Page 159 of Highland Spy

“It would appear I owe you more than a great apology. I owe you my thanks as well.” The king settled into the opposite seat in front of the fire.

Darkness had fallen outside and the firelight glinted and winked off the king’s gilded clothing.

“I asked around about what you’ve told me of Thomas Percy.” King James’s words were drawn and slow, calculated, and it ate at Connor’s patience like acid. He needed to find Cora.

The king flicked a finger at where the hem of his jacket had flipped up, revealing the silken underside. It fell into place unceremoniously. “You were right. My men are already investigating what they can while in Scotland and will return to London posthaste to gather the remainder of the information we need.”

King James leaned forward in the seat. The chair groaned beneath him. “You saved my life.”

Connor did not reply. He hadn’t done it because it was expected of him, nor for a great love of the king himself. He’d done it in the hope one day the king would finally grant him the home he’d sought to reclaim all these long years.

“I know you’re unhappy in your position and would like to get your land back.” The king’s eyebrows rose. “Urquhart.”

Connor’s heartbeat quickened, but he kept his face impassive.

“You’ve been a loyal servant,” the king said magnanimously. “I’d like to give you Urquhart, but under two conditions.”

The hope was crushed from Connor’s chest. He knew too well how conditional favors with the king worked.

“First, I’d like you to be available for the occasional…task.”

He still wanted Connor as his personal assassin. More people to die at Connor’s hand, more faces to haunt his dreams.

“And second?” Connor asked in a wary tone.

“I’d like the woman, Sylvi, to stay in touch with me on any potential treasonous plots.”

Connor wanted to slam the offer back in the king’s face. But his people rose forefront to his mind.

Anise.

Tavin.

Tavish.

Renny.

Had he been the laird he was supposed to have been, Renny would still be alive.

However, Connor had not known they’d survived before. Now he knew. Now he would ensure they were never without his aid.

He could have Urquhart back.

Or he could ask for something more.

The king’s offer was everything Connor had spent the last three years trying to obtain, but there was something far more pressing on his heart.

Ariana.

He could not let her die.

Even if it meant suffering another seven years of service to the king to reclaim his rightful home.

Connor had once tasted the idea of life without Ariana. It was a bitter reality. She’d brought joy to his somber life and eased away the burden of his sins with her optimism.

To see her light snuffed out and the world robbed of her beautiful soul was more than Connor could bear.

“It’s a fine offer ye’ve extended, Your Majesty, but I’d like to ask something else of ye.”