Page 64 of A Flawed Scotsman

Everyone toasted and the musicians began to play again.

“Thank ye, Father,” Esme said and hugged the patriarch.

“I wish ye a life of happiness,” Laird Fraser replied and then turned to Ruari. Like Keithen, his gaze focused on Ruari’s neck. “Ye bit him quite hard.”

Esme yanked at the neck of his tunic, but soon gave up. “Why can’t ye cover it?”

*

The next day, they woke entwined around each other. Bereft of clothing, Ruari slipped from the bed and washed his body from a basin thoughtfully left by maids along with drying cloths.

His head swam when considering how much life had changed. He’d opted for a simple life, choosing to live in rooms he’d built near the stables and spending most of his days training horses.

Now, a beautiful woman slept in his bed, a laird’s daughter no less. Their bedchamber consisted of two rooms, each one easily larger than the two together that he’d lived in at Ross Keep.

The furnishings were beautifully crafted, the bedlinens soft. Although admittedly, he preferred Moira’s cooking back at Clan Ross, the fare at the Fraser’s home was good.

After dressing, Ruari went down to the great room to eat. His stomach grumbled with anticipation. Indeed, the night’s activities had left him with little energy and much need for sustenance.

It was very early. A few revelers remained sleeping on the floor in front of the hearth or along the walls to keep from being tripped over.

At a table near the kitchens sat Laird Fraser and one of his council members.

The laird motioned Ruari over. “Join us. Break yer fast.”

A maid rushed over and placed fresh bread and sliced meat before him.

Ruari ate while listening to the laird and the elderly man discuss what had to be done to move past the attacks. Listening to them, it was evident the laird was aware another attempt to invade was inevitable. It saddened Ruari that the small clan had to live under threat because of a ruthless power-hungry man.

“Are there other clans that are close who would form an alliance with ye?” Ruari asked the men.

“We have considered it. I plan to send messages to three others. But even combined, we are still not a match for the Mackenzie,” Laird Fraser said.

The other man nodded. “The smaller clans prefer to remain on the outskirts of this. Two have but a handful of guards.”

With a sword slung across his back, a guard approached. “There are Mackenzies outside the gates. They claim to have a message for ye,” the gruff man said in low tones to not be overheard by those sleeping near.

“Call Keithen,” Laird Fraser instructed as they stood. He then responded to the guard. “Keep them outside the gates until we are all outside.”

The guard went back out and Laird Fraser met Ruari’s gaze. “It will not stop, ye are aware?”

“I am.” Ruari wasn’t sure what the laird wanted to hear. That Ruari had made a wrong decision in keeping Esme there or that he wanted more support from Clan Ross? Perhaps both.

It wasn’t long before Keithen appeared. Along with Ewan and the council member, they stood at the house’s entry.

The gates opened to show a team of about twenty men. Only three rode through the gates. Surrounded by Fraser guards, the men dismounted and walked to the laird.

“Laird Mackenzie sends his congratulations and has sent a wedding gift to Lady Esme and her husband,” the guard said in an even tone. The other guard lifted up a rolled tapestry, which Ruari took from him.

Upon meeting the man’s gaze, there was only flatness.

“Is that all?” Laird Fraser asked, also in an even tone.

The guard shook his head. “He requests to meet for a discussion. Neutral territory three days hence.”

The laird remained silent, considering the words. Keithen, however, took a step forward. “Why does he wish this? We want nothing to do with yer clan.” His face twisted with fury. “Ye took innocent women and mistreated them. Ye took my mother. Why would we want to meet yer laird?”

The guard’s face turned to stone. “I am here to give a message. Not to speak on behalf of my laird.”