Page 69 of A Flawed Scotsman

She studied her brother’s handsome face, noticing new etches of worry on the sides of his lips and between his eyes. “Why do ye disobey Father in this, helping me? Then ye will obey him in something that will affect yer life.”

There was a playful twitch to the corners of his lips. “Because I love ye, Sister, and wish the best for ye. Yer going to be with yer husband does not affect our clan.”

Catriona stood by a basin splashing water on her face. Most of the bruising was less noticeable that day. Her friend’s beauty was returning.

“I must go,” Esme said.

“What happened…” at seeing Keithen, Catriona whirled away.

“I will be outside,” Keithen said. “Do not linger.”

Esme hurried to Catriona. “I must speak to ye. I require yer help in something.”

“What is the matter?” Catriona’s eyes widened.

Esme told her about her predicament and plans to leave.

Catriona’s breath caught and her eyes teared up, but she did not cry. “Ye are going away then?”

“Please see after my brother. He is caught in a horrible situation. I know ye are recovering and cannot speak to men yet. But please, I beg of ye, allow him to confide in ye.”

“I am not sure…”

“Remember how when we were but children, ye and he would spend hours looking up at the clouds and would chatter for long moments? He is still that same person, Catriona. Ye and he are like family.”

Finally, Catriona nodded. “Very well.” Her friend hugged her tightly. “I will miss ye terribly.”

“And I ye. I am sure we will visit each other once things settle.”

Her friend’s lack of emotion crushed her heart. The bastard Mackenzies had extinguished Catriona’s zeal for life.

As they walked back to her chamber, Esme touched Keithen’s arm. “Brother, promise me we will make them pay for what they did to her.”

Although he didn’t say anything, when his gaze met hers, a shiver ran through Esme at the darkness within. Keithen was not himself, either. Her brother was black inside.

They returned in silence until they reached her chamber. Esme took Keithen’s arm. “I am not sure I should go. The travel with escort means I take men away that could be here fighting if our clan is attacked.”

“Ye should go.”

It was to keep her safe. Her brother wished her to be away from what would happen. There was no doubt in Esme’s mind that the Mackenzie would attack. Her gut twisted at the situation. How could she leave at a time like this? Even though she was married to a Ross, her loyalty was to her family.

Esme sunk onto the bed. “What will happen to us?”

Her brother sat next to her and stared blindly forward. “We will continue to fight to keep our independence. Find out who is truly loyal to us and ensure to keep our people safe. With ye living safely at Ross Keep, that is one less thing I have to think about.”

Leaning sideways, she nudged his shoulder. “Ever the watchful brother. I love ye so much.”

Not one for displays of emotion, he stood and peered down at her. “Hurry and pack. We leave just before daybreak.”

“Look after Catriona, Mother and Fa…”

At the lift of his right brow, she stopped speaking. Of course, he would.

“Look after yerself,” she finished.

Keithen nodded and walked out.

Once she was locked in, Esme fought with the decision of what to do. How could she leave her people at a time like this? Although she couldn’t fight, her archery skills were beyond reproach. When the Mackenzie attacked again, every single person that could fight would be needed.