Read Online The Frost Maiden's Kiss by Claire Delacroix - Free Book Online Page A

of his treasury, quite another for her spouse to be there.
    His gaze locked with Erik’s and he knew that man had noted his reaction.
    “I will sleep in the stables,” Erik said with some pride. “And leave the hall to you. Ruari will have need of some companionship.”
    Malcolm was relieved at this suggestion and nodded agreement to Erik, letting his relief show. He had already insulted his sister’s spouse and compelled himself to recall that these were his first guests.
    Ruari nodded at his laird’s glance and led the destriers toward the stables. The palfreys grazed contentedly, showing no intent to pull the cart farther than already they had.
    “Ruari?” Vivienne echoed, her tone teasing. “You would abandon me for Ruari ?”
    “He had much foreboding about Ravensmuir,” Mairi confided from Malcolm’s side. “And nigh frightened Catriona with his tales of ghosts and the laird’s ability to talk with ravens.”
    “The ravens are at Ravensmuir no longer,” Malcolm said quickly. “They left as one after the keep collapsed and Tynan died.” He pointed to the sky. “They circled where the tower had been, as if to say farewell, then departed in unison.”
    “Did they not tell you why they left?” Mairi asked.
    “They did not have to,” Malcolm replied. “The laird had died, the keep collapsed, and they chose not to remain.”
    “But you became laird,” Vivienne insisted quietly. “I would have thought Melusine would have returned to greet you,” she added, referring to one of the oldest ravens.
    Malcolm shrugged. “Perhaps they did not approve.” Erik sniffed at that, and Malcolm knew that Alexander would have shared his view.
    Vivienne squeezed his arm. “When the new keep is completed, they will return.”
    “Perhaps.” Malcolm could not keep himself from flicking a glance skyward and knew his sister noticed.
    “I should ensure Ruari’s welfare,” Erik said then, his manner impatient, and strode toward the stables.
    Vivienne watched him go, her concern clear. She touched her fingertips to Malcolm’s arm, excused herself, then went after her spouse. She caught up to him outside the stables, and Malcolm could find naught to criticize in the way Erik turned to her and supported her arm as they continued.
    Rafael and Malcolm exchanged a glance, then Rafael went after the guests. Without exchanging a word, both knew that the new arrivals must be kept away from the endmost stall.
    “Is it true that there is a ghost?” Astrid demanded shyly of Malcolm.
    “And what of the ruins?” asked Mairi without waiting for a reply to her sister’s query. “I would wager that they are filled with secret passages and treasure.”
    “Treasure!” echoed Catherine with awe.
    “And danger,” Catriona interjected firmly from behind him. “Did you not note the hedge of thorns when we arrived? Such plants are tended by the Fae.” Malcolm glanced back at the serving woman, startled by her words. She surveyed Ravensmuir with her hands braced on her hips. “I must wonder if the Unseelie Court can be found near here.”
    “Not the Unseelie Court!” Astrid squealed, clearly delighted by the horrors of the tales she had heard of this wicked group of Fae. “They will eat you up!”
    “Worse, they will make you aid them in their mischief,” Mairi contributed. Catherine’s eyes were round and her fist returned to her mouth. “They will snatch you up and drag you behind them on their wild ride, then scratch you and bite you.” She reached for her youngest sister to demonstrate, and Catherine squealed.
    “And never let you go home again,” Astrid concluded.
    Catherine whimpered and eased close to Catriona at her sisters’ teasing.
    “If you stay close to me, I will keep you safe,” Catriona told the youngest girl, who took her hand. She spared a glance at the older two, who looked inclined to run and seek out this Fae court, simply for the sake of curiosity. She surveyed the countryside as if seeking