Page 68 of A Flawed Scotsman

Her mother stood and pointed to the door. “Go to yer chambers, Esme. Remain there. Ye are upsetting me.”

“I am not a child to be sent to my room.” Esme stalked from the room, deciding she’d speak to Keithen.

As she walked closer to her bedchamber, Esme stopped abruptly at seeing two guards at the doorway. “What is it?” She hurried closer to the men who gave her apologetic looks.

One motioned to the open door. “Go inside, Lady Esme.”

Had Ruari returned? Confused, she hurried into the bedchamber. It was only when the door slammed behind her and the latch sounded that she realized her predicament.

Rushing to the balcony, she looked out. Everything looked normal. Guards were training, others stood atop the gates performing their duties. Maids hurried in from the well with water-filled buckets.

People meandered on the road to and from the village. Her eyes misted at the normality of everyday life. While her heart shattered at Ruari’s departure, life outside continued.

Peering down at the courtyard, she searched for her brother. “Where is Keithen?” she shouted at a young lad who carried kindling toward the kitchens.

“I do not know, Lady Esme.” He scrunched his face as the sun hit it. “Would ye like me to fetch him?”

“Aye, please. Hurry.”

Moments later, Keithen stood outside and looked up at her. “I will speak to ye later. I have much to do.” He frowned up at her. “What are ye doing?”

“Father had me locked in.”

Keithen shook his head. “I will be there momentarily.”

By the time Keithen came to the door, she’d grown tired of pacing. Already, she’d stood at the balcony, calculating ways to scale down and had inventoried which items she’d take with her upon leaving.

Her brother’s large form filled the doorway. His dark gaze met hers for a long moment before he walked in.

“Ruari asked me to let ye know that he plans to return for ye.”

Breath left her at knowing he did not plan to abandon her. “What else did he say?”

Her brother looked past her to the open balcony. “If ye wish to go to Ross lands, I will help ye. I’ll send an escort of men to travel with ye.”

Esme didn’t need to think on it. “I must go, Brother. I cannot remain where my husband is no longer welcome.”

“Ye must understand the burden our father carries. It was an outburst that he could not retract after speaking it in front of the council.”

Esme crossed her arms. “So all of this is because of pride?”

“We must stand united. I may argue with him, but I will never go against what he considers best for our clan.”

“Even if it means marriage to a Mackenzie?” Esme asked.

“How did ye know about that?”

“Maids hear things.”

“I do not wish to marry a Mackenzie. We will find another way to remain at peace with them.”

“So ye stand against Father in this.” She crossed her arms. “How is that best for our clan then?”

Keithen sighed. “It takes time to find a way, Esme. Our clan’s future depends on much. The continuance of our people living in peace is in peril.” He went back to the door. “Prepare whatever things ye may need. Not much, as ye must travel on horseback.”

“I wish to see Catriona.”

Keithen nodded. “I will escort ye.”