Page 132 of The Laird's Masked Passion

Niall’s jaw tightened. “Munro.”

“Aye.”

“The Crown agrees?”

“The Crown hasnae yet discovered courage.”

“Ah.” Niall handed his reins to a waiting stable lad. “Then naething has changed in Edinburgh.”

Elspeth emerged from the keep before Colin could answer. She wore deep green wool, with her hair braided loosely over one shoulder. The cut at her ribs still made her movements careful, though anyone who did not know her might have mistaken the stiffness for dignity.

Niall bowed with his usual exaggerated grace. “Lady Elspeth.”

“Laird Niall MacLeod,” she replied. “I see nay one has yet corrected yer habit of arriving where ye havenae been asked.”

His face brightened. “She remembers me.”

“It is difficult tae forget a man who introduces himself while another holds a blade beneath his jaw.”

Colin looked at Niall. “I should have pressed harder.”

“There,” Niall said to Elspeth. “That is the gratitude I receive for saving both of ye from a damp night in the woods.”

“I recall ye providing directions and insulting me husband,” Elspeth said playfully.

“Both essential services.”

Her mouth curved. Something in Colin eased at the sight, though not enough to be trusted.

Niall noticed. Niall noticed far too much.

Fortunately, the sound of another horn rose beyond the gate before he could make use of it.

Domhnall arrived less than an hour later. He brought twenty men, two wagons of supplies, and his wife. Margaret descended from the carriage before Domhnall could reach her door. She was dark-haired, warmly dressed, and possessed the calm confidence of a woman long accustomed to ignoring her husband’s instructions when they were inconvenient.

Domhnall followed her with a look of resignation.

“I told ye tae wait.”

“And I told ye the courtyard isnae a battlefield.”

“Present evidence suggests all MacKenzie land is a battlefield at this time.”

Margaret turned to Colin and embraced him before he could prepare a suitable defense.

“Ye look dreadful.”

Colin endured the embrace with what he considered uncommon patience. “It is good tae see ye as well.”

Domhnall clasped Colin’s forearm, avoiding the injured shoulder.

“I leave ye unattended fer one wedding,” he spoke amusedly, “and ye begin a war.”

“It was a poor wedding.”

“So Niall claims. He also claims the bride threatened him with a dirk.”

“She was armed,” Niall confirmed from the steps. “And magnificent.”