The Bedeviled Heart (The Highland Heather and Hearts Scottish Romance Series) by Carmen Caine Read Free Book Online Page B

Cameron sent him a pleasant smile. “I would discuss the matter of Heloise that lies betwixt us first, Thomas.”
    Thomas tensed and his eyes narrowed.
    “If truth be told, her lands and title were not of sufficient worth for a man like ye.” Cameron continued softly. Aye, he’d twist this current situation to his own advantage, even though such court games of flattery were becoming ever more distasteful. “’Tis your marriage we should be discussing with the king, not mine, and I’ll tell him such words.”
    Almost imperceptibly, Thomas’ eyes flickered in pleasure.
    “Aye, let us speak of this to the king.” Cameron clasped the man’s shoulder. “Lead on, my good man. I will follow ye.”
    The way the man postured and strutted importantly as he led Cameron towards the king’s apartments was disgusting. Upon entering the outer guard chamber, Thomas pointed to a chair, asking Cameron to wait until he had assured the king was truly ready.
    Relieved to escape the man’s company, if only for a moment, Cameron folded his hands behind his back and moved to stare out of the tall, narrow window looking out over the town of Stirling.
    Idly, he wondered what Kate was doing.
    Was she sweet-talking more victims into buying her charmed stones?
    His lips thinned in a disapproving line.
    He’d have to find her some other form of work. He hadn’t been jesting her concerning the dangers of being named a witch. Of late, there were increasingly disturbing reports of witch burnings in Germany. Times were changing.
    And then Thomas reappeared to guide him into the king’s private supper room.
    The chamber was a small one. A carved, wooden table stood before the blazing fire, set with gold-inlaid goblets, a platter of sweetmeats, and a silver bowl of spiced oranges. Before the window stood a long, low chest with leather-bound books neatly stacked on its surface. Tapestries from Flanders hung on the walls, along with several portraits of the king.
    Cameron moved to inspect them.
    “My dear cousin, the Earl of Lennox.”
    Cameron turned to see the king entering the chamber from the opposite door.
    King James was young, nearly the same age as himself, but he looked much older. His pallid face was long and oval, his lips thin, and his eyes heavily lidded. His pale red hair clung to his forehead in thin, wispy locks.
    As he moved closer to extend his hand, the faint odor of whisky eddied about him.
    Cameron’s dark eyes narrowed faintly. While the king he knew cared greatly for wine and whisky, he had rarely allowed himself to become drunk. And never so early in the day. Bowing low, Cameron kissed his ring and murmured, “My sovereign lord.”
    “Ye’ve been long in coming, Cameron.” The king moved to the table, selected a sweetmeat, and popped it in his mouth.
    “I crave your pardon, sire,” Cameron replied dutifully.
    “We ordered ye here last winter,” the king admonished with a petulant smile.
    “I beseech your forgiveness, your majesty,” Cameron repeated in a respectful tone.
    The king paced towards him, placing a finger on his jaw and looking deep into his eyes for a time before smiling. “Aye, we shall never doubt ye, Cameron. Ye’ve proven your loyalty time and again. Ever have ye supported the throne.”
    Aye, I’ve rescued ye time and time again from the wrath of the queen over your scandalous passel of bastards, Cameron commented in his mind. But he knew the king was referring to his brothers this time and not the queen’s ire. Seizing the opportunity, he skillfully inserted, “I am a Stewart, your majesty, and I, along with my cousins Mar and Albany, will ever sustain your throne.”
    The king jerked a little and Thomas gave a sharp intake of breath.
    Ah, so Thomas did have a hand in this. There was a clear flicker of guilt in the man’s eye.
    Moving away, the king selected another sweetmeat, indicating that Cameron help himself, and said, “Thomas has brought the most disturbing matter to our