But the innkeeper continued on, passing by them and heading towards another room at the other side of the inn. When Willow looked inside, she could see a public dining room where several of the other guests were eating.
“Wewillrequire a private room for after our meal.”
Keegan’s voice was level, but the air of ice that never left it was unmistakable to Willow now.
“Of course, sir. This will carry a larger fee.”
Nodding, Keegan’s hand went to a pouch on his waist. “I am prepared to pay it. Thank ye.”
The innkeeper’s brows rose but quickly fell again as he led the two of them inside the dining room to eat. He was polite enough, and the man showed them upstairs to a private chamber where their meal would be brought to them.
A small table near the back of the room was set beside a window, and Willow proceeded after her captor to sit down so they might dine alone in the chamber. Silence stretched between them until one of the ladies Willow had seen in the public dining area carrying out mugs and supper plates came to tend to them.
“Good evening to ye. I shall be happy to get ye something to eat. We’ve a fresh bit of venison that was caught today, as well as bannocks and bread.”
Willow’s mouth watered at the thought of food finally in her belly.
“Get whatever ye wish, lass.”
She turned her attention to Keegan, her brows pinched together as she silently asked for confirmation. The bastard just nodded.
“Verra well. I shall have the venison, please. As well as whatever vegetable and bread ye have. Och, and a glass of yer finest wine, please.”
Willow hardly paid attention to Keegan as he requested food, and as the woman left them, she was in no rush to pull her eyes up from the table. But then the man had the gall to laugh.
“Is there something quite funny?” Her tone bit out, and when Keegan eyed her, Willow nearly regretted it.
Good behavior, aye. Still, it may yet be worth a “punishment” to see that smirk whipped from his face.
“Nae much, lass.” Keegan’s tone was especially level compared to hers, and he wore an almost amused expression on his face. “I do hope she returns with that drink. I have an inkling that I shall need it.”
Fortunately for her captor, the woman did return with a bottle of wine and an ale for Keegan. Willow had also noticed the bottle of whiskey placed beside his mug, and she cocked a brow. It had not been ordered, but she wasn’t one to make a fuss about it.
These were his lands. Perhaps the man-at-arms had quite the reputation that preceded him. As the food was delivered, Willow and Keegan ate in silence, exchanging glances as they cleared their plates and sipped heartily at the drinks provided.
When she was more in her cups than she’d care to admit, Willow finally broke the silence.
“Does the laird intend on exchangin' me for Melissa, then?”
Keegan’s brows rose, an air of delighted surprise painted over his stern face. He nodded, finishing his gulp of ale, and set the mug down with a heavy thud.
“Aye. A sister for a sister.”
She swallowed, her throat feeling dry and sticky at once. Willow’s fingers trailed over the edge of her glass, and she shook her head. Before she could think better of it, the words were out of her mouth.
“And if he doesnae honor the exchange? What then will yer laird do?”
“Pardon?” Keegan replied, and when Willow looked back up at him, his expression was soured with disgust—as if he’d bitten down on a crab apple when expecting something sweet.
“If Magnus isnae in the mind to accept the exchange, does yer laird have another plan?”
“How would a brother nae take care to ensure his sister’s safety?”
Willow scoffed on instinct, regretting the move when Keegan’s brows rose, and he regarded her ever closer. Seeking to smooth out the tension within her, she shook her head, putting forth that cheery smile she’d used for so long.
“Och, just testin' ye.” She lifted her glass to her lips, trying to escape within the taste of her wine. “Do ye think yer laird will be so forgivin' as yerself with me safety? If this doesnae play out as he hopes, do I have iron bars and torture to look forward to?”
Keegan’s jaw muscles flex, his expression going dour. There was a beat of silence where those intense eyes of his raked over her face, still making her blood hum as they analyzed her.