Ewen's voice was sullied by drink. So sullied it was incomprehensible. At last, he had noticed her though. Drunk or not, the dimness of the peat-smoked room couldn't disguise his eyes glowing like burning coals. Had she expected it to be so pronounced?

She'd hoped not to bed him, given everything she'd heard. Should she dwell on that now she was here alone though? Concentrate instead on guaranteeing the futures of all who depended on her? Somehow? What was it to sleep with ...