Page 78 of The Rogue’s Redemption

Reid listened to the arguments of those around him in the great hall, but he remained quiet. His brother had advised him to keep rein of his anger before the elders—an easy task for his brother, who commanded their respect, but less so for him.

But it seemed to be working.

He’d endured curious glances all afternoon, but Reid would not be goaded. He listened to Toren’s assessment of their brief trip across the border. They’d found the raiders, but rather than turn them in to the warden, they’d stolen their cattle back.

The change in tactics would not go unnoticed. It ensured the tentative peace negotiated at Highgate End was officially at an end, but they’d been left with no alternative.

“When they do come, we’re ready,” Toren said.

“But are the others?”

They had also sent word to neighboring clans, warning them of what was likely to come.

Reid stood with his brother, always. Even if he did believe they were being manipulated by the English warden. Aidan’s messages from Lyndwood had confirmed his worst fears, but the news had arrived too late for them to stop what had already been put into motion.

It was the end of peace and the beginning of war.

“And when our own men are called to the Day of Truce for their crimes?”

Reid found himself thinking of Allie as Toren alleviated the fears of the same people who had encouraged them to take the offensive. It seemed he was not the only one who was torn. The elders remembered how much tougher life had been on the border before the treaty was signed.

He should have spoken to Allie before he left. He knew that, had known it then. But the words had refused to come.

Do I deserve to be forgiven?

His actions had been deplorable, as if bedding women and pretending not to care what anyone thought of him would allow him free rein to act any way he pleased.

“Reid?” his brother demanded. “What say you?”

They’d been discussing the Day of Truce.

Apparently Toren was ready for his opinion.

“I believe—”

“We should not go.”

Goddammit. It was Alex. Again. No one had summoned him—just as with the council, he’d come on his own volition.

“Brother? When did you arrive?” Toren asked.

When he felt a hand on his shoulder, Reid grasped his brother’s hand in greeting despite his annoyance.

“Not long ago. I was held up speaking to a most enchanting visitor.”

Allie.

Somehow that made it worse, as if Alex was undermining him at every turn.

His brother walked around him and sat next to him on the bench. The hall had been cleared, and Toren, refusing as always to sit anywhere but with the other men, sat across from them. The others, scattered about the room, all watched the most recent development with interest.

“We’re overjoyed Dunmure is such a short distance away. To think, I’ve been graced with your presence twice in such a short while.”

Alex put his arm around him. “’Tis good to see you too, Reid. Despite our last leave-taking. Although I don’t believe now would be a good time to discuss that.”

Toren looked back and forth between them. He’d not mentioned his falling-out with Alex, and clearly their elder brother was curious. But that would have to wait.

“You believe we should not send representation to the Day of Truce?” Toren pressed.