Page 15 of A Flawed Scotsman

“I have worked with horses all my life and have taken care of their wounds, especially after a long time of battles that my clan has recently emerged from.”

She thought for a moment, her eyes downcast. “Did many die?”

“Aye, on both sides. Not just warriors, but innocents who lost their lives and homes to fires set by the warring clans. Battles are never fair. That so many pay with their lives over land and power is part of it.”

“My father informed me of his offer. Is yer laird willing to help us?”

Ruari waited, unsure if she meant their marriage or not. Lady Fraser entered the room and looked to her daughter. “Esme, it is not right for ye to discuss such matters that have yet to be resolved between Mister Ross and yer father.”

“I have a right to know. This is my life that is affected.”

“I do not mind telling her,” Ruari interrupted. He looked to Esme. “I have agreed to marriage, however, my clan will not go to war against the Mackenzie.”

For a moment, Esme looked taken aback. Her eyes widened as they moved from him to her mother.

“I see.” Esme looked to her mother and then back to him again. “Ye do not have to do this. No one should marry out of duty or by force.”

Ruari felt a kinship with her in that moment. Although without any real say in the matter, she was trying to help him.

“I agreed to it. Now, I await yer father’s decision on other matters.” He knew it was not customary to involve a woman in the matters regarding talks of clan alliances and such. But in Ruari’s opinion, if Esme was to be his wife, he wished her to be informed.

For a long moment, she studied his face. Something about the open curiosity was charming. When her gaze moved down his body, something new stirred within. He was attracted to the lass and, although not knowing her well, something told him they would be a good match.

Esme dragged her gaze away from him to her mother. “I do not wish for father to take our clan to war because of what happened to me. I do believe it was not intentional.”

Lady Fraser’s eyebrows lowered. “Must I repeat? It is not our place to decide or speak on these matters.” She looked to Ruari. “Would ye please allow me to speak to my daughter in private?”

Ruari stood, feeling Esme’s gaze upon him. He nodded first to Lady Fraser and then looked to Esme. “Be with care.”

Chapter Six

Calum Robertson sat back in his chair and considered the information the Fraser had imparted to the council. It was a small group of only four men. In addition to Laird Fraser and Keithen, there was the laird’s brother and him, the village constable. The men mulled over the information Laird Fraser had imparted, each deep in thought.

“I do think an alliance with them is futile. They are too far away to be of any assistance if we come under attack. By the time a messenger is sent, and help arrives, it will prove too late,” Calum said.

Keithen, ever so aggravating, gave him a narrowed look. “The Mackenzie wishes to take us over, and if we do not comply soon, he will attack. Father and I believe he will turn his attention elsewhere rather than earn the ire of Clan Ross if he learns of an alliance.”

“Ross warriors are a ruthless bunch from what is said,” the laird’s brother interjected. “Malcolm Ross is said to have a heart of stone.”

If there was to be some sort of alliance, it would have a horrible effect on Calum. Already, he’d made headway with the Mackenzie and now it was all crumbling around him. “I suggest we send a party. I am more than happy to go and meet with Laird Mackenzie. Perhaps joining with him would prove well. I do believe he would leave our people be.”

“How is that?” Keithen snapped. “Care to elaborate? In the past, there has only been oppression in the small clans he’s absorbed.”

In truth, their small village had recently grown by several families displaced when Laird Mackenzie took their land for lack of tax payments. None of that mattered to Calum as he’d been promised a handsome amount; land and power if he brought the Fraser to his doorstep.

“What is wrong with negotiation? It is how things are accomplished,” Calum said, unable to keep the annoyance from his tone.

Laird Fraser studied him for a moment. “Perhaps ye are correct. I do plan to speak to the Mackenzie. However, without anything to offer in exchange for him standing down, I do not see how it will do much more than give us more time.”

Calum fought not to smile. “I will be honored to travel with ye.”

Just then, a guard entered. “Laird, ye wish to speak to Ruari Ross?”

“Show him in.”

“He is not one of us and should not be included,” Calum protested as the interloper entered.

The imbecile, Laird Fraser, shook his head. “On the contrary. I wish for him to tell ye personally what Laird Ross proposes.”