Page 50 of A Highlander's Bride

Gregory cleared his throat. “Aye, your majesty, but circumstances made it difficult to do it on that exact day.”

The king frowned. “What circumstances? It was my order. I am your king.”

Gregory hesitated. “Border problems, your majesty.” He gulped some of his ale.

The king sat back, his arms resting on his considerable middle. “I should have been informed of any border issues.”

Hopefully the king would become more interested in his food and stop throwing out questions Gregory didn’t want to answer.

“Aye. I believe Laird Mackenzie intended to inform ye when ye arrived since that would be faster than sending a messenger to Kensington Palace with ye expected here shortly.”

The king nodded. “And which of the lovely ladies has the laird chosen for his wife?”

Silence reigned both at the dais and the entire great hall, all eyes on Gregory. He fumbled for a minute, then said, “I believe the laird wishes to make it a surprise for ye.”

Whether the king believed that or not, he didn’t say, but merely picked up his eating knife and continued his meal.

St. Agnes’s armpit. How were they going to get out of this? Eventually the king would have to be told that both lasses were missing. It was good luck that the healer, Emma, had given Lady Chisholm a potion the night before, and then again this morning Meggie gave her another one. Otherwise, she would be here right now wailing and beating her breast, throwing herself at the king’s feet.

Even though Daniel had refused to look for Lady Alice until Lady Beth was found, he did send out a number of men to search for the lass. Since she’d left with a satchel full of her belongings, and no horse was missing from the stables, it appeared she had not been forced to go and was most likely meeting someone.

Gregory would have loved to make normal conversation with the king, but he could think of nothing to say that wouldn’t make things uncomfortable. Thankfully, his men kept him occupied.

*

Daniel sat inhis solar. Another day of searching with no result. And now with Lady Alice also missing, the nightmare was becoming even worse.

It had been about five days since Beth had been found missing. His faith in finding her safe and sound was slowly webbing from panic intoanger.

He ran his hand down his face and looked out the window. He turned toward the door at the sound of a soft knock. “Enter.”

A young man cautiously walked into the room, his face pale as new milk. He cleared his throat. “Good morn, my laird.”

Daniel nodded and waved to the chair in front of his desk. “Ye look familiar, but I am afraid I doona remember yer name.”

“’Tis Joshua, my laird. I work in the stables and the gardens.”

It was very obvious the young man was nervous. “Ye seem a tad uncomfortable. If ye have something to say, just do it. I have to be out looking for Lady Beth.”

Joshua shook his head. “Nay.”

Daniel’s stomach dropped to his feet. “What do ye mean?”

The young man took a deep breath. “Ye doona have to keep searching for her.”

Daniel stood, towering over him. “Ye better say whatever it is ye came to say.”

Joshua closed his eyes and answered in a whisper. “I ken where Lady Beth is.”

Before he could stop himself, Daniel jumped over the desk and wrapped his arms around Joshua’s neck. “Ye better speak and speak fast.”

“She’s in the dungeon. Lady Chisholm had me bring her there.” His high-pitched voice was full of fear.

Daniel shook his head, hoping to clear it. “The dungeon under the castle that hasn’t been used in about fifty years?”

“Aye.”

Daniel let go of him, grabbed hisléinein his fist, and dragged him to the solar door. “Show me.” He shoved him out of the room.