He faced her. “You have found a place here even running the household.”
“I’m only helping the lairdess during this mournful time. It could all come to nothing since you are set to dissolve it.”
He hung his head. For a brief moment, she wondered if he felt guilty. “Since you have been gone, you do not understand the troubles we face. There have been some clashes that have been occurring more and more. A battle will happen, but if we are granted the sherriffdom, then I can prevent that.”
Her wall crumbled a bit. “I understand the importance of it. But what about your petitions to the king?”
“I have lands in England. He is uneasy to grant me more power. He worries about where my loyalties lie.”
“He is not the only one who worries.”
“Meaning?”
“You are willing to break with the MacKenzies after years of fellowship. If you deepened the bond between you and Caelen, you may have a way avoiding a battle and getting what you desire. You look at him, wondering if he matches his father. But he has the same loyalties and a few more that you haven’t realized. Your plan of action is wrong.”
He wagged a finger at her. “You do not know what I plan.”
“Aye, I don’t, but I know what you desire the most and that reveals your weakness.”
“I know yours as well. If you can find a way to get me appointed sheriff, I will cease all claims of a blood relation and let you live this life.”
* * * *
Oran hovered in the shadows outside the kitchen. Alastronia had vanished inside, but from the opened doorway, he saw her fiery strands. He had been waiting. Servants had shot him strange looks, but left him alone.
She stepped out. “Oran.” The torch light shined upon her face. The sheen of sweat made her face glow.
“Say my name again.”
“Oran.” She rested her hands on her hips. She shook her head playfully.
“The most beautiful sound I have heard all night.”
“Dinna let the musicians hear ye.” She laughed.
“Ye look tired.”
“That I am. ’Tis been a long day. I maun look a fright.”
“Never,” he blurted out. “Can ye sit wit me fae a wee bit?” He held out his hand.
“Aye.” She took it.
He led her to two barrels placed nearby. Grasping her by the waist, he plopped her down on one. He remained on his feet.
“Ah, the air feels good.” She tilted her face upward. The crisp night air fluttered the fine hair about her face.
Oran stared at her. She looked beautiful. The courtyard’s light danced across her face. Her skin lost the redness from the heat and returned to the pale tone. He shouldn’t have come to see her. He couldn’t resist with her so near. Throughout the feast, he had tried to fight off the urge, and when he thought he had control over his desires, he saw her in the hall.
“I always loved comin’ outside of the kitchen especially wen the summer rains came. A balm to the soul.”
“I understand that. ’Tis so hot an’ I wasna ’ere fae the much of the cooking. But ye didna com ’ere to speak of the kitchen.”
“Nay, I wanted to see ye.”
“Ye ha’e seen me.”
“Stop teasing me. I wanted to be wit ye.” He linked their fingers. “There were so many strange faces an’ new names that I’m sure willna remember.”
“Ye spoke to the clan?”
“Aye, at first they stayed away but the drinks flowed—”
“Loosened lips, did it?” She swung her legs.
“I will be part of this clan, so I went aboot an’ presented myself to anyone.” His chest puffed up.
“Was that so hard?”
He lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “At first, I thought someane wad turn away or start a fight. But no ane did.”
“Why?”
“Out in the fields they are na happy to see us. That isna the only reason.”
“What’s the other ane?” She turned her face, as if looking at him sideways gave her a better view of him. He couldn’t tell her. The words gathered in his throat. It took all his discipline to swallow them back without choking on them. He couldn’t tell her that Brenna had learned of her father’s plan before departing Grant lands. She had come fully aware that he sought to dissolve this union. She had another plan—to get what both men wanted. He vowed to help her. He wasn’t sure he was.
He shook his head. “I’ll tell ye soon. ’Tisna the place.”
“Verra weel. I will be ’ere when ye are ready.” She leaned against him. He rested his head atop of hers. In silence, they sat there. He had never felt more content in his life. This was the best night of his life.
“What are you doing?”
Oran turned around to face Manus. He never saw the fist connecting with his cheek. From the blow, Oran’s neck twisted, and he stumbled a few steps to the side, but remained on his feet.
“Stay away from her!”
Alastronia screamed. A hundred memories of him outside the kitchens and being hit flooded him and fired a blistering heat through him. He swung back. The hard contact of knuckle meeting bone rattled up his arm.
Manus charged him. He lifted him to his feet and slammed him against the wall. He grunted. Oran swung his fisted hands down on Manus’ back and landed on his feet. Manus punched him in his ribs. The blow rocked through his torso. Oran caught Manus on the chin, and then somehow both ended up on the ground, swinging punches where there was an opening on the face or body.
Then Manus was ripped from his hold. Caelen held back Manus while someone wrapped their arms around him. He fought against it, twisting and pushing.
“Enough,” Caelen ordered.
Oran glowered at Manus. His breathing was ragged and for the first time, he felt blood running from his lip. He ran his tongue over his teeth. All were still there.
Manus pushed off Caelen. His teeth were bared. The left side of his face began to swell. Manus made a move toward Oran. Caelen jumped between them and pushed his brother away.
“Go somewhere and don’t let Mother see you.” Caelen pushed him away again. “And you, you stay here. Everyone else depart.”
The folks sneered at him before dragging themselves away. Their comments reached his ears, most about the fight but a few said he didn’t belong here and should return to his clan. He felt the sting of the words. Alastronia, he thought as his rage dissipated. She stood behind Caelen. Tears had left tracks down her face.
“Leave us.”
“My lord,” the man questioned.
Caelen nodded. The man walked away.
“Forgive me, my lord.”
“For a fight, nonsense. Brenna is fond of you. I think you are a good man. I don’t need you quarreling with my brother. Return home and stay away for a few days.”
He had to be here for Brenna and see what happenings occurred between Laird Grant and the others. He glanced at Alastronia, pleading for her to understand and not to hate him. Caelen must have seen what was between them because he said, “I will leave you to say your goodbyes. Oran, at least I know you can fight.”
Alastronia raced to him. She touched her finger to his lip. He hissed.
“’Tis because of me. He is set on marrying me but I dinna want him. Ye need to clean that up.” She turned toward the kitchen.
“Nay, stay with me.”
“I shall return swiftly.”
He let her go. He ran his hand through his hair. He had taken two steps to work off the buzzing energy running through him when she returned with a bowl and towel.
She set the bowl on the barrel she had been sitting on just moments ago, and dipped the linen. She dabbed at his lip. He grimaced, and flinched away from her touch as he hissed.
“Oh stop.”
He froze, letting her care for him. He hadn’t had that in a while. He hadn’t realized how much he missed it. He ought to stay away from her. Manus could give her a life where she wasn’t an outcast in her own cla
n.
“There, ye better depart. Manus’ men are very loyal to him. Please be careful, I dinna know wat he might do to ye, so watch out.”
“I dinna want to leave ye.” He must.
“Just two days an’ I shall be home, an’ then we can be together.”
“The saddest two days of my life.”
“Mine too.”
No matter how much it hurt, he kissed her. He couldn’t feel anything but the throbbing of his lip. He pulled away. That simple touch had to last him a lifetime.
“I’ve gotten blood on ye.” He took the linen and wiped it off her.
“And ye ha’e opened yer lip again. Keep it,” she said as he held out the linen. “Ye need it fae the bleedin’.”
He lingered, not ready to depart from her yet somehow he pulled himself away. He looked back to see her standing there, her arms across her middle as if to warm herself. Somehow, he found the will to walk away and when he looked back again, he couldn’t see her.
And would not for the next two days.
* * * *
Caelen lingered outside of the great hall. He watched Oran depart. His shoulders slumped and he dragged his feet. The man was in love. That fit Caelen’s plans. Oran was a good man and a good man for Alastronia if only Manus would cease being stubborn.
Caelen started to the castle stairs when he heard Laird Grant. The commanding tone caught his ear.
“What have you learned?” Whoever he was speaking with remained quiet and the laird continued. “Have messengers departed? Messengers arrived? So all is silent. Continue with your task. I wish to know everything and anything. And don’t approach me while I am here.”
Laird Grant came from around the tower. His steps slowed and his eyes widened as he spotted Caelen.
“Your spy has nothing to report?”
“Caelen, that appointment means everything for my clan. I am protecting it now, able to call up a hundred more men than the Frasers. For how much longer? If I lost a swathe of it, then I will lose it all.”
“How long do you think you will hold it if you betray this clan? Because I shall join with the Frasers and raze you and the clan from Scotland.”
“And Brenna?”
“You should pose the same question to yourself.”
Grant finally looked shamed. “I wish her no harm. She has always loved you. I encouraged those feelings. This marriage was for political reasons, you know that. But I wanted some happiness for her.” He shrugged. “Lasses and their love stories. Her loyalty is to you. I suppose I am to blame as well. I kept distance between her and the clan. It seemed easier that way so when time came for her departure, she would not miss her home and would be a part of this clan. That is why the letters and gifts were necessary.”
“You were the one who concocted that scheme with my mother?” Caelen questioned.
“Along with your father,” he answered, his face pinched.
“Then why this course of action?”
“I must. You shall understand now that you lead.”
A rushing denial hung on his tongue. He gulped back those words, unsure of what he would do to protect the clan. “In the morn, you and your men depart.”
He moved to Caelen’s side. Turmoil darkened his gaze. “I will not stop until I get the appointment.”
“I will not either.” He turned to watch him walk up the stairs. He turned back around at the figure coming for the dark mirk of shadow.
Tavish. He had materialized from the place Grant had appeared. Caelen’s vision focused on him till he saw nothing but Tavish, standing there with his head held high and his chest out. But the posture was too rigid, too much of a show. His eyes darted to his left. A menacing calm overtook Caelen. He felt his chest inflate and deflate. His heartbeat and complete silence filled his ear.
Gathering himself, Tavish pushed by him.
Caelen slammed his hand against Tavish’s chest. “If you threaten my wife again, I will run my sword through you.”
“I wilna turn my back on ye.”
“Good, I want you to see my sword plunge in your chest. I might if you forge ahead with whatever you seem to be up to.”
“That is?” Tavish questioned in a menacing tone.
“Betraying this clan,” he stressed each syllable.
“Dinna speak such blasphemy. I’m savin’ this clan.”
“You will step down from the counsel. You will leave my home. Now.” He pushed him away.
“I am a gentleman of this clan.”
“You were. See if Laird Grant will welcome you on his land.”
“Yer father appointed me on the council.” He rested his fingers on the drape of his plaid.
“My father is dead.”
He dropped his hand to his side. “I dinna betray any confidence. We were speaking of ye influence wit the king, ye helping to plead fae him an use yer court connections to gat more men to support it.”
“He shared all this with you and you did not providing him a sliver of information?”
“I tod Grant we had found no blood relation an’ to drop his search.”
“Your belongings will be sent on. Depart now or I shall have you thrown off.”
“I canna leave. My cottar has sat empty. Wat will Gilroy an Finian ha’e to say?”
“They would call you a traitor.”
Tavish bowed his head. “We can keep this a secret.”
Caelen gave a hollow laugh. “Your son said those same words to me. I won’t with you. I shall let you stay this night; however, you will remain in your chamber and I will have it searched. After the laird departs, you will go. That is the last kindness I will do for you.”
* * * *
“He would have loved tonight,” the lairdess said. “He would have raised his cup at any little thing. Kenneth loved a celebration.”
“I remember the grand feast from my childhood.” All those years ago, the hall had vibrated with excitement and glittered. She loved hearing the buzz of conversations and the energy that radiated.
“Aye, you would be sent to bed, yet always ended up underneath a table. A little hand would appear and steal a treat from the table. Kenneth always knew you were there.”
“Oh, I swore I had gotten away with it. I cannot sneak away as well as I thought.”
“He would bet with guests on how long it would take for you to slip in.”
“Not very long,” Brenna said. The memory filled her with a rush of warmth and a heaviness of what was. “I do miss him.”
“Me as well. I had always worried that I would lose him in battle. That his lifeless, bloodless body would be returned to me. But I am glad I was the last face he saw, that he held my hand.” She held out her trembling hand. “The scant time he was ill, it ripped me apart, but I couldn’t leave the duty to another. It was some of our greatest times, and now I miss him even more.”
Brenna laid her hand on her back, a small act of comfort. The lairdess sent her a watery smile.
“My lady,” the servant said.
“Aye, Jinny.”
“I was hopin’ to send some servants to bed as we dinna need all.”
Brenna nodded. “Of course.” The lairdess watched Jinny return to the kitchens. Her gaze lingered at the arched doorway. She cut her regard to Brenna. “You have overseen everything with a keen eye. You shall not need my guidance for much longer.”
“I shall always need it.”
“That is kind of you, Brenna. I believe I shall head to my chamber. It has been a long day.” She rubbed Brenna’s arm in gratitude. She crossed the hall.
The poor lairdess, around her hung a cloud of grief. Her shoulders were slumped and tense. Father Murray had been spending much time with her. Did his presence offer any comfort? Probably not. Grief must be felt until it fades, but it always returned, its chilled fingers always gripped the heart.
Caelen strode to her. He walked with purpose. “Let’s retire.” A caged energy radiated from him. His jaw was clenched. He shifted on his feet
, half turning away. “Come along.” He took her arm and made her follow.
“What is wrong?” She skipped a few steps, trying to match his lengthy stride.
“I do not know if it is wrong or finally right.”
Her interest was piqued. Questions raced through her mind along with variations of possibilities that only raised more questions. Once inside the chamber, she stayed out of his way as he paced about the chamber.
She waited, a knot in her stomach. He would tell. If not…
“Your father is departing in the morn along with Tavish.”
“Why?”
“I’ve been betrayed.” He halted. His shoulders slumped. He told her all.
“Tavish.” Her brows flew up. “I’m surprised. He must hate you so to go against the clan.”
“You do not feel sympathy for him?” Caelen rounded toward her.
“A wee bit, but I could hang him by his feet from the castle wall.”
Caelen chuckled in the back of his throat. “I would like that too.”
She perched on the bed. “What is the truth about Dairmad’s death?”
“I cannot tell you.” His voice dropped and was laced with heartache.
“You must and not just to me but Gilroy, Finian, your mother, even Manus. It could change everything. Tavish no doubt is telling my father.”
“It is of no importance.” He waved away her words.
“How do you think the council will react to news of Tavish? They will not stand fully on your side. It can do more harm that help. Who knows what they can do? What they can stir up? Maybe go to Boyd—” she made mention of his brother, “—there may be infighting within the clan. Do you think your father wanted that?”
“I will after my father is buried.”
“It must be tomorrow. Do you think Tavish will wait to stir up discord?” She jumped to her feet and wrapped her arms around his waist. She snuggled closer when he returned her hold. “I shall stand by you.”
“My fierce warrior.”
“I will shoot anyone who tries to harm you.” Her yawn destroyed the fierceness of her vow.
“Come to bed. Getting sleep is most important the night before a battle.” She undressed. She stretched, happy to be free of her clothing. She climbed into bed and snuggled under the covers.
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