Page 17 of Lady and the Scot

"To be your leman?" Her brother was incredulous. "She is a lady."

"I will not explain myself to you." Aiden could not help the anger in his voice. "Now, I ask that you leave."

"As a representative of her clan. I invoke the right to take my sister home."

Her brother had every right and there wasn't a damn thing he could do to stop the man. Not without bringing the wrath of their clan upon his people. And he would not be responsible for bringing war again to Moriag.

"Eoghan. I am surprised my father would send you after me regardless the circumstance." Breena entered the room. He never tired of her graceful movements. She seemed to glide across the space to stand next to him. "As Aiden said, I do not wish to return."

Her brother's nostrils flared. "And as I stated. You do not get a choice."

Aiden's guardsmen entered the room. There was a momentary stand off as warriors from both sides measured each other up. Aiden motioned for his men to stand down.

Breena's hand shook as she slid it up to her breast. "Why does he want me to return?"

"He has arranged a match for you that will benefit our clan."

"I am prepared to marry Breena," Aiden interjected not about to lose her to another only for the benefit it would bring her father.

Her eyes were full of warmth when meeting his. "I accept Aiden Stuart's offer of marriage."

"I deny the request."

Aiden saw his men's hands inch to their swords, prepared to do battle. To fight for him. The exhausted men did not care for themselves and in that moment he felt pride in his clan. It was overshadowed by the fact he had no choice either.

"I wish to speak to your father." He looked to Eoghan. "Joining with the Stuart clan means I will offer my loyalty and sword. Also the same of my men."

The man looked to the ceiling. "I deny the request. My father has already given his word to the lesser Laird Douglas. His clan is great and powerful."

Even in the Highlands the power of the clan Douglas was well known. To a smaller clan like the McGalens it meant great power. Aiden wanted to scream in frustration. "Surely your father cares for what Breena feels."

Eoghan's gaze was warm when looking to his sister. "Let us go, Breena. I do not want to waste more time."

"No." She looked to Aiden. "You have more men than he does. Stop him."

Aiden did not meet her gaze. "I cannot. This region is a peaceful one. I will not bring war again. I am sorry."

He watched them escort her from the house and went up to the balcony to watch as they rode away. She never looked back.

In the privacy of his chamber Aiden collapsed to the floor. Hot tears fell down his cheeks.

Breena had not said a word, but turned on her heel and walked out of his home. Out of his life. He clutched the shift she'd left behind to his chest and tried to breathe, but his breath caught and he finally let go and cried.

Chapter Nine

The road home was long and she felt ready to pass out from sheer exhaustion. Not wanting to give the Highlander a chance to change his mind, his brother had hurried back to the safety of the lowlands. Four days later, they neared her home and although her heart ached, she looked around the familiar landscape and couldn't help but compare the difference between this and Aiden's home. The plush mountains and misty air had turned to flatter ground and clear vision for a long distance. She looked to Eoghan. "Can we rest please? I fear I will faint."

Her brother let out an impatient breath. "Fine." Eoghan was not a cruel person. As a matter of fact, of her siblings, she was closest to him. He'd always been protective of her and given her small presents growing up when her parents slighted her.

Once they dismounted, she went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Who is father marrying me to?"

"Fergal Douglas from the smaller Douglas clan to the northeast." His reply was without emotion. But he let out a breath. "Do you love Aiden Stuart?"

"Aye." Her eyes misted and she blinked away the moisture. "But his feelings must not be as strong. He did not fight for me."

"He had little choice." Eoghan’s comment surprised her, but she could not let go of the resentment. "I will not tell father about him."

"Thank you."