Page 63 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Her gaze met his and he caught it again… concern. No matter how much she may try to deny it, he saw it. And it made him wonder. Would his task prove more difficult than Legion's or Torden's? Or perhaps more dangerous. Maybe she expected him to cross into another kingdom. Maybe kill someone heavily guarded. Maybe strike against the very person behind the threat to her throne.

He found the possibilities mildly entertaining.

“Why do you need me?” he asked.

He hadn’t expected the question to startle her, but it did. Her eyes widened slightly and she took a step back. That intrigued him.

Creagan pushed away from the wall and moved toward her, taking his time. He had known enough women to recognize when one was uncomfortable, interested, frightened, or trying desperately to hide what she felt. Eudora was proving far more difficult to read, and he found himself enjoying the challenge.

She stood straight, too straight, her fingers curling slightly against the folds of her purple gown. Something about him troubled her. Or perhaps it was what she needed from him.

His gaze lingered on her face. She was a beautiful woman, though he suspected few men had the courage to tell her so. Her violet eyes alone could hold a man's attention, or intimidate, and that long dark hair, intricately braided and secured at the back of her head, had already made him wonder how it would look falling loose around her.

He wondered again now.

Eudora caught him staring. “You have something to say?”

Creagan smiled. “Nay.”

“You're staring at me.”

“I've been told it's rude not to look at the queen when she speaks.”

“I wasn't speaking.”

“Then perhaps I was simply enjoying the view.”

She shook her head. “Do you ever stop?”

“Looking at beautiful women?” he asked with a smile that easily drew women to him.

“Flirting.”

“Not when I'm enjoying myself.”

“And are you?”

“Very much.”

She turned away from him, but not before he caught the faintest change in her expression.

He stepped closer. “You still haven't answered my question.”

“Which one? You've asked so many.”

“Why summon me?”

Her gaze returned to him, and this time he was certain he saw something there before she concealed it. Then she paused as if unsure if she should speak.

“Because I need you.”

The simple words affected him far more than they should have. Women had wanted him. Many had told him so. He'd enjoyed them and they'd enjoyed him, and neither expected anything once they parted. But Eudora hadn't said she wanted him. She said she needed him and for some inexplicable reason, he liked hearing it.

His smile turned sinful. “Careful, my queen. A man could take those words the wrong way.”

Her cheeks colored ever so slightly.

Creagan stared. Queen Eudora, who could silence a Great Hall with a look, had actually blushed. His smile broadened.