Page 12 of Deception

A fond light entered his eyes. “Lyel fought at my father’s side during the Battle of Southaven. My father sent me to Inverness to take refuge with my uncle. I was only nine summers. Our camp was attacked and Laird Mackenzie protected us. My father was killed in the attack.

“So young to lose a father. I am sorry,” she said.

“Lyel raised me after that,” he said. “They are both good men. I was very fortunate.”

She’d often wondered what it would be like to have parents who loved and cared for her. “Why would Michael want to stop your marriage to Lady Alison?” she asked.

He regarded her. “How did ye manage to overhear our conversation above the noise in the great hall?”

Linnae shrugged.

Jacob released a breath. “Michael is Lyel’s brother’s son. He doesnae want to be allied with my clan. Instead, he’d rather ally with the Donalds.”

She drew a sharp breath. “That would change the balance of power and…”

“…could mean all-out war on Skye,” he ended for her.

Linnae nodded slowly. “But why worry about Lady Alison’s marriage to ye? Michael can simply ignore the connection.”

Jacob shook his head. “Michael has supporters on the council, but many would fight him if the MacKenzies are allied with me, and his warriors would consider his change of alliance a betrayal.”

“But ye are no’ certain he was behind the attack?”

“Nae. Nonetheless, he will take advantage of Lady Alison’s death.”

Guilt tightened her belly. “It would have been better for everyone if she had lived and I had died.”

To her surprise, he leaned across the bench, grasped her hand, and gently squeezed. “Dinnae fear, lass. I will deal with Michael.” He released her. “For now, I am concerned about Lyel.”

“How is your laird?” she asked.

“I was with him before I came to you.” He sighed. “His death won’t be long in coming.”

She didn’t know what to say, so said the first thing that came to mind. “Lady Innis and Sophie think they are going to help me plan my wedding.”

Something flickered in his eyes.

“What is it?”

His gaze sharpened. “You have a sharp mind yourself, do ye no’, lass?”

“Sharp enough to know you have something on your mind.”

“I suppose there is no way to avid telling you.”

She tensed.

“Lyel wants us to marry tomorrow.”

“What?” She stared. “I pretended to be Laird MacKenzie’s granddaughter to give him peace. But this—” She jumped to her feet. “Because I’m a servant doesnae mean ye can force me to marry ye just so that you do no’ upset your laird.”

He rose. “Linnae.”

She took a step back. “If you think you can marry me, then toss me aside after Laird MacKenzie passes on, you are sadly mistaken.”

“Lass—”

She shook her head. “I am only a maid, but I have my honor.”