Part 65 (1/2)
Megan voiced the fear that none of them had been willing to put into words.
”What of Meredith? Do you think she is as fortunate as we are, Brice?”
He glanced at Megan, then at her sister, and read the fear on both their faces.
”Aye. Somewhere in Edinburgh she is sitting before a roaring fire, enjoying a fine meal.” He could not allow himself to think about the alternative. He would not allow himself to think about his beloved Meredith prowling the darkened streets in search of decent lodging. And in the process, running into Gareth MacKenzie and his men.
Brice escorted the young women to their rooms, then returned to his own suite and reached for his sword and scabbard.
”Where do go you now, old friend?”
Brice turned to Angus.
”Stay here and see to the safety of Meredith's sisters.”
”And you?”
”I cannot sleep, knowing that Meredith is somewhere here in Edinburgh, possibly in grave danger.”
”The city is too large to find one lone woman.”
”Mayhaps. But I must try.”
Angus watched as his friend stalked across the room. He listened as Brice's footsteps faded on the stairs. There would be no rest for Brice Campbell this night. Or any night until he once again held the woman he loved in his arms.
”Now where have you hidden away that rogue Brice Campbell and his beautiful hostage, Meredith MacAlpin?”
At the familiar majestic tones Meredith sat up and rubbed her eyes.
G.o.d in heaven. She had fallen asleep in the queen's own chambers. How she must look with her hair in wild disarray and her clothes soiled from the long journey.
Her clothes. Meredith glanced down at the breeches and tunic and the faded cloak and let out a little gasp. This was not how she had planned on meeting the queen.
As she swung her legs to the floor the door was thrown open and the queen, followed by her ever-present Maries, strode into the room.
”Now where is that rogue?”
”Brice Campbell was not with her,” Mary Fleming said gently.
”Although the gatekeeper mentioned both names, the young woman was alone.”
”It is true then. Brice is dead.”
”Majesty.” Meredith curtsied and kept her head lowered as she explained,
”Brice is not dead.”
She did not see the look that crossed the queen's face. A look of relief that slowly became a look of pleasure.
”I used Brice's name because I knew you would not remember me.”