Mist Warrior by Kathryn Loch Read Free Book Online Page A

rolled her eyes. “ Richard, please, I am fine. ” She quickly sat. “ I am sure you can understand that I wish to visit with my foster-brother and Gavin was in France for months. He only stopped at home for a span of days before he left again. ”
    Courcy apparently decided discretion was the better part of valor and clamped his jaw shut, dismissing the maid with a wave, and returning to his chair.
    Branan inclined his head to Catriona. “ Ye are looking bonnie this morn. I am glad to see ye so well recovered. ”
    “ Thank youn>
Than, Branan. ”
    Branan returned to his meal , but noticed Catriona rarely took her eyes off him. He abruptly realized a part of the reason must have been his garb. She had never seen him wearing Scottish clothing. He grinned to himself.
    Courcy remained silent, glowering at his food. Catriona took the opportunity to lead the conversation, asking Branan about his life in Scotland. She seemed very pleased in learning how much he enjoyed woodworking and training horses. It did not matter to her how much money he made in the ventures, only that he found happiness in his work.
    “ Well now, ” Courcy said, finally bringing their conversation to a close. “ We must be off and I’m sure my betrothed needs to rest after expending so much energy. ” He rose and the others followed suit.
    “ Oh , don’t worry about me, ” Catriona said. “ I am well rested. ”
    “ Your fortitude is admirable, ” Courcy replied. “ But I mean to give Gavin and Branan a tour. ”
    “ What a wonderful idea, ” Catriona said, smiling. “ I must admit, I also wish to see more of the land surrounding Brackenburgh. I shall have the servants saddle a palfrey and join you. ”
    “ You will do no such thing, ” Courcy snapped.
    Catriona stared at him, her expression gradually changed from defiant to pouting. “ You...you mean to keep me from the only family I have left? ”
    She had schooled her features into the perfect wounded expression , but Branan clearly saw the glint of cunning in her eyes. He almost crowed his laughter. As a child, Catriona had discovered a talent at manipulation , but now , Branan witnessed how she turned that talent into an art.
    Courcy blew out his breath. “ Nay, my sweet , I do not mean to do that, but — ”
    Catriona never let him finish. She laughed in delight and impulsively kissed his cheek. “ Oh, thank you, Richard! I knew you would understand. Now, I’ll just have the servants ready my mount and tell the kitchen staff to prepare a wineskin, as well as some bread and cheese to take with us. ” She stepped off the dais and headed straight for Branan. Looping her arm in his, she faced Gavin who took her other arm. “ We have so much to talk about, ” she said cheerfully. “ Ten years is a long time, Branan. ”
    “ Aye, lass, ” he said grinning down at her. The trio moved purposefully toward the doors, leaving Courcy spluttering.
    “ You had me worried for a moment, sister, ” Gavin whispered, a wicked grin tugging at his lips. “ I feared you would disappoint us and not convince Courcy to allow you to go. ”
    She gave a soft but very unladylike snort.
    Branan chuckled. “ Ye have’na changed a bit, lass. ”
    She smiled up at him, an action which caused Branan’s heart to tighten in his chest. “ Thank you, an>
” she whispered. “ Now, let’s go before Richard figures out a way to change his mind. ”
    While the servants prepared their mounts, Courcy showed them around the active bailey. Catriona accompanied them, her arm remaining firmly entwined with Branan’s. It seemed no matter what Courcy thought of it, Catriona wasn’t going to release him. Branan couldn’t blame her, admitting that he enjoyed her company and the feel of her hand on his arm. Plus, he had a suspicion if she did release him, Courcy would find a way to send her back to the keep.
    People and animals crowded into the large bailey. Many merchants haggled their wares in