The Viper (Highland Guard #4)(95)

The time away was supposed to clear his mind. It hadn’t. But as soon as Bruce paid him the rest of the money and signed the charters, he’d be on his way. It was why he’d returned. The king was holding his first council meeting at Ardchattan after the Feast of St. Andrew.

Hell, who was he kidding? That wasn’t why he’d returned. He didn’t need to be here for another week. He’d come back because he couldn’t force himself to stay away a day longer.

He needed to make sure that she was all right.

He needed to know whether he’d made as big a mistake as he feared.

Not that it would make any difference. She would probably just tell him to go to hell the way he deserved. Now that she was safe, she’d undoubtedly realized that she didn’t need him anymore. If she ever had.

Bruce’s dark brows drew together in a scowl. “You are costing me a king’s ransom. I hope you are putting it to good use.”

Lachlan shrugged, having no intention of easing the king’s curiosity. Nor would he feel guilt. He knew the king’s coffers were depleted, but they would be filled up soon enough. “I thought your brother just returned from the south.”

Edward Bruce, Sir James Douglas, Boyd, and Seton had led a party of warriors to collect the rents.

“Aye, but once again there is unrest in Galloway. I thought the resistance was put down last year, but the MacDowells and their allies are like weeds that refuse to die. I’m sending Edward back with reinforcements.” The king watched him carefully. “The MacSweens are making trouble again, too. I have Chief and Hawk preparing the men to go on a moment’s notice if they stir from Ireland. I’ve decided to put Hawk in charge of getting the team in and out—”

“Hawk? He’s about as subtle as a battering ram. He’ll get them all killed.”

“It’s only until we find a replacement for you. I was thinking perhaps my nephew—”

“Randolph?” Lachlan was incredulous. Sir Thomas Randolph, one of the most elite warriors in Scotland? “You can’t be serious! He knows nothing about subterfuge. Half the time he has that sword stuck so firmly up his backside—”

He stopped himself. Damn it. His jaw clenched, knowing exactly what Bruce was trying to do. But Lachlan wouldn’t bite. It wasn’t his problem, and he wasn’t going to get dragged into it. He had everything he wanted right at his fingertips.

“But I’m sure he’ll figure it out,” he added calmly.

Bruce lifted a corner of his mouth, but he didn’t press. “I’d have thought you’d look more rested.”

Lachlan quirked a brow.

Bruce tapped his fingers together. “After your time in the Isles attending to those personal matters you spoke of. Although I must say I’m surprised to see you. I wasn’t expecting you for another week.”

Lachlan’s expression betrayed nothing, but he knew the king had guessed what had brought him back. “My plans changed.”

Bruce wasn’t fooled. “You look like hell. You might want to shave and clean up before you see Lady Isabella.”

Lachlan stiffened at the mention of her name. “Why would I do that?”

Bruce’s eyes narrowed. “I assumed it was for her that you went to Berwick.” He slammed his goblet down and leaned across the table, all pretense of equanimity gone. “Damn it, Viper, I’d have thought you would have learned your lesson. I told you to lie low and stay clear of danger for a while, which doesn’t include going on some rogue mission of vengeance, no matter how well warranted. To bloody England again?”

Lachlan’s mouth curved into a sly smile. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that a half-dozen men were killed in a strange attack at Berwick Castle a few weeks ago, including Bella’s former jailor, who was found naked and hanging from the cage where she was kept.”

He shrugged unrepentantly. “Sounds like divine justice to me.”

“Don’t you mean Highland justice?” Bruce scowled. “But how the hell did you get him to walk up there—” He stopped himself. “Never mind, I don’t think I want to know.” Bruce took another swig from his goblet. “You are lucky I still intend to uphold my side of our deal.”

This time it was Lachlan who leaned over the table. “What are you talking about? I’ve kept my side of the bargain.”

“Have you?” Bruce quirked a brow in challenge. “You agreed to be my man for three years, which means following orders. Something you seem to have a problem doing.”

“I don’t recall any orders.”

Bruce’s mouth thinned into a tight line. “You are trying my patience, Viper. Let me be perfectly clear: I don’t want you anywhere near England or the Marches for a long time. I won’t have the identities of my men jeopardized for any reason. Even a good one. Do you understand?”

“My service is finished,” Lachlan pointed out. He didn’t have to follow anyone’s orders.

“Almost finished,” Bruce corrected. “The council meeting isn’t for another week.”

Lachlan’s jaw clenched.

“And I am still your king.” Bruce sank back in his chair, with the generous smile of a man who’d won his point. “Don’t worry, you will have your money and your island soon enough. Though what you’re going to do with it all alone in the middle of nowhere, I don’t know.”