Page 66 of A Flawed Scotsman

“I will never marry a Mackenzie,” Keithen said. “I do not care how much ye discuss it. Let that be clear.”

“It would be best to turn the entire offer down, with some sort of mention of appreciation for becoming allies,” a councilmember stated.

Laird Fraser’s gaze turned steely when looking to his son. “Ye will do as I say and what is best for the clan. If I decide ye will marry the woman, then ye will do it.”

“It takes a day to reach the Mackenzie keep. He chose three days knowing it cut our time to discuss to only two days at most,” the leader of the guard stated.

Ruari cleared his throat. “I believe the Mackenzie is trying to save face. He does not plan to attack again. He realizes that we are too far for him to maintain control over even if he wins a battle. However, the man does not wish to appear weak before his people.”

“I doubt any of his clanspeople care one way or another,” the laird’s brother stated. “Most are too busy carving out a living under his stringent rule.”

Laird Fraser shook his head. “If the possibility of continuous peace exists, why would we not take it? The Mackenzie is not a sane man. He is always plotting. I do not trust him, but at the same time, if his daughter comes to live here, we can guarantee our people peace.”

A loud boom sounded when Keithen pounded his fist to the table. “I refuse.”

“I stand with Keithen,” Ruari stated. “His offer comes with an underlying threat. Accept or else. Ye cannot allow it.”

The laird’s face turned red. He swung an arm, sweeping across the table, knocking glasses over as he got to his feet. “Once again, ye speak against me. Again in my home.” He glared at Ruari who maintained eye contact. “Ye should leave immediately. I will not allow disloyalty.”

He then pinned Keithen with a menacing look. “And ye will obey me. I am not just yer father, but yer laird.”

With a hard push from the table, Ruari stood. He grew tired of the laird’s constant back and forth of whether he should remain or not.

Fury filled him as he stalked out and into the courtyard, directly to the corrals. The dirt under his feet kicked up as he paced back and forth deciding on how he’d tell Esme he was leaving.

Keithen approached. “Ye should not leave. Allow him time to calm.”

“I cannot remain. He has asked me to leave in front of witnesses. I will not take Esme, not at the moment. I must return to Ross lands and figure out what is best. Where we will live. I have land that I can build upon. Right now, I cannot take her with me. There is no time to plan. I will return for her as soon as possible.”

Upon spotting him, his cousin, Ewan, came to where they stood. “What is happening?”

“Gather the men. We return to Ross lands immediately,” Ruari growled. “We are no longer welcome here by the laird.”

Chapter Twenty

Esme stretched. She’d been with Catriona all afternoon. Although she couldn’t wait to speak to Ruari and find out the outcome of the meeting with the Mackenzie, it was best to wait to discuss it alone once they retired for the night.

Currently, Catriona slept, her friend seeming frailer than ever. Although she’d begun eating in the last few days, her countenance had not changed. There didn’t seem to be any wish to participate in what happened around her. Most of the time when Esme spoke to her about what was happening at Fraser Keep, Catriona would listen, but not respond. Instead, she’d heave a heavy sigh and would rise from the chair, limp to the bed, and lie down.

Just then, Flora returned from spending time with her bairn and eating. The woman looked refreshed. She smiled at Esme. “I will remain here for the rest of the day and night.”

“I will ensure someone arrives early in the morning to allow ye time to see about yer child and mother.”

“Thank ye,” Flora replied and went to the window. She pushed open the shutters, allowing the last rays of sunshine in. “Miss Catriona. It is time for ye to get up and walk for a bit.”

It had been a good choice to hire Flora. She did not shrink from Catriona’s reluctance. Instead, the companion encouraged her to do more.

Once in the hallway, Esme considered whether to go to her chambers and rest before last meal, or to head directly to the great hall and search out Ruari.

Upon entering the great hall, it was evident something was amiss. The room was empty, other than maids who prepared the room for last meal. There were guards at the doorway, but it was strangely quiet.

The guardsmen appeared to be lined up outside and she hurried to the doorway. “What is going on?” she asked a guard.

“A reassignment of duties now that Ross has left with his men.”

The words floated in the air, not making a bit of sense.

“What are ye saying? Ruari Ross left?”