The Hunter (Highland Guard #7)(113)

But Robert, the subject that had provoked her reaction, needed to be dealt with. She hadn’t spoken to him since she and the others had relayed the news of the English treachery. He’d been grateful, and furious at what had happened to her, but they’d yet to discuss Ewen or her future.

“I can’t believe they just let him leave when he was still recovering,” Janet said, hands twisting in her skirts. “What if he’s lying out there somewhere …”

“The men said he was fine,” Mary assured her. “And Bella wasn’t too happy with Lachlan either when she found out. But Lachlan pointed out that he wasn’t a ‘bloody nursemaid’ and Ewen had insisted.”

“Ewen didn’t tell anyone that the king had kicked him out of the Guard?” she asked.

Mary had told her Bruce’s secret army—or the phantoms, as she called them—were known as the Highland Guard among the men. Although Janet was not privy to the identities of all of the warriors, she had her suspicions. If King Edward were smart, he would start looking at every Highlander over six feet tall, built like a rock, with an uncommonly handsome face.

“Nay,” Mary answered, “but as soon as they found out, the men convinced the king to reconsider the matter.”

Knowing how stubborn Robert could be, Janet asked, “How did they do that?”

Mary shrugged. “I don’t know, but whatever it was, it must have been persuasive.”

“This is ridiculous.” Janet threw up her hands and stood. She started for the door.

Mary looked up from where she’d sat on the edge of her bed. “Where are you going?”

“To see that Robert considers correctly.”

Even if Ewen didn’t want her, he wasn’t going to lose everything because of her.

* * *

The years had been hard on Robert the Bruce. He’d changed much from the handsome young knight who’d captured the heart of Janet’s eldest sister, Isabella. He was still handsome, but he looked older than his six and thirty years. The war, the difficulty he’d faced after the catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Methven, and his near destruction afterward had taken their toll in the deep lines etched on his face. But it was his expression that had changed the most. The gregarious, lighthearted, chivalrous knight was gone forever, replaced by the serious, formidable, battle-hardened warrior king.

Seated across from him in his private solar, his men leaving at her request, Janet felt a twinge of unexpected apprehension. She might think of him as Robert, but the man before her was undeniably a king. The concern in the dark eyes that met hers, however, gave her courage.

“You are feeling better? Helen has attended to all your needs? I told her that you should have whatever you wished.”

She intended to hold him to that. “I feel much better, Sire. Helen has cared for me as if I were her sister. But there is one thing I would ask for.”

He smiled, looking relieved. “Whatever it is, you shall have it. I am in your debt, Janet. I know what you went through to get that message to me, and I heard how you protected our informant in the castle by jumping in front of the man in the alley.”

Their eyes met, and Janet could see how truly grateful he was. The informant was important to him; it was why he’d trusted her in the first place. But she wondered how he’d heard the specifics of what had happened in Berwick. Someone must have spoken to her informant.

“I still can’t believe the English planned treachery in a peace negotiation,” he continued. “Both Gloucester and Cornwall gave me their word. I’d expect it from Gaveston, but not from a son of de Monthermer.”

The Earl of Cornwall, Piers Gaveston, was Edward’s favorite. The Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare, was a strong supporter of the king, but he was also the stepson of one of Robert’s former close friends, Ralph de Monthermer.

“Yet after Methven, I should no longer be surprised.” Robert’s face darkened, giving Janet a glimpse of his anger and rage. “From what I read in that missive, they might have succeeded. They planned to surround us with Roxburgh’s entire garrison while we slept.” He paused for a moment, collecting himself before he looked back up at her. “What is it you want, Janet? If it is in my power, it shall be yours.”

Janet held his gaze and did not hesitate. “I want Ewen.”

Robert’s eyes flashed. “You will not twist my words against me this time, Janet. I already gave my answer to Lamont, when he came to me with his ‘request.’ ”

Janet didn’t let his anger deter her. “I am asking for you to reconsider in light of the recent events. I’ve never asked you for anything before, Robert, but I am asking you now.”

He sat back in his throne-like chair, considering her with hard, intent eyes. “What exactly is it that you are asking for?”

“I do not wish Ewen to be punished for what has happened. Return his lands and give him his place back in the Guard, and …” Her cheeks grew hot.

“And?” Robert asked.

“And if he still wishes to marry me, give us your permission.”

“You would not have me order it?”

Janet shook her head. “I’d no more have him forced into a marriage not of his choosing than I would be forced into one myself.”

The king frowned, not having missed her bold reproach. “He took your innocence. I will not reward him for that.”