“Ye speak as if the trade routes that have been targeted are carryin’ somethin’ other than luxury goods,” Darragh said, his tone brokering no room for argument. “Me people are fed. They may nae have access to their jewels and imported pickles, but they’ve plenty of wheat.”
Alexander shrank back, but he held Darragh’s gaze as he said, “I am simply concerned for the flow of coin. The merchandise that has been intercepted was worth a significant amount of gold. It’s nae good for the ledgers at Fraser Keep.”
“So long as me people are fed, I cannae care about the ledgers,” Darragh replied, ice cold. “Allowin’ anyone to suffer, especially on me lands right under me nose, is more unacceptable than nae havin’ riches.” He tapped his finger against the parchment directly in front of him. “The last tower wasnae empty.”
Silence settled over them immediately. Alexander and John exchanged uncomfortable glances while Ewan stared at the two of them. Darragh was aware that his man-at-arms felt nearly as much guilt as he did over the massive oversight.
“A survivor?” John finally said when he found his voice.
“Aye,” Darragh replied, keeping his expression carefully neutral.
“How was she missed?” Alexander asked, the question coming out stilted.
Darragh’s jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing. “The report that I received declared the structure cleared. I decided to search the premises meself one last time. While I was there, I found her.”
The two of them, along with the members of the council who had yet to speak, went still. None of them pressed any further. They understood that this was a failure that rested in the hands of everyone in the room.
“She refuses to give her full name. Just Amelia,” Darragh continued after giving the room a moment to process the words. “Refuses last name. Refuses family. Refuses assistance unless forced.”
He felt Ewan’s eyes on him and knew that he’d picked up the irritation that colored the edges of his voice. “Forced captivity will do that to a person.”
“Forced captivity does many things,” Darragh said, turning to face Ewan properly. “It doesnae erase identity.”
“Unless she wishes it does,” Ewan countered quietly.
The statement landed with devastating force. Darragh nearly continued the argument, but this was not something to be discussed in front of his counsel. He cleared his throat, looking around the table.
“This meetin’ is over. We will discuss more in the comin’ days.” He took one last look at the faces of the men at the table. “Understood?”
“Aye, Me Laird,” they all said in unison.
Darragh waited until the room had cleared before standing and walking over to Ewan. When he stopped in front of him, he said, “Education. Bearing. Amelia is nae lowborn.”
Ewan nodded. “Ye think she is hidin’ from someone.”
“Aye,” Darragh confirmed, certain now. Her admission the night before, along with her behavior up until that point, left no room for him to doubt it.
“And if she is?” Ewan said, his face stony, seemingly ready to receive orders.
“Then we assess that trouble,” Darragh replied. Silence fell over them as Ewan processed the declaration. After a beat, he added, “Send word to Laird McGowan to visit with Flora Morgan.”
“Flora Morgan,” Ewan repeated slowly. “Ye think she kens the lass from the prison.”
“Nay,” Darragh admitted. “Amelia hasnae mentioned any other lasses that were bein’ held, and none of them mentioned her, either. But perhaps Flora has a way of reachin’ those that daenae wish to be reached.”
The feeling of her body against his flashed in his mind.Thatwas just one thing that she’d tried to keep from him. She’d been so honest as she’d returned his kiss, but he was sure that his retreat, though it was the best choice for both of them, would close her off once again.
For a long moment, Ewan said nothing. He simply watched Darragh, arms still crossed over his chest. Finally, he said, “This troubles ye.”
Darragh’s body tensed, his jaw tightening before he forced it to relax. “This is unfinished business, Ewan.”
He meant the words as they left his lips, but they felt flat to him. This had to be business, though. It wasn’t guilt that drove him, nor failure. Men were using his lands to hold women prisoners and hunt them down as though they were game. And the fact that someone of noble blood had been held as well meant that there was at least one more man who needed to be taken care of.
But now, he could feel the weight of her grey-green eyes looking at him not with gratitude but with accusation.
“Have the riders leave by dawn,” Darragh said roughly, intending to dismiss Ewan.
Ewan stayed, though. His gaze became even heavier, an eyebrow raised skeptically. “Or ye could simply ask her what she needs.”
