Page 86 of A Flawed Scotsman

“I should have known better,” Esme replied. “I know firsthand how dreadful the Mackenzie is.” She looked to Malcolm. “I will never do anything like it again. I would never wish to be the reason for harm to come to Clan Ross.”

When Malcolm remained silent, the properly chastised women got up and went to their respective chambers. Esme needed time away to be alone. Although a bit harsh, what Malcolm had said was true.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ruari wasn’t sure what to say to Esme. He’d not slept in their chamber for several nights. He was still furious that she’d left without taking the repercussions into consideration. The thought burned through him. As much as he wished to speak to her and accept her apology, a part of him still wondered if she did not wish to remain there with him.

Adding insult to injury, she’d not only apologized, but also professed to love him. Had she done it to ensure he’d not leave her behind?

The night before, he’d barely slept, once again rehashing everything. Had Esme even realized how badly things could have gone?

The Mackenzie could have taken it as a spying attempt by Clan Ross and drawn them into another war.

Not only that, but she’d also put her own father’s clan in jeopardy. He lifted up from the pallet in front of the hearth when he heard footsteps approaching.

Malcolm peered down at him silently. “When I didn’t sleep in my chambers, I managed to find a more comfortable place than the floor.”

Ruari sat up and yawned. “I’ve slept in worse places. Why are ye up?”

The laird frowned. “I am departing shortly to Fraser lands. With yer marriage, they are our allies. I need to ensure the Mackenzie threat is controlled.”

“Do ye plan to visit the Mackenzie as well?”

Malcolm shook his head. “In the future perhaps.”

“We are not welcome at Fraser Keep. Why would ye go?” Ruari stood and stretched out the tightness in his back.

“I think ye should come. Bring Esme. Tis best to get the situation controlled. If he stands with the decision that ye are not welcome, then I will break the alliance.”

Ruari’s eyebrows shot up. His cousin…brother’s support touched him. “Ye do not need to do it…”

“Ye are like a brother to me. I will not relent on this.” Malcolm walked toward the kitchen. “We leave shortly.”

“Esme.” Ruari stood next to the bed. His wife was fast asleep, her hair, having escaped the braid, forming a halo of brown waves. She was a beautiful sight.

“Esme,” he repeated, this time touching her shoulder. “Wake.”

Her eyes opened slowly. And then startled, her eyes widened. “Is something wrong?”

So many things.

“Malcolm is traveling to see yer father. We are going, as well.”

When she rubbed her eyes and yawned, the enticing picture was not lost on him. Ruari stepped back and went to a chest to pull out a change of clothing.

“Ruari? Why are we going?” She’d slipped from the bed and came to stand next to him. “Talk to me.”

“Malcolm wishes to discuss our clans’ alliance with yer father.”

“Oh.” In silence, she padded across the room to a wardrobe where her clothes hung. “Why are we going?” she repeated in a soft voice.

He’d not asked Malcolm what he considered doing if the alliance was broken. There were several options. The marriage could be dissolved if both lairds decided, or they could remain married and Esme would have to break her ties with Clan Fraser.

Unsure if she knew, he decided to be honest. “If the alliance continues, then everything remains as is. Although I am not sure how Malcolm will react if I am still not welcome. He vows to break the alliance if so.”

Esme stopped in the middle of fastening her dress. “If the alliance ends, then what will happen to us?”

“The lairds can decide to dissolve our marriage or ye will have the choice to break away from Clan Fraser.”