Page 79 of Highland Flame

“Well, if you can believe a Scot,” said the monk, not surprising Cam at all that he would twist the truth.

“He’d be dead right now if the girl hadn’t confirmed his story.”

“Mayhap she is his daughter . . . or mayhap she isn’t. Who really knows? The fact is, you wanted a Scottish child, and now you have one, Lord Clifton.” Gillies wasn’t acting very nice for a monk.

“Not to mention, your pockets are full of my coin,” grumbled the man. “I asked for an orphan. I never meant for you to find me a child who has a living parent.”

“My mistake, my lord,” said Brother Gillies bowing his head. “Then, are you returning the girl?”

“Keep the coin, if that’s what you’re really asking,” snapped Robert. He surveyed Cam in the firelight, then looked back to the little girl. “Tell me, Highlander. Why are you even here?”

“He’s here to work off a punishment,” the monk blurted out before Cam could say a word.

“Is this true? What did you do?” asked Robert.

“I assure ye it was nothin’ as deceitful or disrespectful as givin’ away someone’s child.” Cam glared at the monk when he spoke.

“My lord, the Highlander expressed to me as soon as he got here that he wanted me to find a home for the child,” explained the monk. “I only did what he asked.”

“Is this true?” The border lord looked down from atop his horse, waiting for Cam’s answer.

“Aye, I’m afraid it is,” Cam sadly admitted. “However, since then I have changed my mind. I’ve had a change of heart. I want my daughter to live with me.” Cam looked over to Avianca who was being held back by the handmaid. “Avianca, I’m sorry. I hope ye can forgive me for bein’ such a fool.”

“Da, I want to go home,” said the girl. “Back to Scotland.”

“Cam!” came a voice from behind him. Cam turned to see Yvaine hurrying across the courtyard holding on to Nash’s arm for support.

“Yvaine? What the hell are ye doin’ out here? Ye are supposed to stay in bed,” Cam scolded her.

“I heard the bells and then voices and I was worried.” Yvaine spotted Avianca and a smile pursed her lips. “Avianca! Ye’re back.” She held out her arms and the little girl broke free, running to her. “I am so glad ye are all right.” She hugged her, going down on one knee to do it.

“Who is this? Are you the mother of the child?” asked the border lord.

“Nay, she’s not. This is my sister,” said Gillies. “The child is not hers, and the Highlander is not her husband.”

“No’ yet, but soon to be,” she told them.

“I don’t understand,” said the man.

“I am Yvaine, my lord.” She stood back up with Nash’s help. “I have just had a miscarriage, plus I am mournin’ the death of my husband.”

“I’m sorry to hear it.”

“Hah! She’s not in mourning. That’s a lie,” blurted out the monk, making Cam want to strangle the man.

“How did your husband die? Was it in war?” asked Lord Clifton.

“Nay, my lord,” she answered, her eyes darting back and forth. “My husband was a chandler, no’ a warrior like Cam.”

“Then he died from an illness?” the man persisted with his questions.

Yvaine’s gaze locked with Cam’s. When he shook his head warning her not to reveal the truth, she let out a deep sigh. Of course, she didn’t heed his warning.

“I killed him, my lord,” she answered softly. “It was in self-defense, when he tried to hurt me and my unborn child.” She freely admitted her guilt in front of everyone, making Cam groan softly. That was the last thing he wanted her to say.

“Really?” The border lord stared at her with interest and then started laughing. “Brother Gillies, it seems you not only shelter barbaric Highlanders and orphans, but murderers as well.”

“She’s no’ a murderer and my daughter isna an orphan.” Cam broke free from the guard and joined Yvaine, putting his arm around her. He placed his other hand protectively on the shoulder of his daughter.