Chapter 5
By time shed returned to her room, Flora was ready to collapse. Exhausted from the struggle of removing as much of the pungent oil from his swords as possible. If she wasnt sure that he would come up to her room and drag her down himself, she would beg off from the evening meal.
She started to remove her clothing, eager to sink into the tub that had been filled with steaming hot water and sprinkled with dried lavender. The soft floral scent floated through the air, drowning out the stench of fulmar oil that had seemed permanently lodged in her nose.
Despite the apron shed worn to protect her gown, the residue from the oil had penetrated the linen into the wool. She sighed, recognizing that it was her own fault. But it had been worth it, even if the skirt of her only gown smelled a bit. Perhaps Mary would be willing to lend her another?
Or maybe she should leave it be, in the hope that the smell would keep him away.
Shed driven his kiss from her mind while she worked, but the memories returned the moment she sank into the warm, soothing water. Her fingers went to her still tender lips.
Had he really kissed her like that?
And had she really responded so completely, melting against him in a soft pool of heat? That, of course, was the far more troubling question. Thank God shed caught herself in time.
It was difficult to believe that the fierce warrior whod abducted her could kiss her as if she were a fragile piece of porcelain. Evoking feelings shed never experienced before. Deep feelings of longing and contentment. In his arms, she felt protected, cherished, cared for.
She tapped the water with her hand, scattering the dried leaves like dust to the wind. She was being ridiculous. It wasnt like her to be so fanciful, though neither was it like her to fall into the embrace of a barbarian.
No, she corrected. He wasnt a barbarian. If shed learned anything since the night hed upset her elopement, shed learned that. There was an inherent streak of nobility and strength in him that could not be denied. He was hard and uncompromising, but he could also be thoughtful and considerate.
She slipped under the water to clear the soap from her hair, wishing it were as easy to erase the memory of his mouth on hers. She didnt think shed ever forget the feel of him or the rich masculine taste of him.
But it didnt matter. Shed made a mistake in allowing him to kiss her; she would not make it again. She was his prisoner. And shed do best not to forget it. To him, she was simply something to leverage over her brother. A means to an end. She could never care for a man who saw her as such. A kiss, no matter how sublime, wouldnt change that. Flora knew her worth, not as a prize of marriage or to end a curse, but as a woman. And she would accept nothing less from a husband.
Shed thought Lord Murray different. Instead hed served as a powerful lesson in trusting the wrong man. She wouldnt make that mistake again.
She stood up and stepped carefully from the tub, wrapping the drying cloth around her shivering body. Where was Morag? Shed promised to return to light the fire and help comb out her hair. Flora drifted to the small window, seeking the last amber rays of sun to warm the chill on her skin.
A soft knock at the door signaled the womans arrival. She bade her enter, thinking that if she did one thing before she left, it would be to make the humorless old woman smilea laugh would undoubtedly be expecting too much.
She heard a sharp intake of breath, followed by a muffled curse. Slowly, she turned around.
The blood drained from her face. It wasnt the maid.
Lachlan Maclean stood stone still in the doorway. His eyes bore into her with an intensity that made her every nerve ending stand on edge.
She couldnt breathe.
For the first time in her life, Flora felt truly vulnerable. Not because she thought he would hurt her, but because of the undeniable intimacy of the moment. No man had ever seen her like this.
She was nearly naked. The thin piece of linen was wrapped around her and slung low over her breasts. She struggled to hide behind the damp piece of fabric, but it was useless. It clung to her, revealing every inch of her body to his smoldering gaze.
He looked impossibly handsome. His hair, still damp from bathing, slumped across his face and curled roguishly at his collar. Hed shaved, but the rough stubble of his beard still shadowed the hard lines of his jaw and chin. The thin scars that crossed his nose and cheek emphasized his rough warriors appeal. Rough, but not brutish. A fresh linen shirt stretched over the broad, powerful chest, and a silver brooch secured the plaid that hed wrapped over his shoulder. He was tall and strong and unbearably masculine. But all she could think about was how hed tasted and the seductive heat of his mouth on hers. A shiver swept over her.
She wanted to order him to leave, but her words strangled in her throat. For a moment shed passed into a dream realm, where nothing seemed real.
God, youre beautiful. His voice was deep and ragged. It wasnt the most poetic compliment shed ever received, but it pleased her more than any that had come before. And it was the only one that had made her body tingle and then hum with awareness.
His eyes darkened, and the muscle in his jaw began to twitch. She felt a prickle of alarm, realizing he was holding himself by a very thin thread. No man had ever looked at her like this. Hungry. Starving. As if she were a succulent dish and hed like nothing better than to gobble her up.
Get out, she finally managed, though her voice shook. You dont belong here. This is my room. My sanctuary. And he was invading it, making it his. Leaving her nowhere to hide. You must leave. Her voice rose in panic. Now!
Lachlans mouth went dry. Hed lost the ability of rational thought. Leave? He couldnt move his feet, even if he wanted to. Which he didnt.
The body hed fantasized about had been revealed in full naked splendor. Or as good as naked, with the little that swath of linen did to hide her from his gaze. Her skin was creamy perfection. She was lean and soft in all the right places. Her breasts rose full and high above a tiny waist and curvy hips. Her legs were long and slim, with gently defined muscles. He could even see the peak of her pale pink nipples. Small and tight and begging for his kiss.
And before shed turned
Hed been mesmerized by the long golden tendrils of damp hair tumbling down her back. Hed wanted to use his tongue to catch the rivulets of water that slid down the sleek curve of her spine to the soft swell of her perfectly round bottom. A bottom that would nestle against his groin perfectly as he slid into her from behind.
He couldnt tear his gaze from her.
The response of his body was visceral, a primal urge so intense it made every muscle in his body clench with restraint. His hands were fisted into tight balls at his side, his shoulders tensed, and sweat gathered on his brow. He was pulled as tight as a bow, ready to spring.
First the kiss, now this torture. His control had never been put to such a test. Made all the worse because he knew she was his.
In one swift motion, he could remove the cloth and put his hands on all that creamy soft skin. Bury his face between her heavy round breasts and slide his tongue over the soft peak of her nipple until it tightened in his mouth.
He wanted to run his tongue down the flat plane of her stomach, put his hands on that soft round bottom, and sink his head between her legs. Tasting the very essence of her. Licking and sucking until she exploded against him in helpless abandon. Aye, he wanted her helpless. Helpless for anything but him.
Please, she repeated. Go.
He didnt answer, but dropped the box that hed been carrying and took a step toward her.
She took a step back, but with her back to the window, there was nowhere to go.
She eyed him warily. For the first time, he saw uncertainty in her gaze.
The air was thick and heavy between them, his desire almost palpable, but she was shivering from cold and was still wet from her bath. He thought of how hot he could make her. And how much wetter. Instinctively, he reached out.
He heard her sharp intake of breath as his fingers trailed down the smooth expanse of her throat, over her collarbone, to the lush swell of her breast. With the back of his finger he outlined the heavy curve of her breast. Her nipple hardened, and he felt a surge of blood to his loins so strong, he nearly jerked.
Mine. The voice was loud and clear as a wave of possessiveness gripped him hard.
Her cheeks flooded with heat. Hed embarrassed her. He could see the confusion in her gaze. She didnt know what was happening to her body. He might be ready for this, but she wasnt. He knew her reaction to their kiss had scared her. Hell, it had scared him.
Please, she whispered, her voice raw.
He could take that soft plea either wayplease yes or please no.
Gods blood, she was the devil of temptation.
He dropped his hand and stepped away, knowing he had to stop. His body hammered with need, but he didnt want to frighten her. She was a damn virgin. And what he wanted to do with her right now would put a blush on a hardened harlot.
Lachlan was a man of prodigious appetites, and he believed in holding nothing back. When they came together, it would be hot and hard and raw. There was not a part of her that he would leave uncovered or unexplored. Patience in matters of lust was not something he was used to. Soon.
Shifting his gaze, he motioned to the box. I brought you something for this evening. We do not have much occasion for such finery at Drimnin. But it is yours; I thought you should have it.
Flora glanced at the box beside the bed. She momentarily forgot her embarrassment, and her eyes lit up. My gown! She turned back to him with confusion in her gaze. But how?
He shrugged. I suspected what it was and thought you might have need of it.
She studied him keenly, as if hed unwittingly revealed something. That was very thoughtful of you. Thank you.
Ill send Morag up to help you. But do not dally, he said gruffly, uncomfortable with what he saw in her eyes. It suddenly felt as if he were the one naked.
He turned and strode to the door, not trusting himself to look at her again. If he did, he didnt know if hed be able to leave. Flora MacLeods virginity hung by a very thin thread. He had more reasons than ever to hasten the wedding. Sooner or later, she would be his. But any more run-ins like this one, and it would be sooner.
Where was she?
Lachlan took a long drink of cuirm, his gaze fixed on the entry. From his seat at the high tablethough there was nothing as formal as a daishe could keep his eyes fixed on the door opposite him and still have a good view of the rest of the festivities. The room was crammed full, every available seat filled with his clansmen clad in their colorful plaids. The entire castledepleted though it was by the absence of so many of his people who remained trapped on Collhad gathered tonight for the first feast in a very long time. Since well before his brother had been imprisoned, he realized. The pipers were piping, the ale was flowing, the hall was blazing with candles. But they were still waiting.
Hed left her room almost an hour ago, and despite his warning, shed yet to appear. He wouldnt put it past her to tarry just to spite him.
Gods blood, the woman was proving an unexpected challenge. In more ways than one. Hed expected a spoiled, headstrong girl and discovered instead a complex woman unlike any hed ever met. Confident, determined, and strong, yet also oddly vulnerable. One whose kiss roused strange feelings in him and whose bodyHe took another swig, trying to dull the vivid picture that sprang to mind. Of legs that went on forever, a bottom made for cupping, and breasts sculpted for a mans fantasies. He tried to thrust the image away, but he knew the sight of her sumptuous form wrapped in transparent linen would be imprinted on his consciousness for a long time.
He dreaded sleep. The long, dark hours stretched out endlessly before him, with nothing for relief but his hand to combat the taunting erotic images of her naked above him, those lush breasts bouncing with the frantic rhythm of their lovemaking as she rode him hard. He got tight and heavy just thinking about it.
Damn, he needed a woman. He was tempted to seek out his leman tonight after all. Seonaid sat across the room, staring at him with reproachful hurt in her gaze. He owed her an explanation, at least. And perhaps more.
He was wound so tight, he needed a little release.
But all thoughts of another woman fled when Flora entered the room. The breath left him as he caught sight of the achingly beautiful woman heading toward him. She possessed such a regal grace; she seemed to be walking on air. Her golden hair caught the flickering light, shimmering like an ethereal haze around her.
The room, boisterous and raucous before, suddenly hushed.
It was at once clear to him, as it was to every person in this room, that she did not belong here. The humble keep of Drimnin was a poor backdrop for such magnificence.
She wore a gold brocade French gown with a low square neckline and tight bodice. The contrasting sleeves and forepart were of ivory silk embroidered in gold and encrusted with hundreds of tiny pearls. The farthingale was relatively tame by court standards, as was the soft ruff that framed her face. Her long blond locks had been twisted into some complicated arrangement that he was sure Morag had never attempted before. The overall effect was stunningheightened by the fact that he knew exactly what was hidden underneath.
But it also served to illustrate the wide gap between them. The cost of her ensemble probably could have fed his entire clan for months.
For the first time, Lachlan experienced a moment of uncertainty. Convincing her to marry him might be a bit more difficult than hed anticipated. She was one of the wealthiest women in the kingdom, and a woman used to the splendor and riches of court. He was a Highland chief whod been under constant attack since he was a lad. His clan had had to struggle through more lean years than hed like to recall. He was a fighter, a warrior. Nothing like the polished popinjays she was used to. Hed been too busy fighting to attend Tounis College in Edinburgh, as many of his Highland counterparts had, and hed avoided court like the plague. How was he going to convince her to forsake such riches for the simple Highland way of life?
But as quick as the flash of uncertainty came, it went. Replaced by renewed determination. The battle would not be easily won, but it would be won. By him. There was no other choice. Just as hed fended off her brothers attacks for years, he would use the tools he had at his disposal. What he lacked in wealth and education, he made up for in wit and cunning.
She was not indifferent to him. He thought of her response to his kiss, the way her body had instinctively reacted to his touch. No, not indifferent at all. Attraction could be a powerful weapon. If wooing didnt work, seduction just might. Whatever it took, just as long as she agreed.
He stood as she neared. Their eyes met. The memory of that heated moment in her room flared full force between them. She was remembering it, too. The sudden pinkening of her cheeks gave her away. With a slight gesture of his hand, he indicated for her to take the seat beside him.
Gilly, who was seated on his other side, spoke first.
You look beautiful, Flora.
The longing in his sisters voice hit him hard, angering him. A resplendent Flora forced him to confront what he could not give his sisters.
Thank you, Gilly. She gave him a sidelong glance, as if seeking his approval.
He looked her over appraisingly. Weve been waiting.
Her cheeks flushed hotter, and he could swear he saw a flash of disappointment in her eyes. I came as fast as I could. Morag is not experienced with this type of clothing, and I usually have two maidservants to help me dress. Before he could respond, she added, Im not criticizing, simply pointing out that donning a gown like this is not a simple matter.
He eyed her carefully. I can see that.
A delicate frown marred her lovely features. Tiny lines appeared between her brows. He felt a strange urge to rub them away with the pad of his thumb. But his finger would be too rough and unwieldy on such baby soft skin.
Perhaps I shouldnt have worn it. The gown you provided for me upon my arrival is more appropriate.
She was self-conscious, he realized. Lachlan felt a stab of guilt. It wasnt her fault he couldnt provide such finery for his sisters.
You look fine, he said gruffly.
Her eyes danced with amusement. Why, that sounded almost like a compliment, she exclaimed with exaggerated surprise. If you go on like this, that silver tongue of yours will make the bards weep with envy.
His mouth twisted in a wry smile. The lass had a dry wit. Ill remember that and try not to get carried away. She returned his smile, and he was surprised by how much he enjoyed the shared moment of camaraderie.
She glanced around, looking down the table. Wheres Mary?
His smile fell. She wasnt feeling well. She asked to take her meal in her room.
Floras eyes lit with concern. She put her hands on the table as if she intended to stand up. Is she ill? Perhaps I should check on her?
He covered her hand with his, immediately conscious of how small and soft it was under his. Hed acted unconsciously but realized it was a possessive gesture. And a strangely intimate one. The simple touch of his hand had forged a surprisingly strong connection.
Shes fine, he assured her. Im sure shell be recovered by tomorrow. At least he hoped she would be. He thought of the tearstained face that had stared at him as if he were the cruelest person on earth. As if hed just stepped on the tail of her favorite puppy. He shook it off. Mary was young, she would recover.
Flora stared at his hand, a strange expression on her face. Did she feel it? This odd connection between them?
She gazed up at him. That reminds me. Whos John?
He tensed but recovered quickly, removing his hand. The connection was severed. My younger brother.
She smiled. I thought so. I overheard a few men on the staircase on the way to the hall, but when I asked, they refused to say. Strange, isnt it? She looked around. Why have I not been introduced to him?
His heart thumped. Hes not here right now.
Oh. Will he return soon?
Yes. As soon as we are married.
Brought harshly back to reality, he lifted his hand to signal the beginning of the feast and an end to their conversation. Platter after platter of food made its way through the crowded hall. Food he could ill afford, since Hector had stolen a great number of his cattleand thus his ready source for silver. But foolishly, hed wanted to impress her. But all it had taken was one look at that gown to realize how difficult that would be. Still, hed take a Highland fis over a masque at court any day.
But would she?
He watched her as they ate, talking animatedly with Allan on her other side and Gilly, who sat beside him. She seemed to be enjoying herself. But who could read the mind of a lass?
Youre glad you came tonight?
Floras gaze slid to the handsome man beside her. Shed been achingly aware of him all throughout the meal. The powerful physical effect he had on her was disconcerting. A simple brush of his wide shoulders or muscular arm against her as they ate and her heart went into palpitations. One look at that wide mouth, implacable jaw, and rugged, battle-scarred face and her stomach flipped. Shed seen many handsome men before, but none had ever affected her socompletely.
He wasnt classically handsome by most measures. His features were too hard, his jaw too square, his nose crooked from having been broken more than once; but the overall result was of roughly hewn masculine beauty. There was something decidedly threatening about that raw power. Her attraction stemmed from a place inside her that shed never felt before. A deep, sensual place.
She dropped her eyes from his penetrating gaze, afraid he would realize what she was thinking, and considered his question.
Truth be told, she was enjoying herself. It was difficult not to. Although the feast had lasted for many hours, the room still buzzed with the festive sounds of celebration and easy laughter. There was something comforting and relaxed about it. Homey. She couldnt help but compare it with the rigid formality of court.
Theyd been entertained by the magical sounds of the pipers and the fanciful tales of the seannachie. But watching the warriorsand Marys Odin in particularperform the intricate sword dance had been the high point for Flora. The ill-prepared food was perhaps the only complaint, but the people seemed to be having too much fun to notice. And with the copious amounts of ale flowing through the hall, most were too soused to mind.
Then there was the laird himself. At dinner hed been attentive, but not obtrusively so. Hed kept the conversation light and deftly brought her in by asking her opinion on the music, or the bard, or the dancingshe was relieved he hadnt asked her about the food. He hadnt set out to charm with false flattery like most men, but had really talked to her. And listened. Shed never noticed before how rare that was. He was interesting and smart and appallingly adept at getting her to talk without revealing much about himself.
Thankfully, hed appeared to have forgotten about her trick with the fulmar oil.
But watching him interact with his clan was perhaps the most illuminating. At one point or another throughout the long meal, it seemed as if most of the castle had approached the table to exchange words with their laird. Seeking his advice on such far-reaching subjects as a dispute between two men over a small plot of land, the weather, or the price of cattle. They treated him with deference and respect, but also with something else: love. He had the utter command of a chief, but hed clearly earned it with respect and not fear.
One man in particular stood out. A young warrior shed never seen before, probably not much older than her four and twenty years. With tears in his eyes, he thanked the laird for the news of his babe. A son born by his wife, who was being held at Breacachadh. Flora imagined it was no small matter to get word of the child. If it surprised her that the laird would concern himself with the lives of his men, it did no one else. And that, she supposed, spoke volumes.
Shed noticed quite a few of the women staring at him with interest. One raven-haired woman in particular didnt bother to hide her inviting glances. Actually, the look she cast him was more than an invitation, it was possessive. And it bothered Flora more than it should have.
Unexpectedly, she found herself drawn to this gruff chief who watched her with a disarming intensity. Who looked at her like a woman and not a prize.
The Laird of Coll was undoubtedly a hard man. He didnt smile often, but when he did, it was as if the sun broke through the clouds. And he was smiling right now as she considered his question, knowing very well that she was enjoying herself.
But she hadnt quite forgiven him for forcing her to come here tonight.
If you mean am I happy that you ordered me to dine with you, no. But your pipers are wonderfuland the dancing was magnificent. So, yes, Im enjoying myself. He stared at her with that hard, impenetrable expression on his facethe expression she was becoming quite used to. Perhaps she was even becoming good at deciphering it, because she thought he looked pleased. He wanted her enjoyment. But why? Could he bewooing her? The thought didnt offend her as much as it should. She leaned closer and lowered her voice conspiratorially. You know, you might get more bees with honey.
Something sparked in his gaze. His eyes fell to the low bodice of her gown and to her breasts, of which shed unwittingly given him a very good view. Though hed had more than a view earlier, and the realization that he was thinking the same thing made her nipples harden and her body tingle with awareness.
What kind of honey do you have in mind, Flora?
Her body heated, responding to the unmistakable innuendo of his tone that she didnt fully understand. Anything not phrased as an order.
He leaned back, a wry set to his lips. Ill keep that in mind. But Im used to giving orders. His mouth moved into a full-fledged grin. Im just not used to being disobeyed.
The impact of his jaunty smile slammed straight into her chest. You should smile more often. She spoke her thoughts aloud.
He looked at her intently. Why?
She shrugged and tried not to blush. She could hardly tell him how handsome and how much younger it made him look. Initially, shed thought him in his late thirties, but now she suspected he was quite a few years younger. It doesnt make you look soimposing.
He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms, a perplexed expression on his face. Flora tried not to gape at the way the muscles in his arms bulged. Or how his shirt stretched across his broad chest. Dear Lord, he was strong. There was not one inch of him that did not appear to be chipped from stone.
Im a Highland chief. I am imposing.
She grinned, realizing he was half teasing her. Then a shadow crossed his face. There has been precious little reason for joy of late. He looked around the hall meaningfully. She didnt need to look to know what he was thinking. The lack of ornamentation, the threadbare clothing of his clansmen, the sorry state of the castle. But she also saw the happy faces and inherent pride of the people around her. And of their leader. The floods and the feud with your brother have taken their toll, he finished.
Because Hector has captured your castle?
She saw him tense, almost imperceptible, but shed been watching him closely. Yes.
But she sensed there was something else. The feud with Hector was about more than just his lands and castle.
His finger slid over the silver-encrusted goblet. The silver plates and cups were the only visible signs of wealth in the otherwise sparse keepshe couldnt help thinking a few hangings and flowers would do much to lighten up the place. The soft motion of his finger entranced her for a moment. His hands were like the rest of him: big, rough, and strong. Scarred by battle, they were a warriors hands. A mans hands. Lord Murrays hands had been pale white and as soft as hers.
She swallowed, remembering the gentle touch of those rough, callused fingers on her breast. Shed been shocked when hed touched her through the drying cloth, but also undeniably aroused. Her body had softened with a wave of shimmering heat and an indescribable heaviness that had made her legs weak.
The way hed been looking at herstill looked at her. As if he could see beneath her clothes. There was an intimacy between them that had been created in that room tonight. Hed wanted her and hadnt bothered to hide it. The only question was whether he would do something about it.
She didnt want to think about her own reaction if he did. She couldnt deny her attraction to him, but she would not be seduced by her jailer, no matter how handsomeor how tender his kiss. How did the feud with Hector begin? she asked.
You know so little of your brother?
She felt her cheeks go hot and fought the instinctive defensiveness roused by his question. Shed never wanted to become involved in the endless bickering and shifting alliances of the Highlands, but he had a way of making her feel ashamed for having ignored a part of her heritage for so long.
We were never close. Hes over twenty years older than I. She paused thoughtfully. My mother didnt talk about him much. I think she blamed him for something, though they reconciled at the end. Before she died. Flora looked down at her plate so that he would not see the emotion in her eyes. When the wave of longing passed, she looked back up to find him still staring at her. So he wouldnt think her disloyal, she added, But whenever our paths have crossed, Hector has always been kind to me.
He looked as though he wanted to say something, but he held his tongue. What do you want to know? he asked.
Why did he take your castle? Why do you hate each other so much?
There has been bad blood between the clans for years. I was not yet ten when my father died. Hector saw my fathers death as an opportunity to try to take the lands that they have coveted for some time. He chose the day of his burial for an attack. What he didnt count on was my uncle defeating him. Soundly, I might add. And bloodily, she realized. Even though we were greatly outnumbered and admittedly ill prepared. The people blamed the curse for your brothers loss, he finished.
But that doesnt make any sense. Macleans fought on both sides. How do they account for the fact that it was Macleans who won the battle?
He shook his head. The invocation of the curse isnt rational. Youll find that it is a convenient scapegoat whenever something goes wrong. Like the unusual years of heavy flooding weve had on Coll.
She gave him a long, steady look. You havent had an easy time of it, have you.
Her observation had surprised him. He appeared almost uncomfortable. I never expected being chief to be easy. It is my birthright and my duty. And an integral part of his identity, she realized. I will do anything to protect and preserve it.
It sounded like a warning, but she let it go, returning to the feud. And so after his defeat at the hands of your uncle, I assume Hector sought revenge.
Lachlan nodded. My uncle was murdered seven years later.
And you blame Hector?
His jaw clenched. I do, though I cannot prove it. But the men who were responsible for the deed were punished.
Flora didnt need to ask what he meant. Theyd been killed. By his hand. He was watching her as if he expected her to challenge him for brutality, but she didnt. Nor would she. Justice was justice. And in the Highlands, it was meted out swiftly and succinctly.
And so he took your castle? But wouldnt that be admitting complicity in the death of your uncle?
Hector doesnt need a reason for treachery. But justice for my uncles murders took place many years ago. No, hes raided my lands and stolen my castle to try to force me to his bidding. Something that will never happen.
He said it with such loathing and steely determination that it took her aback, giving her a glimpse of the ruthless Highlander her mother had warned her about. Gillys admonition about his single-minded resolve also came back to her.
Flora felt torn. Her loyalty belonged to her brother, not to this man whod kidnapped her. But she couldnt ignore what shed learned of Lachlan Maclean. He seemed fair. Except, apparently, when it came to her brother.
Why? she asked.
I wouldnt join his feud against the MacDonalds. He expected me to bow to him as chief. I refused.
Flora wrinkled her brow. She knew enough to know that the Duart branch of the clan was descended from an older brother, the Macleans of Coll from a younger. But hes right. Duart is the chief branch of the Clan Gillian. It is your duty to bow to him. Its the Highland way.
His entire body went rigid. This time, his steely control could not mask his fury. And youre an expert on the Highland way? A girl who avoids her kin and her home? Coll has been a barony for over two hundred years. I will not pay him calps, nor will I send my men to fight his battles. Im the Laird of Coll, a free baron. A chief in my own right. I dont owe allegiance or anything else to Hector.
So you choose feudal law over the Erse Brehon Law? That is an unusual position for a Highlander to take.
Feudalism has been a part of the clans in Scotland for centuries. The Macleans of Coll havent considered themselves a part of Clan Gillian for a long time. We are our own clan. It was my fathers position. Now it is mine.
Pride. Was that what this was about? Her mothers words of warning came back to her: Never trust a Highlander. They are hard men with tender pride who solve problems with their swords. Was her mother right? Had there been years of feuding and killing because of pride?
But all of this between you and Hector could be settled if you acknowledged him as chief?
It is more complicated than that.
But is it? Is the feuding worth it? Hector is one of the most powerful chiefs in the Highlands. With at least four hundred fighting men. You probably dont have a third of that. Its foolish to battle him. How can you think to defeat him?
The muscle in his jaw flexed, signaling a warning. She was treading a dangerous path. Have care who you call a fool, lass. You dont know what you speak of.
Her temper flared. Perhaps not, but I can see the toll it has taken on your clan. Her gaze swept the hall, this time ignoring the warmth of the revelers and lingering on the crude furnishings and lack of ornamentation. Take a look around. Your clan is suffering. If you werent so busy fighting Hector, perhaps your sisters could be at court.
His withdrawal was swift, his expression icy. Her words had struck a blow, one that she hadnt intended. Too late, she realized how she must sound. Criticism to a proud man whod had to fight since he was a lad for survival. But shed been thinking only of his sistersand the poverty of his clan. If Lachlan Maclean had a weakness, it was his pride. But perhaps, she admitted, it was well earned.
She put her hand on his arm, feeling the tension, the rigid muscle pulled tight as steel. Im sorry. I spoke out of turn. I did not mean to anger you.
His blue gaze turned flinty. Then dont speak of matters you do not understand.
I only wanted to help.
You will.
The coldness of his reply stung. As did the forced reminder of her presence at Drimnin. Her spine straightened. By helping you get your castle back? she asked bitterly.
He hesitated, leaving her feeling that there was something more. Yes.
But why me? Didnt you appeal to the king for help?
His face was like granite. I did. Through his Lowland toad He stopped. His privy councillors.
Surely Hector has no valid claim to Collits castle or its lands.
No legal claim whatsoever. I took sasine to my lands many years ago, receiving the symbolic earth and stone.
Then the king has done something about it?
His eyes were flat. He has.
Flora was relieved. King James would see justice done. Then perhaps you will not have need of me after all?
He held her gaze. I need you, my sweet. Make no mistake of that.