Page 61 of A Virgin for the Stone Highlander
Caelan perked up. “The healer,” he repeated, a note of amusement in his voice. “Martin is teaching her.”
“Aye.”
“And that troubles ye?”
Aaron’s stare was answer enough.
Caelan leaned back in his chair. “Martin is a decent lad.”
“I didnae say otherwise.”
“He kens his work well.”
Aaron grunted, annoyance flaring in his chest.
“He’s a braw lad too,” Caelan continued. “Very popular with the lasses.”
Aaron already knew that. Half the unmarried women in the castle found reasons to visit the healer’s chamber daily. He had never paid attention to it before, but now he found himself regretting it.
A muscle ticked in his jaw.
Caelan paused, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “Och.”
“One more word, and I’ll have ye digging latrines,” Aaron growled.
“Ye prove me point every time.”
“Get out.”
A small smile touched Caelan’s lips. “For what it’s worth,” he said, his tone slightly less amused now, “she suits ye.”
Aaron ignored him, letting out a rough breath. For a brief moment, he looked at him, wondering how his man-at-arms could read him so easily like an open book.
“We havenae received word from MacFaris,” Caelan added, serious now, as though he had not been teasing him merely moments ago.
Aaron was grateful for the change of topic. Clan matters were familiar ground. He had been navigating men like MacFaris since he was eighteen years old, and whatever the man’s silence currently meant, it was at least a problem he knew how to handle.
Unlike the other problem currently occupying his castle.
He sat up in his chair, his face hardening.
“That is unusual.” He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “When did the last report come in from the border watch?”
“Three days ago,” Caelan replied.
MacFaris was not known for his silence. He enjoyed announcing his presence and influence whenever possible. If there was a complaint to be made, a demand to be issued, or an opportunity to posture, he would not miss it.
Surely, he is up to no good.
Aaron clenched his jaw. “Has anyone crossed the border?”
“A handful of traders,” Caelan replied. “Nothing noteworthy.”
Aaron frowned. “And the roads?”
“Clear.”
“We shouldnae read too much into his silence,” Aaron said, though his tone suggested otherwise. “Keep an eye out for anything suspicious, and double the watch. Especially for the harvest festival.”
