Chapter One
November 1714,
Journey to Moy Hall, Scottish Highlands
“Please, Moira,” Alina pleaded, gazing at her younger sister with soft eyes, as though that might help her cause.
Sitting across from her in the carriage, Moira firmly shook her head. “Absolutely nae. It is me necklace and ye cannae have it. I dinnae ken why ye’re so eager fer it. Ye have many beautiful ones o’ yer own. The one ye are wearing now is stunning.”
Absently, Alina lifted her hand to her throat, as though she had forgotten what was there. “Och, ye ken I have always wanted that necklace.”
“And every time ye ask, fer ye must have pleaded with me a hundred times or more, the answer remains the same. This is me favorite and I willnae give it tae ye.”
“Spoilsport,” Alina pouted, pretending to be annoyed, even as a smile danced in her eyes.
Moira giggled then, her sharp green eyes glistening with delight.
Alina smiled widely at her sister, even as she shook her head. “It is a good job I love ye, little bean.”
“Och, please tell me ye’re nae going tae call me that when we get tae Moy Hall,” Moira gasped. “I will be mortified.”
Little bean had been the nickname Alina had given her sister from the moment Moira could walk. With only two years between them, Alina had still been tiny herself. That seemed so long ago now, for her twentieth birthday had passed only a few months before.
“I swear,” Alina placed her hand on her heart. Visible relief washed over Moira’s face. Right until Alina’s next words. “Well, nae in public, at any rate.” She beamed a huge grin.
“It’s all right fer ye,” Moira pouted. “Ye glide along with effortless confidence. Naething bothers ye.”
“Being forced tae marry a stranger bothers me,” Alina countered with a firm look, sweeping her long, thick auburn hair behind her shoulder.
Moira sighed. “Och, well. There is that.” And then she smiled. “But I ken ye’re nae going tae mak’ it easy fer him.”
Moira knew her too well. She had no intention of going into this circumstance willingly. In fact, since they had left their father’s castle, three days ago, Alina had been scheming how the devil she could get out of this union. Kieran Mackintosh may well have been the future laird of his clan, and while she was expected to one day become Lady of the castle, she knew that by the time she was finished with him, he was going to be nothing more than a distant acquaintance.
When she had first discovered she was to be sent to clan Mackintosh as part of the peace negotiations being offered up as a pawn to bind the clans together, Alina had been shattered. She had cried for hours, and not left her bedchamber for four days. Even her sister’s warm words of sorrow had brought her no comfort.
“We will run away,” Moira had whispered, while Alina’s face had been buried into her soft pillow, soaking the linen with her sobs. “We will run so far that naeone will ever find us.”
But they both knew Moira’s words were empty. They could no more run away from their family, than Alina could choose her own suitor. Not that either sister desired marriage. Their older sister, Lilly, had been offered into marriage, forced to wed a man nearly twice her age and her misery was clear to see. It scared Alina and Moira to death. So much so, that soon after Lilly’s wedding, the two had made a pact.
Sitting together on Alina’s bed, they had entwined their little fingers together. Looking intently into each other’s eyes, Alina had said, “We will avoid marriage at all costs.”
“At all costs,” Moira had repeated, nodding her head vigorously.
They had bid farewell to their mother and father to make the journey they were currently on, and whilst travelling, Alina and Moira and repeated the pact.
“I dinnae care that I am tae be sent tae Moy Hall, or that I am tae be forced tae wed. I am going tae dae everything possible tae ruin this union. Moira, remember. At all costs.”
“At all costs,” Moira had repeated once more.
Now, as the carriage trundled over rough tracks, rocking back and forth as it continued, Alina was as determined as ever. While he thought he was meeting his future wife, Alina had other ideas. In fact, her only goal for this visit was to drive Kieran Mackintosh as far away as possible.
“If he thinks I’m going tae get tae ken him, he’s in fer a surprise. I’m going tae mak’ this so difficult, the man willnae want tae be anywhere near me,” Alina declared, her golden-hazel eyes sparkling with determination.
“This is a contract, Alina. Ye cannae just drive him away.”
Moira’s voice was level, as always. Clever, cautious, and fiercely independent, her sister always preferred strategy over confrontation. As loyal as Alina knew Moira was to the pact, her sister was also the steady, pragmatic one.
Well, Alina was not. While she carried herself with grace, she rarely behaved as a demure noblewoman ought to. In fact, those kinds of confines frustrated her, and, much to her parent’s chagrin, she was often found doing anything she could to carve out her own path. A path of independence and individuality. The kind of restless energy and the antics that were borne from it was the reason Moira was always having to find ways to get her sister out of trouble.
“Och, but I can,” Alina said, a sly smile dancing at her lips. “Just watch me.”
Again, Moira laughed and shook her head. “Ye are incorrigible, dae ye ken that?”
“Perhaps, but never boring,” Alina quipped back.
This remark sent the women into fits of giggles.
“I decree that we mak’ another pact,” Moira announced. Looking at Alina with a mischievous grin, she continued. “If ye can really make Kieran Mackintosh refuse the betrothal in the time we are there…”
“A month,” Alina confirmed.
“Aye. A month.” Moira nodded. “If ye can dae that, ye can have this silly old necklace.”
“Really?” Alina gasped, her eyes dancing with excitement.
“Really,” Moira said. Then she held her little finger out. “Whatever it takes.”
Alina leaned forward in the carriage, entwined her little finger around Moira’s and looked her sister in the eye. “Whatever it takes.”
For a long moment, the sisters sat back in their seats, just looking at each other. A challenge was on the table, the air felt charged. And the prize? The long sought-after necklace. But the prize was so much bigger than that. The real prize was Alina’s freedom. Living a life she desired on her own terms.
Could it be possible?
But just as she was beginning to determine ways and means of making it possible, a thunderous sound of horse’s hooves danced on the air outside.
“What the devil is that?” Moira said, lurching forward to look out of the window.
Alina leaned forward too, and the sight before her sent a panic across her entire body, for two men on horses were approaching at great speed.
“Och, God.”
She spun her head to look out of the other window, only to see another two coming from the opposite side.
“Who are they?” Moira cried. “What dae they want?”
“Naething good,” Alina replied, trying to hold the tremor from her voice. “We’ll be fine. We have four o’ Faither’s best soldiers with us. They’ll protect us.”
Her words were more for Moira’s benefit, for she could not know, given the even numbers, how this was going to play out. Nor did she have time to think about it. The men were soon upon them, and though they could hear much yelling, the sisters could see nothing of what was happening up ahead.
They did, however, hear the following and very distinct sound of swords, the clanging of the metal ringing out across the glen. The carriage then came to a stop, and Moira went into an even bigger panic.
“Och, may the gods help us,” she wailed, “fer we’re surely tae be killed.”
“Just stay down,” Alina ordered, pulling Moira to the floor of the carriage. “I’m going tae see what’s happening.”
“Nay!” Moira cried. “Dinnae leave me.”
“I’ll be right back. Just stay low.”
“Alina.”
But Alina ignored her sisters’ pleas, and, opening the carriage door, she started to slip outside. The sound of swords clashing continued as she tiptoed ahead to see what was going on. If she and Moira would need to run, they would do so, but first, she wanted to know how bad things really were.
Just then she felt herself being grabbed. She gasped in terror and looked at the man who had grasped her arm. He was filthy and dressed in rags and she could smell his foul breath on her. Her snarled at her and pulled her towards him, but then one of her father’s men suddenly attacked him from the back. She screamed as she saw the guard’s sword pushing out of his stomach and watched him slump over. She was so shocked she couldn’t even thank the man who had saved her, but he was already busy turning to fight off another bandit.
She ran behind one of the horses of their carriage for cover and watched the frightful scene. Her father’s soldiers were fighting with all their might, but the bandits, seemed to be pushing the soldiers back. As she continued to watch, fear washed over her. Things looked like they were going to end very badly. Just as she was about to turn and hurry back to the carriage, a sound caught her attention, the same sound as earlier; thundering hooves crashing against the ground.
More are coming?
Her heart thumped in her chest as she peered out over the glen, where she was surprised to see a lone rider galloping in their direction. With a loud battle cry, he unsheathed his sword, and, to her further astonishment, he attacked the men that were attacking her father’s soldiers.
She could hardly take her eyes off him, for not only was he swift of sword, he was undoubtedly the most strikingly handsome man she had ever seen in her life. Blonde hair was tied at the back of his head. He was as broad as a door, his muscular frame difficult to ignore. Even mounted upon his horse, she could see he was tall, and while he wielded his sword in her defense, she could not help but feel mesmerized by his striking jawline and defined cheekbones.
With renewed vigor, thanks to the energy with which this man attacked, her father’s soldiers fought back even harder. As a result, sensing they were both outnumbered and outdone, the bandits retreated, galloping at great speed in the direction they had first come from.
Relief washed over her, but she was also feeling something else as she gazed up at their savior. Her heart thumped for a very different reason, for never before had she been so struck by a man’s actions and appearance.
Only after the bandits were out of sight did the man turn to speak to the soldiers, but as he was about to, he caught sight of Alina.
Frowning deeply, he said, “What the devil are ye daeing? Ye should be in the carriage where ye will be safe.”
As handsome and attractive as he was, Alina did not appreciate his tone, and lifting her chin, she said, “Who dae ye think ye are, speaking tae me in such a manner?”
Dismounting, he approached her.
“Me name is Kieran Mackintosh, son o’ Laird Mackintosh o’ clan Mackintosh.”
Alina swallowed a gasp as her whole body swayed. She gazed into his stormy gray eyes while feeling her heart drop to her stomach.
“And ye are?” he pressed, given that Alina struggled to respond.
“I am Lady Alina Cameron,” she said, finding her voice and pride at the same time. “And I dinnae appreciate being ordered about by a stranger.”
Kieran Mackintosh’s eyebrows hitched. “Me lady,” he said. “Ye are on the way tae Moy Hall.” His words and expression betrayed his surprise, for clearly, he too had come to their rescue not knowing who it was he was defending.
“We are.”
“Ye are me betrothed,” he said in the same taken aback tone.
“I am,” she replied again.
For a second, neither of them said anything. This was not exactly how Alina imagined their first meeting would go. But then, nor had she imagined she would be so affected by the man she was being forced to marry.
He broke the tension first.
“It is best if ye return tae yer carriage, Lady Cameron. I will escort ye and yer people the rest o’ the way.”
“Thank ye,” she replied, for she could think of nothing else to say.
Kieran accompanied her to the carriage and opened the door. His eyes widened at the sight of Moira crouching on the floor.
“Everything is fine now,” Alina reassured her. And with a look only Moira would understand, she said, “This is Kieran Mackintosh. He came tae save us.”
Moira was already on her feet. At the sound of his name, her jaw fell open. She then looked from Kieran to Alina and back again.
“Oh,” was all she could manage.
Kieran then offered Alina his hand to help her back into the carriage. “Me lady.”
His hands were rough, no doubt from his ability to wield a sword so very well. They were also large and warm, and nearly swallowed her hand whole.
“Thank ye,” she said, once she was seated.
He nodded once, closed the door, and then disappeared.
The girls sat in silence for a long while. Moira just stared quietly into nothing, her eyes as wide as saucers. Her hands were clasped together and she was clenching and unclenching them nervously. Alina reached out a slightly trembling hand to comfort her, and her sister gratefully took it and squeezed it.
They travelled like that, holding hands, for a while like longer, letting their heartbeat slow down and their nerves calm. Then Forsythe called down into the carriage. “We have almost arrived, I can see the castle ahead.”
Both Alina and Moira let out a sigh of relief and leaned out of the window to admire it. They commented on it and slowly started conversing again.
“So that is yer betrothed?” Moira said, a smirk upon her lips.
“Apparently,” Alina replied.
She might have said more, but she was still too stunned about everything that had happened to really answer.
Dinnae kid yersel’. Ye like him.
She did her best to ignore her inner dialogue, and instead, listened to Moira who was already gushing.
“Did ye see him?” she was saying, her eyes still wide.
“I did,” Alina replied, trying not to laugh at her sister’s astonishment.
“He’s so handsome. And he’s yer betrothed. The one ye’re going tae marry.”
Those words pulled Alina up short, for the conflict sat deeply in her stomach. Indeed, she was determined not to be forced into marriage, but the striking man who had saved them, and the feelings he had already evoked in her, were certainly going to make that all the more of a challenge.
“We are here.”
There in front of them were the tall gates of the castle walls, which yawned open at their approach. A moment later, they were travelling through neatly cut lawns and tall trees on either side of them.
The castle was large enough, though Alina imagined no larger than her father’s. The main house was flanked with two wings on either side. Windows reached up for three stories, though she imagined, just like home, there were servants’ quarters in the roof.
When the carriage came to a final halt, Alina looked at Moira, and her sister looked back.
The door opened, and a servant stood there waiting for them. As the sisters stepped out, they saw the second carriage that had followed behind. It contained both their maids and all their luggage.
A second later, a very well-dressed man and woman about the same age as her own parents were there to greet them.
“Och, it is so good tae finally meet ye,” the woman said. “I am Lady Kira Mackintosh.”
“And I am Laird Alec Mackintosh,” the man beside her said.
Alina was a little surprised at the laird’s appearance, for she had never seen a man of his stature wearing his long, blond hair wild and loose as he was. He was a large man, broad and tall, with a warm and welcoming smile.
Lady Mackintosh was slender, her brown hair pinned to her head in two braids. Her eyes were a soft blue, and while she appeared welcoming, Alina immediately sensed that there was a strength about this woman.
The woman squeezed Alina’s shoulder gently, while looking kindly at Moira as they all entered the castle. Alina could not help but look behind her, for she expected the arrival of Kieran Mackintosh at any moment. However, he was nowhere to be seen.
“I’m sure the two o’ ye must be half-starved,” Lady Kira added. “I will send for refreshments straight away.”
“And tired,” the laird said, with genuine concern in his eyes. “That is quite some journey. Did ye have any trouble on the way?”
Alina’s mind was working overtime. She had decided, after making the pact with Moira, that she was determined not to like anyone who had a say in this ridiculous arrangement. And yet, already, she was warming to the laird and lady, and they had hardly been in their presence for more than a minute.
“Actually,” Moira said, “we were attacked on the road.”
“Och, me God,” Lady Kira gasped.
Moira was nodding. “It’s true. Only fer the arrival o’ yer son, we might nae have arrived at all.”
“Our son?” the laird frowned.
Their guests were leading them down a corridor when someone walked around the corner. The laird immediately addressed the man, but Alina barely took notice of his words, for she was astonished. She was certain Kieran had not made it into the castle before them, and yet, there he was, standing before them. Immediately, however, she sensed something different about him, although she could not put her finger on what it was.
Eventually, Alina pulled herself back to the moment, just as the laird was turning toward her and Moira.
“…they are only arrived. What wonderful timing.” The laird turned and with an outstretched hand, he said, “Lady Cameron, I would like tae introduce me son. It is actually a surprise he is here.” The old man smirked. “Usually, he’s off galivanting across the country someplace or other.”
But Alina was confused, for they had just told the laird that this man had saved them. Why was he now introducing him? She was utterly confused, to say the least. Had it not been for him, however, she and Moira might not have been there at that moment. The least she could do was show her gratitude.
“Thank ye again fer saving us,” Alina said. “If it wasnae fer ye, we might never have made it here at all.” She forced a smile. “I suppose it’s one way tae meet yer betrothed.”
A flash of confusion crossed Kieran’s face, and then, the laird suddenly jumped in.
“Me goodness. What a fool I am. This isnae yer betrothed, me dear. This is his braither, Devon. I dae beg yer pardon. I introduced him without telling ye his name.” He then turned to speak to Devon. “Lady Alina and Miss Moira were attacked on the road. Apparently, only fer Kieran’s bravery, did they escape unscathed.”
Devon frowned. “But ye are all right?” he asked.
Alina’s consternation had now reached crazy levels. No one had told her that her betrothed had a twin brother. They were identical in almost every way. Though, it did explain her earlier feeling.
“We are. Thank ye,” Alina eventually replied, trying to maintain her composure.
He beamed a wide and charming smile at her. “Good. I’m glad tae hear it.”
“Come,” the laird said. “We will relax with refreshments in the drawing room. I’m sure ye both could dae with a wee dram after such an ordeal.
The laird took the lead, with Devon and Lady Mackintosh following behind. Devon and his mother began conversing, leaving Alina and Moira to follow at the rear.
“Well, I’ll bet ye werenae expecting that,” Moira said quietly, so the others ahead couldn’t hear them.
Alina was still struggling to come to terms with the development when she shook her head. “Nay,” she said absently. “Indeed, I wasnae.” Shaking herself, she continued. “He’s as handsome, but there’s something different about him. I reckon he’s a charmer, and has all the lasses hanging on his every word.”
“Ye should be careful. Yer betrothed might be exactly the same.”
Alina cast her sister a sideways glance. “And what if he is? I dinnae care if he’s bedded half the castle.”
Moira opened her mouth to speak again, when a voice came from behind them.
“Ye need nae worry. I havenae bedded half the castle.”
Alina and Moira both spun around to see Kieran Mackintosh standing behind them. Heat flooded Alina’s entire person, from the soles of her feet to the top of her head at her words being overheard by the man she was going to marry, of all people.
“Och, I…” she gasped.
Alina looked to her sister for help, but Moira was as useless as she, for she was standing with her mouth gaping open, looking like a dead fish.
“Er, I… er,” Alina floundered, her face feeling hot as coal, while the man before her just watched on in what looked like amusement.
“What me sister means,” Moira said, the fish now back to life, “is that… whatever happened before daesnae matter…” But Moira had clearly not recovered either, and her rescue mission was in vain.
Taking a deep breath, and trying to swallow her mortification, Alina eventually gathered herself.
“O’ course, ye havenae. We were just making a little lightness out o’ this whole ordeal.”
It was a poor and pathetic excuse that likely did not fly at all, but she could think of nothing more to say.
“Indeed,” he replied. Kieran then gestured with a nod. “It appears ye are being waited upon.”
When Alina and Moira turned to look, the laird, Devon, and Lady Mackintosh had all stopped a little further up the corridor.
Och, me god! Did they hear all that?
And in that second, Alina’s mortification only multiplied.
“Ah, there ye are, Kieran,” Laird Mackintosh declared, making his way back toward them. He came to a stop at Alina’s side.
“I hear it was only because o’ ye that the ladies arrived in good health. Well done, son.”
“It was naething,” he replied, clearly not comfortable with his father’s praise.
“It was far more than naething,” Alina pressed, still trying to steady her thumping heart.
“Indeed. I agree,” the laird said. “Let us convene in the drawing room, fer I am certain we could all dae with a drink.”
Alina did not follow straight away, and understanding her sister’s desire, Moira also held back, allowing Kieran to walk ahead and join his father.
When they did eventually continue on, Moira leaned in closely to her older sister.
“Well, that was just awful.”
“I think I now want tae die,” Alina replied.
Moira gave her sister a curious look. “So, is yer plan still on?”
Alina hitched her eyebrows. “Why wouldnae it be?”
“Well. Look at him,” Moira gushed. “Besides, he did save us from certain death.”
Alina rolled her eyes. “We cannae ken that. Faither’s soldiers may well have fought them off without his assistance.”
Moira lifted her eyebrows, expressing her disbelief that Alina actually thought that was true. Her sister knew her well.
“This changes naething,” she said. “Carved by the gods or nae, in a month’s time, Kieran Mackintosh will be running fer the hills praying he never had tae set his eyes on me again. As fer me and ye, we will be on our way home, victorious after being saved from an unwanted union.”
But even as those words left her lips, Alina knew she had a battle on her hands. She was supposed to ruin this union, and yet, Kieran Mackintosh had already made an impression she could not ignore.
Chapter Two
It had only been good fortune that Kieran had been out riding, or he would never have come across the bandits attacking the two carriages. It had been four against four, but the men defending had been struggling before he arrived.
Once the battle was over, he had been astonished at the sight of a woman standing beside the horses. A rather beautiful woman at that. Kieran had had to swallow back his reaction at her appearance. She was slender yet shapely, but he was more struck by her bright auburn hair. It was long and thick and fell in waves around the soft pale skin of her face.
He had been floored even further, however, when he had discovered her identity. Not that he wasn’t expecting his betrothed to arrive that day. But he certainly wasn’t expecting to see a lass like her. It also happened that her locks reflected her personality. Free and wild and spirited.
“Who dae ye think ye are, speaking tae me in such a manner?”
Not only her words, but the way in which she had said them had taken him off guard, for no woman would dare speak to him like that. He already had his reservations about this arranged union, and her attitude certainly wasn’t helping.
Once back at the castle, after he had ridden around the grounds to check that everything was safe, she had surprised him further with her comment of not caring if he had bedded half the castle. A fact that could not be further from the truth, not due to lack of interest from the ladies, but to the lack of interest from his side.
Kieran had not been ready for the words that had left her mouth. It was only good fortune that he had been behind her, and thus, she had not seen his initial reaction. A reaction that consisted of his mouth dropping open in shock. Steeling himself, he had snapped it closed, something he was glad she had not witnessed.
When the group gathered in the drawing room, refreshments were served. Laird Mackintosh talked about how positive the alliance was going to be, strengthening both clans, and Kieran and Devon joined in here and there.
Lady Cameron showed only a mild interest, and remained in the room only as long as propriety dictated. Within the hour, she stood and excused herself.
“I hope ye dinnae mind, me laird,” she said, speaking directly to the laird. “But my sister and I have endured a long and rigorous journey. I would appreciate it if we could retire tae our room.”
“O’ course,” his father declared. “Yer maids are likely already there, but I will have someone escort ye directly. Ye’ll want tae be well rested fer the feast we are throwing this evening in yer honor.”
Ten minutes later, the lasses had left the room with a servant and Kieran’s mother.
“Well, what dae ye think o’ her?” Laird Mackintosh asked, his eyes wide with eager anticipation.
Expressing to his father what he had overheard from Lady Cameron earlier might be a little inappropriate, even if there were only men remaining in the room. Furthermore, he was aware that his father was eager for this union, and Kieran did not want to disappoint him, thus he lied through his teeth.
“She looks delightful, Faither. I cannae wait tae get tae ken her better.”
Laird Mackintosh’s eyes opened with both surprise and delight.
“That’s fantastic tae hear, son. Fantastic.”
In his periphery, Kieran could see Devon smirking, but pretending he didn’t, he continued.
“The wheels are now in motion.”
“Indeed, they are, me son,” his father replied. “In fact, there is a council meeting this afternoon. Be certain tae be there. I must away tae me study, but I am sure I will see ye both later.”
When his father left the room, Devon’s smirk morphed into a full-on grin.
“She looks delightful, Faither. I cannae wait tae get tae ken her better,” he mimicked teasingly.
Kieran gave him a steady look. “What did ye want me tae say? That’s she’s a walking headache?”
Devon pushed himself off the mantle, and with a tone loaded with sarcasm, he said. “Och, nay, braither. I think ye sold it very well.” He paused a beat, and then said. “But now we are alone, what dae ye really think o’ her?”
Kieran relayed what had happened when he first came upon the attack, and then added Lady Cameron’s words at his arrival at the castle.
Devon’s eyes widened. “She’s a wild one.”
Kieran sighed. “Aye, like nae wanting tae get married wasnae enough.”
“Aye, well,” Devon countered, stepping further into the room and aimlessly wandering about. “Ye dinnae have a choice, braither. The council want ye tae marry, and thus, marry ye shall.”
Kieran swallowed down a sigh and shook his head.
“If ye’d have arrived intae this world a few seconds ‘afore me, it would be ye in me shoes, ye bastard,” he said with no heat at all.
“But I didnae, did I?” Devon grinned.
While the brothers both had blond, long hair and might look exactly the same, they were not alike. Not at all. Devon’s messy mane was longer and currently swung about his broad shoulders as he swaggered around the room in his usual easy-going manner.
In contrast, Kieran’s hair was always neatly tied back; contained, like himself. Devon liked to tease him about his seriousness, as did his parents on occasion.
Unlike his brother, he was calm, quiet, and, he supposed, could be seen as brooding.
“I still think they’re rushing intae this,” Kieran countered. “Faither is alive and well. I willnae need tae take on that mantle fer a long while yet.”
Devon gave him a look that expressed what both brothers knew.
“It has little tae dae with that, Kieran, and ye ken it. If Laird Campbell hadnae been killed by one o’ our own, his son wouldnae be so intent on revenge. And let us nae forget that his faither kidnapped our cousin! Madman!”
“Ye can hardly call him a madman, Devon. Would ye and I nae react in the same manner if our faither was slaughtered?”
Devon leaned against the mantle and gazed into the fire. Kieran was not surprised at his lack of reply. Both brothers knew his words to be true. Family and loyalty were all that mattered in a clan. Rory Campbell was only doing what any son might do under the circumstances. But of course, Kieran kept that opinion to himself. With the ongoing and aggressive feud between the Campbell’s and Mackintosh’s, few others would sympathize with his logic.
“Whether he’s right or wrong makes little difference, brother,” Devon eventually said. “The onus is now upon yer shoulders.”
“I dinnae need tae be reminded,” Kieran growled. “I ken we have tae make a good alliance with another clan tae safeguard our own. Only, I’m nae ready. It’s well for Maither and Faither. They think because their arranged marriage turned intae true love, it will be the same for me. Bollocks.”
Devon turned and grinned at his brother. “Och, ye dinnae ken. It might turn out well. She is stunning, if naething else.”
Kieran scowled. “She isnae a lass I can take tae me chamber and discard the next day. I cannae sleep with her and never see her again. I am marrying this woman. She is tae be me wife!”
Devon looked a little contrite then.
Kieran sighed and lifted a hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldnae take me frustrations out on ye. But I assure ye, it willnae work out as well as ye think. Besides, I’m too young tae be wed.”
“Ye are five and twenty!” Devon blurted. “That’s nae young at all.”
“It is fer me,” Kieran murmured.
“Right. Come on.” Devon moved to stand beside Kieran. “I think ye need tae clear yer head. Come and spar with me.”
A bit of fresh air might do him the world of good. Besides, he could get rid of the pent-up frustration that had sat in his gut from the minute he discovered he was to be betrothed.
“Fine,” he replied.
The brothers left the drawing room and wandered down the corridor side by side.
“Ye ken, I would tak’ this from ye if I could.” Devon grinned.
At that very same moment, a maid moved towards them coming in the opposite direction with a bundle of bedding in her hands. Devon beamed a grin at her.
“Hello, Kenna,” he said in a more than friendly manner.
The maid’s face lit up at the sight of him, and blushing and fluttering her eyelashes, she breathed a reply. “Master Devon.”
The lass flashed Kieran a quick glance, but her smile faltered as she pulled her eyes quickly away as though she were afraid of him. She gave him a little nod and a very quiet “Master Kieran,” before she scurried away.
Continuing on down the corridor, Kieran lifted an eyebrow. With his tone laden with sarcasm, he said, “Aye, course ye’d tak’ me place. I can see it now. Ye, a one-woman man.”
Devon burst into his usual loud laughter, before clapping Kieran’s shoulder with his hand. “Aye. Maybe ye’re right. I’ve rethought me offer. I’m going tae let ye be the sacrificial lamb.”
“Great,” he quipped back. “Thanks fer that.”
While Kieran kept his tone neutral, he hid his own demons. Demons that taunted him about his lack of capacity compared to his brother. For as long as he could remember, he had never felt enough where women were concerned. Being around lasses was effortless for Devon, and they loved being around him. He was far more open and outgoing. He had a way with them that Kieran knew he could never emulate.
Because ye’re too damned serious all the time.
But he couldn’t help it, it was just the way he was. Given the choice, the lasses would choose Devon every time, and who could blame them? Still, Kieran could not say that it didn’t bother him. He would never match his brother, not in that department, at any rate.
Once in the training area of the courtyard, the brothers unsheathed their swords.
“Ye ken, if ye were actually interested in getting tae ken lasses, that might help ye,” Devon said, swinging his sword back and forth to loosen his muscles.
“What are ye talking about?” Kieran frowned as he did the same.
“Och, come on, Kieran. When we travel tae the village together, ye barely look at them for more than tae take them tae bed, and ye never see them after. Ye never speak tae them.”
“Aye,” Kieran countered. “That’s because they’re all too busy swooning over ye tae converse.”
His brother shook his head. “Nay. It’s because I mak’ the effort. A lass needs some kind o’ sign that ye’re interested in her.”
“At least I am honest about what I want, I dinnae illude them” Kieran sneered. “And now I dinnae need tae charm one anyway, dae I? One has already been selected for me. She is in the castle as we speak.”
Devon shrugged and nodded. “Aye, well. There is that.”
The brothers moved around each other, beginning their training slowly. Their swords came together in hesitant movements to begin with, each testing the other. Devon was the first to lunge, forcing Kieran to defend. The swords clanged together, echoing around the cobblestone beneath their feet, and sounding off the walls of the stables and castle.
Kieran watched Devon’s approach. They had sparred so many times together, they knew each other’s tells. There were few surprises. Still, the training kept their wits about them, as well as keeping them in good physical shape. One never knew when an attack might arrive, either announced or unexpectedly.
“So, now she is here, dae ye feel ready?,” Devon said, defending a strike.
“Nope,” Kieran said flatly. “I might get lucky. Maybe if our faither and her faither sit down tae talk, they might hate each other.”
Of course, that was never going to happen, but he could wish it, for all the good it would do him.
His brother lifted his eyebrows. “But ye find her attractive?”
“O’ course, I dae. She’s a beautiful lass. But she’s also spirited and wild. Nae only am I being forced tae marry. It appears I’m marrying Andraste herself!”
Devon couldn’t hold his chuckle back. “I’m nae sure comparing yer future wife tae a warrior goddess is a good idea. At any rate, ye want tae be careful she isnae listening.” He nodded to the sky. “I think ye have enough on yer plate without inciting the wrath o’ one o’ the gods, dinnae ye?”
It was bad enough that he was being forced to get married to ensure the safety of the clan. Indeed, it was necessary. It was, after all, going to be the clan he would eventually rule. But the idea that this woman, as opposite to him as she was, would now upend his life was worse. And then, he remembered something that distressed him even further.
“And I am tae entertain her without any support,” he blurted.
Devon nodded knowingly. “Uncle Evander, Aunt May and our cousins are away tae visit Aunt May’s braither. They willnae return fer two weeks.”
“And Kathleen and Blaine are traveling,” Kieran added.
Kathleen was the daughter of their father’s brother. Only earlier that year, she and Blaine, a hired sword, had been thrown into their own battle. While Blaine had been assigned to look after Kathleen on her journey to a friend’s wedding, the two of them had fallen in love, much to the chagrin of Bran, her father.
Not only was Blaine more than ten years older than Kathleen, he was also a commoner. However, after an attack by clan Campbell, Laird Campbell was killed, the very reason they now had an enemy in his son, Rory. Blaine saved Kathleen’s life then and Bran finally granted them what they desired, the opportunity to be together. They had recently gotten married and had then decided to travel.
“Basically, half the family isnae home,” Kieran continued. “Why didnae Lady Alina Cameron wait a while ‘afore storming the castle? The last thing I need is tae have tae entertain a… stranger. Especially when I can be getting on with something far more interesting.”
“That stranger is going tae be yer wife,” Devon pointed out unnecessarily. “Besides, what could possibly be more interesting than entertaining a lass?”
“Counting sheep. Watching grass grow. Taking a long walk and forgetting me way back tae the castle,” Kieran said dryly.
Devon was now in stitches, and despite himself, Kieran couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “Besides, we’re unevenly matched. Ye saw the way she was in the drawing room. She could hardly contain herself. I’ve seen her in action already. I’ll bet she’ll nae last a month.”
“Ye think she’ll leave?” Devon said, his eyebrows hitched in surprise.
“I dae,” Kieran replied confidently.
“If she’s as feisty as ye say,” Devon grinned, “I hedge me bets it’ll be ye who runs away first.”
“A bet ye would lose, me friend,” Kieran replied confidently.
His brother shifted his head and gave Kieran a long look. “All right. How about a serious bet fer a bag o’ gold.”
“What’s the bet?” Kieran said, now more interested. A bag of gold was no small amount of money.
“If ye can make Lady Alina fall in love with ye, and have her tell ye that she actually wants tae marry ye, then the gold is yers.”
“But that’s the opposite o’ what ye just said. A minute ago, I was running away according tae ye,” Kieran argued.
“I want tae see if ye can actually dae it.”
“Ye want me tae mak’ this woman,” he flung a hand at the castle, “fall in love with me? Nae a chance. It’ll never happen. It cannae be done. I will probably kill her on day one.”
Devon smirked. “True. I dinnae think ye’re up tae the task. Which means, I’ll keep me gold and ye can be miserable fer the rest o’ yer life.”
Kieran frowned at that last part. He didn’t relish the idea of a life spent with a wife he couldn’t handle. Surely, if he got her to feel something for him, there might be some compromise further down the road. For a long moment, Kieran eyed his brother, trying to work out if there was some kind of trick he was playing. But no matter which way he looked at it, the bet was plain and simple. Get Lady Alina to fall in love with him.
It cannae be that hard, right?
Eventually, he nodded. “All right. Ye’re on.”
“Really?” Devon blurted, surprised at Kieran’s change of heart.
“Really,” he replied.
Devon beamed a huge grin and threw out his arm. Kieran stepped forward and the men clasped their forearms together to seal the deal. Still holding Kieran in a tight grip, Devon smirked.
“This is going tae be fun. I hope ye ken what ye’re daeing, braither.”
While you wait for the whole book to be released, you can check all books from the series here.
