Think about that imaginary little Mist Child she’d sketched, not about Caleb who had never really been a child at all. It hurt too much to remember the pain he’d never talk about. Nor the cynicism that he used as a guardrail. But this couldn’t go on. Except for sex they’d been growing further and further apart during the last six months. Even Caleb had been aware that she’d been on edge before he’d left her here at MacDuff’s Run.

Caleb was right, they were going to have to have that in-depth discussion he’d spoken about…

Or she might lose him.

*  *  *

The Gallery
MacDuff’s Run
Next Day

“What are you doing in here?” MacDuff asked curiously. “Fergus told me that you’ve been in here with Fiona for most of the morning. I must be more persuasive than I thought.”

Jane turned away from the portrait of Fiona to see him leaning against the doorjamb of the gallery. “You’re always persuasive, MacDuff. Between diplomacy and your economic ventures, we’re all lost in admiration of the great Lord MacDuff.” She made a face. “Not that you’ve managed to talk me into anything. It just occurred to me that I might have some time to spare while I’m here and I could spend it amusing myself by trying to solve your Fiona mystery. It was an intriguing story, and I can’t believe that no one has ever discovered what happened to Fiona. There’s no way that I’m any relation to her, but maybe you’ll stop nagging me if I can find out something that will satisfy your curiosity.”

“It might be a possibility.” He crossed his arms across his chest. “But since you came here, you’ve spent all your time outside on the grounds sketching. Why did you decide to change your routine?”

She shrugged and then said bluntly, “Circumstances, MacDuff. And why did you decide to bring in extra guards to watch over the gallery? I’m tired of this bullshit. It seemed the time to make the move.”

MacDuff tensed and then relaxed. “I gather Caleb called you last night? He said he would and tell you everything.”

“And he did. I wouldn’t have accepted anything else. I was particularly impressed by the tales of the beheadings.” She shivered. “Caleb seems to think my presence here won’t be a threat to your people, but I want you to know that if you have any doubts, I’ll leave at once.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said roughly. “You’re my good friend. I’ve arranged for enough extra guards to make this an armed camp.” He smiled crookedly. “And I’ll enjoy holding it over Caleb’s head that I was the one who could keep you safe. That will be particularly satisfying.”