Jamie nodded and squeezed Albie’s shoulder. It was early and the sun had only just risen high enough to cast light over the battlements, but Jamie was already impatient to be going. “Good. Let’s hope the winds favor us.”
Albie suddenly stiffened, looking beyond Jamie’s shoulder. Jamie turned and spotted a figure picking its way gingerly towards him across the courtyard.
Elise.
His stomach fluttered at the sight of her. She lifted her head, saw that he’d spotted her, and waved. He raised his own hand in response.
“I’ll meet ye at the harbor,” he said to Albie and then strode in her direction. Was he imagining it, or was she walking a little gingerly? As he reached her, he saw that her skin was pale and there were dark circles under her eyes.
“Good morning,” he said. “I didnae expect to see ye up and about so early.”
Elise winced and pressed a hand against the side of her head. “Not so loud. I think my skull is going to split.”
Jamie suppressed a grin. Many of the castle staff had been a touch on the delicate side this morning, turning up late for duty shifts and looking as green as Elise did. Jamie hadn’t had the heart to berate them for it though.
“Aye,” he agreed. “Drinking a gallon of whisky will do that to ye.”
“I did not drink that much!” Elise protested weakly. “Did I?”
Jamie spread his hands. “Dinna ask me. Although I noticed a definite dent in our whisky supplies this morning.”
She groaned. “Don’t. It’s not funny.”
“Oh, it is, lass. It most definitely is. Look at it this way: At least none of my people are afraid of ye anymore. It’s difficult to be afraid of someone who stands on a table and juggles whisky bottles isnae it?”
Her eyes widened. “I did not!”
Jamie only laughed. Elise seemed to have this effect on him. No matter what mood he was in, no matter what irritations and problems had marred his day, her presence seemed to make all of it a little lighter.
Yet she seemed troubled—and it was more than the hangover she was clearly feeling. There was a tightness to the way she held herself and she had her arms wrapped around her chest as if cold.
He cocked his head. “What is it, lass? I dinna think ye came all the way out here just to be reminded of yer antics last night.”
“No, I’d rather not be reminded ofanythingI did last night, thank you very much. When I came downstairs just now a little bird told me—well Andrea actually—that you’ve ordered a load of your warriors to the harbor and that one of your ships is being readied.”
Jamie stiffened. “Aye. That’s right.”
“Why?” Elise asked. “Has something else happened?”
He shook his head. “Nay, but I canna leave theSea Starto flounder to a watery grave. My men and I will sail out there and try to salvage her. And mayhap we’ll find some clues as to where the pirates have gone.”
“You’re going out there? Into water that you know is being patrolled by pirates?”
“Those waters aremywaters and I willnae be intimidated into being trapped on my own damned island. Aye, I’m going. How could I ask my men to take a risk I willnae take myself?”
“But…but it’s too dangerous! You’re the laird! You shouldn’t be putting yourself in danger.”
“Now ye sound like Andrea.”
“Because Andrea has a bloody good point! Has it not occurred to you that this might be a trap? That it might beexactlywhat those pirates want? That they’re trying to lure you out so that they can capture you or…or….” She swallowed thickly. “Or worse.”
“Of course it’s occurred to me!” he replied. “But I’m no child who doesnae know his arse from his elbow! I’ve been sailing these waters since I was a wee lad. If they’ve laid an ambush, we’ll be ready for them. It willnae be a vulnerable cargo ship they’ll be facing but a galley full of warriors. If they are stupid enough to have hung around, we’ll teach them a lesson they willnae soon forget!”
Elise’s eyes widened as comprehension dawned. “Youwantthe pirates to be there! You’re hoping they’ve hung around because you’re spoiling for a fight!”
“So what if I am?” He felt his hands tightening into fists and his jaw clenching at the sudden fury that blazed through him. “These bastards think they can plunder and destroy and take whatever they want! They think they can hurt my people with no consequences! Well, no more. I willnae stand by and let themransack my home with impunity. I’ll teach them to fear these waters if it’s the last thing I do!”
All the suppressed frustration, anger, and helplessness that he’d kept hidden came rushing to the surface. His fingers twitched, eager to wrap themselves around a pirate’s throat and squeeze.
