Read Online Maiden of Inverness by Arnette Lamb - Free Book Online

he had hoped this rousing welcome would begin to thaw her cold heart.
    The hood of the cloak shielded her face, which was turned toward the throng. Pray she did not punish them unjustly; her quarrel was with a king and a butcher’s son.
    A girl of about six dashed onto the road, a bundle of pink frost lilies in her hand. Revas slowed the horse and leaned to the side, hoping Meridene would take the flowers.
    Praise Saint Columba, she did, saying, “My thanks to you.”
    The girl beamed and raced back to her family.
    A lad came forward next and presented Meridene with a palm-size bowl. Carved into the rim were cinquefoils, the device of the Maiden.
    â€œYou honor me, sir,” she said to the boy.
    â€œAye,” he chirped, rocking on his heels and twisting his mended tunic. “Every Sabbath and twice on Hogmanay.”
    â€œWell . . .” She searched for words. “You are a goodly lad.”
    He bowed, then dashed to his father’s side.
    Honoring the Maiden of Inverness was a practice as old as the celebration of Harvest Eve. Why did she not remember and address the lad’s devotion?
    Holding the blossoms to her nose, she whispered, “I hate you for this, Revas Macduff.”
    The need to protect his people overwhelmed him. “Is there no room in your heart for love freely given?”
    â€œFreely? You are wrong. Their adoration comes at a price.”
    How could she barter over so precious a commodity? “What price?”
    â€œThe loss of my home, my peaceful life. My friends.”
    â€œThese people are innocent in their praise. You will make new friends of them.”
    Fathers lifted their sons for a better view. Mothers helped their babes wave. It was the same welcome her namesake had received hundreds of years ago upon arrival at her husband’s home. Did Meridene not see the significance? The details were precisely recorded in the Covenant—the flowers, the bowl, and the other gifts to come.
    She said nothing, save quiet curses for him, until the twin square towers of Auldcairn Castle loomed in the southern sky.
    â€œI remember only one structure. When did you build— I withdraw the question. I have nothing to say to you.”
    â€œAye, you do. You’re curious, and I’m eager to oblige your inquisitive nature.”
    Pushing back the hood of the cloak, she glared up at him. “Then tell me which cave you call home.”
    Pollen dusted her nose, and he wondered what she’d do if he kissed the pretty smudge away. Amused at both the answer and her retort, he adjusted his hold on the reins so that his arms surrounded her fully. “I built the second tower to celebrate the death of Edward the First. There’s a third tower, but ’tis not so tall. You cannot see it from here.”
    â€œWhat poor soul does it honor?”
    He tried to contain his laughter, but he failed. “You.”
    Her head came up, slamming into his chin. A promise of retaliation glittered in her eyes. “I want no dwelling here.”
    Of course she did; the book of the Maiden prescribed it. Why did she deny a major stipulation? “It must be.”
    â€œBecause you say so?”
    â€œNay. ’Tis written in the Convenant. You cannot accuse me of depriving you of your due.”
    â€œThe Covenant,” she replied, as if the word were unfamiliar. “You read the book.”
    Thinking she referred to his common beginnings, he took great pleasure in saying, “ ’Tis true I once was illiterate, but at ten and four I mastered the skill. Do you doubt my ability?”
    She looked surprised, as if she’d taken bitters when she wanted sweets. “Nay, I believe you’ve had years to study the Covenant. The accommodations will better allow me to absent myself from you.”
    Revas intended to devote himself to her. One day soon she’d throw flower pennies to the people of Elginshire and kisses to him.