous chuckle stopped Elena in mid step. Searc growled low in annoyance. He leaned his head down, his warm breath tickling her ear. “My mother can sense any ailments in the body with a simple touch. She can also tell if ye lie.”

“Oh my.” Elena’s lips formed a perfect circle. The woman could sense lies. It was a good thing she didn’t intend to tell any more. Elena’s eyes suddenly opened wide. “Then she could tell that we…last night…?”

“Never mind her.” He tipped her face up to his. “Are ye hurting? She can heal—”

“No,” she interrupted. “I am well.”

“Ho there!” A man’s voice called from the bailey. “We must speak with the queen regent, Marie de Guise.” The man’s accent was English.

Searc kept Elena on his arm and stepped to the stable doors. She could see Rachel and Alec across the bailey near the great hall. They’d stopped to watch the six riders in English garb dismount. The elderly head of the Edinburgh Castle guard greeted them and took a rolled missive from the one speaking.

Elena recognized the uniforms. “They are from the English court. The queen’s soldiers.” She didn’t realize she’d stiffened until Searc laid his hand over her fingers where they dug into his sleeve. “What do you suppose is in that missive?”

Searc remained within the shelter of the stable door. “I will saddle Dearg and my parents’ mounts in case we need to leave.” Alec exchanged a nod with Searc across the bailey as if his father had heard his suggestion. Alec casually escorted Rachel back toward them.

“Do you think they are here for me?” Elena stomach contracted as if her stays were being yanked tight.

“It is good to be prepared.” Searc left her with his mother as Alec and he strode down to the stalls.

“I would not have you all in jeopardy,” Elena said to Rachel, but the woman just smiled.

She leaned closer to Elena’s ear. “Highland husbands glory in protecting their women from jeopardy. Gives them tales to boast about.”

Elena inhaled deeply. “You are a wise woman.” Rachel gave a little snort but tipped her head in gracious acceptance.

Marie, followed by three of her ladies, Henri, and Father Renard stepped from St. Margaret’s chapel and followed the wide, curved path down into the bailey.

“Alec,” Rachel called and both he and Searc returned to the doorway. Elena felt Searc’s strong hand against the sway of her back. His strength infused into her. “Will she give Elena away?” Rachel asked no one in particular.

“Perhaps the gate is still open below from when the English entered?” Alec glanced down the winding, cobblestone road. “’Twould make leaving easier.”

“You mean possible.” Elena couldn’t keep the worry from her voice. If Searc’s parents were arrested or injured because of her…

“Nay, just easier.” Alec grinned.

God’s teeth!
How could the man smile at a time like this?

“Here comes Henri.” Searc tucked Elena into his side. She knew he had at least three blades on himself and of course there was his magic. Elena had a hard time breathing despite the calm assurance around her.

Henri stopped before them and gave a curt bow of his head. “The regent requests you attend as witnesses to the meeting with the envoy from Queen Mary.”

“For what purpose?” Searc gave Elena a small squeeze.

Henri glanced behind them where their horses stood saddled inside their stalls and then looked pointedly back at Searc. “As witness to her diplomatic skill in keeping her subjects safe of course.” Searc and Henri regarded each other for a long moment.

“The trust of a Highlander, once broken, will never mend,” Searc said low.

“I believe my regent understands the hearts of men.” Henri’s voice held the same warning. “Stand down, Highlander, and come provide an audience.” Henri turned without waiting for an acceptance.

“Do ye trust her?” Alec asked Searc.

“No ruler is trustworthy when deception will strengthen their rule, but I would not make us look guilty of crime by leaving before there is reason.” Searc caught Elena’s hand in his and they walked.

Marie smiled though her gaze remained sharp. “Lovely, my ambassador to the Highlands, Lord Munro and his family.” Marie indicated them with a brief sweep of her hand that led to the English guard. “Lord Hampton of London, on business of Queen Mary.”
God’s teeth!
The very man who’d arrested Lady Jane Grey!

The man gave a stiff nod as he examined them, his eyes alighting on Elena. Or was that just her imagination? How much did she resemble her father or half-sister, Elizabeth, with her red hair and pale skin?

“Let us assemble in the Great Hall, out of the breeze.” Marie turned abruptly. “And Father Renard,” she started and glanced over her shoulder at the priest who had taken a step to follow. “Your services are not needed. You shall return to Holyrood Abbey.” Marie turned away before the cleric could speak.

The great hall held the morning chill. A page lit the sconces along the walls as they passed, Marie taking her daughter’s throne-like chair.

“Sit.” Marie waved her hand. “Drink.” She indicated the vessels being brought around. “Refresh yourselves. All the food and drink has been sampled.”

Lord Hampton continued to stand while everyone else sat. He gave a curt bow from the waist and stepped forward. “I would do my duty by presenting this personal missive from her majesty, Queen Mary of England, France and Ireland.”

Marie frowned, probably over the disputed title of Queen of France due to the English occupation of Calais. She broke the seal that would be the official Tudor rose and unfolded the stiff letter. Marie’s eyes traveled over the sheet, down and then up again before setting it on the table before her.

“Hmmm…” Marie said, tapping her nails along the wooden arm of her padded chair. “It seems as though the English queen has misplaced a sister.”

With this missive I inform you thusly that evidence has been produced which shows that my sovereign parents, Queen Catherine of Aragon and King Henry VIII were blessed with a second daughter of royal blood at the time of their separation. This child would be my younger sister, by full blood, and was carried away in secrecy by the traitor Thomas Seymour. I have been informed that the child survived and was raised in heresy at Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire and has journeyed to the Scottish realm in a false need to escape her heritage. I would have her brought to London in order for us to be reunited and for her conversion to the true faith to begin to save her eternal soul. I request the favor of your assistance in locating and relinquishing her to the envoy accompanying this missive. This task will continue to strengthen the peace that currently reigns between our two realms.

With regard,

Mary, By the grace of God, Queen of England and Ireland

Searc stood ready, holding Elena’s arm. He reached his senses out as far as he could toward Marie while she read the letter from Queen Mary, but the tension in the room diluted anything he could gain at such a distance from the regent. Would she forgo loyalty to her Highland representatives to strengthen her uneasy alliance with England? Cleutin had alluded that she would not, but it could very well be a trick. He glanced at his father. Alec gave Searc a nod. Aye, Alec Munro would stand with his son to protect his new wife. Perhaps his father
didn’t
think he was devil spawn.

Marie set the missive down and looked at Lord Hampton with solemn eyes. “Does your queen fear that this Protestant sister would try to overthrow her?”

“I do not have the honor of knowing Queen Mary’s mind, though I trust she wishes to become acquainted with a sister she’s never known.” Lord Hampton raised his nose with the pompous dignity of an English statesman.

“I would think she has enough to worry with her Protestant sister Elizabeth,” Marie countered, one manicured finger tapping her pouting lip.

“Princess Elizabeth is quite faithful to Queen Mary and refuses any attempts at placing her on the throne.”

Marie dipped her head in several long nods. “Very fortunate for both of them.”

“My lady—” Lord Hampton began through tight lips.

“Your grace,” Henri corrected.

Lord Hampton ignored the French ambassador. “It is felt that the woman in question may have taken the last name Lyngfield as she was headed here to find refuge with a Roger Lyngfield, illegitimate nephew to the late Katherine Parr. If you have found her, I would have you surrender her to this envoy so that we may escort her to London immediately,” he clipped. “To hide her is an act of war.”

Elena took a slight step closer to Searc. He felt the jump in her fear. It made his magic churn in his gut. He would whisk her away from all this, hide her far up in the mountains where there was no fear left in her of being found, but to do so now would just point a guilty finger.

Marie stood regally from her throne. Though she was shorter than Lord Hampton, her stately presence gave her perceived height. As she stood, two rows of Edinburgh guards from the back filed into the room, outnumbering the English envoy who scraped their chairs back to stand.

Marie’s voice was even, stern and royal. “I will not be threatened by you or any Englishman.” She spread her arms wide. “And I am surely not hiding an English princess in my realm.”

“And who, might I ask, are these people?” Lord Hampton turned purposely to stare along their line.

Searc took a purposeful step in front of Elena, his father doing the same before his mother.

“This is Searc Munro, my ambassador to the Western Highlands and his father, Alec Munro.” Marie glared at the man’s audacity to question her. “And their wives. And since we have nothing for you, you may refresh yourselves in the kitchens and be on your way back to your queen.”

“I would speak with the English ambassador.” Lord Hampton pivoted on his heel.

“Lord Randolph is in my dungeon,” Marie answered crisply. “For collaborating with Lord Arran to overthrow me and my daughter’s rule.”

“You may not detain an English ambassador,” Lord Hampton said with such force that Searc’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

“I certainly can when he plots to kill me.” Marie’s voice rose with each word, though she did not lose her composure. “He will be sent, alive, from this kingdom when I am through questioning him, but not before.”

Bloody hell!
If the English got ahold of Randolph, he would tell them all about Elena. The same with Roger Lyngfield.

“I will question him.” Hampton glanced around the hall as if the English ambassador might be shackled to the stone arches there.

“Eventually.” Marie sat back on her throne. “But our interrogation may take some time. It has been revealed that Lord Randolph is working with Lord Arran to find this sister of Queen Mary as well. He seeks to place her on the English throne as a Protestant ruler.”

“He will be tried then as a traitor in London.” Hampton frowned with grave severity. It was obvious that he took his role in keeping the English queen alive very seriously. “I must take him to Queen Mary.”

Searc pressed his palm into the pommel of his sword.
Hold your ground
, he silently urged Marie.

“Lord Randolph will be released from my dungeon in due time.” Marie’s face tightened and her eyes flashed. “You will leave from Edinburgh immediately with information for your queen that I do not hide her sister here in Scotland, if this woman even survived infancy. And instead of hunting for shadows, she should guard against Lord Arran and his treasonous plots both in Scotland and England.”

“Your grace—” he began to argue again.

“Good day,” she cut him off, and the guards all took a unified step closer to the envoy. The other five Englishmen glanced at the hefty presence around them even if Lord Hampton seemed too annoyed to care about their lack of numbers.

With his face red and puffed up, Hampton clicked his heel on the stone floor and turned without bowing to stalk through his envoy toward the door. The five Englishmen bowed slightly to Marie and followed.

“Escort them to the castle gates.” Henri pointed to the retreating Englishmen and the captain of the guards turned.

“I would make certain Roger Lyngfield knows to keep his tongue.” Searc stared at Marie.

“Aye, the bloody English know his name,” Alec agreed.

“I would also like to question Lyngfield for his association with Randolph and Arran.” Marie softly pounded her fist on the arm of her chair. “But he is not to be found. I sent guards to his hovel yesterday when Randolph was arrested.”

Searc released Elena. His blood thrummed along with his need to find this threat. “I will search for him and follow this envoy to the city limits.”

Marie flapped her hand. “Very well.” She grumbled on about English dogs, switching into French and one of her ladies brought her a goblet of wine.

Elena sunk into a low curtsey. “I thank you, your grace.”

Marie smiled. “It is not proven that you are the woman for whom they seek, and I am certainly not
hiding
you away. You were right here all the time,
non
?” She chuckled softly, her eyes shifting to Searc. “And I would know that when the time comes to support my daughter in her reign, that you will do so while leading your fellow Highlanders to do the same,
oui
.”

Searc bowed his head. “We will not forget today.”

“
Exellente!
”

“Let us find Lyngfield.” Searc looked first to his father and then turned to Elena. “Ye should stay safe in our room with my mother.”

Elena’s face looked pale. “They know I was headed to Lyngfield’s. If you hadn’t helped me…if I’d made it to Edinburgh, to Lyngfield’s, they would have me.”

Searc ducked before her, putting himself on eye level with her. “There are too many terrible possibilities to ponder loosely. Choose to focus on the path we are on, the best path.” He stroked along her jaw with the pad of his thumb. “We will figure out the best route together.” He felt some of her worry ease and brushed a gentle kiss across her lips. She nodded and he strode purposefully, once again on a mission with his father. When he’d left the Highlands he didn’t believe he ever would again.

They crossed the bailey to gain their mounts from the stables. “What does the bastard look like?” Alec kept stride with Searc.

“Tall, brown hair, usually unkempt, and when he sees me,” Searc spoke with rough determination, “he’ll be the one running.”

…

“Without my embroidery I have nothing to keep my hands busy.” Rachel sighed and looked out the window of Elena’s room.

“You embroider?” Elena smiled hopefully at her new mother.

“Yes, I’m working on a tapestry showing Searc’s magic as a blessing, not a curse. I will hang it proudly in our great hall.”

Elena sat before the small fire. “I would like to see it.”

“My hope is that Searc will come home after this is settled. Has he mentioned his plans?” Although asked casually, Rachel’s lips pinched tight, waiting.

“He has only stated his wish to show me Munro land, nothing else. And we both want to discover and stop the murderer in Edinburgh before he returns.”

Rachel shook her head. “He told us about the atrocities. Those poor girls, cut along their skin.” She closed her eyes as if angered. “Madmen walk this earth.”

They sat together, quietly for long minutes, the talk of such crimes heavy on them.

Rachel exhaled long and looked at Elena. Her eyebrows rose. “Do you stitch?”

Yes, they should try to think of pleasant things, though waiting in the room was near torture. Elena forced a relaxed smile. “I spent much time embroidering clothing at Grimsthorpe. I am hoping to continue. I’d like to sew something for Searc.”

Rachel nodded. They looked at each other in silence, Elena twisting her hands together.

Elena sighed. “Waiting is hard.”

“Especially without something to stitch,” Rachel added. They both nodded. “I won’t say it gets easier. Every time Alec goes where there is bound to be trouble I stitch until my fingers ache, yet I still worry.”

“Even with your…” Elena hesitated, “healing abilities?”

Rachel’s face seemed to droop. “My magic is useless if they are already dead. ’Twas the way I lost my first two sons. They died in battle far from me.”

“I’m so sorry.” Elena looked at her hands in her lap. “I too have had loss, though not of a child.” She glanced up at Rachel, who had a wet shine to her eyes and a sad smile on her lips. Blast it, ill topics seemed to hover in their minds.

“God willing, you never will.”

Rachel told her about the Highlands. It was clear from her descriptions of soaring mountains and open, fresh air that she’d adapted well to the rugged land. Though Rachel too had been raised in England, she had ended up in western Scotland, and was truly happy there. “’Tis bitter cold in winter, but you learn to stay warm.” She smiled encouragingly. “I can teach you herbal medicines.”

“I do know some.” A giddy bubble formed in Elena’s middle. Maybe she truly could be useful. “I helped tend the sick at Grimsthorpe, the servants and laborers.”

Rachel nodded with approval. So far the woman seemed eager to like her despite her quick marriage to her son. Perhaps back in the Highlands, life would be good and maybe someday Searc would grow to love her. Just the thought sprouted more little bubbles of hope.

Someone knocked on the door.

“Could they be back so soon?” Rachel rose as rapid tapping ensued. She pulled open the door and Elena joined her. Madeline stood there, her hands moving with her rapid French.

Rachel shook her head. “My French is minimal.”

Elena asked the maid to speak calmly. She knew Madeline could speak some English, but the woman seemed overwrought. “She says that she received word that there has been an accident. A child, a young brother to a girl she’s befriended in the village, ran in the way of a galloping horse and is unconscious. She was told about your talents.”

Madeline rattled on, her eyes imploring while Elena translated. “She begs you to come help, Joseph, the boy.”

“Of course.” Rachel ran for her cloak.

“It is outside the castle gates. It is not safe to leave,” Elena cautioned.

Rachel shook her head. “When there is a child in jeopardy, I have no choice.”

“But you know nothing of Edinburgh,” Elena followed her toward the door. “You could become lost, end up in a rough part of the town.” She clearly remembered the dark looks and unkempt cottages when Lyngfield had convinced a guard to help him.

Rachel placed her hand on Elena’s shoulder. “When you have a child, you will understand. I’ve lost two of my own. Every child I save makes my pain a little less.”

The strength in Rachel’s eyes told Elena that she wouldn’t be able to sway the woman toward caution. “I will come too.” Elena turned for her cloak.

“You should stay here and lock the door until Searc or I return.”

“I won’t let you go alone.” Elena’s voice was just as strong as Rachel’s. She turned to Marie’s lady and spoke in French. “Where is this child?”

“Between Grassmarket and Candlemaker Row.” Tears sat heavy in Madeline’s eyes. “I was told.”

“Who sent you?” Elena glanced at Rachel. Was she just being paranoid?

“A man.” The maid shook her head. “He heard from the priest at Holyrood that a magical healer was up here at the castle. He told Joseph’s father who told him I worked here and would know
Madam
Munro.”

Elena cringed inside. “Father Renard is telling people that a magical healer is here.”

Rachel snorted. “I’m surprised that is what he is calling me. Though from the stain on the girl’s cheeks, he may have used other words.”

“I don’t like this,” Elena insisted. “It could be a trap. Perhaps Father Renard is trying to catch you healing with magic so he can charge you openly with witchcraft.”