“Then you’d better first learn that I cannae be intimidated.” She tipped her head toward the bolted door. “That bolt willnae keep me from leaving should I wish to.”
“I didnae lock the door to keep you contained, only to keep anyone else from entering while we speak.” He cocked a brow. “You scuttled in here so fast I barely caught the sight of you fleeing.”
“I didnae flee.”
“Of course you did.” He stepped closer, almost towering over her. “That made the chase even more intriguing though.”
“I simply wished for a moment of privacy.” The man exuded power from every inch of his tall form, although with only one uttered word she could bring him to his knees if she so desired. “What is it you wish to speak to me about?”
“Your powerful skill and how you used it to ensure the battle came to a swift end.” He uncrossed his arms and gestured to one of the armchairs. “Sit, please. I truly mean you no harm. I owe you my life, will forever be in your debt.” He sank down into one of the armchairs and picked up the wine flask. “It appears we have refreshments. Do you care to join me for a drink?”
This man intrigued her, and far more than any other man ever had. She eased into the chair opposite him and motioned for him to pour.
“Thank you. I see you prefer lad’s clothing, Ella, if I might call you Ella? I certainly do apologize for mistaking you for a lad just now.” He poured ruby-red wine into both goblets, held one out to her and lowered his tone to a suddenly husky level, “Such attire suits you, if I might say so.”
“You’re flirting with me again, as you did at Dunscaith.”
“I’m simply stating a fact, although should you wish to believe I’m currently flirting, so be it.”
“You’re a wretched man, Duncan, that’s if I might call you Duncan?” She accepted the wine from him and took a hearty sip.
“Of course. First names it is then.” He sipped his wine, tapped his leg. “I never intended for things to escalate at Dunscaith as they did, only my father made that nigh on impossible with his unexpected arrival.”
“Mary said you wished to enter into a betrothal agreement.”
“Aye, although that’s now no longer possible.” He leaned forward, elbows braced to his knees and his goblet held securely between both hands. “Sitting here with you is something I never imagined possible. Do you travel alone often?”
“I’m here with my brother. Ethan and I had business to attend to with William and Mary.”
“Have you sailed from your fae village or Dunscaith Castle?” He took a hearty swallow of his wine then chased a bead of red at the corner of his mouth with his tongue.
Oh my, he had such deliciously full lips. Not that she should be noticing his lips.
“Ella?” One raised brow.
“Pardon?”
“I asked if you’d sailed from your fae village or Dunscaith Castle?”
“I only visit Dunscaith from time to time. Ethan and I live with our mama at the village.” She cleared her throat. “Mary informed me of Gavin MacDonald’s attacks when I arrived. ’Tis the first of heard of him slaughtering your cattle, but you can be assured I’ll do whatever I can to halt him. Ethan too. My brother and I always act as one in our desire to seek peace.”
“There will never be any peace between Gavin and I.” He set his wine down, straightened the chess board and righted one or two of the misaligned pieces. “Do you play the King’s Game?”
“My papa taught me how to play after returning with our chief from visiting the king at Stirling Castle. He made this very board for William and carved these chess pieces as well. He whittled them from wood Ethan and I collected in the woods.”
“I had no idea. I’ve always admired this set. ’Tis well crafted, with great attention to detail.” He picked up another piece and rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger before gently setting it back down. “My foster sister, Kyla, loves naught more than besting me in this game. She says it requires a man or woman to consider multiple strategies when making a move, which is true, much as one must do when coming up against a fierce opponent on the battlefield. Do you care to play with me?”
“Playing with you could be dangerous.” Although unable to help herself, she shuffled forward in her seat. Making the first move, she selected a piece and slid it across the board and into position. Aye, naught more did she thrive on than coming up against a new opponent, and Duncan MacKenzie made one very fine one at that.
“Yet you’re a fae compeller, while I’m merely a warrior with the ability to wield a blade. It should be me who says playing with you could be dangerous.” He moved his chosen piece, the fire’s glow flickering across his high cheeks.
“Aye, with one word I could alter this game.”