The Pendulum Read Free

was Robert the Bruce."
    "I will not wed a murderer."
    A knock sounded.
    "Enter," Airin called, glad for a reprieve. The night had not gone as planned.
    The door opened and her co-conspirator, the young minstrel Perry, hurried into the room. He halted a few feet from the bed when his gaze fell on Douglas.
    Perry glanced from him to Airin. "I—" His gaze dropped.
    "You have heard of my adventures?" she asked gently.
    He looked at her.
    Airin wondered once again at the young man's shyness. A shame some of the fire in his shoulder length red hair had not seeped into his spirit. "I am well." From the corner of her eye, she saw her father's mouth thin. "I am fatigued, however,"
    she said. "'Tis late. Rest. I shall see you in the morning."
    He cast a sideways glance at Douglas, then nodded and left her alone with her father.
    "You prefer that pup of a musician who calls himself a man?" he demanded without preamble.
    "By the saints, Father. Credit me with some intelligence. I have no more interest in Perry than I do the Scarlet Knight."
    But she thanked God for the minstrel. It was his message that had informed her of her father's underhanded dealings.
    16

    The Pendulum
    by Tarah Scott
    "You will," Douglas said. "For the knight is to be your husband."
    "Produce the true brooch, and I will comply."
    "Airin—"
    Another rap sounded, and the door opened to reveal her brother-in-law, Jason, Earl of Bothwell. Airin's heart beat in unison with the sudden jig the candlelight did in response to the disturbance of air from the hallway. She met Jason's gaze. Three months had passed since their last meeting. That had been the first she'd seen of him since her sister's body was found dashed upon the rocks of Weir cliffs.
    Her father stood. "Jason." He started forward, hand extended.
    The earl stepped forward and clasped his hand. "Douglas,"
    he said, then returned his attention to Airin. "You look pale.
    Are you unwell?"
    "Fatigued, my lord." She furrowed her brow. "'Tis late.
    Why have you come?"
    "To see you."
    "Me?" she blurted before she could stop herself. She gave a little laugh. "I cannot guess why."
    "No?"
    Airin looked at her father. "Father, what does this mean?"
    Douglas kept his eyes on Jason. "I would ask the same."
    Jason turned to him. "I loved Madeline, but I must return to my life. I must ... she did not give me children."
    Airin gasped.
    Jason fixed his gaze on her. "You are unwell."
    17

    The Pendulum
    by Tarah Scott
    She shook her head. "You know full well, my lord, I have not finished grieving for my sister."
    "You are a woman. I would expect nothing less."
    Airin bit her lip. As I would expect nothing less than cowardice from a killer of women.
    "What business have you here?" Douglas asked.
    Jason did not take his eyes off Airin. "The business of claiming my new bride."
    Her cry was cut off by a familiar deep voice behind Jason,
    "Lord Bothwell."
    18

    The Pendulum
    by Tarah Scott

CHAPTER TWO
    Airin caught sight of raven colored hair behind her brother-in-law. Jason turned and she stared into Deryll Chishom's eyes. A tiny thrill rippled through her. Her gaze dropped to the chest that was broader than the boy's had been. The thrill peaked at the recollection of those warm, firm muscles as he'd carried her. She lifted her gaze, her attention snagging on the light scar that crossed from cheek to mouth. Joy and sadness melded into a thin ache of sorrow. Her childhood hero was dead.
    "Chisholm," Jason's dry acknowledgement broke her reverie.
    Deryll stepped inside the doorway and regarded him.
    "What is your claim on my betrothed?"
    Jason's gaze riveted onto Douglas. "Betrothed?"
    "Sir Deryll fulfilled the condition Airin set for marriage," her father replied.
    Jason's brow shot up. "The brooch?" He swung his gaze back to Deryll. "Where is this brooch?"
    "In your coffers, or at the bottom of the loch into which you threw it," Deryll replied mildly.
    Jason eyes flashed, but her father cut in before the earl could reply. "Only