“He wants the crown. He needs me to get it,” she said. “And we won’t be on James’s doorstep for very long. We’ll be leaving for England as soon as Alec ties up a few loose ends here.”
“England,” Robert repeated, startled. “Why?”
“He says it will be easier to arouse support below the border.”
He shook his head. “Mary’s sympathizers are much stronger here in Scotland. Where do you go in England?”
She tried to remember. “Warwick and Kenilworth, I think he said.”
“What?” He frowned. “That makes no sense. Both are strongly Protestant.”
“It appears Alec disagrees with you.” She forced a smile. “Since he wants the English throne as well as Scotland’s for me, I’m sure he knows where our best support can be found.”
“The throne,” Robert repeated. “I’m supposed to believe that’s what you covet most in the world.”
She lifted her chin. “Why shouldn’t I?”
His control suddenly snapped, and he took a step forward and grasped her by the shoulders. “Stop lying to me, Kate. You don’t do it well at all. I’ve come to take you back to Craighdhu.”
“That part of my life is over. I won’t go back.” She wished he would take his hands away. They felt too good, too familiar. “Where is your sense? You’ve always been so concerned about your Craighdhu. You’re endangering it to even suggest I return.”
“Let me worry about Craighdhu.”
“Then do so.” She swallowed. “And let me attend to my own affairs.”
“Damn you, listen to me. You can’t stay here.”
“I will stay here. Go away, Robert. This is what I want.”
“The hell it is.” He jerked her close, his eyes blazing down at her. “No more lies.”
She suddenly broke and flared in turn, “Where else do I have to go? I can’t go back to Craighdhu. I would destroy it. You were right, and I was wrong. I’ll always be a pawn waiting to be used.”
“But I’d wager you have no intention of letting Alec use you.”
“No.” She took a deep breath and then said baldly, “I’m going to kill him.”
His grip on her shoulders eased a fraction. “I thought as much.”
“I’ll kill him and then go away. It’s the only way Craighdhu will be safe. The only way I’ll be safe.” The only way to keep Robert safe.
“Gavin is my friend, Kate. After what happened at Kilgranne, I had every intention of disposing of Alec.”
“And then let James use his death to take Craighdhu? No, it has to be me.”
“You won’t be able to do it. Killing requires a certain innate hardness you don’t possess.”
“I could learn.”
He shook his head.
“You’d be surprised at what I’ve learned already.” She tore away from him and started up the path. “So leave me alone. I don’t need you.”
“I’ll go away for now,” he called after her, “but perhaps you’d be interested to know that I stumbled on one of those loose ends Alec was so concerned about tying. Sebastian Landfield is dead.”
She halted in shock and turned to face him. “Sebastian?”
“He was tortured to death. It seems he wouldn’t be manipulated in the direction Alec wished him to go.” He smiled mirthlessly. “For once the vicar is giving you a lesson by example to which you should pay the utmost attention.”
Sebastian was dead. She could feel no regret at the passing of her old enemy, but it was difficult to comprehend that he was not alive, no longer a threat to her. “It seems … strange.”
“That the shark gobbled up the piranha? The meal just makes the shark stronger.”
She had never heard of a piranha, but Malcolm was certainly a shark. “He won’t gobble me up. I have teeth of my own.”
“Aye, but you think before you use them. Hesitation can be fatal with Alec.” He paused. “What do you know of a woman named Clara Merkert?”
The change of subject startled her as much as the name she had not heard for years. “Why?”
“James had her brought to Edinburgh from England, and Alec questioned her. There has to be some connection with you.”
“She was my nurse. The first memories I have are of Clara.” Kate had been so young when she had been taken from the nurse, and those memories were few, only an impression of warmth, a brusque cheerfulness. The import of his words sank home to her. “Question? Do you mean—”
Robert cut through the sentence. “You’re coming back with me, Kate. I cannot take you now, but I wish you to be ready.”
She shook her head.
“You will come, Kate.”
She started to turn away when a thought occurred to her. She still was not sure if she was with child. She could not endanger Robert, but she might need help wherever she could find it to save the babe. “If I should change my mind, can I get word to you?”
Robert’s gaze searched her face. “Why are you suddenly so uncertain?”
“I’m not uncertain, but it’s never wise to close doors.”
“You just slammed this one shut most emphatically. What did you remember that frightened you?” When she didn’t answer, he said, “You can’t trust anyone here with a message. Jock had to bribe my way in.”
She was alone. Well, it was no different than before he had come. She must just forget about his help and solve her own problems.
“Kate.”
She looked at him.
“Did you take the bastard to your bed?”
She could sense the raw tension beneath the quiet words. No one was more possessive or passionate than Robert. She should tell him she had bedded Alec. It might infuriate him enough to send him back to Craighdhu.
“Because if you did, I’d understand, but I’d be very unhappy,” he said softly. “So unhappy I’d make sure Alec’s fate will make Sebastian’s seem gentle in comparison.”
She stared at him in a mixture of helplessness and shock. He would understand when no other man would have done so. Robert always knew her weaknesses and her strengths; it was one of the things she loved most about him. She could cuddle close and be accepted for what she was, not what she should be. She realized in this moment what a rare treasure that quality was in him, a treasure she had lost.
“Did you take him?” Robert repeated.
She could not lie to him. “Not yet,” she whispered.
She turned and walked away.
Jock took one look at Robert’s expression as he rode into camp and said, “I take it we’re going to have trouble.”
“What else has the woman ever been to me?” Robert got down from his horse. “She’s going to kill him. Surrounded by an army of guards, and she’s going to kill the bastard.”
“She’s not stupid. She’ll pick her time.”
“Is that all you have to say? What a great help you’re being.”
“We are bad-tempered, aren’t we?”
“Bad-tempered and scared as Hades. Something isn’t right. Alec’s taking her to England.”
“So?”
“To a Protestant stronghold.”
Jock gave a low whistle. “Interesting. What’s your reading on it?”
“How do I know what the bastard is thinking? It could mean he’s decided that it’s too much danger and trouble to overthrow the monarchy and intends to get what he wants another way.” But what other way? Robert wondered in exasperation. A chilling thought occurred to him. “He could deliver her to Elizabeth to curry favor. Paint Kate as the ambitious conspirator and himself as the loyal subject who entrapped her. Kate’s head on the block for an influential post at court.”
“Would the queen believe him? She tried to help Kate.”
“She doesn’t know Kate, and Elizabeth doesn’t forgive treason.”
“So I’ve heard,” Jock said slowly. “But Elizabeth’s favor wouldn’t be as attractive to him as a throne.”
“He wants power, dammit. A position of influence at Elizab
eth’s side would give him more power than James possesses.”
“True. Then you think he’s going for the safe road?”
“I don’t know. It’s all supposition. But, by God, something’s not right.”
“And the solution?”
“The same as before. I want you to make sure we know everything that’s going on at Selwyth. We watch and wait and try to get her away from him at the earliest opportunity. And try to kill the bastard before she makes the attempt,” he added grimly.
• • •
“You look enchanting,” Alec said as Kate came down the stairs that evening. “You have a flush of color in your cheeks. Kenneth says you’ve been spending time in the garden.”
She smothered the sudden agitation the casual comment caused. “How could I help it? The roses are in bloom. Selwyth is quite lovely.”
“I find it most convenient when I return to Edinburgh. It’s sometimes advantageous for me to withdraw from James for short periods.” He took her arm and strolled toward the dining hall. “It came to me as a dower gift from my late wife.”
The wife Jean had said he had crushed to death with his tyranny, Kate remembered bitterly. “Did you accomplish what you set out to do at court?”
“Partially. James is too flustered about Elizabeth’s attack on Cadiz to be insistent about my presence.”
“Cadiz?”
“Elizabeth sent Drake to raid the Spanish fleet at Cadiz. Evidently, he was quite successful.”
“Why would she do that?”
“It’s only a matter of time before Spain is ready to send her armada to invade England. Elizabeth hoped to discourage Philip and deplete his forces at the same time.”
“I don’t see why that should upset James if he isn’t concerned in the battle.”
“He cannot decide whether to lick Philip’s boots or curry favor with Elizabeth. If Philip succeeds, then he needs to be bosom friends with such a powerful monarch, but if Elizabeth wins, he wants her to declare him heir to her throne.” His lips curled contemptuously. “Poor lad, what a predicament. I suppose I’ll just have to relieve him of all these diplomatic problems.”
“If there’s to be a war, perhaps this isn’t the time to instigate a conspiracy.”
“Nonsense. A world in turmoil offers the most opportunity for change.” He paused. “But this war news has altered my plan in one respect. We shall not go to England.”
“We’ll stay here?”
“No, we sail for the Netherlands tomorrow night.”
She looked at him, startled. “Why?”
“We go where we obtain the greatest support.”
She could have understood France or Spain, but as far as she knew, the Netherlands held no strong ties to Mary. She shook her head. “It makes no sense.”
“Trust me. You’ll understand in time.” His tone hardened a fraction. “And if you do not, you will still accede to my judgment. We will go to the Netherlands.”
“I don’t believe we should—” She stopped as she met his gaze. No arguments would sway him from his course this time. For some reason this journey was very important to him.
She felt an instant of panic. She would be sailing to a distant land with no means to escape after she had killed Malcolm.
She should not be such a coward. Robert was only a lad when he had crossed the sea to get back to Craighdhu. The circumstances were much the same. She would merely have to apply herself to find the safest way.
She smiled. “I’m sure the Netherlands will prove most interesting for both of us.”
“They leave tonight,” Jock said.
“You’re sure?” Robert asked.
Jock nodded. “A message went to Leith this morning to ready Alec’s ship for sailing on the midnight tide.” He paused. “Do we follow them to England or take him now?”
Robert tried to think objectively, but it wasn’t possible. His uneasiness had been growing since his meeting with Kate yesterday. He wanted it over and Kate away from that bastard. “Ride to Granton and bring back our men from the ship. We’ll take Malcolm on the way to Leith.”
“He’ll be well guarded.”
“He doesn’t know we’re in Scotland. At least we’ll have surprise on our side.”
As Jock started for his horse, he said grimly, “Let’s hope that’s enough.”
Robert had the same doubts. They would be out-manned, and a surprise attack might not be sufficient to carry the day.
Unless he could think of a way to render Malcolm’s forces helpless, catch them by surprise.
Catch …
“Wait,” he called to Jock. “I’m going with you to Granton.”
“You appear anxious,” Kate said lightly as Alec rode back to her for the third time since they had started on their journey. “Are you afraid of highwaymen, my lord?”
“Reivers.” Alec smiled at her. “I’m not overly anxious, but I must make sure MacDarren doesn’t try to take what’s mine.”
Kate tried to hide the tension that gripped her. “Has there been any word of him?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean he’s not in Edinburgh.”
“Robert’s no fool.” Kate looked at the column of armed guards on either side of her in the narrow road. “I’m sure he’d not make an attempt against odds like these.”
“I agree, but it never hurts to—”
Huge nets suddenly dropped down from the trees over the heads of the guards riding in front of them!
“What the—” Malcolm turned to see more nets falling down upon the guards to their rear.
“A MacDarren!” The cry rang out as men streamed from the bushes on either side of the road, grabbing the fishing nets holding the soldiers captive. “A MacDarren.”
“No!” Kate cried.
Malcolm’s guards were fighting the nets, trying to draw their swords even as they were jerked from their horses by the nets and then speared like salmon in a stream.
“Dammit!” Malcolm grabbed the reins of Kate’s horse and frantically kicked his own horse, trying to wind his way around the struggle around them.
“Down!” Robert was standing in front of Alec’s horse, a sword in his hand.
“Oh, yes,” Alec said between his teeth. “By all means, yes.” He drew his sword as he slipped from the saddle.
“Stop it!” Kate cried. “Robert, I don’t want this. Why don’t you—” She stopped when she realized they were paying no attention to her, and scrambled down from her horse. She could only stand by helplessly as they fought, the steel of their swords gleaming deadly cold in the moonlight. Dear God, she had never realized how big Malcolm was until this moment, how much larger than Robert. His shoulders were massive, and his reach much longer.
Malcolm’s expression was set, his lips curled back from his teeth, like that of a savage animal hungry to kill.
Kate’s hands clenched. “Robert, can’t you see—”
“Stay out of this, Kate.” Robert lunged forward, but the tip of his sword was deflected before it reached Malcolm’s chest.
He wanted her to stand by meekly while he was killed for her sake. She could not do it.
She looked around wildly for help, then saw one of the guards who had been killed during the first minutes of the attack. She pounced and grabbed the dirk from his belt.
She whirled back to Robert and Malcolm.
Malcolm was cornered against a tree but deftly whirled away and lunged to attack.
She balanced on the balls of her feet, looking for an opportunity.
“I can’t deal with both of you, Kate. If you want me to remain alive, you’ll stay out of this,” Robert said without looking at her. “This is mine.”
“Your death,” Malcolm said. His attitude breathed exultant confidence. “You can’t win, MacDarren. I’m stronger and more clever and—” He gasped with pain as Robert’s sword shaved his rib.
“And more boastful,” Robert said. “First blood, Alec.”
“Last blood.” Malcolm lunged
forward, engaged, and was deflected.
Fear gradually ebbed from Kate as she watched them. Malcolm might have the advantage in sheer physical strength, but Robert was faster and clearly the better swordsman. He was also hard, fierce, and completely ruthless. She had never seen him like this. This was not Robert of Craighdhu but Black Robert the buccaneer, who dealt in blood and death.
“You’ve grown soft playing games with those courtiers at James’s castle, Alec. You should have stayed in the Highlands and honed your skill.” Robert parried Alec’s thrust, and another streak of blood appeared on Alec’s shoulder. “It’s harder to best a man when he’s not chained to a rack, isn’t it?”
Malcolm smiled maliciously. “I knew my toying with Gavin would annoy you.”
“I’m not above a little toying myself.” The blade of his sword sliced downward at Malcolm’s groin.
Malcolm’s high squeal of pain sent a shudder through Kate. He staggered backward, looking down at himself.
“Painful?” Robert asked through his teeth. “Try this.” His sword entered Alec’s stomach, turned in a half-circle, and then withdrew.
To Kate’s horror, Malcolm didn’t fall. He stood there swaying, his face contorted with incredible pain. “You … fool. Can’t … win.”
“A victory wasn’t in question. I’m only sorry I don’t have more time to play with you as you did Gavin.” This time Robert’s sword thrust deep into Malcolm’s chest and remained there. He released the hilt of the sword and stepped back, waiting for Malcolm to fall.
It was finished.
Malcolm stood gazing at Robert, an expression of incredulity on his face. As Kate watched, Malcolm fell to his knees and then crumpled backward onto the ground.
Alec’s hands clutched the sword; blood poured from his palms as the blade bit into them when he tried to pull the sword from his chest. “No,” he said in disbelief. “It’s not true. I shall … not die.”
“You will die,” Robert said coldly. “You’re a dead man now.”
Alec tried to rise and then fell back with a cry of pain. The disbelief turned to anger, and then incredible malice twisted his features. “You think you’ve … won. But you’ve lost … too. Confession …” He coughed, and blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. “James will get … confession.”