Page 16 of The Rogue’s Redemption

If there was a bigger fool in Scotland, Reid didn’t know him. There was no good reason for what he’d just done. He was impulsive, thoughtless. Wasn’t that exactly why the elders had expressed concern about appointing him as Toren’s second? If he were another, better, man . . .

It seemed she was as much a fool as he because, unbelievably, she was going to agree.

Reid had gone off looking for Allie after the meeting, and when he saw her and Aidan rushing through the courtyard, he’d been curious enough to follow. The sight of them walking into the nearby woods had turned Reid’s curiosity into something more. Something, if he were being honest, that had led him to make an offer that was anything but wise and would surely lead to trouble.

Jealousy was not an emotion to which he was accustomed.

Allie raised her chin, the fire in her eyes another reason Reid wanted to take over her training. Why was she doing this? What compelled a noblewoman to wish to fight?

“Very well.” And then she whispered for his ears only. “But only because it will be easier for him. Not because I believe it to be a good idea.”

She referred to her brother-in-law, and once again Reid wondered about the nature of their relationship. What exactly was Aidan de Sowlis to her? A brother-in-law only? Something more? Did it matter?

He should not ask. “Are you sure?” The words left his lips despite himself.

“Aye,” she answered, her voice strong.

He reached out his hand toward Aidan. “May I?”

The younger de Sowlis brother handed Reid his training sword, then stepped back and crossed his arms, leaning against a nearby tree. Why was he smiling? Apparently the two brothers had not spoken yet, and Reid wondered if, when they did, these training sessions would come to quick halt.

When Reid turned to face his new student, she was already in position. He took the opportunity to assess how much she’d learned so far.

“Show me how you move forward, or backward, with a series of cuts.”

She did as instructed, and Reid watched to see if the side of each cut corresponded with her forward foot. It did, and he couldn’t help but be impressed. He looked over at Aidan, who was clearly pleased by her skill.

“Well done,” he said. After a series of moves, Aidan finally stopped them, and the lady’s face fell.

“Already?” she asked, clearly disappointed.

“I should find Graeme—”

“Go,” Reid said. “We will be along.”

With a distinctly “Graeme” expression, Aidan tried to assess the lady’s safety. He’d known the man his whole life . . . Hellfire, they’d almost become family.

“She will be safe with me.”

Aidan frowned. “I know she will—”

“Then there is nothing to fear. Ask your brother.”

At Aidan’s confused expression, he said, “We had a discussion earlier today.”

He looked at Lady Allie then, knowing he’d be forced to explain. So be it. But he saw her give a slight nod to her brother-in-law.

Though Aidan was clearly not prepared to listen to him, he did defer to his sister-in-law. “I am trusting you, Reid,” he said, his meaning clear.

Then he left, not waiting for a response.

“What did Graeme say to you?” She’d turned the longsword upside down, its tip in the ground and her grip comfortable on its handle. And it was in that moment that Reid knew, unequivocally, he’d made a mistake. It would not be his last, but it was one he would have to live with until this council was over.

“Why did you agree to let me train you?” he shot back.

“What did he say to you?” she repeated.

Reid smiled, enjoying himself.