Pushing his shoulder-length blond hair away from his face, Darach met his brother’s unwavering gaze. “Only with ye and our family beside me can I do this.”
Stuart’s lips curved. “With each day that passes, ye become stronger. Ye will be a great leader, Darach. I have little doubt.”
“So, a bit of skepticism remains then?” Darach asked with a pointed look.
Stuart returned the look with a lift to his right eyebrow. “Ye are far from perfect, brother. If one were to search for utter perfection, one has to only look at me.”
Unable to keep from it, Darach chuckled. Albie, hearing his laugh, raced to him dragging a long branch.
He bent to take the branch from the dog, broke a smaller piece from it, and threw it for the dog to happily retrieve.
“Let us head back.”
Last meal in the family dining room was a quiet affair. In the great hall, the people who had been invited to remain so that their qualms could be heard the following day were fed a simpler fare.
“Duncan and Caelan should be here,” Ella, the youngest of the siblings, said, referring to their brothers. “Duncan should be helping ye.”
Darach gave her an indulgent look. “They have their own responsibilities in their region. There is the threat from Clan MacNeil and the fact the people there are also revolting upon learning of our father’s death.
One of the things Darach was thankful for was that there were seven of them—six brothers and one sister with whom he could divide the burden of what they had been left with.
“What of Clan Uisdein?” Stuart asked, his hazel eyes flashing angrily. “They are refusing to allow me to visit and returned my messenger with threats of harm if we send him back. I am set to marry Fenella Uisdein in the spring.”
Gideon let out a bark of laughter. “I would not count on the marriage taking place. She is no doubt relieved, do ye not think?”
Everyone was silent and awaited Stuart’s response. Of all the brothers, he had the least fiery temperament, and the possibility of him losing control was low. However, Gideon knew exactly how to goad his brother to anger.
Stuart’s chair crashed to the floor when he pushed back. He quickly rounded the table and wrapped his hands around Gideon’s neck. “Ye talk too much.”
Undaunted by his brother’s attack, Gideon punched Stuart in the stomach twice stealing his wind with the second hard punch.
Stuart released Gideon’s neck and bent forward blowing out. Just as he was to straighten, Gideon’s fist connected with the side of his face.
“Bastard!” Stuart yelled, flying at his younger brother, who tried to flee but failed when Stuart grabbed his tunic.
When both landed on the floor, their mother had had enough. She picked up the pitcher of ale and poured it over them. “Stop this at once.”
Lady Mariel Ross was not at all shocked or distressed by her sons’ actions. Instead, she returned to her seat and continued eating. She gave Darach a warm look. “I have every trust in ye, son. The obstacles before ye may seem overwhelming but know that ye have the family’s support.” She slid a look to Stuart and Gideon. “Each and every one of us.”
Gideon also returned to his chair to eat, but Stuart, drenched in ale, remained standing. Obviously, their mother knew who needed to cool down.
“I do have news,” his mother said in a tone that made his stomach sink. Her face softened. “It isn’t anything bad. Perhaps just a bit distressing.”
“God’s foot, Mother,” Ella exclaimed. “Tell us already.”
“I received a message today from Lady Macdonald.”
“What about?” Darach asked. His mother and Lady Macdonald were childhood friends, both born MacNeil’s, they had maintained correspondence even when their husbands were at odds.
“She wishes to visit with me. Either she comes here, or I go there. I know it isn’t the best of times, but I do wish for a reprieve.”
Darach shook his head. “Ye cannot go there. The Uisdein is threatening our northern shores. I have not heard from the Macdonald in months.
“I do not care,” Lady Ross said, lifting her nose. “I will meet with Aileen. She can come here.”
“It is much too unstable a time, Mother. If they come here, the Macdonald will learn of the discord with our people. He could use the information against us.”
Stuart spoke next. “Ye cannot travel there, we cannot afford to lose the guardsmen to escort ye right now.”
When Lady Ross and Ella exchanged looks, Darach let out a groan.
“What?” Gideon asked. “Why are ye making a sound of pain.”
“Do ye not see it?” Darach asked. “Lady Macdonald is already traveling here. Am I correct, Mother?” He glared at his mother.
“Arrangements were made. I couldn’t very well tell her not to come.”
He let out a long breath not wishing to yell. “Ye very well could have.”
His mother brightened. “This is actually the perfect time for ye to get to know her daughter Beatrice, who comes with her. A marriage between our clans would be very beneficial.”
Laird for only half a year, he’d not had time to think of much more than the mountain of troubles his father had left him with.
“It took me this long to convince the clan they would not be punished for bringing their issues to me. I still have to work on what is needed for the villagers, farmers, and guardsmen. I am much too busy to begin to consider marriage.” Darach shook his head.
Stuart, who’d calmed, lowered to a chair. “Besides, we should concentrate on my marriage.”
“I am not sure we should align with Clan Uisdein as yet. Not until I understand where their loyalties lay.” Darach met his brother’s gaze. “Be patient.”
Stuart nodded; his jaw tight.
Darach was tired but couldn’t rest. He paced the length of his bedchamber, too restless to get into bed. The rap at the door brought welcome relief to his tangled thoughts, and he called out for whoever it was to enter.
Upon the door
