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thus far but ye dinnae have any more grace to impose upon. Best ye get out of me sight afore I recall some frozen country that needs an ambassador.”
    Edmund offered the briefest of reverences before quitting the room. Helena followed him. His strides were long and fueled by a hot temper. There was no missing the fuming glance he raked her with when he passed her.
    Oddly enough, she wasn’t frightened. A strange manner of contentment settled over her. She’d spoken truly even though so many around her used deception to maintain their family position. Deep in her heart, she realized that true friendship was a gift Raelin would not be granting to anyone who didn’t treat her with respect in return.
    Her cheeks heated, and it had nothing to do with the pace she was forced to keep. Her conscience pricked her because defending her friend had not been her only motivation. Simply put, she hadn’t been willing to disappoint the Scot. He was a man of honor. He didn’t care for her brother’s impending inheritance or the political advantage that might have been his had he looked the other way. He was the first man that she had met at court who held his honor above his hunger for power and position.
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    James Stuart fingered his chin. Keir didn’t move. He’d expected his meeting with the king to be a tense one. But he was distracted by the knowledge of who his mystery lady was. He’d spent too many hours attempting to discover her identity. Not being able to reach her in time to beat her brother off her and Raelin McKorey had his temper white-hot. But his interest was even hotter, because she had stood up to her brother and spoken the truth. Now that was a woman he wanted to get to know better. The kind he might bring home to Red Stone and truthfully hear her called mistress by his clansmen. She was worthy of it.
    But he would have to do what he came to London to do first: swear his fealty and restore his clan to good standing. He could nay offer for her before his name was worthy of her. Keir aimed his attention at the king. James Stuart studied him long and hard.
    â€œYe’re McQuade’s youngest son?”
    â€œAye, Yer Majesty, I am.”
    The guards standing on either side of the king moved slightly closer, their fingers tightening on their short pikes. His father had been run through with one of the weapons when he tried to drive a dagger through Raelin McKorey during a fight with Brodick McJames. His two older brothers had launched an attack on the royal guard in defense of their father and ended up dead along with his sire. All of it had been done within inches of the king and queen. The name McQuade had been tarnished ever since. He kept very still, with his hands at his sides. It wouldn’t take much to see the guards using their deadly pikes on him. He could see the distrust in their eyes.
    â€œHow long have ye been at court?”
    â€œA few days.”
    The king lowered his hand and gripped the arm of his chair. “Why have ye come, McQuade? I didna send for ye.”
    Keir felt his jaw tighten. He did not care for the tone of the king’s voice, but he’d expected nothing less. Still, the disdain was hard to listen to.
    â€œTo swear my fealty to you. As tradition dictates.”
    The king sat up straighter, his face drawing into an expression of consideration.
    â€œIs that a fact?”
    â€œIt is, sire, and my duty.”
    The king nodded. “Aye, so it is, but I’m a bit surprised to see ye attending to the matter so promptly.”
    Keir shot the king’s hard gaze right back at him. “Honor is no’ something ye put off to another time. It’s time the McQuades had a laird who set a correct example. That is why I’m in London.”
    â€œWell now, I’ll not be arguing with that.” The king waved his hand. “And what of this business with Raelin McKorey?”
    Keir felt tension tighten across his body.