Demon Within (8 page)

‘What does it matter?’ She snapped.

‘I see you’ve got eyes on her servant.’ Smirking, she glanced over to the two women, huddled together. ‘Let’s get one thing clear; I’m not babysitting these two.’

Her voice, loud enough for Eloise and Nissa to hear, surprised them, and Sabe. He exhaled in disgust and shook his head.

‘Why are you being so moody?’

‘I’m not!’

‘Oh you are! What is it?’ Sabe narrowed his eyes but she didn’t reply; she fiddled with her bow.

He leaned close. ‘If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous.’

Kiera’s brows arched. Her silence confirmed what Sabe suspected.

‘It’s about Kai isn’t it?’

It took Sabe a while to figure it out, but it was making sense. The last few days she’d been quiet. He’d always suspected she had a thing for Kai, but never thought anything of it. As much as he loved his sister, and would do anything for her, she needed to understand, Kai would never make any advances towards her, although the subject of Kiera had never broached between them.

The truth would hurt Kiera, but it had to be said. Kiera pivoted to walk away, his hand came down firmly on her arm.

‘Answer me Kiera!’

She struggled to break free from his hold. Let go of me!’

‘Not until we talk about this!’

He tried to keep his voice low; he didn’t want Leon, or anyone else hearing their squabbling. Turning his back to the others, he pulled her to face him.

‘There’s nothing to talk about.’ Kiera’s tearful eyes locked with his. ‘Leave it alone Sabe.’ Kiera finally broke free from his grasp, and stormed off towards the horses.

Running shaky hands through thick, black hair, he drew in a long breath before glancing over his shoulder to where Eloise and her servant watched. He forced a smile before looking back at Kiera. Deciding it would be wise to give her a few moments alone, he returned to Eloise and her servant.

‘I need to apologize for my sister. She’s a little-’

‘It’s no matter. You don’t need to apologize.’ Eloise spoke softly and smiled.

He couldn’t forget his manners; so he smiled, extending a hand to Eloise. ‘I’m Sabe, by the way. And that…,’ pointing his thumb over his shoulder, ‘was my sister, Kiera.’

Eloise quickly took his hand. ‘Good to meet you Sabe, this is Nissa.’

Everyone already knew who Eloise was, it was only Nissa, her father neglected to introduce.

Nissa wasn’t able to take her eyes from Sabe the whole time she’d been standing there. The attraction between them was obvious. Eloise wished the same had happened between her and Kai. Because right now, she wasn’t even sure he liked her.

Nissa quickly took his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Sabe’s brown eyes made her sigh as he stared at her with a warm smile. ‘Hello Nissa.’

‘Hello.’ Her voice was barely heard, but her wide smile spoke for her.

Releasing Nissa’s hand, Sabe quickly looked to Leon and Roulan. They were still concentrating their attention towards Kai and Garlan, and hopefully, hadn’t heard the quarrel with him and his sister. He worried Kiera wouldn’t speak to him for the rest of the day, and it bothered him. Sabe hated arguing, and thought he’d see if she was alright. Eloise and Nissa would be fine; he’d only be gone a few moments. He quickly excused himself.

‘I’m going to check on my sister. Don’t run off anywhere will you?’ Sabe gave a dazzling, white smile.

Eloise reached for Nissa’s hand, and squeezed it tight while they watched Sabe leave.

‘He’s friendly.’ Her smirk made Nissa giggle.

‘I agree, and dashing.’

‘Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but he is attractive, I’ll give you that.’ She bumped her shoulder to Nissa’s. ‘I think he likes you.’

Nissa didn’t speak, but managed a blushing smile.

Drawing Eloise’s attention towards Kai and her father, as they walked towards the shade, Nissa nodded towards Kai.

‘What do you think?’ Nissa asked with raised brows.

Eloise puffed out a long breath. Her stomach hadn’t calmed down from the introduction, and she’d not thought about her feelings.

‘He’s huge.’ Eloise whispered.

‘I agree. I didn’t expect him to be so… handsome.’

Nissa was right. He was attractive. The momentary glimpse when their eyes met made her inwardly gasp.

‘He doesn’t talk much, does he?’ Wrinkling her nose, she made a face and Eloise laughed for the first time that morning.

Wondering why he’d wanted to speak with her father alone, her insecurity gnawed inside.

‘I don’t know what to think. He doesn’t seem impressed.’

They huddled close together so they couldn’t be heard; although no one appeared interested in them now. Roulan and Leon stood and watched Kai and her father over by the shade; ready to pounce should there be any deception. Looking towards the horses, Sabe tried to make good with his sister.

Eloise cast her gaze towards Kai. He’d just opened one of the wine bottles, and had already straddled the log and sat down. Her father joined him, and looked very uncomfortable.

Running through the stories Dori had been eager to tell, she couldn’t imagine him doing these horrible things. He didn’t look how she’d imagined. Maybe Nissa was right, and it was all exaggerated, to make the stories more fantastic than the reality.

‘What do you suppose is going to happen, Nissa?’

Nissa knew Eloise hadn’t wanted any of this; but unless she was mistaken, she thought Eloise looked sad that Kai hadn’t appeared more interested. Nissa didn’t want to speculate.

‘Honestly, I don’t know.’

Eloise didn’t get time examine Kai and thought while he was busy, she’d look him over. But her plan was foiled when he turned and looked in her direction. Surprised and embarrassed she’d been caught staring, her face flushed and she quickly looked away.

The wine cork popped when Kai pulled it from the bottle. Fond of a good wine, he took a large mouthful and then handed it to Garlan. Without hesitation, and beaming a wide smile, he received it with thanks, and took a sip. He wasn’t sure how the conversation would go, and his nerves were in tatters. Maybe after a few mouthfuls of wine, he’d be able to relax and possibly get to know a little more about his new friend and ally to-be. He still wasn’t sure about Kai, but knew he was no fool. He’d not expected a one-to-one with him, and felt Leon was right, maybe he considered it bad manners to discuss the marriage in front of everyone and hoped this was a good sign for his future with Eloise. Taking another drink and feeling a little more settled, he hoped everything was in order.

Garlan handed the bottle back to Kai, who placed it to the side before resting his arms onto his knees. He lowered his head so it was level with Garlan’s, and stared in silence for a few moments. Garlan cleared his throat, not knowing what to expect.

‘Tell me why you want the alliance between us.’ He asked firmly.

‘I thought my envoy gave you all the information in the offer?’ Afraid he’d annoy Kai, he continued. ‘I’m sorry if there was any misunderstanding.’

‘No misunderstanding. I just want to hear it from your own lips.’ Kai leaned forward. ‘I like to see the person I’m doing business with, so I can look into their eyes.’

The direct statement caused Garlan to stutter.

‘Oh. I… I see. Well… the first item, on the agreement, was to unify our forces, in the event of an attack.’

Garlan’s mouth suddenly felt dry. He licked across his lips to moisten them.

‘In return for your aid, we’ll supply you with surplus foods. Oh, and aid with weapons and even horses, should you need them.’ He tensed, but managed a smile. ‘And of course, you’ll marry Eloise, securing our friendship for future years.’ Pausing he narrowed his eyes while he thought. ‘I’m sure that’s everything.’

Kai took everything in and it agreed with what Sabe conveyed to him from the envoy. They did have a document with it written down, but he wanted to hear Garlan repeat it all. There was an issue which he felt needed clarification.

Reaching into the basket, he selected a pie and took a large bite. His narrowing brows made Garlan hold his breath until he swallowed the mouthful and expressed his opinion.

He smirked and took another bite, much to Garlan’s relief.

‘Dori is a godsend. I don’t know what we’d do without her.’ He laughed nervously. Watching Kai finish the pie, his stomach grumbled. He’d love one of Dori’s pies right now, but settled for another taste of wine as Kai offered him the bottle.

‘Tell me about this Highland Lord, who’s after taking your throne.’ Running his tongue over his teeth, he removed all traces of pie crust and meat.

Coughing when the wine didn’t go down properly, Garlan spluttering for a moment, then managed to answer without sounding nervous. Noticing the carving on the log between them, he ran his finger over the chipped wood as he answered.

‘Well, he’s attacked my men along the borders of our lands.’ Garlan glanced up quickly to meet Kai’s gaze, but looked away again. ‘He’s got quite a good size army now, and I’m fearful of what will happen to us all. If he succeeds in overthrowing me, it would be chaos. They have no idea how to run things up in the Highlands.’

Casually removing a dagger from his boot, Kai stabbed the tip onto the carving he’d made earlier. Garlan quickly snapped his hands out of the way. His nerves were on edge.

‘You’ve not encroached on their land then?’ Wood chips flew onto the floor while Kai continued to stab the log.

‘No! They attacked first.’ He lied.

This wasn’t going well, and Garlan could feel his heart racing. He tried to stay calm, but sweat poured down his temples.

Kai stuck the dagger into the log, and kept his hand on the hilt as he glowered at Garlan.

‘I agree to all the terms.’

Garlan breathed a sigh of relief.

‘But with one extra addition.’ Kai added quickly. Casually pulling the knife from the log, he shoved it back down the side of his boot.

‘I won’t allow my warriors to be used. If you start something, we’re not going to come running.’ He leaned forward and made sure Garlan understood. ‘We’ll defend anyone that attacks, but if you’ve provoked them, or incited the battle to start with, you’re on your own. Do you understand?’

The silence was awkward. Everything was messed up now. Garlan wanted Kai to help him fight the Highlanders, and while he would aid if attacked, that wasn’t what he’d wanted. Getting rid of the Highlanders so he could claim the land was the main reason for this alliance.

Kai turned and glanced over to where Eloise waited. She stared right at him but quickly turned away when she saw him looking. He liked what he saw, and would enjoy taking time to know her better.

Bringing his eyes back to Garlan, Kai new he’d caught him out, and smirked. He’d done his share of fighting; used for profit and entertainment under the whip of his master, he fought as ordered. He wasn’t about to let the past return.

‘What’s the problem?’ Kai’s brows rose.

Garlan feared he could back out of the agreement, and was annoyed he hadn’t got everything he’d wanted. Afraid to negotiate, he thought he’d still get use of Kai at some point, and decided it wasn’t worth making enemies. How would he know what happened anyway? Garlan would get what he wanted, even if he did have to lie to get it.

He’d remembered Eloise’s request and quickly added it to the list before they shook hands.

‘No problem. I’ve just remembered something else.’

‘Eloise’s maidservant, Nissa, could she stay with her?

Kai grinned. He liked the idea of Sabe being speechless for a change.

‘No problem, I’m sure Sabe will be happy to take care of her.’ Kai’s smile broadened.

‘That’s good!’ Garlan paused before continuing. ‘Can I ask what do you think of my daughter?’

‘I think she’s beautiful.’ Kai’s expression was serious, and after he’d spoke, extended his hand for Garlan to shake it.

‘Deal then?’

Garlan took the offered hand and nodded.

‘Yes, it’s all good.’ His voice was a little shaky.

‘We’d better get moving.’ Kai unfolded his body and rising slowly, dusted down his trousers. Holding his hand to Garlan, he offered to help him up.

‘Thank you. I’m not as young as I was, and riding for the last two days has been painful, to say the least.’ He laughed and released Kai’s hand after he was up.

‘My two warriors can ride in the carriages and the spare horses will be for Eloise and Nissa. There’s no point in travelling all together, the carriages will only slow us down.’

Kai started to make his way towards the party and only stopped when he noticed Garlan hadn’t followed; looking over his shoulder, Garlan’s puzzled expression made him frown. He held out his arms in a questioning pose.

‘What?’

‘I’m sorry I’m confused. You want us all to travel back to Blackhill, now?’

Kai shrugged. ‘You’re already two thirds of the way, no point in turning back, only to have to come back again in a few days. Am I right?’ Resting his hands to his hips, he waited for Garlan to answer.