Page 88 of A Flawed Scotsman

Malcolm and Elspeth were first to be greeted and then Ruari’s uncle, Gregor, who’d insisted on attending the negotiations. Being cousin to the laird meant Ruari and she would be greeted after them.

When they approached, her mother hugged her. As happy as she was to see her mother, Esme was more focused on how her father reacted to Ruari being there. The men exchanged cordial greetings, which made it hard to tell what, exactly, was transpiring internally. She then looked to Keithen who gave her a warm smile. Her heart leaped with joy at seeing he was, indeed, alive and well.

As a group, everyone walked into the great room. The entire time, her mother talked about inconsequential things. “Mother, are ye aware we are here to discuss whether the clans will continue in an alliance?”

Her mother nodded. “I heard something about it. Of course, it is nothing for us to concern ourselves with.”

For a long beat, Esme considered telling her mother how much of it concern it was. In that moment, she noticed the pasted smile and worried look her mother directed toward her father. For an instant, the truth was revealed. Her mother feared facing reality. Sadness engulfed Esme at the knowledge.

With an overly bright smile, her mother took her hand. “Come along. Let the men do whatever it is they plan. Ye must see Catriona. She is so much better.”

“Does she leave the bedchamber now?”

“If she wished to, I am sure she would,” her mother replied with a chuckle. “I think she enjoys spending time alone.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Laird Fraser waited until they were served and then sent everyone except for Keithen, Malcolm, Uncle Gregor and Ruari away. Once the door closed, he leaned forward and met Ruari’s gaze. “Accept my apologies for how I treated ye. I should not have reacted as I did. There is no excuse for my treatment of ye, as my daughter’s husband and an allied clan member.”

Ruari bent his head and then lifted it to look at the laird. “I accept yer apology.”

“Good,” Laird Fraser replied. “It gives me ease to hear it. I do mean it genuinely.”

Ruari believed the apology was heartfelt. He’d not allowed Esme as much consideration. Ruari frowned at the realization. Why had he not believed it when she’d said words that made sense?

Malcolm spoke next, outlining an agreement that would give Laird Fraser a right to call upon them if the need arose. Again, it was reiterated that Clan Ross would act as reinforcements only until the larger Clan Fraser’s warriors arrived.

The agreement was made, and a scribe was sent for. While they waited, Gregor, Malcolm and Laird Fraser continued the conversation regarding logistics and such.

“Can I speak to ye in private?” Keithen said to Ruari motioning to the doorway.

“Aye. Of course.”

They walked to a small courtyard. Keithen then glanced around to ensure not to be overheard. “Do ye know what I was doing on Mackenzie lands?”

“I believe I do,” Ruari replied. “Ye are treading dangerously. It could cause a clan war if ye are discovered.”

Keithen Fraser was built for war, with the build of a predator. Sleek and muscular, the air of restrained power surrounded him. Unlike Esme, who had dark brown hair, her brother’s hair was sun streaked, the color of sunsets.

“They took my mother and almost killed Catriona. I must make them pay.”

“Yer father is not aware then.” Ruari didn’t state it as a question.

Keithen shook his head.

“Ye should not continue. It is rash and will not change what has happened.”

The man’s lips curled into a snarl. “What if they had harmed my sister in the way they did Catriona?”

Ruari inhaled sharply. He’d been ready to go to war to save her. That his life could have been in danger had not mattered.

“I see ye understand then.” Keithen pulled the door open and went back inside. When Ruari returned to the laird’s study, Malcolm looked to him in question.

“I would like to ask something,” Ruari told the laird and everyone looked to him. “I plan to give my wife a choice to remain or return with me. Either way, she will remain my wife. I ask that ye allow her to live here if she chooses to stay.”

Laird Fraser’s confused look mirrored Keithen’s. “Women are not to be given such liberties.”

“Yer daughter slipped away and was captured by the Mackenzie,” Malcolm said. “Her actions put our clan in peril of war.”