Page 49 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Even Torden's impatience appeared to have deserted him.

Eudora's lips pressed together briefly. “Where did you take the cart, Ewan?”

“To fetch someone.”

“Who?” Eudora asked when the lad didn’t volunteer the name.

Ewan hesitated.

Maggie planted her hands on her hips. “You might as well tell the queen. Her Majesty will get it out of you one way or another.”

That frightened Ewan enough to quickly confess, “Jamie.”

“Why did Jamie require you to steal your grandmother's cart?” Eudora asked.

Ewan hurried to remind her of his innocence. “I didn't steal⁠—”

Eudora raised one eyebrow.

Ewan reconsidered. “He has a broken leg and couldn’t walk.”

Maggie stared at her grandson. “Why?”

Ewan looked at her as if she were daft. “Well, I certainly couldn't carry him.”

The hall erupted in laughter.

“That was not what I meant!” Maggie snapped.

Creagan glanced toward Eudora. For the briefest moment amusement showed in those violet eyes, though she fought hard to keep it from reaching her lips. He liked that. Perhaps there was more beneath that regal exterior than she'd have anyone believe.

Eudora stilled the laughter with a raise of her hand. “Why did Jamie need to be fetched?”

“He's supposed to begin apprenticing with the blacksmith here in Dunsire, but his father wouldn't let him come here.”

“Why not?” Eudora asked.

Ewan hesitated, casting his eyes at his boots.

Seeing his reluctance, Eudora commanded firmly, “You will answer me, Ewan.”

Ewan lifted his head and looked at her hesitantly said, “His da says he won't have his son serving anyone in Dunsire until it's proven you have the right to be queen.”

Amusement vanished from the hall.

Creagan straightened. Beside him, Legion's arms slowly unfolded and Torden went still.

Eudora gave no outward reaction. “Where is Jamie now?”

“With Boyd, the blacksmith. I gave Jamie my word to get him here and I kept it,” Ewan said proudly.

Creagan had to admit the lad had courage and considerably more nerve than sense.

“You may have made a promise to your friend Jamie, but it was Jamie’s duty to obey his father. Just as it was your duty not to take anything of your grandmother’s without permission,” Eudora said.

Ewan looked about to defend himself again, but then his gaze dropped. “Aye, Your Majesty.”

“You will spend the next month doing whatever work your grandmother gives you without argument.”