Page 99 of Highland Spy

Ariana had thought she’d lost it on the ride back to Kindrochit. But it had been stolen. Percy, who had warned her time and again to be cautious with the vial, would be horrified to learn how her potion had been used.

Ariana’s stomach knotted with disgust at herself.

So many deaths.

Had she known prior to coming to Scotland, she would have accepted her fate in prison, or whatever punishment the king saw fit for a card cheat.

At least it would have only been she who suffered.

Isabel’s cold hand touched Ariana’s cheek, and eyes as clear and blue as an endless summer sky stared at her. “Do not think me cruel. Do not judge one whose life you have not lived.”

“We must hurry.” Connor’s voice broke the connection, and Ariana was grateful for the interruption.

He was right. They could not be caught.

“What will you do now?” Ariana asked while Isabel removed the remainder of her clothing. “Return to London?”

“I can’t return to London.” Isabel peeled her shift over her head and stood unabashedly naked. “I’ll be sold off into marriage again.”

Though Ariana tried not to look at the naked woman, it was impossible not to. Her body was slender and curvy with breasts much larger than Ariana’s. But it was not that which caught Ariana’s attention.

Bruises marred Isabel’s pale skin, in various shades, from the deep purple black of those freshly received to the sickly yellow of those many days healed. Several scratches showed on her ribs and waist, angry and red. They must have been horribly uncomfortable against the tightness of Isabel’s corset.

The woman met her horrified stare with a hard look. “He won’t touch me again.”

She grabbed her clothes from the ground with a jerk and made her way to where the woman lay in the bed. Together she and Ariana worked to dress the dead woman and make her appear as if she were Lady MacAlister.

The body had not been long dead, as evidenced by the pliable warmth of her skin. Ariana moved quickly to dress her, not wanting to witness the transformation of life to cool death with her fingertips again. The dead woman had similar bruising and scratches on her body as well.

Once the dead woman was dressed, Isabel bent over her and pressed a kiss to her waxy brow. It was an odd thing to do and, somehow, Ariana felt as though she should not have been there to witness the strangely intimate action.

Dressing Isabel as a common whore was far easier, and she was ready within a quick moment.

“It’s done,” Ariana said to Connor, who turned around, great relief evident on his face.

Isabel led them toward the hidden door, but stopped and turned to face them. “Let me come with you.”

“No.” Connor’s answer was quick and firm.

A look of panic fluttered over Isabel’s otherwise composed face. “I have nowhere to go. I thought I could figure it out, but—”

A voice boomed outside the locked door. “I told her to come in here to change the sheets, but she’s been there for ages. New girl. I’m sure she’ll be needing help.”

A prickle of fear skittered over Ariana’s skin.

“Please,” Isabel hissed. “Or I’ll let us all get caught.”

“No,” Connor repeated. His gaze shifted from the door to Isabel, and Ariana knew a plan was already forming in his mind.

“Please,” Isabel whispered with a pitch of desperation. “I’m the king’s cousin.”

Chapter 24

The skies were roiling with gray angry clouds, a perfect mirror to Connor’s own mood.

He stalked through the courtyard of Urquhart Castle with Ariana and Isabel trailing behind him.

Escaping from the manor had been easy. A beggar, a servant, and a whore—all unseen to uncaring guards upon their exit.