Page 22 of Keepers of the Highland Crown
It was a mere blink, but for a moment only the two of them were in the colossal hall, everything with everyone faded away, tethering them together as none other. He gave an inward groan from anguish as she was swept toward the circle’s other side by the dance’s demands and from his direct view.
Taking his post as watcher of the whole hall and as his lady’s guardsman, he heard steps approach from behind.
“I have found where we are to sit but your lady has been whisked away so briskly?” Sir Brayden’s voice inquired from behind. “Pray tell has she found the Benefactor?”
“Possibly, the one she is dancing with is a Northman called Lord Holger Kolson.” Brayden coughed. “Are you well?”
“Aye” –ahem –“aye, there is more about him you would care to know which I have just learned from a younger lad.” Callum darted his gaze between Sir Brayden and Lord Kolson. “My friend, he is also referred to as Lord Holger ‘the hammer’ Kolson given his reputation with any lady he seeks to his bed for, well…” Brayden stammered. “Not his carpentry skills.”
Callum’s eyes locked with Nella, who tripped slightly.She heard that!“Where are we to be seated?” Callum questioned at once.
“Just there past the elder lord who is almost drooling onto his bread.”
“A moment, remain here.”
“Aye, my friend.”
He picked his way again along the long-sided table, his gaze still locked on Nella. “My lady, I am coming to fetch you.”
He dashed between guests and servers and pages.Move out of the way!He made it to the edge of the dancers just as the tune halted. Holger turned, discovering him there.
“Protective are you not, Callum Scott of Clan Scott?”
“Aye,” Callum snarled, stepping up nose to nose with the Northman. “A trait you would do well to remember, Lord Kolson.” He turned toward Nella. “Brayden has seen to your seat, my lady, if you would care to journey with me there?”
“For certain,” she replied, then looked upon Holger. “Perhaps we may continue our talk of the harvest to come later?”
“I would care for nothing more, Lady Fawnella, you are more enchanting than spring to winter.”She is and stay away from her, Holger, with your hammer unless you see to meet an arrow.
Walking toward the dais, Nella leaned close. “I believe the plan to lure him out into the passage later shall be most fruitful.”
“Nella, nae.”
She cocked a brow at him. “Nae?”
“Nae.”
“Was it not your plan to lure whomever carried the title Benefactor to a secluded place for inquiring?”
“Aye, ’twas before I discovered the Benefactor is a Viking god trying to steal your hand.”
Nella’s step paused, her expression awestruck. “You are jealous.”
He was.“Aye.”
“My Lady Fawnella,” a familiar northern accent beckoned from behind, “it is most fortuitous! I have discovered my placeis just beside yours at the dais.” This eve was one step from hell’s gate.
“Then we must venture there together and once the feast is done, I would adore a chance to explore the gardens we spoke about during our dance.” She shot a knowing look at Callum.
Aye, now things were looking up. His palm tightened on his dagger’s hilt.
Chapter 12
“Is the feast to your favor, Lady Fawnella?” Nella heard Holger inquire after they partook a heavy helping in spiced apples.
“Very much, the spices are delicious.” The cinnamon played as strong with her tastebuds as the fresh minstrel did his harp for the feasters.
“Not as delicious as you, my lady.”
