Page 72 of A Flawed Scotsman

Sunlight streamed in through the window and Esme stretched. She opened her eyes and was immediately confused at the strange surroundings. Her heart settled at recalling she was now at Ross Keep.

How long had she slept?

There was movement as the wind blew the window coverings. Ruari stood at the opening, looking out. He was dressed already, his broad back to her as he studied the view.

Esme couldn’t help taking him in. He was so handsome and strong. He moved with the grace of self-assuredness, despite his muscular build.

Instead of raving or yelling, he always kept his voice even. She recalled with guilt having struck him the day before. Instead of hitting her back, which would have been in his rights, he’d restrained her and spoken in low tones.

“What do ye see?” she asked, sliding from the bed.

He turned to her, his hazel gaze questioning and then back to the view. “A large group from the village comes. I assume there is something important they wish to discuss with Malcolm.”

“Yer laird is much younger than I expected,” Esme said. “Does he carry the burden well?”

Ruari nodded. “Aye, he does. I am proud of him.”

When she neared, he instantly put his arm around her and pulled Esme to his side. Together, they looked out and she was astounded by the difference between Ross lands and her family’s. There was a large loch to the right, next to it a huge field of colorful flowers. In the distance, farms were visible as well as a thick forest.

“How far is the village?” she asked.

“Not far, just an hour or so,” Ruari replied and looked to her.

Immediately, she focused on the cut on his bottom lip. Too proud to admit she’d been wrong to hit him, Esme met his gaze. “I am still angry with ye.”

He responded with a light kiss to her lips. “And I am still sorry to have left without speaking to ye.”

Unable to keep from it, she wrapped her arms around his waist and placed her head on his chest. “I wish to always be wherever ye are.”

He hugged her close. “Me, as well.”

“Get dressed, it is late. I do not wish to miss first meal.”

Upon entering the great room, she was once again astounded at the sheer size of the keep. There were over ten tables, all with people eating. At the high board, there were three men in addition to the laird. Ruari motioned to the table. “The one next to Malcolm is Tristan, who is second born. The one next to him is Kieran. He is the youngest.” Both men were huge and attractive. Kieran however, was astoundingly stunning.

“The older man is my uncle, Gregor, advisor to the laird.”

“Do their wives not sit with them?”

“Aye, they do for most meals.” Ruari looked to a table on the far side of the room. “They sit over there at the moment.”

The women sat around a table chatting and laughing. The laird’s wife, whom she’d met the day before, waved her over and she looked to Ruari.

“They are probably plotting something.”

Esme nodded at Elspeth to let her know she’d be there shortly.

The strength and power of this clan made her realize the difference between Ruari’s family and hers. “No one would dare attack yer clan,” she told Ruari “This clan is powerful.”

Ruari shook his head. “Power and size do not always mean safety, Wife. Someone killed my uncle despite being escorted by guards and on our lands.”

He escorted her toward the table of women. “I am glad to meet the women who live here,” Esme told him. It was best she find out what her new life would be like and what duties she’d be expected to perform. Not one to remain idle, she would ensure to do her part as well as continue to maintain her archery skills.

“We shall greet them, but I prefer ye sit with me this morning.”

Esme ate with gusto. The food was flavorful and well prepared. When she finished her food, Ruari slid a tray closer, so she could refill it. “The cook performs wonders.”

“Aye,” Ruari said with a grin. “Moira is one of a kind.”