Mack swallowed hard, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand before fumbling for his napkin. “Of course, Me Laird. Right behind ye.”
Robert led him out of the hall, down a quieter corridor where the firelight dimmed and the noise of the feast dulled to a hum.When they reached a stretch where only the shadows of sconces moved, Robert stopped abruptly. Mack almost crashed into him.
Robert turned, his gaze like steel. “Pack yer things.” Mack blinked. “Eh?”
“Ye’ll leave tonight.”
Mack’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. “Tonight? Me Laird, with respect, what for? Have I… offended ye?”
Robert’s stare didn’t waver. “Ye’ll ride to the MacEwan lands. Their Laird’s wrestling unrest. Ye’ll see to it peace is kept.”
Mack gaped, color draining from his face. “The MacEwans? But that’s–that’s a week’s ride! Through half-frozen ground and wild hills. Why me?”
“Because I said so.”
Mack’s hands fluttered helplessly. “Laird, if I’ve spoken out of turn at supper, if I’ve troubled Lady Scarlett with too much chatter, I meant no harm. I only thought to be?—”
Robert cut him off, “Me word’s final. I willnae stand here justifying me decisions to ye.”
Mack’s shoulders hunched. His lips pressed together as though he wanted to argue but thought better of it. “Aye, Me Laird.”
Robert stepped closer, the heat of his presence enough to send Mack stumbling a step back. “Do ye ken what keeps peace, Mack Little? It isnae endless talk. It is men learning their place.”
Mack swallowed audibly. “I… aye. I ken.”
“Good. Then ken this, ye’ll leave before dawn. Or I’ll have ye dragged from yer bed and sent with nothing but the clothes on yer back.”
Mack’s face flamed, shame and fear warring across it. “There’s nay need for that. I’ll go. I’ll—I’ll be ready.”
“See that ye are.”
A voice drifted from the shadows of the corridor. “Och, Robert, must ye always scare the piss out of folk with that voice of yers?”
Both men turned. Leon lounged against the wall, arms folded, watching with the laziest grin. “Poor Mack looks ready to faint.”
Mack’s eyes darted between them. “Master Leon, I… I didnae mean offense–”
Leon raised a hand. “Save yer breath, Mack. He’s made up his mind.” He turned to Robert, one brow cocked. “Ye truly sending him to the MacEwans? That godforsaken mud pit?”
Robert’s answer was clipped. “Aye. Tonight.”
Leon whistled low. “That’s colder than January. What’s he done to deserve it?”
“That’s between me and him,” Robert said.
Leon tilted his head, clearly amused. “Between him and ye, or between him and yer bonnie bride?”
Robert’s glare was answer enough. Leon chuckled. “Och, aye, I thought so.”
Mack sputtered. “I swear on me mother’s grave, I meant no disrespect to Lady Scarlett. I only offered her a seat?—”
Robert snapped, voice ringing like a hammer on iron. “Enough. Ye’ll pack, and ye’ll leave. I willnae hear another word.”
Mack’s mouth clamped shut. He nodded furiously. “Aye, Me Laird. Aye. Right away.”
Leon pushed off the wall, sauntering closer. “I’ll see him gone, Robert. Ye go brood in peace. I’ll make sure the lad’s saddled and sent with half a loaf and a prayer.”
Robert’s eyes stayed locked on Mack. “He leaves with more than that. He’ll have enough men to keep order when he gets there. But nay more. He earns the rest.”
