They reached the massive doors of the keep which had been left open. None of the guards stood inside.

Grey led them inside to the hall. “Milady, I’ve come to see Donal.”

James shifted his position to look around the tall bodies of his comrades. He saw Adeline sitting by the hearth with two of her older daughters. The smaller children sat upon the floor playing with blocks. James smiled and gave a quick wave to them. He and his comrades had made the blocks for the lads and had gifted them upon their last visit. The two lads were nearing the age when such pursuits would be put aside and their training would begin.

Adeline stood and approached Grey. She pulled him into her embrace and hugged him close. “I am gladdened to see you, Grey. How are you and Bree, and the Gunns?”

His laird picked her up and spun her around, causing the lady to shriek. “I know not, for I’ve been traveling. Is Donal home?”

“You always seem bigger than the last time I saw you. Why is that?” She squeezed his hand when he set her on her feet. “I expect Donal soon. He went to visit Alexander.”

“We need to await him. Shall you allow us to stay within the walls until his return?” Grey reached the buttery and dunked a cup in the barrel. Only he would be brazen enough to take hospitality without being offered it.

“Of course. I shall bed with the lassies. You shall take our chamber.”

Grey shook his head, and bowed to her. “Nay, we cannot do that, milady. We only need a place within the keep for Lady Emlyn.”

Adeline approached. “James, you’re looking as handsome as ever. Will you present your lady to me?”

He felt the eyes of Duff, Kenneth, Sean and Colm peering at him and noticed their grins.

James could’ve laughed at the assumption, but he realized she was somewhat astute. “Milady Ross, this is Lady Emlyn, daughter of the great chieftain of Wales, Llywelyn Iorwerth.”

Emlyn stepped forward. “My lady.” She stood next to him and when he remained silent, she elbowed his side.

“Ow. And this bonny lady is wife to our ally and esteemed friend, Donal Ross, Milady Adeline.”

“James, you always had a way with words and are verily gallant. Much more than your comrades here, except for you, of course, Laird Gunn.” Adeline gazed fondly at Grey.

Grey grunted, but then laughed. “She’s akin to an aunt to us, Lady Emlyn.”

As Adeline spoke, Duff, Sean, Colm, and Kenneth whirled her around with their hugs. Her laughter followed as each of them bid their greeting.

“It is my pleasure to offer hospitality to Emlyn. She may bed in my lasses’ chamber. Now come. I’m sure you must be ravenous.”

Grey was the first to sit at the overlarge trestle table in the center of the hall. They each followed and took a seat.

James sat next to Emlyn and suspected she felt out of place, for she was quiet and said nary a word since they arrived.

“We’ve known Donal and his wife since we were lads,” James told her.

“Aye,” Adeline said, “I so wanted one of my daughters to wed into the Gunn clan, but the Gunns never appeased me.” She raised a brow and seemingly glared at him.

James pulled at his tunic, because he knew of her wishes, and had always been able to avoid the issue.

“Anne, go and fetch refreshments for our guests.” Adeline began clearing the table of their earlier supper. “I’ve given the keep’s maids a night away as it was just me and the children.”

“Come, milady, sit with us. We are not guests, but family.”

“Mikal, Donal, ye shall ready for bed. Betany, see to the lads.” The children retreated to the stairs. “What brings you here so late in the day?”

Grey continued to drink his ale, and nodded to Sean when he offered to pour him more. He brought the flagon of ale to the table and began serving them.

Colm guffawed. “Sean, ye take to domestics well. I will be sure to speak of this to Milady Frances.”

“Cosh, enough of your jests, Colm. Keep at it and I’ll take ye outside and show you how amiable I can be.”  Sean looked to want to thrash Colm, but he took a seat next to him and James gave him a sympathetic gaze. For their comrade often took matters beyond and never felt contrite about his banter. But that was Colm’s way and they were all used to it.

“Milady, we need to speak to Donal of our mission the king requested of us.”

“I deem that is why he went to meet with Alexander. He said he was most displeased that you Gunns were sent on such a mission.”

James focused on her words and scowled, as he realized what she said made sense. Of all the clans in Scotland, he had to wonder why they’d been sent. “Mayhap Alexander still holds us in disdain.”

Adeline leaned on the table. “That is why Donal went to see him. He also wanted to speak of your meeting with Marshall. He was quite displeased by Marshall’s request.” She looked pointedly at Emlyn, but didn’t say more.

“We will find out soon enough how his visit went when he returns,” Grey said.

Anne, her daughter, returned with a tray and handed it to her mother. She kept her gaze on him, and James hastily turned his face to watch Emlyn. He knew of Adeline’s hope that he wed Anne for she’d remarked upon it whenever he visited. But James didn’t hold the lass in any esteem. She was too timid and quiet. He’d heard her speak barely a word in his presence. Besides that, James had never considered marriage for he was too busy with his duties as guardsman.

“Donal said he would return within a sennight. He’s been gone for six days already. I expect him within a day or two.”

“That is good to hear. I’ll speak with him as soon as he returns.” Grey finished his ale and stood.

The tray of foodstuff finally made its way to him and Emlyn. But there was only one sweet cake remaining and before he could reach for it, Emlyn snatched it and popped it into her mouth.

She giggled and gave him a sorrowful glance. “Too slow, James.”

“I would’ve shared it with you.” He chuckled when she set her hand near his mouth and held a small piece in between her fingers. She put the sweet cake in his mouth and let the pad of her fingertip slide over his lip. Damn, she was sexy even when she did such an insignificant thing as that.

James wished they were alone so he could kiss her.

A bang sounded at the opposite end of the table and he looked up and found Anne staring at them.

“Anne, be careful with that tray. Take it to the kitchens and be off to bed with ye,” Adeline said.

She hastily picked it up and rushed from the hall.

“We shall bunk in the garrison. When Donal returns, have me fetched immediately.” Grey motioned to the rest of them and they vacated the hall.

James stayed behind with Emlyn.

“I would rather stay with you and the Gunns.”

Adeline approached and perceived Emlyn’s request. “I cannot allow a lass of your years in the garrison. Donal would never permit such and neither shall I.”

“Then allow me to fetch my satchel. What chamber am I to sleep in, my lady?” Emlyn moved closer to him.

“It is the second door from the top of the stairs. There’s an empty bed for you. I shall see you in the morn.” Adeline left them.

James said nothing as he waited until she disappeared from view. “Did you really want to retrieve your satchel?”

“Aye. I would like to wash and change my garments.”

“Come. I will walk with you.” James put his arm around her when they reached the outside.

The night was warm enough to go without a cloak. It was rare to have a night such as this during September, but he’d take the warmth as long as he could for he realized a cold winter was around the corner.

“I am uncomfortable in their keep.”

He barely heard her for her words had been spoken low. James stopped walking and watched her bonny face. “You shouldn’t. The Ross’ are to be trusted. You will be safe.”

A serene gaze came upon her face. “I do feel safe. It is just the lass … Anne. She seems to have affection for you.”