Page 276 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Twenty Two

Rhoslyn spent too much time in her private solar. At a little over five months pregnant, she felt excellent. But St Claire fussed like a mother hen, and constantly ordered her to rest. She had installed Lady Saraid in the kitchen with Mistress Muira in order to have a moment to review the list of goods they had received two days ago. With the addition of St. Claire’s men, they had doubled their supply purchases and she seemed always to be working on the rolls.

Now, however, she stared out her window at the rider entering the courtyard. His shaven face and dark brown hair told her he was English, even without the absence of a kilt. This didn’t bode well. She rose from the stool and hurried downstairs. Rhoslyn stepped from the stairs into the great hall as the man entered the postern door ahead of St. Claire.

St. Claire’s gaze met hers and she read in his eyes the knowledge of her anxious curiosity. Rhoslyn caught sight of the folded parchment in his hand and her fear mounted. King Edward had sent a missive.

To her relief. St. Claire led the man toward the table set up near the hearth. She crossed the room and met them at the table.

“It has been a long ride for Sir John,” St. Claire said. “He would like food and drink.”

Rhoslyn nodded. “Go to the kitchen and tell Mistress Muira I sent you. She will feed ye near the fire there, where you may warm.”

He bowed, then left them.

“I imagine you want to know what is in this missive,” St. Claire said.

“It is from Edward?” she asked.

He nodded and lowered himself onto the bench beside the table. Rhoslyn sat beside him as he slid a finger between the folded edges and broke the seal. She was sure he was intentionally taking his time and had to refrain from snatching the parchment from him and tearing it open. He unfolded the letter and she read over his arm.

Sir Talbot,

My congratulations upon your new title as Earl of Baliman. I could not be more pleased. In the interest of keeping positive relations, I command that you appear before me and, as the Earl of Baliman, swear fealty. As my faithful servant, you will leave with Sir John and come to me immediately.

Your King,

Edward

“The bastard.” Rhoslyn shot to her feet. “How dare he command fealty from ye. As the Earl of Baliman you owe him nothing.”

St Claire looked up at her. “He is my king. He has every right to demand my fealty.”

She stared in shock. “You are the most powerful man in all of Buchan. It is to you that men should swear fealty. Ye demanded that Kenzie bow to you.”

“Aye, but I still have a lord. All men have a lord.”

“Not Edward,” she said bitterly.

“Even him,” St. Claire replied.

“St. Claire, I didna’ know you were a religious man.”

“I am not, but that does not mean I do not believe we all serve someone. It is within Edward’s right to demand my loyalty, and you should not be surprised that he wants to control my power. And lest you forget, I am not king. If I do not swear fealty to Edward, then I must pledge loyalty to the king of Scotland.”

“Ye live in Scotland. You are a Scottish nobleman. Swear fealty to the king of Scotland.” His gaze shifted back to the letter and her blood chilled. “Sweet Jesu, ye mean to return to England as he commands.” She couldn’t believe it.

“I have never disobeyed his command,” St. Claire said.

Her mind raced. She wasn’t surprised that Edward was tightening his hold. So what were the consequences within her family of Edward’s grab for power? He would insist her sons train in England under English tutors; that they marry English women. Her daughters would become political pawns, married to noblemen selected by Edward to strengthen English alliances.

She hadn’t considered any of this when she’d learned that St. Claire was the new earl. Her first thought had been of his strengthened ties to Scotland. Anger whipped through her. Edward would tear him away to prevent that, if necessary.

Rhoslyn sat back on the bench. “Is it safe for ye to leave Castle Glenbarr?”

He lifted a brow. “If I abolished your imprisonment here in Castle Glenbarr, you would be riding out the gates an hour later. Yet when I must return to England, you remind me how dangerous it is for me to leave the castle.”

Rhoslyn met his gaze square. “That does no’ answer my question. Is it safe for ye to leave us?”