Chapter Nine

Adair finally allowed herself to breathe freely when closing the door to her bedchamber and leaning against it. She remained for a few moments, assessing what had happened. There was a tingle between her legs, a stark reminder of an unexpected experience.

Whatever had driven her to seduce the laird? Her mind must have been weakened by him sharing so much with her. He'd not taken her fully, she was not so na?ve to not be aware of it. And yet. What they shared had been so very intimate.

He'd fallen asleep holding her hand. An admirable and respectful man, who had not taken advantage of the situation nor his position as laird to take liberties. Instead, he'd been sound asleep when she'd given in to her urges.

"What woman can lay next to such a handsome well-built man without desire overcoming them?" Adair mumbled, annoyed with herself. "He must think me a common whore."

Pulling the cloak around her, she went to her much smaller bed and lowered to it. She would have to find a way to place the cloak somewhere so that he could get it back. Otherwise what excuse could she make for having it?

A while later, the sounds of the household woke Adair, and she sat up and stretched. Ruari's cloak fell from her shoulders, and she couldn't help running her hand over it.

The sounds of conversations and hammering from the activities outside made her go to the window and peer out. Tents had been erected, vendors were setting up their displays, and firepits had been lit to dispel the morning chill. The smoke wafted through the makeshift village as people milled about, preparing for the beginning of the festivities.

The entire time she brushed the tangles from her hair, her mind returned to waking Ruari up that morning. His face—as enticing as his body—over hers.

What had occurred with him had been so overwhelming, almost as if there'd been more than a physical connection. Adair rolled her eyes at the thought. Surely, he would not describe it the same.

After fetching porridge, bread, and ale, Adair made her way to her brother's room. He was awake and looked over when she entered, and then focused on the tray.

"The festival is today?" he asked turning to the window.

Adair nodded, placing the tray of food on the small table next to his bed. "Aye, it begins. The vendors are setting up and several large tents have been raised."

Robbie took the porridge bowl and drank from it, not bothering with the spoon next to it. "Three days and then we leave." His brow furrowed. "How long has it been since I was injured?"

Unsure of where his thoughts were, Adair studied him. "Perhaps if I fetch a pair of men, ye can sit outside and watch the competitions."

To her surprise, Robbie nodded. "Find Keir. He will find someone to help. I would like to see the competition."

"It has been about a sennight since ye were injured." Adair took the empty bowl from his hand and replaced it with the cup of ale. "It seems the pain has lessened."

"As long as I am as still as the dead, it does nae ache." Robbie drank the ale and then peered at the cup. "Did she put that dreadful tonic in here?"

"I did nae see her prepare it," Adair replied honestly. Although she was sure the cook had laced the ale with tonic, she had not witnessed it.

After she settled Robbie with pillows behind his back so that he could see out the window, she left to find her own meal.

The kitchen was a flurry of activity. Trays piled with trenchers and bowls were brought back and forth from the great room. Women stirred pots over the fire, while others kneaded dough for bread and cut up vegetables for stew. In the next few days, the laird's visitors—many of elevated status—were to be housed and fed.

Feeling useless, Adair approached the red-faced cook who was busy chopping a huge slab of meat into smaller pieces.

"What is it lass?" she asked curtly. Throughout Adair's stay, all of the servants had been helpful and accepted her as one of their own. It said a lot about how well Robbie was liked.

"I wish to help. What can I do?"

"Eat first, then ye can peel potatoes. Go now. There is porridge and bread, and a bit of leftover pork from this morning's meal."

Adair ate quickly, washing down the meal with delicious fruity cider. Then she began peeling a mountain of potatoes, plopping each into a bucket of water once she was done.

It was almost midday when she took a break and went to check on her brother, whom she found sleeping soundly.

Upon returning, the cook motioned her forward. "Be a dear and take this tray of bread and cheese to the great room. Follow Bettina." She waved toward a young woman who carried a tray laden with cups.

Carrying the heavy tray, Adair followed the woman, who didn't seem at all worried that any of the cups would tip over from her swift movements.

They entered the great room, which was strangely uncrowded. Only one long table had people around it. Her heart quickened at seeing Ruari at the head of the table. He didn't notice her until she stood by the table waiting for Bettina to place cups before each person seated.

When he turned to her, his eyes widened just a bit and he gave her a questioning look. Adair didn't dare meet his gaze. Instead, she scanned the table as Bettina neared to take the baskets of bread, leaving the bowls of cheese for last. Just as the last item was placed on the table, did Adair take notice of who sat on the opposite end from Ruari.

It was Archibald Stuart. The man who'd caused her brother to be injured. The one who threatened to take over Ruari's lands and people.

She'd not seen the man in many years. He'd not aged well. Jowls hung from his gaunt face. There were bags under his eyes and his graying hair was stringy and sparse. Seeming to sense her perusal, he looked at her. When his gaze traveled up and down Adair, his upper lip curled in distaste.

Adair turned her attention to one of the cups on the table, mentally willing Bettina to hurry.

"I am looking forward to being shown yer home and gardens, Ruari."—A young woman, about her age, placed a proprietary hand on Ruari's lower arm.—"Yer mother offered yer assistance as she will nae have the time today."

Why would the horrible woman think the hosting laird would have time to walk about showing her rooms and flowers? Adair clenched her jaw doing her best not to scowl. If only Bettina would move faster. The maid listened as one of the men asked for something or other. Adair couldn't hear clearly as she was concentrating on hearing Ruari's reply.

"Of course."

Adair couldn't help it, she slid a look to see what the woman was doing. Ruari sat back in his chair, a cup in hand as he looked across the table toward his uncle. The woman nibbled something, then pursed her lips. "The most delicious cheese. Do ye make it here Ruari?"

"Come," Bettina said nudging Adair.

They went back to the kitchen and Adair returned to her potato peeling task, the entire time wondering what she'd feel when Ruari married. There was little she could do to impede it. It wasn't as if making love had formed any kind of agreement for a future.

Men and women often had trysts for the sole purpose of physical satisfaction. That was all it had been between them. A tryst.

And yet, she'd given him more than just her body. All her life, she'd managed to keep her feelings in check when it came to men. With Ruari the experience had felt deeper. It was as if while making love they'd bonded—become one—not just physically, but on an emotional level.

Since she lived there for the time being, it was expected of her to help with whatever was needed. In truth, it was a welcome escape. There was so much to do, that before long, Adair was consumed with the tasks of the household. Preparation of meals, serving drinks, and helping with cleaning and such.

The courtyard was transformed from the open area it had been days earlier when she'd arrived, to what looked to be a small village.

Going to the well for water meant winding through the crowds of people who meandered from one place to another seeking food or to purchase goods. Children screeched with delight as they raced around in play, being chased by a man pretending to be a dragon. Then there was the music, lively tunes filling the air.

Despite her earlier annoyance and the sodden cloak of her brother's recovery, Adair's mood lightened. She chuckled when noticing playful hounds joining in the chase with the children, causing them to dash in separate directions.

A familiar group walked toward her, and she waved, noting it was Edine and her parents. She put the buckets down by the well and waited for them to near.

"How does Robbie fare?" Edine's mother asked. The woman was sweet like her daughter, always caring for those in need.

Adair hugged her. "Recovering. He is much better."

"Yer mother is feeling poorly today and was in no mood to come," the woman informed her.

"She has a horrible toothache," Edine added. "Does nae want it to be pulled."

Her mother would not come if she was not allowed to take Robbie home. It was understandable, she wanted to care for her son.

Since Robbie's injury, she'd not returned. Instead she requested reports of Robbie's progress through visitors to the keep.

"We shall go home in a few days," Adair told Edine's mother. "Tell Mother to expect us soon."

The woman smiled and nodded. "Can we see him?"

"Aye, of course," Adair replied.

Edine walked away with her parents in the direction of the keep's side entrance. Adair scanned the area without seeing the familiar dark-haired male she sought. Either he was at the competition area, or inside. Deflated, she drew the water and made her way back to the kitchens.

The last of the potatoes were peeled and cut into chunks. The cook threw them into salted boiling water as Adair kept watch.

The aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread made her inhale deeply. "I have already learned new ways to cook from watching ye," she informed the cook. "I will try it when I return home."

"Ye have been a great help today," Cook replied. "Perhaps ye can manage to stay a few more days?"

Adair nodded. "The laird has requested my brother not leave until after the festivities end. I will remain with him."

"I am glad for it then." The no-nonsense woman handed her a wooden spoon. "The potatoes should be soft. If they are, we must drain them."

By the time servants left with overburdened trays of food, Adair was glad she didn't work there permanently. Her feet throbbed and her back ached and yet the much older cook continued barking orders and moving about the space as if she'd only just started the day.

Needing to check on Robbie, Adair filled a cup with cider and piled meat and potatoes on a plate, then hurried down the corridor.

She rushed past the doorway into her brother's room only to stop short at the deep voice. Ruari sat in the chair near the bed, long legs stretched before them as he listened to Robbie.

Neither noticed her as they chuckled at whatever her brother said. Her heart pounded so loudly in her ears she could barely hear over it.

"Yer sister takes good care of ye," Ruari said sliding a glance in her direction. "Ye will become fat and spoiled."

It was nice to see Robbie so relaxed. It was the first time since his injury that she'd seen him smile. Her brother looked up at her. "The laird has just assured me that I can return to my post as soon as I recover."

Adair didn't dare look at Ruari. How could he promise something like that? Robbie would never be able to walk without the assistance of a cane—and that was if luck was on his side. He surely never be able to ride again.

"Kier and Finnian will come and fetch ye so ye can watch the competition," Ruari said, not moving from where he sat. It meant Adair had to brush his knees as she neared the bed.

As she leaned forward to place the tray on Robbie's lap, her cheeks reddened at the proximity of her behind to Ruari.

Why didn't the man move?

She straightened and glanced at him. The corners of his lips twitched, and he gave her a devilish wink. Wide-eyed she slid a look to her brother, but he studied the food on his plate.

"I am nae fond of turnips," Robbie said, oblivious to the tension between herself and the laird.

"They are potatoes, nae turnips," Adair replied, glad to keep an even tone to her voice. "Eat." The last word came out terse and Robbie lifted his gaze.

"Did ye nae sleep well last night? Ye look exhausted."

Ruari cleared his throat and Adair took a step back, purposely stepping on his toes before putting distance between them.

She avoided looking at Ruari and spoke to her brother. "I helped in the kitchens all day. There is much to do. I will return for yer plate."

"Ye can remain. I must go and entertain my guests," Ruari said standing.

"And give tours of the house and garden?" Adair wanted to bite her tongue off for the comment.

When Ruari pressed his lips together, she couldn't figure out if it was to keep from smiling or from reprimanding her.

"I have the guards or mother show guests about." He turned and left the room.

"Must I keep reminding ye to keep yer tongue?" Robbie shook his head. "I am surprised yer nae in the dungeon by now."

Adair frowned in thought. Had Ruari avoided time alone with the visiting woman? Or had he lied about giving the woman a tour to spare her feelings.

Of course, there was no way to know.

*

If the day before had been hectic, today was a hundredfold more. Despite the frenzy of chores, Adair got caught up in the excitement.

Competitors had arrived from neighboring clans to participate in the games. Local single women made excuses to arrive early wearing their best dresses and colorful ribbons in their hair.

Caring for Robbie had not allowed Adair an opportunity to go home and fetch a nicer dress and she'd not thought to send a message with Edine the last time she'd visited.

At first meal, curiosity got the best of her, and she grabbed a tray, taking the opportunity to go to the great room. Although it was foolish, she wanted to get a sense of Archibald Stuart. Since young, she'd made it a habit of studying people and had grown astute at reading expressions. Today she'd put her gift to work.

The great room was not as crowded as she'd expected as most of the visitors were meandering outside.

At the head table, Ruari and his uncle presided over the room. Unfortunately Adair was to serve another table. She lowered her tray allowing those who sat there to get a trencher filled with neatly cut meat and cheeses. It was just enough to break their fast.

When a woman hesitated, Adair looked to her. It was the woman who'd been flirting with Ruari the day before.

"Is something wrong dear?" Ruari's mother asked.

The woman wrinkled her nose. "I prefer a different meal in the morning." Her blue gaze lifted to Adair. "Fetch me some broth and freshly baked bread. Be quick about it."

Biting her back teeth together, Adair nodded and continued circling the table to serve the rest of the people. As she turned to go to the kitchen, she caught sight of Ruari.

He leaned forward just a bit and watched. His gaze moving from Adair to the woman.

When Adair noticed Ruari's uncle was studying him, she pushed down all her emotions through sheer force of will and placed a blank expression on her face and walked from the room.

The best thing to do would be to send someone else to serve the woman. Better not to risk Ruari's uncle noting any attention he may pay her, as his uncle may use it against him. And by the narrowing of the older man's eyes, he already suspected something.

It was not unheard of for a laird to have relations with servants or village women. However, any strong feelings could always be used against the laird. Not that she expected Ruari felt anything more than attraction for her.

Better to be safe.

"A visiting woman requested broth and freshly baked bread," Adair told Cook as she entered the kitchen. "She sits with the laird's mother."

The only other serving girl in the kitchen lifted a laden tray and left just as Cook ladled broth into a bowl and then cut bread. "There ye are."

Adair glanced around, but no one entered. Letting out a long breath she lifted the plate and headed back to the great room.

Upon reentering, she kept her gaze down praying Ruari didn't notice her. She neared the woman and placed the items in front of her.

"Much better," the woman said, the high tone of her voice carrying.

Adair glanced to the others seated. "Is there anything else ye require?"

When no one replied, she took a step back, stopping when Ruari's mother lifted a hand. "Did Cook hire ye? I was nae made aware."

"Nae my lady," Adair replied, out of the corner of her eye, she noted that Ruari looked over. "I am here caring for my brother, Robbie, and wish to help."

The older woman frowned and glanced toward the head table and simply said, "I see."

Dismissed, Adair hurried toward the kitchen.

She'd almost made it from the room when a hand wrapped around her lower arm. "More ale," a gruff man said, his gaze roving over her, lingering on her breasts. "Yer Robbie's sister aye? I did nae know he had such a bonnie sister."

The others at the table snickered as she made her way to a side table to get the pitcher of ale. Thankfully, they didn't make any other comments, just watched silently as she refilled their tankards.

When she walked past the doorway that went to the kitchens, she stopped midstride at the sight of Ruari's uncle standing dead center, his shrewd eyes narrowed on her.

"So ye are the guard's sister." The man walked closer, taking her in.

Although he'd made a statement and not asked her a question, Adair nodded. Immediate dislike for the man rose within her tightening like a rope around her chest.

"He lives then?" he asked, moving much too close.

Not one to cower, she held her ground and lifted her chin. "He fought to live. Although his leg will be malformed."

The man's eyebrows hitched up and his nose flared. "Ye will address me properly, girl."

"I apologize Laird."

This time his lips curled with annoyance. "My laird."

Either foolish or stubborn, Adair did not cower. She glanced toward the great room. "Ruari Stuart is my laird. Laird."

The slap sent her sideways and she fell against the wall. "Insolent little bitch."

"What happens?" Ruari neared and stood between her and his uncle. "Why did ye strike her?" The was no mistaking the underlying fury in his clipped words.

"She disrespected me. Spoke without addressing me properly." His uncle spoke lightly as if he'd just punished a dog for taking food or nipping at him. "Ye should have yer servants trained better."

"Adair is nae a servant. She is—"

"Aye, I know, the clumsy guard's sister." The older man stepped sideways and glared at Adair.

"I never strike women. Nor my servants. I expect the same from my visitors," Ruari snapped.

His uncle rolled his eyes. "Such anger over a simple village lass. One would think ye care for her."

Ruari looked over his shoulder at her. "Go to the kitchen. Stay there."

She would have preferred to remain and hear what else was said, but it was best not to press her luck, so she rounded them and hurried away.

Once in the kitchen, she walked to the table where the servants ate and lowered to a chair. Her cheek stung and hot angry tears pricked her eyes. Archibald Stewart was an evil man, filled with hatred. Now she understood why Ruari did what he could to keep him away.

"What happened?" Cook eyed her face. "Who hit ye?"

"Laird Archibald," Adair said, her voice catching.

The cook looked toward the doorway and back to her. "He is a ripe bastard. Ye would do well to avoid him until he leaves. He always picks one of us to abuse every visit."

Another servant brought a wet cloth and pressed it against Adair's cheek, and she winced garnering the young woman's sympathetic gaze. Thankfully the coolness of it immediately helped ease the throbbing.

When Ruari entered the kitchen, the women didn't seem surprised. They went back to their duties once they'd acknowledged their laird.

Brows drawn, he lowered to the chair opposite her. He didn't touch her, and she was glad for it because it would have brought more tears of frustration. "I am sorry."

Adair nodded. "Ye dinnae have to apologize, Laird."

"I should have kept him from ye. I did nae think he would seek ye out."

Sliding a look to the kitchen to ensure they were not overheard, Adair lowered her voice. "He saw ye looking toward me. It must have piqued his interest."

Ruari nodded. "I explained that ye were nae here to serve, but to care for yer brother and I did nae expect ye to work. Which is true. Enjoy the festivities with Robbie. Dinnae do more than care for him."

She lowered the cloth. "I am nae sure how I will explain this."

"My laird, someone seeks ye," Cook interrupted and Ruari stood. He squeezed her shoulder and left the kitchen.

Food was sent to Robbie with the younger servant as Adair continued using cold compresses on her face hoping that by the time she saw her brother, any evidence of the strike was gone.

There was another thing she had to worry about. What would Robbie's reaction be if the older laird antagonized him?

She did not put it past the cruel man.