Keithen missed being outdoors and riding his horse. Although it had been three weeks since his return from capture, he was still having a hard time maneuvering. It was most cumbersome to have a broken leg. Thankfully, he was mobile, albeit with help most times.
Upon seeing him standing outside the corral, Gallant neared and nudged his shoulder, expecting a treat. Keithen pulled a sweet turnip from his pocket, gave it to his steed and watched the animal eat.
“Ye will not be able to ride for a long while yet,” Ewan told him as the archer approached.
Keithen nodded. “I do not like not doing my duties. There is always much to be done before winter sets in.”
“My men have been given new tasks.” Ewan looked over his shoulder. “There are rumblings that the new Laird Mackenzie is as bad as the last when it comes to ambition and seeking power over smaller clans.”
“Aye, I have heard,” Keithen replied. “It must be in their blood, the lust for overtaking and destruction.”
Just then, Broden and his team rode through the gates. One of the guardsmen was slumped over, being held up by another man.
Keithen and Ewan hurried closer.
“What happened?” Keithen asked as the injured man was lowered from the horse.
Broden turned to another man. “Fetch the healer. Hurry!” He then looked to Keithen. “Someone shot at us. We were lucky to have an archer with us, who shot back at the trees so we could escape. I can only assume he was a Mackenzie since we were close to their lands when it happened.”
“That makes little sense. Why would they provoke us?” Keithen shook his. “Perhaps someone is angry about the laird’s death and blames us for it.”
“There is no way to know,” Broden said and hurried to where the injured man was taken.
Annoyed at the injury, Keithen remained in the courtyard. Whoever had attacked the patrol could have been hunting for him. After all, he usually went with that group. Perhaps the Mackenzies were not aware of his broken leg and assumed he was back to his regular duties.
From the doorway, his father motioned for him to come inside. Keithen knew they’d be discussing the same thing he’d been thinking.
They would never be friends with the Mackenzie, but perhaps it was time for them to meet and find out exactly where they stood.
“We will send a messenger to the new laird,” Laird Fraser said. “We’ll ask for a meeting before winter sets in.”
“I wish to go,” Keithen said. “I should be there.”
His father shook his head. “And remind them that because of yer rescue the last laird was killed? It makes little sense.”
Keithen clamped down his teeth to keep from cursing.
“We should bring a show of force to this meeting, which I believe should be held where the lands meet,” a councilman stated.
Broden blew out a breath. “I wonder how large the Mackenzie’s army is now. He lost many men when his allies broke away.”
“How does Keithen and Ava’s marriage affect our relationship with them?” Ewan asked.
Laird Fraser considered the question for a long moment. “I am not sure, as they tried to hang my son and accused him of killing the laird and guardsmen.”
Keithen’s leg ached, but it wasn’t as bad as he’d expected. He’d managed to get his father to agree to him riding with the guardsmen that would accompany the laird to meet with the new Mackenzie. The only thing was that Keithen was to remain in the back with the archers.
Next to him, Ewan sat straight as the two lairds, flanked by two guards each, rode to meet in the center of an open area.
Behind the lairds, their armies lined up in rows, every man looking across the field to the other side. Every one of them measuring and counting.
From what Keithen could see, the Mackenzie must have brought every man he could gather. There were about two hundred, but it was evident some of them were not warriors. It was easy to tell by the way they had a hard time keeping their horses still.
Keithen huffed under his breath knowing the Fraser army was three hundred and it didn’t count the men they’d left behind to guard the keep.
He hated not being at his father’s side the way it should be. The first-born son was always at his father’s side during times like this. Instead, Broden and his uncle flanked the laird.
Laird Mackenzie was slender. By his dark hair, he looked much younger than Keithen’s father. He rode a black horse and wore the Mackenzie tartan, which was pulled over his shoulder and pinned in place by the Mackenzie Clan crest, if Keithen had to guess.
The conversation continued for longer than anyone expected.
“Seems the Mackenzie is not pleased,” Ewan said, craning his neck. “By the way he’s gesturing, he is not satisfied with the direction of the conversation.”
“I agree,” Keithen said and studied the men in the Mackenzie front lines to ensure none made any sudden moves. It seemed everyone thought the same, because the guardsmen in front of him seemed to all lean forward just enough that it was noticeable.
Ewan turned to him. “I do not think he is stupid enough to start anything. It is obvious we are a much stronger force.”
Finally, the lairds turned away from each other. Each army parted, allowing their laird to ride through and lead them back to their respective keeps. And as the armies turned to ride back, there was a line of men who continued to face forward. They would remain in place until everyone was enough of a distance away that they would pose no threat.
Keithen knew it would be a long standoff as neither side would want to concede first and turn away.
His father motioned for him to ride alongside him and Keithen did so. “How is yer leg, Son?”
Knowing his father would say very little, Keithen didn’t ask any questions. Instead, he motioned to his leg. “Not very much pain for my first ride.”
It was half a day’s ride back to their keep and by the time they arrived, Keithen could barely stand the pain. Sharp pains traveled down his leg and he required assistance dismounting. Once inside the great room, he refused to see the healer, who hurried toward him.
He hobbled to his father’s study, where Broden, Ewan and several council members were already seated.
Despite the pain, Keithen did his best to keep from groaning out loud when he lowered to a chair.
“The Mackenzie expected that our alliance was intact. I told him different,” his father stated. “I informed him that the attempt to hang my son dissolved any goodwill between us.”
Keithen agreed. “What was the final outcome? Did ye tell him about the attack on our guard?”
“Aye,” his father replied. “I told him that we will not stand for attacks on our men on our lands and that if we find the attacker is a Mackenzie, I will not hesitate to order my men to kill any Mackenzies on our land.”
“He became quite indignant at that point,” Broden said. “He began accusing us of killing the last two Mackenzie lairds.”
Neither Keithen nor Esme had told anyone that it was she who’d shot Alastair Mackenzie. Keithen had convinced his sister that he did not want Ava to know. She’d been through enough without having the added burden of knowing her husband’s sister was responsible for her brother’s death.
“It had to have been a Ross who killed Alastair. Clan Ross arrived before we did,” Ewan said. “However, I must say, whoever the archer was who severed the rope, I would love to compete against him. That man had the best marksmanship I have ever seen.” He shrugged. “Besides me.”
Broden grunted. “That would be interesting.” He met Keithen’s gaze and he realized his friend was aware that Esme was the only archer with the ability to sever the rope at a long distance.
Ewan continued. “That same archer could have possibly shot Alastair and caused his death.”
Keithen looked to his father, but the laird was listening to a council member asking a question.
“We ended the conversation with sort of an impasse. We will each stay away fr
om the border until after winter. At that time, we will meet again.”
The laird then looked to Broden. “How is yer guardsman?”
“He will recover,” Broden informed them. “Now, Ewan and I must meet with the guard and ensure they are aware that they must stay away from the border lands. Also, I will send men out to inform the villagers and farmers who live near there.”
Broden and Ewan had to help Keithen out to where the healer and Ava waited. He was half-carried to a small chamber where they examined his leg.
“It was not rebroken, but it is very bruised,” the healer informed him. “Ye should not have gone. Tis too soon.”
His leg was washed, wrapped and a new splint applied. He couldn’t help groaning with each painful movement. It was almost a relief to take the tonic handed to him by Ava.
“Bring someone to help ye carry him upstairs,” Ava said to a guard who stood at the door. “Hurry.”
Once he was settled in bed, most of the pain was ebbing. “I do not require to lay down.” Keithen said, sliding up to sit.
“What happened?” Ava asked lowering to a chair she’d dragged closer to the bed. “Did Atholl agree to keep peace?”
“For now. It will be revisited after winter.” Keithen took her head. “I am proud of how well ye are handling the household.”
Ava shrugged. “It is a daily struggle, actually. But I expected it.”
“I can talk to the servants,” Keithen replied.
“I would prefer ye did not.”
He knew the news he was about to give her was not something she’d like to hear. But in a way, he hoped it would mean, in the end, things would turn out well.
“Prior to Mother’s return, Esme and her husband will return. They plan to remain here for the winter.”
It was clear by her expression that Ava fought not to show how upsetting the news was. “I was not aware.”
“Hopefully, this will give ye and Esme an opportunity to come to some sort of a…” He wasn’t sure what word to use.
“It is she who does not care for me. I have no ill will toward yer sister. Although, I agree that it is my fault for having caused what happened.”
Keithen lifted her hand to his lips. “If I had not killed those guards, the Mackenzies would not have taken me and, well, the rest would have been avoided.”
“I suppose we all have our share of blame. But it does no good. I will attempt to construct a cordial relationship with Esme.”
Despite his wishing to remain awake, the tonic began to take effect.
When Keithen woke, it was dark out and Ava was snuggled against him. Her soft breaths fanned warm air onto his shoulder, and he pressed a kiss to her temple.
It was hard to imagine life without her, which surprised him. He’d never thought to be the kind of man who would coddle his wife. But now, more than anything, he wanted to protect her. He desired to give Ava everything she desired. However, his wife proved to be self-sufficient and quite adept at doing things alone. She’d had plenty of practice not depending on anyone. The more he learned about the lack of caring by her family, the more he wanted to provide it for her.
He was grateful that his mother and Catriona had befriended Ava. If not for them, she would have no one to speak to and feel at ease with. Both his mother and Catriona felt they owed their lives to Ava and, because of it, they liked her.
The staff and his sister would be hurdles Ava had to traverse alone. He’d tried speaking to Esme, but his sister was headstrong. The servants could be dealt with. He’d ensure his mother punished those who’d been disrespectful to Ava.
For his part, he would care for his wife and ensure that she was aware he’d always be there for her.
A realization that he loved the woman with all his heart made him take a deep breath. He was in love with his wife.
By the time the sun rose, Keithen was already awake and dressed. He’d managed to slip from the bed without waking Ava. Now, he waited for her to wake so he could inform her of his feelings.
He’d never asked, but surely men informed women when their feelings changed.
“Why are ye staring at me like that?” Ava asked groggily. “Ye look angry.”
Keithen attempted at a smile but failed when his stomach tightened. “Nay. I am not angry.”
“Oh.” She yawned and stretched. “What is it then? Are ye in pain?”
His heart hammered, making Keithen wonder if something was, indeed, wrong. “I need to tell ye something.”
Her eyes widened and she sat up. With her mussed hair and sleepy eyes, she was enticing. The tops of her breasts became exposed as the ribbon of her night rail had untied.
“Err,” he stammered. “I must inform ye that I…well, ye see, I feel that…no, that is not right.”
Ava narrowed her eyes. “Have ye taken tonic again this morn?” She slipped from the bed and came to him. “Come, I will help ye to sit.”
Pressed against his side, she pulled his left arm over her shoulders. “Come along. Ye shouldn’t be standing.”
“I do not wish to sit.” Keithen tried to push her away, but almost lost his balance and both of them swayed sideways.
“Keithen, if ye fall, yer leg could break again. Why are ye being so stubborn?” Ava snapped and took a step away. “What is the matter with ye this morning?”
He glared at her. “Last night, I woke up and ye were asleep.”
This time, she looked toward the wardrobe. “Did I talk in my sleep?”
Keithen shook his head. “Ye did not. But I thought about ye and how independent ye are because ye had to be. How ye have never had a family like most. Ye know, like mine. One that cares for one another.”
Clasping her hands against her chest, she turned away. “I did not have a caring family. What does that have to do with anything?”
“I want ye to know that I will always be yer family. I will always stand with ye.”
Ava turned back to face him. The expression on her face was heartbreaking. It looked like she wasn’t sure how to react. Something akin to sadness filled her eyes.
“That is the kindest thing anyone has ever said to me.” Ava sniffed. “Thank ye.”
Keithen motioned for her to come close, and she took hesitant steps until she arrived in his arms. His eyes fell shut as she wrapped her arms around his waist. “Ava, what I feel for ye, I have never felt before. I love ye, Wife, with all my heart.”
When she gasped and looked up at him, there were tears in her eyes. “How can ye say that? I thought ye were in love with Catriona.”
“She is very special to me. I love her like a sister. But what I feel for ye is much deeper. It fills me with the need to care for ye and ensure ye will always be safe. I wish to protect ye and to give ye anything ye desire.”
He took her mouth, enjoying the familiarity of the beautiful woman’s body against his.
Clinging to him, she let out a long sigh and placed her head on his chest. “I have felt the same way about ye for a long time.”
There was a knock on the door and Keithen called for whoever it was to enter.
A maid stepped in and blushed at seeing them in an embrace. “I was told to inform ye that visitors arrive.”
“Visitors?” Keithen went to the window and looked out. Outside, the morning haze made it hard to see clearly, but he made out the Ross banner.
“My sister and her husband are here.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
There were still several hours until last meal and Ava wasn’t sure what to do with her time. Just a few days after Esme arrived, Lady Fraser returned from her travels. That left Ava with nothing to do. Her garden was gone until spring and she could not spend time with the other women in the sitting room without it becoming awkward.
A couple times, she’d sought out Catriona, but Esme had been with her. She’d given up trying to seek out companionship, other than Keithen.
When her head bobbed from sleep, Ava put her embroidery to the side and went to peer
out the window. Upon opening it, frigid air instantly brought relief from any sleepiness.
There were only a few people in the courtyard. Guardsmen gathered around a bonfire and several maids hurried to the well.
The men watched the women until one said something. They all laughed at whatever words were exchanged. Probably some sort of flirting.
“Ava?” Flora peered around the door. “I knocked, but ye didn’t answer. May I come in?”
“Of course, please do.” Ava hurried to pull a chair over for the woman. “I am glad to see ye.”
Flora sat and smiled. “I needed to get away for a few moments and haven’t seen ye much as of late.”
“It is obvious Esme would prefer I not be around, so I’m keeping my distance.” Ava sighed. “Unfortunately, it means I’m in here most of the day.”
“Ye should speak to her.”
“Do ye know her well?” Ava asked.
Flora shook her head. “No.”
*
At last meal, Ava kept her attention on the room and away from Lady Fraser and Esme, who discussed plans for the upcoming Yule celebration.
A maid came up and placed food between her and Keithen, who paid her no heed as he spoke to his father about a situation with two farmers.
The room buzzed with conversation, people laughed at whatever others said. At one table, a group of men began singing, and at another, women gathered, watching them.
In the center of it all, Ava felt adrift and lonely. Since all the guardsmen now ate inside, Catriona took her meals in her bedchamber, which meant Flora did as well.
“Taste the meat, it is very good,” Keithen said, nudging her arm.
Thankful to be brought from her musings, Ava did as he asked and smiled at him. “It is quite delicious.”
“I must speak to the patrol guards once the meal is over. I will come to our bedchamber once I am done,” Keithen informed her as they finished the meal.
Ava was thankful to get away. As much as she hated spending so much time alone, it was preferable to being around people who would rather have nothing to do with her.
Deciding to go to the kitchen to fetch some warm cider, she walked there and fetched a large cup and filled it from the liquid that was kept warm in a kettle that hung beside the fire.
A Fearless Rebel Page 19
