Seducing the Laird by Marrero Lauren

Author:Marrero, Lauren [Marrero, Lauren]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Lyon Publishing, LLC
Published: 2011-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 30

Verena’s pensive mood followed her back to the castle. Cairn had led a small contingent of men west a few days ago, but hadn’t told her where he was going or why. She surmised it was to solicit aid from the neighboring clans, but was perturbed that he hadn’t told her the details. Was she so far beneath his notice that he didn’t feel the need to inform her, or did Cairn wish to protect her from the reality of his clan’s condition?

A village boy running errands for the kitchens informed her that Cairn had returned and was discussing his new armor with the blacksmith. She shook off her doubts and ran to meet him.

"I’ve found a few places that need work," said Cairn, as he painfully rotated his shoulder. She entered the blacksmith’s workshop in time to see the nasty bruise left by the metal uncomfortably rubbing his skin. His favorite suit had been stolen in Langthorne, so Cairn had to make do with an older set.

"I know some herbs that will help," she suggested. "I can make a compress for you."

"I would like that."

Cairn’s gaze held Verena’s and she felt herself blush all the way to her toes. He had used the soft tone usually reserved for her bedchamber. She wished they were there now. She wanted to rip off his clothes and show Cairn how much she missed him. How had her longing for this man become so desperate? Each time he held her felt new and precious. It must be because their time together was drawing to an end. Cairn was a decent fellow, and a spectacular lover. Of course she would miss him when she left. It was nothing more than that.

"Were the barbarians entertaining?" asked Lady Ivone from the doorway.

"They’re Scotsmen," protested Cairn.

"And supposedly your allies," Andreu added.

Gundy would no doubt be pleased to hear Cairn had failed to gain the support of the other clans. Did he have operatives at work in other households making sure this scheme succeeded?

Lady Ivone came forward to see Cairn’s injuries, tsking and shaking her head.

"These are from my replacement armor. It needs to be re-fitted."

"If you had a proper squire," she insisted. "This wouldn’t have happened. These straps were too tight."

Verena held her tongue as Ivone complained about the incompetence of their servants. She knew the lad that helped Cairn strap on his armor. He was the son of the blacksmith and probably knew more about armor than most knights. She looked quickly at the blacksmith and found his lips compressed into a tight line.

"The straps were fine," Cairn replied. "It is the fit that needs adjustment—which is to be expected with new armor. I should not have worn it so long on its first fitting."

"I want you boys to come to the solar after you’ve washed the horse filth off and see the new doublets I’m making for you. I scrounged up some silk thread that I’m using to couch a phoenix and …"

"You can embroider with wool," broke in Cairn.

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