The Viper (Highland Guard #4)(67)

It was his failure to protect her that explained his infatuation with her, he’d told himself.

But he knew he was wrong. The connection was still there. And he wanted her just as badly—perhaps even more. Two years of built-up lust had taken its toll.

It had become painfully clear that ignoring his desire for her—let alone trying to control it—wasn’t going to work.

There was only one thing that was going to do that. He should seduce her and be done with it. But damn it, after what she’d been through, he couldn’t do it.

It was a hell of a time for him to be plagued with a conscience.

Grimacing, he forced his mind back to the task at hand. But he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was walking around with a giant target on his back.

With all the guests who had descended on Roxburgh for the wedding, the village around the castle was a bustling hub of activity. Tents had been erected in every open space to house the extra servants and soldiers who had filled the village far beyond its normal capacity.

Adding to the chaos, it was market day. Temporary stalls had been erected in front of carts where the farmers had brought their goods to sell or barter. Vendors of livestock, fish, fruit, vegetables, grain, every kind of spice you could imagine, cloth, jewels, leather goods, and even a sword-maker cried out their wares.

It was just the kind of chaos and confusion Lachlan needed. His plan, if you could call it that, was to pose as a member of the bride’s family’s retinue. He’d had dealings with the Comyns before and figured his attempt to ferret out information on Bella’s daughter wouldn’t draw as much attention that way.

Of course, it was those very dealings with the Comyns that made being here so dangerous. He hoped to hell he wasn’t unlucky enough to run into someone who would recognize him. He’d made a lot of enemies over the years—English and Scottish alike. At times like this, notoriety was damned inconvenient.

Avoiding the men, he focused on the women, striking up general conversations about the excitement of the wedding and sliding in what he hoped were innocuous questions where he could.

The comings and goings of the nobles at the castle were of great interest to the villagers—sightings of “Lord X” and “Lady Y” would be talked about for years—and he quickly learned the names of those who had already departed. Thankfully, none of the Comyns appeared to be among them. Hugh Despenser, one of the second King Edward’s current favorites, was rumored to be leaving this morning and the villagers were eager to catch a glimpse of the illustrious nobleman.

Confident that Joan was still in the castle, he took his time to see what more he could find out. One of the women, a serving maid at the castle sent to purchase fresh vegetables for the midday feast, provided his first bit of useful information about Bella’s daughter, when she asked him whether he was serving one of the Comyn ladies staying in the constable’s tower. It gave him a place to start searching.

But first he had to get in the castle.

His skill at getting in and out of places without being seen had earned him the war name of Viper. But it wasn’t just a talent with locks and an ability to move stealthily through the shadows. It depended just as much on being able to read the situation and use it to his advantage. To see ways in and out that others didn’t. Chaos, crowds, and diversions had opened as many gates as his blade.

He worked his way closer to the castle, waiting for the right opportunity. The level of scrutiny for those passing through the gate varied. In times of peace during daylight hours there was typically very little, and it was easy to pass to and from the village. But this was the Marches, a place that rarely saw peace, and he wasn’t going to take any chances. To avoid questions, he needed to slip past the porter.

If Templar were here, it would be easy. Diversions were Gordon’s forte. It was one of the reasons they worked so well together.

Lachlan was waiting for his opening when Despenser’s large retinue started to ride out. He was forced to stand aside with a large group of onlookers and let them pass.

It took some time. Even if he hadn’t known who it was, the lord’s importance was evident by the size of his party. Lachlan counted at least a dozen heavily mounted knights in full armor and four times as many men-at-arms, most equipped with a horse and at least some mail.

After this imposing show of force came the lord himself, dressed in robes of velvet as fine as a king’s and riding a magnificent stallion. Following Despenser were his household men and a handful of colorfully gowned and jeweled ladies, whom Lachlan assumed were family members.

Marching behind the ladies were another score of men-at-arms. And finally, bringing up the rear, came the carts laden with trunks of clothing and household plate, and servants on foot. Lachlan wouldn’t have been surprised to see a menagerie of beasts in gilded cages.

It was an impressive sight. All in all, about a hundred people made their way down the road that led from the castle to the village. Throngs of villagers lined the road, watching as the great lord passed, and the party slowed to give them a better view. When Despenser’s cavalcade reached the market, they slowed even further. A few of the ladies appeared to have been engaged by one of the more ardent salesmen.

Lachlan shook his head. The English and their bloody entourages. It took them forever to go anywhere. He’d go mad having to travel at such a snail’s pace. The ability to move quickly was one of the reasons why he preferred to work alone.