Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 32461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 162(@200wpm)___ 130(@250wpm)___ 108(@300wpm)
Eudora stilled the laughter with a raise of her hand. “Why did Jamie need to be fetched?”
“He's supposed to begin apprenticing with the blacksmith here in Dunsire, but his father wouldn't let him come here.”
“Why not?” Eudora asked.
Ewan hesitated, casting his eyes at his boots.
Seeing his reluctance, Eudora commanded firmly, “You will answer me, Ewan.”
Ewan lifted his head and looked at her hesitantly said, “His da says he won't have his son serving anyone in Dunsire until it's proven you have the right to be queen.”
Amusement vanished from the hall.
Creagan straightened. Beside him, Legion's arms slowly unfolded and Torden went still.
Eudora gave no outward reaction. “Where is Jamie now?”
“With Boyd, the blacksmith. I gave Jamie my word to get him here and I kept it,” Ewan said proudly.
Creagan had to admit the lad had courage and considerably more nerve than sense.
“You may have made a promise to your friend Jamie, but it was Jamie’s duty to obey his father. Just as it was your duty not to take anything of your grandmother’s without permission,” Eudora said.
Ewan looked about to defend himself again, but then his gaze dropped. “Aye, Your Majesty.”
“You will spend the next month doing whatever work your grandmother gives you without argument.”
Ewan grimaced.
“Make that two months.”
His eyes widened and he went to speak.
Eudora spoke first. “Would you prefer cleaning out the castle waste?”
Ewan looked horrified. “Nay. Nay, Your Majesty. I will do as you say.”
Maggie smiled triumphantly.
Eudora turned her attention to her. “Maggie, the next time Ewan does something foolish, bring the matter to me without dragging him halfway through Dunsire by his ear.”
Pleased with the outcome, Maggie saw no reason to disagree. “Aye, Your Majesty.”
Maggie bowed, grabbed Ewan firmly by the arm and marched him away.
Creagan watched Eudora. The queen knew the names of farmers and troublesome lads. She listened before passing judgment. And when a simple dispute unexpectedly brought the growing unrest directly before her, she'd betrayed nothing of what she thought or felt.
Queen Eleanor had taught her granddaughter well.
Wilford glanced down at the parchment in his hand and called out, “Last to be heard, Creagan.”
Torden and Legion looked at him.
Creagan grinned. “They saved the best for last.”
He pushed away from the wall and started toward the queen alone.
Creagan stopped before the queen and bowed his head respectfully.
Eudora studied him. “You have a complaint?”
“More of a problem, Your Majesty.”
“Which is?”
He took a breath and said seriously, “I' have lost my woman.”
Eudora stared at him.
Creagan didn’t have to look to know it was Legion who coughed behind him. It was a habit of his when he tried not to laugh.
“Your woman,” Eudora repeated, not quite sure how that would relate to a complaint.
“Aye,” he said, keeping his tone serious.
Eudora was skeptical of the unfamiliar man, though it was impossible to know everyone in Morra Mist. But she did her best when called upon for help. So, she remained as serious as he was.
“Was she taken from you?” Eudora asked.
Creagan shook his head. “Nay.”
“Did she wander off?”
He scratched his chin. “Not exactly.”
Eudora's brow rose. “Did she leave you?”
Creagan grinned. “Never that.”
Exasperated but not showing it, Eudora asked, “Then how did you lose her?”
Creagan’s grin grew. “I haven't found her yet.”
Silence followed.
Eudora stared, uncertain if she'd heard him correctly. “You have lost a woman you have yet to find?”
Creagan turned serious once again. “That is the problem.”
Laughter broke out in the hall.
Creagan didn't bother looking behind him. He could well imagine Legion's amusement and Torden's expression.
Eudora raised her hand and the laughter quickly faded. “And you believe this is a matter requiring the attention of your queen?”
“I was hoping you might be able to help.”
“With finding you a woman?”
“A particular woman,” he corrected.
“Of course.”
Creagan caught the impatience in her voice and grinned.
Eudora noticed.
Those violet eyes of hers narrowed ever so slightly and he could tell she grew impatient.
“What makes this woman so particular?” she asked.
“I'll know that when I find her.”
Eudora wondered what the man before her truly wanted from her. “That is not particularly helpful.”
“It hasn't been particularly helpful to me either.”
Another ripple of laughter traveled through the hall.
Eudora leaned back in her chair. “Let me make certain I understand your dilemma. You have come before me asking that I find you a particular woman who is unknown to you.”
Creagan smiled. “That about sums it up.”
“Why should I waste my time doing this when your fine features tell me you have no problem finding a woman?” she asked, again wondering what he was up to.
That she noticed his fine features told Creagan that she not only missed little but the female in her paid attention.
His smile faded, though only slightly. “Because I made a promise.”
Something in his tone must have caught her attention, for Eudora's expression changed.
“A promise to whom?”
Creagan held her gaze. “I cannot say since I gave my word, Your Majesty. And once given, I am by promise bound.”