The crackle in the air between us changed to something else entirely. ‘Are you trying to insinuate something?’

‘I’m just saying that it’s a bit strange that he’s so worked up.’

His eyes narrowed. ‘My father has been nothing but generous towards you. He didn’t have to be like that, considering all the trouble you’ve caused.’

‘All the trouble I’ve caused?’

‘He’s on your side, Integrity. Just like me.’

I hoped that Byron wasn’t like his father at all. I shook my head. I could stand here and argue till I was blue in the face but Byron wasn’t going to listen to a word against his dear daddy. I sighed. ‘I have to go.’

He reached for me but I whirled away and ran after the others. I didn’t look back.

‘What was that about?’ Taylor asked with a glint in his eye.

‘Not what you’d like it be,’ I sighed. ‘I’m just burning bridges.’

Chapter Fourteen

The rest of the day passed slowly. We spent most of the time discussing what might occur during the upcoming Adventure challenge. Considering my role with mountain rescue, I was well-placed to win. The trouble was that the Carnegies – and Aifric – would be very aware of that. When night fell and I curled up in bed to get some sleep, my mind was still whirring over the possibilities. I had to be prepared for every eventuality. If I slept, it wasn’t for long.

It was a relief when dawn came. I spent some time applying make-up to hide my bruised eyes and dressed carefully so that I looked my best. I didn’t want anyone to think that I wasn’t ready for whatever the second challenge would bring; showing weakness of any kind was not an option. In any case, it was worth the effort when I glimpsed the briefest flash of irritation on Aifric’s face as I joined the other competitors in the main hall. I also caught the Bull grinning evilly at me. Clearly he was hoping – and expecting – that I’d fail miserably. I resisted the temptation to order him to start cheering my name but it wasn’t easy.

‘We would like to thank Clan Carnegie for the wonder of the Artistry challenge,’ Aifric boomed. ‘And we are excited by what the Adventure challenge will bring.’

From my left, Angus nudged me. ‘Is that the royal we?’ he said in an undertone.

I smirked. ‘Now, now,’ I whispered back. ‘He is our Steward, after all.’

‘He shouldn’t be.’

I glanced at him, surprised and not entirely sure what he meant. There wasn’t time to ask, though, because Aifric was speaking again.

‘We trust that there have been no further leaks and that the nature of the Acumen challenge remains under wraps.’ He didn’t look at me as he said this but several others did. I tried to look innocent. ‘We will pass over to the Carnegies to explain how the challenge will work. In the interests of fairness, only the competitors and the organisers shall remain in this hall.’ He bowed once and swept out.