Page 109 of Claimed by a Highlander
“For as long as I’m here, I’ll look out for him,” Sybil said.
“I know ye will,” Flora said, gripping Sybil’s arm. “Ye may look and act like a princess, but underneath, you’re a fighter like me.”
“I’m sure your family is worried about ye,” Sybil said. “’Tis time ye came down to the hall.”
“I’m too embarrassed after the scene I made.”
“Sometimes a lass has to make a scene,” Sybil said. “In my family, I’m rather famous for them.”
“But I’m such a mess,” Flora said, looking down at herself. “My father will chastise me for weeks for coming to the table looking like this.”
“I’ve already sent for a bath and a clean gown.” Sybil stood to leave. “I’ll return to help fix your hair, and then we’ll go downstairs together.”
When Flora embraced her once more, Sybil squeezed her eyes shut against a sudden wave of longing for her sisters. Though no one could replace them, she was glad to have made a friend.
The warm glow she felt was but a brief respite from despair, and it drained out of her like water through a sieve the moment she closed the door behind her.
***
Rory’s hall was crowded with Grants, which soured his mood. Why were they still here? He despised being pushed and had no intention of giving them what they wanted.
Ignoring the glares directed his way, he poured himself a whisky and kept watch on the arched entrance to the stairwell that led to the upper floors. He had not seen Sybil since they returned to the castle and she slammed the bedchamber door in his face.
At least she had not left him, but he’d lost her heart. And he had no idea how to win her back.
He swallowed hard when Sybil swept into the hall leading Grant’s daughter by the hand. What was Sybil up to now? Their guest had undergone a remarkable transformation from a raging demon to a respectable lass, but Rory kept his eyes on Sybil.
When Grant charged toward them, apparently intent on ranting at his daughter for her earlier behavior, Sybil took his arm and drew him aside. Rory started across the hall to protect his wife, but she caught his eye and shook her head. She and Grant proceeded to have what appeared to be an intense conversation. What in the hell did she have to say to him?
As soon as Grant left her side to speak with his sons, Rory joined her.
“How did ye get that madwoman to calm down?” he whispered, glancing at the Grant lass.
“She’s not mad,” Sybil said. “She was upset, and understandably so.”
“That lass was screaming like a banshee yesterday,” he said. “How did ye manage to calm her down?”
“I assured her that ye would not harm the lad.”
“Ach! As if that needed to be said.”
“It did,” she said. “And I can’t say she was persuaded.”
Rory was offended. He was also very grateful he didn’t have to marry the Grant lass. Now if he could only get rid of his guests, he could try to make amends to his wife.
“I don’t suppose that stubborn old man told ye he’s giving up and going home?” Rory said, nodding toward the Grant chieftain.
“He’ll not leave until this matter with his grandson is settled,” she said. “Unless ye want these Grants as permanent guests, I suggest ye come to an agreement with him about the lad.”
“I’ll not let him force my hand.” This was not a conversation he wanted to have with her, but at least she was speaking to him.
She turned and fixed angry violet eyes on him. “Can ye afford to make the Grants your enemies now?”
“Ye know I can’t.”
“Then meet the man halfway,” she said. “Grant told me that if ye let Kenneth remain here, that would show you’re considering claiming him and would satisfy him for now.”
“But I’m not considering it. I don’t believe the lad is mine,” Rory said for what felt like the hundredth time. He took her hand. “Our son should be my heir and the next chieftain of Clan MacKenzie. Don’t ye want that too?”
