Free Highland Barbarian (Highlander Series) by Ruth Ryan Langan Page A

a trace of triumph.
    From the end of the table came the thunderous response. “How dare you, Brice Campbell! I won that race. And the bet was five hundred gold sovereigns. By the time you caught up with me I had turned my mount over to a groom and had retired to my rooms. You threatened to have your horse drawn and quartered for stumbling and losing the race.
    Around the table there was stunned silence.
    Brice threw back his head and roared with laughter. “And how does my captive, Meredith MacAlpin, know of such things?”
    At the foot of the table the queen stood, shocking those guests who had not yet caught on to the joke.
    “You knew all along, did you?”
    “Nay, Majesty.” Brice wiped tears of laughter from his eyes. “Not until I heard the poor imitation of your French accent beside me.”
    “Ah. Then it was Meredith who gave it away.”
    “It was the boldness of the one who pretended to be my captive. You have a very—regal presence, Madame. A trait that does not allow you to blend in with a crowd. How much did you have riding on this little prank?”
    “A mere gold sovereign.” The queen gave him a wide smile. “It is worth losing this bet to Flem just to put you in your place, Brice Campbell.” She looked around at the others. “Let no one at this table think that any Highland lord can best his queen in a race. Shall I challenge you again, Brice?”
    “Perhaps another time, Majesty.”
    While the others chimed in the laughter at the queen’s prank, Brice turned toward Meredith. In a voice the others could not hear he whispered, “Well done. For a few moments you managed to fool me, little wildcat.”
    Beside him Meredith merely smiled. Why in the world should Brice’s words please her? He was, after all, still the same barbarian who had captured her and held her against her will in the Highlands.
    Or was he?
    Meredith thought about the loyalty of his people, so unexpected in one of his reputation. And the library of books and ledgers. Did that not indicate an educated man? And what of his friendship with royalty?
    So many questions. And yet, long after the queen left, she would be forced to remain here and perhaps learn the answers.
    She glanced at the far end of the table where the queen was accepting the congratulations of those who admired her latest trick. Had not the queen herself brought up the question of what would be done with her? Perhaps she could yet persuade the queen to take her with her. At least then she would be free of Brice Campbell. After all, was that not what she truly wanted?
    At the far end of the table, Jamie MacDonald remained rooted to his chair. He was sitting beside the queen. And he had just been privileged to witness one of her renowned pranks. Could life be any more wonderful than this?

Chapter Six
    W hen the feasting was over, the queen insisted upon summoning her musicians who had traveled with her. When they took up their instruments, Brice brought Jamie before the queen.
    “The lad plays several instruments, Madame, including the lute. He would be honored to join the royal musicians.”
    “They would be honored to have him.”
    Jamie felt his cheeks redden as he picked up the lute and joined the musicians. At a nod from Brice he began to play. Within minutes he forgot his nervousness as the music flowed through his fingers.
    “I have not danced since I left France,” Mary said with a pretty little pout, “seeing that dancing has been forbidden here in Scotland, as has anything else that brings pleasure. But here in the Highlands,” she said, brightening suddenly, “that horrid John Knox cannot hear even a whisper of scandal about our adventures.”
    “Or misadventures, knowing you,” Brice added with a smile.
    “Hush. Now that I am once again gowned as your queen,” Mary said with a glance at the burgundy hunting outfit that had been restored to her, “I command you to show a little respect. Further, I command you to learn the latest dances from