Page 60 of The Rogue’s Redemption

He could not have this discussion now. Instead, he stood and made a comment about Toren’s strength and another to adequately dismiss himself from his brother.

Reid made his way down to the ground floor of the keep, walked out into the courtyard and did not stop. He strode through the gatehouse and, without registering where he was going, found himself in the one place he’d found solace during his time at Highgate End.

Of course, the woods were dark and empty. He wandered the makeshift training yard until he found the spot where he’d first suggested taking over Allie’s training. He’d realized that afternoon she was not only adept with the longsword, she was quite good. There were men who’d trained for much, much longer without becoming so skilled. He was proud of her.

As he was of Alex.

And yet he was, by his own design, alone. He’d rejected Alex as he had Toren and his clan. Of course he supported his brother, and would continue to do so. But just not in the way they wanted.

Reid picked up a small rock and tossed it into the air as hard as he could throw it. A distant splash surprised him.

Pushing his way through the branches, he came upon a stream running from north to south. As he discarded his boots and moved toward it, Reid could see it was plenty deep enough for a bath.

* * *

The moment it became clear Reid would not be attending the dinner, Allie had attempted to leave in search of him. But Gillian had tugged her back into her seat.

“If you go to him,” she said, “you will not keep your vow.” It was the first Gillian had spoken of the matter in days. Surely she knew Allie and Reid had continued to train together. She must also have seen the stolen glances at meals.

Though she clearly did not like it, Gillian had said nothing.

Until tonight.

“Of course I will,” Allie insisted. “I made a promise.”

“I see the way you look at him, and he at you. Unless you plan to follow my path—”

“Which I would be glad to do,” she said, referring to her sister’s marriage.

Gillian frowned. “’Tis rumored Reid and his brother fought after the council’s decision this morn.”

“No rumor,” Graeme added. Although he’d been looking out at the crowd, he had apparently heard every word. “I have remained silent on the matter until now—”

Allie was most curious for his opinion.

“—but I have known Reid Kerr my whole life as an ally of Clan Scott.”

“As have I,” Aidan said from his seat beside her. But she continued to watch Graeme.

“And I agree with everyone. He is loyal and protective and would undoubtedly keep you safe.”

Allie smiled.

“But he is also arrogant and lost. He is spurning a position that should be his and weakening his clan because of it.”

Her eyes searched the hall once more. Nothing. His brother was nowhere to be found either. And if she did find him, would Allie comfort him or knock some sense into the man she would take as a husband?

Likely both.

“Alex—”

“Returned to Dunmure Tower after the council’s decision.”

For one awful moment, Allie wondered if Reid could have left without at least bidding her goodbye.

“He is still here,” Graeme said, though Allie could not be sure how he knew her thoughts.

“I would also urge caution,” he said, nodding to Gillian. “With some time apart, and perhaps a visit to Brockburg—”