"Visitors?"
Fleming"s mouth curved into a mysterious smile.
"I think you will be pleased. Now make haste."
Next door, in the queen"s chambers, Meredith could hear the sound of that familiar, haughty voice and the frantic activity of servants as they prepared their monarch.
Like one in a daze Meredith allowed herself to be bundled into one of the queen"s own cut-velvet robes. Her hair was quickly brushed.
Meredith was led into the queen"s sitting chamber, where Mary, surrounded by her Maries, was being hastily prepared to receive visitors.
At least a dozen servants bustled about the room setting up a morning meal that could have fed an entire village.
When the queen was properly coifed and gowned, she nodded to Mary Seton.
"Show our visitors in."
With a puzzled frown Meredith turned toward the door. For a moment she could only stare at the two young women who stood nervously together clutching each other"s hands. Then with a shout, they rushed forward and fell into her arms.
"Oh, Brenna. Megan." With tears streaming down her cheeks Meredith caught them to her and hugged them fiercely.
"How in the world did you two get to Edinburgh? And however did you talk your way inside the castle?"
"We had help," Brenna said softly.
As she drew aside, Meredith became aware of the tall figure framed in the doorway. For a moment her heart forgot to beat.
"Brice? Oh, is it truly you?" She started toward him, her arms outstretched. Then, remembering where she was, she stopped and clutched her hands together, drinking in the sight of him.
"You look--fatigued. You should not have attempted so long a journey."
"I am fatigued because I spent the night searching for you, firebrand.
And thinking you dead. Or worse." For the first time he allowed himself to smile as he crossed to her in quick strides and brought his hand to her cheek.
He studied the pallor of her skin, the dark circles beneath her eyes.
"Are you truly all right, Meredith?"
"Oh, now that I see you and my sisters--" she turned and caught their hands "--I feel wonderful."
"Would you care to greet your queen now, Brice Camp Highland Barbarian 249 bell, or do you intend to stand there all mom and devour that maiden with your eyes?"
With a laugh Brice broke contact and crossed the room. With a deep bow he caught Mary"s hand and brought it to his lips. Then, with a laugh, he lifted her out of her chair, swung her around and kissed her on each cheek before setting her on her feet.
"Rogue." She sighed, touching a hand to her cheek. "You are the only man who would ever dare to do such a thing."
"The only man. Majesty?"
Mary blushed furiously.
"What have you heard?"
"Rumors." Brice"s voice lowered, for her ears only. "The Border Earl of Bothwell is a virile, amorous man, Mary. But beware. A kingdom is at stake here."
Mary became noticibly agitated. With high color she turned to meet the two beautiful young strangers.
"Who are these lovely creatures?
Come greet your queen."
Meredith performed the introductions.
"Majesty, may I present my sister, Brenna."
The dark-haired beauty curtsied, keeping her gaze lowered.
"And my youngest sister, Megan."
The blond imp curtsied as she had been taught, then boldly studied the queen.
"So there are two more like you. I can see that they will soon be breaking hearts across Scotland. Welcome to Holy- rood house
"And you know my old friend, Angus Gordon," Brice said, clapping a hand on Angus"s shoulder.
"Of course. Welcome, Angus. Come," Mary said, taking Brice"s hand and leading him to the table.
"We will break our fast. And you will tell us why you have surprised us with this visit."
Though Brice managed to respond to all the queen"s questions, he could not keep his eyes off the beautiful woman who sat across the table. How he longed to carry her away from the noise and babble, away from prying eyes, and share with her all the love that was stored inside his heart. It was not enough to know that she was safe. He needed to touch her, to gather her to him, to hold her.
"several days?"
Brice tore his gaze from Meredith and turned to find the queen looking at him with a knowing smile.
"I am sorry. Majesty. I was--distracted."
"So you were." She smiled.
"If you are not careful, my friend, there will be rumors."
He chuckled.
"But there is no kingdom at stake."
"No, my dear rogue. Merely a pair of hearts." The queen stood, and everyone at table got to their feet.
"I have a long and exhausting day ahead of me." She could not stifle the smile that tugged at the corners of her lips.