Queen Isabel groaned. “Save us your chivalry, Ewan. He’s only a Norman soldier, not a dragon.” To Carice, she added, “Myfamily is Norman, and Ewan is my husband’s youngestbrother. He believes he will one day be the greatest Irish warrior of the MacEgans.”
“And so I will.” He flexed skinny muscles and shot her another wide smile. “When I’m stronger.”
His good spirits made it impossible not to be amused. Carice returned his grin and said, “I believe I know who the soldier is.”
Let it be Raine,she thought to herself. But a flush suffused her cheeks, one that the queen didn't miss.
“Who is he? And why is he here?” Isabel asked.
“If it is the man I believe it is, he is here for me,” Carice answered. “He saved Trahern and me when we were pursued by King Rory’s men.”
“Where are the rest of his men?” Isabel demanded. “Norman soldiers don’t travel alone.”
Ewan shrugged. “This one did.”
The queen’s expression turned suspicious, and Carice worried that Isabel would not allow Raine to enter Laochre.
Carice fumbled for an answer. “He was supposed to return to them. They were traveling back to Tara, I think.”
Isabel glanced over at Lady Genevieve. “Why would Norman soldiers go to Tara? That doesn’t sound right.” Her expression turned troubled. “Our people are at peace now. There is no reason to bring any soldiers there.”
To Ewan, she added, “Allow him to enter, but I will expect you to find out everything you can about this man. Ask him to wait in the Great Chamber. If he is truly alone, he may be no threat to us, but Connor and Bevan should be there.” The lad nodded and quickly departed their chamber.
“Do you think King Henry is planning another visit to Éireann?” Genevieve suggested. When the baby began fussing, Carice handed Duncan back to her. The young mother took him and adjusted herléine,allowing the baby to nurse.
“Perhaps.” Isabel appeared unconvinced. “But Patrick should know of this. He may want to warn theArd-Rígh.”
“Raine did not come here to fight,” Carice insisted. “I am certain of that. Ask Trahern, and he will tell you.”
It was more likely that Raine had come to ensure she had made it safely to Laochre. Carice stood up, intending to go downstairs, but her knees swayed, and she had to sit down once more.
The queen’s expression transformed into sympathy. “You aren’t feeling well, are you?”
“It’s nothing.” Carice steadied herself, but her stomach felt as if knives were carving it into pieces. She struggled to push away the illness, desperate to see Raine again. The idea of retreating to her bed was not at all what she wanted. She closed her eyes, tightening her mouth as she fought to remain standing.
“Our healer should come and see you,” Isabel suggested. “She may be able to find out what ails you.”
“After I see Raine,” she insisted. And no matter how much her stomach was bothering her, she would push back the pain.
Genevieve exchanged a look with Isabel, and it was obvious that neither of them believed she was capable of walking across the room, much less going to see Raine.
She took several deep breaths and stood again, grimacing against the stomach pains.
The queen picked up Liam and balanced him on her hip while she stood beside Carice. “You may see the soldier if you wish,” she said, “but take slow steps. And promise me you’ll let our healer look at you afterward.”
She braved a smile at the queen, who seemed to understand her reasons. “Thank you.”
“I suppose if it were me, I would not let anything stop me from seeing Patrick.” Isabel walked beside her, keeping a careful pace. Liam squirmed in her arms, but she bent to him and kissed his cheeks. “You did not mention this man before. And I don’t think Killian knew of him either, did he?”
Because her brother would have been overprotective and angry with her for taking such a risk. It was better if he knew nothing.
“No, I didn’t tell him about Raine.” She didn’t miss Isabel’s curious look, but Carice saw no reason to elaborate. “If it weren’t for him granting me shelter, I wouldn’t have survived my escape.”
She leaned against the wall as she made her way toward the hall. Isabel was leading the way, but Genevieve had stayed behind to finish nursing Duncan. Dizziness washed over Carice when she reached the stairs, but she forced herself to continue.
When she made it to the bottom of the stairs, she paused a moment to catch her breath. Isabel guided her into the Great Chamber, but there was no sign of Raine anywhere. The din of conversation within the space was a roar within her ears. Carice chose a seat on one of the low chairs near the wall, trying to remain out of the way while she mustered her remaining strength. Most of the trestle tables had been pushed aside, butmany people had gathered within the space. Soon enough, several MacEgan guards emerged, and behind them, she saw Raine.
When he removed his iron helm, his dark blond hair was dampened with snow. He wore the same chainmail armor and tunic she had seen earlier. He kept his posture rigid as he entered the chamber, and a broadsword hung at his side. From the linen bandage on his forearm, she realized that he’d suffered a minor wound, but it was the only injury she could see. And for now, she was so relieved to see him alive.
