James shook his head at Archibald Campbells audacity.

Stirling, said the king. They can be wed in the chapel royal. I think even ye will agree it is a signal honor fer the Royal House of Stewart to offer the hospitality of Stirling. James looked at Argyll fastidiously. Have ye no other attire save sheepskins?

Argyll drew himself up with pride. That I ha, Jamie. It shall be bearskins the nicht!

James Stewart rolled his eyes heavenward, not really expecting help from that quarter, and gave audience to the next noble.

Archibald Kennedy, Earl of Cassillis, heaped every crime in the book upon the shoulders of the Hamiltons and the Campbells, then started afresh upon Clan Douglas.

Christ Almighty! swore the King. Now yere dragging another clan into it! Wild accusations are useless, Archibald. I need proof.

Yer Grace, the Barbary that was meant fer ye was ridden tae Edinburgh by ma niece, Lady Valentina Kennedy.

Black Ram Douglas sold it tae her and forged a legal bill o sale. Ill show ye the horse, sireits in yer ain stables.

The kings eyes narrowed. Make no mistake, Cassillis I shall countenance no clan feuds. If I investigate the matter of raiding and find any of you involved, Ill hang the lot of you. Cattle reiving, then demanding mail for the beasts return, had been a way of life until he had clamped down on it with an iron hand and added robbery to murder, arson, and rapethe criminal offenses that were pleas to the crown and judged by the king. Ye can send in Rob Kennedy, the king said wearily.

James was thunderstruck when he heard Roberts tale of attack on the high seas. While his bloody earls were savaging each other, the English had committed what amounted to an act of war. Too bad I didnt have the good sense to fetch ye in first, Rob. My governor general and my admiral are haggling over sheep and cattle while Scotlands ships are being attacked and destroyed. When my borders and my ships are attacked by the enemy, I need unity in the realm, but unity is abhorred by all! He crashed his fist upon the black walnut table, making the inkwell and sand-caster dance about. Men often said the king was gifted with the second sight, and he often wondered himself if it were not so. For a long time now he had known an inner urgency to build warships and amass a navy. He had built the Lion, the Margaret, and the Michael with seasoned oak from Fyfe, but he had the feeling now that he would need many more vessels and men with experience to sail them.

Thank you, Rob, for coming to me directly with this news. Nothing good ever came out of England. James thought of his dumpy wife the moment the words were out of his mouth, and inevitably Rob Kennedy thought of his. I hear that Lady Valentina accompanied ye. I shall be delighted tae make her acquaintance.

Thank ye, Yer Grace, replied Rob, wishing he had left her at home where Jamess roving eye could not fall upon her. Then James smiled and added, Janet will be delighted tae have her kinswoman here for a visit. The king looked appreciatively at Rob. The Kennedy women are said tae be the most beauteous in the land with hair like fire.

Oh aye, my Tinas a firebrand, sire.

We are tae be entertained by a play tonight. I hope ye and yer daughter will join us.

Chapter 12.

The firebrand was almost without breath at the moment as Ada pulled mercilessly upon the strings of her corset. Although they had been at court less than a full day, both women were aware of the contrast between Tinas gowns and the costumes displayed by the courtiers.

Mens doublets were now wide at the shoulders with padding, the sleeves slashed with silken undershirts plucked through the vents. The womens gowns were quilted and embroidered, and the queens were decorated by dangling jewel egrets. Bodices were so low in the front, they were shocking, and so high in the back, they were wired so that the high collars were like frames for the face.

The fashion that Valentina had immediately fallen in love with and that Ada had already copied for her was a frilled and pleated creation worn under the chin like a small plate and called a ruff. Adas needle had lowered the neckline on Tinas most vivid gown, an emerald green velvet, and when she fastened the snow-white ruff and brushed out her silken mass of flaming copper hair, she hoped she would not look too gauche.

Tina shared a chamber with Meggan Campbell, and when the two girls entered Edinburgh Castles long, dim banqueting hall, they were vastly relieved to see Donal Kennedy and Patrick Hamilton walk a direct path to claim them. Meggan clutched Donals hand almost desperately, and the couple sought a quiet corner where they could talk Tina smiled up at Patrick with genuine pleasure. Id no idea you were in Edinburgh.

Nor I you, he said, his eyes telling her how lovely he found her, his brain giving thanks that his nose was no longer swollen.

Tina placed her hand upon his arm and bent toward him confidentially. Your father descended upon Doon accusing us of cattle rustling, and then my father accused yours of not keeping the seas safe. It was like a circus, especially when the clowns arrived. The upshot was our families rushed to the king to lay their complaints and have him settle the disputes. I was afraid wed never be allowed to see each other again.

He covered her hand and squeezed it. Sweet, I think I would die without ye.

She withdrew her hand and slapped him playfully.

Flatterer! Suddenly she felt nervous. The hall seemed to be filled with Douglas men, easily identified by their dark dress tartan and their Bleeding Heart crests. Two of the dark-visaged fellows were openly staring at her now, and she felt her cheeks suffuse as Patrick said curtly, Keep yer eyes tae yerselves!

She whispered, The ugly fellows seem to be everywhere.

Patrick told her, The earl rode in todayafraid tae move without two hundred at his back.

Her eyes danced, but she whispered a warning: For Gods sake, Patrick, have a care for your tongue. The Earl of Angus is all-powerful and ruthless.

Im no afraid of Archibald Douglas, he said with reckless bravado.

Tina shuddered. The name Archibald turns men into monsters.

Wheres Meggan? demanded a rough voice. The piercing eyes of Argyll bored into her so that she did not dare to lie. Shes with my brother, my lord earl, Tina managed.

To her vast relief he grunted and replied, Thats good. I dinna want her flauntin hersel aboot the hall until shes raped. The narrow morals he set for his daughter in no way applied to himself. He leered down the front of Tina Kennedys gown and in a coarse whisper that carried said, Yer bonnie enough tae make an auld man scorch Then he thumped Hamilton on the back. Careful ye dinna receive a hornin!

Tinas cheeks flamed, and Patrick flushed. Old lecher! No lady is safe from his coarse tongue.

See what I mean about the name Archibald? Meggie Campbell is incapable of flaunting herself. Her eyes lit with amusement again. While I She let her words trail away, and Patrick finished her sentence While ye attract every man from sixteen to sixty. Damn, the hall is crowded tonight. As soon as the meat is ready, there will be such an undignified rush for seats, I think Id best go and secure ours, or well find ourselves below the salt.

That would never do for the admirals son. She laughed.

Nor his betrothed, he murmured low.

Her eyebrows rose at his presumption, but she was far from displeased that he was beginning to commit to a serious relationship. Suddenly she stiffened as a pair of very possessive hands squeezed her waist and a beautifully modulated voice said from behind, Honey love, slip away before the play is done, and Ill join you in bed as soon as I can get away.

With an angry retort upon her lips she swung about and looked into the face of an extremely handsome man with dark auburn hair and beard. The kings hazel eyes widened as he realized the lady was not his mistress, Janet Kennedy. I beg yer pardon, my lady. I mistook ye for another.

At that moment the other radiant redhead appeared at his elbow, and the womens resemblance was so marked that they all laughed and knew each others identities immediately You could only be Lady Valentina Kennedy, the king said, kissing her hand.

And you could only be the king. She curtsied gracefully and with mock innocence asked, Your Grace, does that mean your invitation is withdrawn?

His hazel eyes held warm admiration mixed with the secret amusement they alone shared. Nay, it is an open invitation that will stand through the years. James introduced her to Janet, who was thicker than Tina through the middle, but no mans eyes would ever notice with her nipples deliciously exposed and painted red like two ripe cherries. James excused himself to join the queen on the dais and murmured to Janet, Later.

A pair of pewter eyes across the room had watched as the king laid familiar hands upon Valentina Kennedy. It merely confirmed what he had always knownthat Kennedy women were whores, he thought with contempt. As the tall, slim figure of Patrick Hamilton claimed Tina Kennedy, Ram Douglas felt pity for his enemy. Hed be wearing horns before he was even a bridegroom. He had no idea he was the third man to think of a horning within minutes of glancing at the honeypot.

Janet joined her Kennedy cousin and Patrick Hamilton, surprised that coarse Rob Kennedy had bred such a dazzling creature. She remarked upon it: The contrast between the men and women of Clan Kennedy never ceases to amaze me.

Tinas eyes swept over her brother Donals barrel-chest and sparse carroty hair, then they passed over her fathers coarse, ruddy person and on to the Kennedy chief, Archibald, Earl of Cassillis. She repressed a shudder and smiled at Janets radiant beauty.

Janet said, I remember your aunt Damaris at her wedding. I was only a young girl at the time, but I was quite overcome with envy for her delicate beauty and for that sinfully handsome Alex Douglas.

Both women thought of Damariss death, and Janet, on a sigh, said softly, He was a man to die for.

Tina almost said something about the degenerate Douglas men, then bethought herself that Janet had been mistress to the Douglas chief and shuddered instead.

Patrick put an arm about her shoulders. Surely yer not cold in this crowd?

She arched her brows at his familiar hand, and he removed it with a murmured apology. He knew better than to treat her like one of the easy ladies of the court.

Janet and Tina had instantly decided there would be no rivalry between them. They were fast friends upon the briefest acquaintance, and Tina spoke quite intimately with Janet, who filled her in regarding half the people at court.

Is it true that the king wears an iron belt of remorse because he feels guilt over his fathers death? Tina asked.

Janets lips tightened momentarily. Tis true, though I rail against the obscene thing. Tis so heavy, it would cripple any other man. She leaned closer. I do talk him out of wearing it to bed since Ive been with him. Hells teeth, tis penance enough to have to live in Edinburgh Castle and be wed to Margaret Tudor!

After the meal, while the court remained seated at table, the play began. Valentina was caught up with the novelty of it all, when suddenly the gnarled Argyll, resplendent in his black bearskin, confused the actors with reality and joined the argument and the swordfighting. The king and the more sophisticated of his courtiers were helpless with laughter until it became apparent that Argyll was going to dispatch the actors with his mighty swordarm.

The Earl of Angus directed his son, young Archibald Douglas, to get Argyll under control and explain matters to him, a formidable task that the faint at heart would not attempt. Douglas did a creditable job of controlling Argyll, and the assembly applauded him with many a ribald comment about Lord Bleary.

Janet said, There is something splendid about Douglas men. She was not looking at the young Master of Angus, however, but at his powerful father, the highest earl in the land. Valentina could see she was still half in love with him.

Janet sighed and arose. It is time for me to withdraw, I think. I shall look forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Perhaps we could ride together.

As the tables were cleared away for dancing, Patrick Hamilton presented Tina to the queen. Though her face and figure were heavy and plain, her gown was not. It was black velvet, embroidered all over with white silken Tudor roses whose centers were diamonds, pearls, and rubies. As Tina went down before her, Queen Margaret looked her over, saw no array of jewels, and decided she was no rival. She chose to overlook the fact that the girls face and hair were adornment more radiant than any jewels.

Lady Valentina, how sweet of you to honor me by wearing my green and white Tudor colors.

Tina had not been aware of it until the queen pointed it out The queen continued, Your dear mother is English, of course. That is why you have such pretty manners and a cultured voice. This is Nan Howard, said the queen, introducing her lady-in-waiting. Beside the queens sallowness, the Howard girl looked like a flower from an English rose garden. She was all lovely round curves with golden hair and blue eyes, yet the look she cast Tina was most unlovely. It was sullen, in fact, which was puzzling until Valentina saw her glance at Patrick Hamilton with accusation in her eyes.

Tina was almost amused. She negligently shrugged one pretty shoulder before she turned away from the girl to be introduced to her father Lord Howard, Earl of Surrey, was acting as ambassador to Scotland at the moment.

He was a close confidant of the queen and acted as secret liaison between Margaret Tudor and her brother Henry, the new all-powerful king of England. Howards daughters had inherited his blond hair and fine English skin, which gave him a youthful appearance, belying his almost fifty years.

Howard raised Valentinas fingers to his lips and made her an elegant leg. Though dressed in the height of fashion, his clothes were in impeccable taste. The contrast between Howard and the Scots nobles clearly showed he was from a more civilized culture. He was no fop, however. He had a military bearing and had commanded forces for the old Tudor king when he was alive. Lady Valentina, may I tell you that you are more breathtaking than your mother? In my youth I spent time in Carlisle, and I admit freely that Elizabeth broke my heart when she married Robert Kennedy.

Tina rewarded him with a smile, thinking how nice it would be to have a father with such polished manners.

Will you save me a dance, my lady? I intend to give these younger men a run for their money.

Farther down the hall, Ramsay Douglas praised his cousin Archibald in front of his father, the Earl of Angus, in hope of raising his uncles opinion of his own son.

That took both courage and diplomacy, Ram said.

The rash Master of Douglas replied, It felt good tae ha control of Argyll, even if only fer a few minutes.

Ram made no comment but thought it showed a lack of self-control to display his lust for power quite so openly.

Still, his father was so dominant, it was hard to get out from under his shadow. Though aging, Angus still ruled the whole Douglas clan, not just his son, with an iron fist. Ram smiled wryly. At least a dozen women had their eyes upon them as they stood talking, and he knew that if he spurned their offers, they would gladly settle for the powerful Earl of Angus, despite his age.

As the music started for the dancing, Ram said low to his cousin, Here comes the queen. I would rather avoid her advances.

What do ye mean, man? asked young Archie.

Ram cast him a cynically amused glance. She seems tae have developed a craving for Douglas flesh. Ram saw raw speculation come into his cousins eyes.

By God, Ill ha at her! he said aggressively, and Ram suppressed a shudder, thinking it would take a great deal of either fortitude or ambition to ride that gray mare.

He was cynical enough to wonder if his cousin acted on orders from his father; then his cynicism went one step further, and he wondered if Angus had pushed Janet into the kings bed for his own devious purpose.

Patrick Hamilton led Valentina Kennedy onto the floor for the slow and sensual pavane. She concentrated on the gliding steps, carefully keeping pace with Patrick, who had obviously danced at court before. There were many elegantly gowned ladies dancing, and Tina did not wish to appear unsophisticated before that polished assembly.

As the slow measure advanced, she gained confidence and began to enjoy the music. Everyone changed partners as the men circled one way and the ladies the other. Valentina was shocked to find herself face to face with Black Ram Douglas. His pewter eyes went insolently up and down her person, as if he were measuring her with his own personal yardstick and found her lacking in every way.

Here was a very different Ramsay Douglas from the uncouth wretch in thigh boots and leathers. He wore a jeweled codpiece, begod! It drew her eyes, then she could have died when she felt herself blushing.

Suddenly all her fine confidence dissolved. She felt young and awkward and very countrified. He was so damned elegant, so arrogant and utterly sure of himself.

She remembered with deep humiliation how he had straddled her in the grass, and suddenly she could not bear the thought of his hands touching her again. She gathered all her courage, lifted first an elegant bare shoulder, then her chin, then deliberately walked off the dance floor.

Hotspurs jaw clenched like a lump of iron at the insult.

All Douglas males were blood-proud, but this particular Douglas was nine-tenths pride. He knew a murderous urge to pursue her, to put his hands about that slender neck below the pretty ruff and snap it. His rage blinded him to the open invitation of other women, and he left the hall and went alone to his bed that night.

Patrick Hamilton saw Valentina depart and hurried after her. He caught up with her outside in the chilly night air.

Tina, are ye feeling unwell?

I needed fresh air, she temporized.

The smoke from the candles is enough tae choke a strong man, but theres a cold wind off the North Sea tonight. He moved close to slip a warming arm about her shoulders.

Patrick, I walked off the dance floor because my next partner was to be Ramsay Douglas.

She felt his hands tighten into fists, and he demanded, He hasnt made advances toward ye, has he?

No, no. We cannot tolerate each other. She shivered. He drew her against his body. Let me warm ye, he said thickly. Her scent stole to him, and the wind blew a tress of her hair against his cheek, arousing him instantly. His lips sought hers, and as their mouths fused, he lengthened and hardened with a dizzying need. Tina, Tina, come tae my chamber. We can be snug up there.

She pulled away from him. Patrick, you know I cannot His raging desire made him ignore her refusal. He pressed her urgently. Well soon be betrothedlet me love ye, Tina? His insistent lips came down upon hers again, and his hands pulled her hips against his hard sex.

Valentina knew she must leave him before he lost control. She was not ready for this yet. The court might be amoral, but she was not Patrick, let me go! We both know what would happen if I came to your chamber.

Christ, he could see her in his bed, feel her beneath his hard body. Talking about what would happen sent the blood beating in his temples and his cock. She pried his hands from her hips and said, In the morning I would hate myself, and I would hate you too. I must find Meggie Campbell and go up now.

Patrick groaned. Donal Kennedy was likely fucking Meggie Campbells brains out at this moment, but of course he couldnt say such a thing to Lady Valentina.

He had to let her go back inside alone because it would be a few minutes before he could even walk.

Nan Howard saw Valentina Kennedy return to the hall without Patrick Hamilton. She took hold of her sister Kats hand and went outside to look for him. She didnt have to go far before she saw his tall, slim figure in the shadows. She went forward to him, while Kat hovered behind her. She was shorter, plumper than Tina, but oh so much more willing. Patrick, she said in her little girl voice, have you been avoiding me?

Of course not, he said huskily. Dancing bores me.

She giggled prettily. Kat and I are bored too. Why dont we join you? Im sure you can think of something to amuse us, Patrick. She took both his hands in hers, and he raised first one and then the other to his lips and suggestively traced his tongue across her palms. He heard the quick intake of her breath that told him he had aroused her. He was most familiar with Nan Howards sensuality and imagined her naked, her soft pink flesh and blond curls spread invitingly for him.