There was no question about who I was most interested in. As Steward, Aifric was beholden to his guests and forced to remain in the auditorium; it wouldn’t do for him to publicly snub a Clan by leaving during a performance. What was no doubt a pain in the arse for him was a godsend for me. All I had to do was locate his quarters and I could snoop around to my heart’s content.

I had a vague idea where all the rooms and suites were located after my last visit here but the Cruaich castle was still a maze. With twenty-four Clans staying, not including my own, it would be a waste of time for me to skulk down every corridor in the hope of finding flashes of the Moncrieffe tartan so, rather than wander around aimlessly, I strolled into the main hall and looked for someone who would help.

The Sidhe nobles might despise me because of my lineage but the lesser Clanlings were far more amenable. In fact, they often seemed in awe of me. It was one of the many things that made me wonder what my father was really like. Unfortunately, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get an answer.

Spotting a scurrying pixie, I barred his way. ‘Hello!’ I beamed.

The pixie, obviously flustered, gave a brief bow. ‘Chieftain Adair.’

I tried not to look too happy that he’d used my real name and title. ‘I wonder if you can help me,’ I said to get the pixie on side.

‘Of course. Would you like some refreshments?’

‘No, thank you. I’m hoping for a tour of the castle. Is there anyone who could take me round? It’s just that I’m new here and I’m constantly feeling wrong-footed. If I had a better idea of the layout, I’d know what people are talking about when they discuss the Cruaich’s history.’ I tittered. ‘Last time someone asked me to meet them in the library it took me hours to find it!’

The pixie blinked at me. ‘Er…’

He was reluctant to point me in the direction of someone with free time. ‘Let me guess,’ I said drily, ‘you’ve heard the rumours about my thievery skills too.’

He had the grace to look embarrassed. ‘I don’t believe them, Chieftain. Honest.’

Considering I was a thief, he shouldn’t have been so quick to dismiss those whispers. Either way, I did have some sympathy for his position. ‘But if someone finds out that you showed me around and something went missing…’

He nodded, the flesh under his chin shaking. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘That’s okay. I understand. You’re probably very busy and have a lot to do.’

His relief was palpable. I stepped out of his path and let him continue on his errand. The staff weren’t going to help – I’d have to find another way to locate Aifric’s chambers.

When I heard footsteps behind me, I turned and realised I had a more useful person to target. ‘Jamie!’

The Moncrieffe Sidhe’s eyes widened when he caught sight of me and I had the feeling that he wished he were somewhere else. I trotted up to him before he could escape. ‘I really enjoyed your performance,’ I told him.