“Aye.” Aidan chuckled. “Though ‘tis more like October weather right now, this much rain has been known to fall during summer.”
Between her and Julie’s beauty and Cray’s dark demeanor, they were drawing more eyes than he would like. Where the lasses were one thing, his cousin’s foul mood combined with his sheer size, drew the sort looking for trouble. Many were preparing to leave for battle and itching for a fight. One that Cray would undoubtedly enjoy giving them.
“Ye’ll need to improve yer mood, Cousin,” Tiernan said out of the corner of his mouth. “Or ye willnae be joining us to dine with the king, ye ken?”
“Aye,” Cray groused, his expression only slightly less fierce by the time they arrived at David’s holding. Thankfully, when they entered, no doubt because of the king himself, Cray’s expression was halfway civil.
As it happened, they were only dining with Robert Bruce and David, who seemed to be getting along just fine. Pleasantries were exchanged, and though he initially tried to act kingly and serious, eight year old David eventually smiled. He was glad to see Tiernan and Julie again. They had defended him gallantly when his retinue was attacked before.
Chloe was smitten with the wee lad from the get-go, her love for children obvious. Like Julie, she was very good with the king, not babying him but at the same time encouraging him to laugh. Not just that, but they got him to behave like the child he was. Which, sadly, was something he could rarely if ever indulge in nowadays.
“Our time here in Perth is short,” Robert said after food and drink were served, and the seven of them were alone again. “Scouts report Balliol and his disinherited have landed in Kinghorn, Fifeshire, and are rallying locales to fight. Most will leave on the morrow to head to Dupplin Moor.”
“Where the battle takes place,”Chloe said into his mind.“And where the earl dies, right?”
“Aye,”Aidan replied.
“What of King David?” Tiernan asked. “Will he remain here?”
Not surprisingly, despite David being present, Robert responded frankly. These were trying times, and bairns, especially a wee king during wartime, had no choice but to grow up fast. Not just that, but at least in part, David knew of the supernatural oddities going on around him. He understood that bizarre things were at work.
“Nay, the earl claims our best fighting men will be with us, so David must be too,” Robert muttered, not happy with the decision. “He feels the king is best protected with the retinue.”
Of the same mind, Aidan and his cousins exchanged a disgruntled look before Tiernan spoke to Robert. “’Tis clear ye dinnae think this is wise.”
“Och, nay, ‘tis foolish,” Robert grunted. “If I had my way, I would leave soldiers to guard him here away from the battling.” He shook his head and sighed, going back and forth with his reasoning. “But then ‘tis hard to know if that would be wise either. For if we lose this battle, ‘tis just a matter of time before Balliol takes the town.”
“Aye,” Tiernan agreed. He reminded Robert of everything they’d shared in his tent that first eve. “Best to keep a close eye on Donald for any uncharacteristic behavior. ‘Tis impossible to know who is and isnae possessed.”
“Aye,” Robert said. “I am keeping a close eye on everyone. Thus far, all has been quiet.” He shook his head. “Though Donald bringing David to the battle isnae necessarily what I would have done it doesnae mean he’s possessed.”
Nay, if anything, they feared Robert might have been possessed for wanting to keep him here. The Bruce ultimately leaned toward the right conclusion, though, so all was well. At least for now. Unfortunately, recorded history said little about David’s whereabouts at this time. Therefore, best to remain wary wherever they might be.
Despite talk of war, they enjoyed the next few hours with the wee king, who spent more time talking with Julie and Chloe than anyone else. Eventually, someone came to escort the king back to his rooms, and Robert invited them to join him at the tavern.
“We’d love to,” Chloe gushed, snapping her mouth shut when Aidan tossed her a frown.
Chloe knew he didn’t want her at the tavern with so many rambunctious men about, but he supposed there was no helping her curiosity. Not to mention, as Robert soon pointed out, that’s where Donald and his fellow nobles were. So it was a good time to see if he were off in any way.
“Outside of having a mighty buzz,” Julie said under her breath as they entered the tavern, “I’d say he’s as much of a dick as he ever was.”
“Right,” Chloe echoed, taking everything in.
It wasn’t as crowded at this hour since many were already abed with orders to leave at dawn. Robert went off to drink with his men, and Tiernan and Aidan kept their lasses tucked against their sides at a small corner table. Back to looking fierce, Cray plunked down beside them, crossed his arms over his chest, and eyed the room with distrust.
“’Tis a wonder there hasnae already been a fight with this mixed crowd,” Cray remarked, clearly relishing the idea of one.
“Nay, the men in here have but one enemy at the moment,” Tiernan reminded.
A fetching barmaid set down mugs of ale then winked at Cray. Naturally, he grinned back only for his momentary humor to fall flat. He cursed under his breath about intrusive, unwanted dragons not dictating his actions, and downed his entire mug in two long swallows. Then, determined to set things straight, he pursued the bonny lass, his intentions clear.
“What was that all about?” Chloe asked. She sniffed then sipped her ale before flinching at its bitter taste.
“My guess?” Tiernan shook his head when Cray pulled the barmaid against him only to scowl fiercely, set her aside, and stalk out of the establishment. “Your friend Madison is making herself a wee bit too comfortable inside my cousin’s mind.”
Aidan couldn’t help a small grin. “It seems she might have made a comment or two about the lass who served our drinks.”
“Really?” Chloe’s brows flew up in surprise. “She’s in Cray’s head that much?”
