Forbidden Highlander (Highlander Trilogy 2)

Lucerne’s eyes went wide. “Why?”

“That doesn’t concern you.”

She bristled again and her eyes narrowed. “It is imperative that Bree be returned to me right away. I require her assistance in preparing my mother’s quarters.”

“You have enough servants at your disposal, you don’t need Bree, and besides, Bree is part of my clan now and obeys me.”

Red splotches popped out along Lucerne’s neck and up over her cheeks. “Bree belongs to me. You cannot do this.”

“I already have. Now go and see to your duties.”

Cree had dismissed her and Lucerne could do nothing but to take her leave. She turned and walked off not in a flourish but with strong, determined strides.

“That woman is going to be a problem,” Sloan said.

Cree turned to him. “Do you forget how often you have warned me that it is my duty to wed her?”

“That was before I learned what a manipulative, lying, and malicious bitch she is. And the more I learn about her, the more it makes me wonder if she had put something in your food that night you took ill.”

Cree’s brow scrunched in thought.

“Don’t you recall that your meal was different than the rest of ours? I teased you and asked if there was something special about that day since you always ate what we all ate.”

“I hadn’t given it thought.”

“I did, especially after Bree told us about Lucerne wanting something from the healer to prevent pregnancy. She evidently knows about potions and such stuff, though I’ve wondered her reason behind it. What had she hoped to gain by making you ill?”

Cree had a thought he didn’t care for and he voiced his concern. “Perhaps it wasn’t intended for me. Talk with Bree and see if she knows if her mistress is acquainted with poisons. Have you found Bree a suitable daily chore and cottage yet?”

“I’m not sure she wants to be on her own right now. She still worries that she will be returned to Lucerne. And she is taking good care of Old Mary.”

“Let her stay with Old Mary and look after her for now. I’d rather the old woman not be alone.”

“You know there is talk?”

“I expected no less. And no doubt the McCluskys started it, hoping to garner support if it proves true that Dawn is his daughter,” Cree said ready to kick the McCluskys off his land.

“A wise maneuver, though McClusky doesn’t realize how faithful your warriors are and how they would go to battle without question for you.”

“It’s the villagers Kirk is looking to stir, thinking perhaps they would somehow help is cause if necessary.” Cree stood. “Old Mary claims this will be settled soon and it cannot be soon enough for me. Right now, though, we have Roland Gerwan and his people to worry about and I wonder who Lucerne favors, her mother or father.”

“Whichever one it is, I plan on avoiding that one in particular,” Sloan said with a laugh.

“See what Bree has to say and let me know right away.”

Sloan headed out of the keep while Cree walked down the stone passageway that connected with the kitchen. When he entered all talk and action stopped.

“A word, Turbett,” Cree said to the cook and stepped aside away from prying eyes and ears.

“All is well with your meals, my lord?” Turbett asked anxiously. While many feared Turbett’s brusque nature and the size of him, there was one person Turbett feared, and that was Cree. He had witnessed Cree in battle and there was no warrior fiercer, more determined, or more fearless of death than him.

“As always the food satisfies like none I’ve ever tasted.”

That was another thing about Cree, he gave praise when it was due.

“I’m curious about the night I took ill. Do you recall why I was served a different meal from the others?”

Turbett paled. “I would never serve you bad food, my lord.”

“No, you never have, but why the different meal that night?

Turbett tapped his chin as he gave it thought, relieved that he wasn’t being accused of anything. His eyes suddenly brighten. “Yes, I recall. The trencher was meant for Dawn, then I discovered that Flanna had taken her a lighter fare since she hadn’t felt well. I didn’t want to see the food wasted and since it was a favorite meal of yours I had it served to you.”

“Everyone in the kitchen knew the meal was meant for Dawn?”

Turbett nodded. “Yes, my lord.”

“Was anyone in the kitchen that day that usually wasn’t there?” Cree asked knowing that Turbett ruled his kitchen with an iron hand and did not appreciate visitors.

“Yes, the young lass that serves my lady. She came to fetch a brew for her mistress.”

“Make certain that no one handles Dawn’s food but you, and no one is allowed in the kitchen but your workers and Flanna.”

Turbett bobbed his head. “Aye, my lord, I will see to it.”