The Saint (Highland Guard #5)(40)

“I’m well aware of the lady’s loss,” the king said sharply. “But Lady Helen wasn’t of whom I spoke.” His gaze slid to the earl.

Sir William didn’t seem surprised by the king’s suggestion, but the tight smile on his face indicated it was not a welcome one. For some reason, the earl’s gaze flickered to Magnus’s. Nay, not his, he realized, but to Lady Muriel’s. But she didn’t notice, as her head was down-turned and her gaze fixed on her lap. He’d noticed the tension between the earl and the healer on their arrival, but he wondered if there was something more to it. From the death glare the earl was shooting at MacGregor, Magnus suspected there was.

“There will be plenty of time over the next week to discuss such matters.” Having planted his seed, Bruce changed the subject. “Lady Helen, I believe you said there would be dancing?”

Helen nodded, looking troubled. “Aye, my lord.” She motioned for the pipers and harpist to ready. “But a week? I understood you would be at Dunrobin a fortnight.”

Magnus pretended not to notice that her gaze kept flickering to him.

“Aye, that was our original intention, but we were delayed in leaving Kildrummy and thus must shorten our stay. I’ve many stops to make before the Games at Dunstaffnage. I hope that you will be attending this year, Sir William?”

It was more of a command than an invitation. The earl gave a short nod. “Aye, my men are looking forward to it.”

“Very much,” Munro added. “After four years without a new champion, the men are eager to take their rightful place.”

Magnus didn’t react to the challenge that he knew had been issued to him. Munro’s defeat had been festering for four years; he would want to come after Magnus with everything he had.

“A rather bold boast, Munro, given the level of competition.” The king’s gaze met Magnus’s; he was obviously amused. “I hope your men are prepared to defend your words?”

“More than prepared,” Munro said with his usual arrogance.

“Will you be competing, my lord?” Helen asked.

Magnus realized she was speaking to him.

He was forced to look at her. Their eyes met. He knew exactly what she was thinking about. The same thing he was thinking about. What had happened the last time he’d competed. How he’d foolishly thought she’d wanted the same thing he did. How he’d handed her his heart, and she’d thrown it back in his face.

“I’m sorry.” He heard her words again. “I can’t …”

His mouth tightened, and he shook his head. “Nay, my duties will not permit it this year.”

None of the Highland Guard would be competing. Bruce and MacLeod thought it would invite too many comparisons and questions.

“Oh,” Helen said softly. “I’m sorry to hear that.”

Munro’s gaze bit into him like acid. He put his hand over Helen’s. The fact that she didn’t look very happy about the possessive gesture didn’t do anything to calm the blood surging to Magnus’s temples.

“Perhaps MacKay is not so anxious to lose his crown?” Munro said. “If he quits now, he will never be forced to give it up.”

The slur demanded retribution. Magnus knew it as well as Munro did. He wanted Magnus to challenge him. And Magnus would have liked nothing better than to give him his wish. But Bruce prevented him. “I believe your henchman is still sensitive about his last loss, Sir William,” the king said with a laugh. “As I recall, MacKay beat you rather handily, didn’t he?”

Munro’s face turned an unhealthy shade of red. Before he could respond, Helen stood. “Come, the music is starting.”

Helen barely managed to avert disaster by leading Donald in the first reel. For a moment, she thought he might challenge the king himself. Will had been so relieved, he’d actually shot her a look of gratitude.

But no sooner had the dance ended than she threaded her way back through the crowd of celebrating clansmen to find Magnus.

One week! How was she supposed to win him back in one week?

It seemed impossible, especially with the way he’d been looking at her during the meal. It was as if she’d done something wrong. Made yet another mistake. She’d wanted to impress him in her temporary role as lady, and instead she felt as if she’d done something to anger him. She’d thought everything had gone so well. Donald had been a bit of a bother, but it was nothing she couldn’t handle.

She returned to the dais, finding the table empty. Taking advantage of the raised platform, she looked around the room. Her brothers were standing with the king and a few of his knights near the enormous fireplace watching the dancers while the servants kept their goblets full. The rogue MacGregor had convinced Muriel to join him on the dance floor, but Magnus was nowhere to be seen. She scanned the room again.

Her heart dropped when she finally found him. He was near the entry to the Hall with his back toward her, looking as if he’d been about to leave. But his path had been blocked. By Donald. She didn’t need to hear what he was saying to know that it wasn’t good. Every muscle in Magnus’s body was coiled and ready to strike.

She muttered Kenneth’s favorite oath under her breath. Good lord, she’d barely left them alone for a few minutes, and they were going at each other’s throats again!