Page 49 of The Rogue’s Redemption

Allie looked from Reid to Aidan, whose amusement was on full display.

“And you,” she spoke to Aidan. “Would not make a very good chaperone.”

Her brother-in-law’s laugh forced a smile from her despite their situation.

“Aye, you might be right about that. But you may want to come with me,” he said to her. “You’re wanted in the hall, and I did not think you would appreciate anyone but me finding you here.”

“Gillian,” Allie concluded.

“Nay,” Aidan said. He nodded to Reid. “You’re the one who’s wanted.”

Allie groaned. “Another lecture from your brother? I will come and speak to—”

“It’s not Graeme who seeks you.”

She looked from Aidan to Reid. Some silent message had passed between them, but Allie had no idea what it meant.

“Reid?”

But it was Aidan who spoke first.

“Your brother Alex is here.”

15

“What are you doing here?” Reid asked.

“Is that any way to greet your brother?”

By the time Reid found Alex, the afternoon meetings had already begun. He had to sit through another brutal round of negotiation before he was able to speak to his brother alone.

As soon as a break was called, he and Alex walked away from the solar, away from the other men. Reid led his brother to a small alcove on the ground floor.

“Fancy you knowing all the hiding places,” Alex said with a small smile as they sat on the stone bench perched inside of the nook. The words had been intended to tease, but he did not need a reminder of his tarnished reputation just now.

“I’m surprised to see you here.”

Alex leaned back against the wall and folded his arms. “Some said talks were breaking down, that an accord would not be reached.”

He and Alex shared such a likeness, people had oft thought them twins when they were younger. The key difference was the coloring of their hair—Reid’s was much lighter. In some ways it had felt like they were twins, only Alex had always been in charge. Despite his tepid greeting, Reid was pleased to see his brother. He’d missed him, though it wouldn’t feel manly to say so. “Aye, indeed. And you thought to come here to help them?”

How very . . . Alex of him.

Alex shrugged. “I served as Toren’s second for so long . . .”

“Move back,” Reid said, his words sincere. “If you miss your position at Brockburg, come back and serve him again that way.”

“Nay, that is not my intention.” He leveled a serious look at Reid. “The position should be yours.”

“Alex, do not—”

“Very well,” Alex said quickly. “I didn’t come here to continue that old argument.”

They both went quiet as a servant entered the nook, bowed to both of them, and lit the wall torches. Neither of them spoke again until the man continued down the passageway.

“Then why did you come?” Reid pressed.

“I told you, I’d heard there was discord.”