Victoria Roberts - [Bad Boys of the Highlands 03] (12 page)

“Pray excuse me while I seek my bath.” She nervously stepped around him.

“Do ye need me to wash your back?”

She froze and then turned, merely lifting her brow.

***

Alex watched the muddied temptress walk away. His wife was indeed still a child at heart, and even her walk had a sunny cheeriness. His smile broadened in approval. The woman he’d married was compassionate enough to ruin her own dress to save the feelings of a little girl. He began to think perhaps he was wrong about the dreaded MacKenzies—well, one of them in particular.

“Alexander, there ye are. I have been looking everywhere for ye,” said Aunt Iseabail. She looked flustered.

“I have been here.”

“I can see that now, Nephew. I wanted to tell ye something…” She tapped her finger to her lip. “It seems to have slipped my mind again. Damn, Nephew. Donna get old. Ye will nae like it.”

Alex wrapped his arm around Aunt Iseabail’s shoulders. “Ye arenae old. I told ye before. Ye will more than likely outlive us all.”

“’Tis bothering me. I know I had something of importance to tell ye.”

“Donna think upon it. I find that if I think upon something else, my first thought will come back eventually.”

“I suppose. Where is the bonny little lass?” she asked, looking around the great hall.

Alex chuckled and rolled his eyes. “She and Sybella were caught in a storm, and the mud got the best of them. They are seeking baths as we speak.”

“Annie is such a bonny lass. I hope ye and Sybella soon have enough bairns to fill our table for the noon meal.”

“Anabel is quite lovely. I’m sure in good time when the gods are willing to bless us with a—
”

“And I told ye, Nephew. Donna leave it to the gods. Are ye at least trying to get your wife with child?”

If Alex had to discuss his coupling habits with his aunt one more time…

“My laird, pardon the intrusion. A moment, please,” said John, walking into the great hall. Water dripped from his soaked frame.

“I will leave ye lads to your business then.” Aunt Iseabail walked back toward the kitchens, and Alex breathed a sigh of relief.

“I must commend ye on your most appropriate timing.” He playfully wiped his brow.

John chuckled. “She wants a bairn under her roof before she dies.”

“Donna remind me. What was it ye wanted?”

“I had Ian tracking in the woods and he was still unable to find a trail. Now that we have rain—”

“Any trail there was is now dead.”

“Aye.”

“Sybella stays inside the castle walls and doesnae journey outside the gates until we find who is responsible. My cousin and the MacGregor arrive within the sennight. The man is verra wise in battle and may have a few ideas. Keep alert. I am by nay means lowering our defenses.”

John nodded. “Aye. Seòras watches the MacKenzie man and there hasnae been anything amiss.”

“Good. Make sure it stays that way. I will nae have a threat under my own roof.”

“I will leave ye to your
duty
then, my laird,” said John with a wry grin.

“’Tis quite enough that I hear it from Aunt Iseabail. I donna need to hear it from ye, ye bloody arse.”

Alex headed to the parapet to seek a brief reprieve. The heavy weather had passed, and he loved the smell of the air after a hard rain. He stood upon the darkened parapet with only the torchlight to illuminate the glistening walls. He lifted his face, feeling a light mist spray his cheeks.

Some of his men walked the walls and some sought shelter, conversing by the gate. In the time since his father’s death, Alex had managed to secure an alliance with their enemy and make certain the clan would be fed for several winters to come, and now he had a wife. He hoped his father was proud. If he could only solve the mystery of who would want to take aim at his bonny wife’s head, Alex could rest. Now he knew why he had waited so long to take a wife. The fairer sex was nothing but trouble.

Sybella knelt in the dirt as Aunt Iseabail stood over her shoulder in the garden. It was hard to believe that almost a sennight had passed since Ennis and Anabel took their leave. Sybella already missed her kin, and her beloved husband wasn’t paying her much attention. The wooing part of their marriage was undoubtedly over or had been abruptly halted. Either way, something had obviously changed. And God help her, she missed her husband. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she had developed a certain fondness for him that weighed heavily on her heart.

Alexander had not visited her bed since she’d been cursed with her monthly courses over the last few days. She had the impression that the man was either brooding because she wasn’t with child or was unable to bed her due to her womanly time, or perhaps both.

Sybella shook her head as she pulled a stubborn weed. She was somewhat disappointed that they hadn’t gotten the chance to spend more time together before he resumed his daily duties as laird. But he hadn’t taken long before recommencing his swordplay with the men in the bailey and seeing to the accounts. She wondered if she was ever in the man’s thoughts.

“I might be losing my mind at times, but I am nae deaf. If ye have something to say, speak your mind and cease your mumbling, lass.
’
Tis driving me mad,” said Aunt Iseabail.

“My apologies.”

“I know my nephew can be infuriating, but—”

Not wanting to create unnecessary worry for Alex’s aunt, Sybella shook her head. “
’
Tisnae Alexander troubling me.”

“He had better nae be troubling ye,” said a familiar voice.

Sybella’s eyes lifted and then she flew to her feet. Hefting her skirts, she jumped over a bush and ran straight into her brother’s arms. “Colin,
’
tis so good to see ye.” She held him in a tight embrace, not wanting to let him go.

He kissed her on the top of the head. “And ye as well, Ella. I see naught much has changed since ye became a MacDonell. Ye still look much the same, covered in dirt.”

She pulled back and playfully tapped his arm. “What are ye doing here?”

Before he could answer, Aunt Iseabail cleared her throat. “I will leave ye to your visit, then.”

Colin gave Aunt Iseabail a slight bow. “Lady Iseabail,
’
tis a pleasure to see ye again.”

“Aye, be sure to tell William I wish him well,” she said with a slight blush on her cheeks.

“I will, m’lady.”

As Aunt Iseabail walked away, Sybella hugged her brother again. “I cannot believe ye are here. I have missed ye so.” She pulled away and smiled. “Ennis and Anabel came to visit—”

“Aye, I heard all about it. The wee lass couldnae stop speaking of it. She had a good time with ye and I think she misses ye.” Colin hesitated. “I need to have words with your husband, and then we will spend time together before I take my leave.”

Sybella had a difficult time keeping the whine from her voice. “Must ye take your leave so soon? Ye just arrived. In truth, I was hoping ye could remain for a few days. Alexander’s cousin should be coming from Glenorchy any day now, and it would be nice to have another MacKenzie around.”

Colin smoothed her tresses. “Come now, lass. Ye seem to be adjusting to your new life just fine.”

Sybella glanced over his shoulder and spotted the captain of Alex’s guard. He stood alert, keeping them both under heavy scrutiny. She leaned in close. “They donna trust us, Brother. He watches ye with the eyes of a hawk.”

“It doesnae matter if they donna trust the MacKenzies.
’
Tis important that they trust
ye
, Ella.”

“I heard there was a MacKenzie at the gates,” Alex said as he walked up behind them.

Colin turned around and extended his arm. “Laird MacDonell, I come on behalf of my father. There are matters which we need to discuss.”

“Come to my study.” Alex clasped Colin’s arm, nodded, and then turned and gave Sybella the same gesture. “Wife.”

“Husband.” The man behaved no differently toward her than toward her kin—although Colin received an actual physical greeting, whereas Alex hadn’t touched her in days. Men were truly a mystery that she did not have the patience to figure out.

Sybella resumed her purpose in the garden, not able to stop herself from pondering. Why would her brother request an audience with her husband? Had he heard her mumbling to herself? Surely he didn’t think Alex had mistreated her. Perhaps she should intervene. Her husband wasn’t really treating her poorly. And the last thing she needed was to be the start of another battle between the MacKenzies and the MacDonells before she had a chance to look for the stone. Besides, she needed to tell her brother that Alexander was not the man he thought he was.

She ran to catch up to him. “Colin!”

Her brother turned around and smiled. When her eyes darted nervously back and forth, Colin sensed her unease. “I need only but a moment, Ella.
’
Tis naught that concerns ye.”

***

His wife looked like a frightened rabbit. What the hell did she think? That he would pull out his sword and run a MacKenzie through in the middle of the bailey? What kind of man did she take him for? Alex couldn’t focus on his wife’s odd behavior because right now, he needed to find out what another damn MacKenzie was doing under his roof.

Alex escorted the MacKenzie’s son to his study and closed the door. He gestured for Colin to sit. He grabbed two tankards and pulled out MacGregor’s ale, pouring them each a healthy dram and placing one of the cups in front of Colin. “Ye look as though ye could use a drink.”

“Thank ye. And how is my sister?” Colin took a drink of ale.

“She enjoyed having Anabel visit, but there is something of importance that I must ask of ye.”

“Aye?”

“Is there anyone who would want to harm my wife?”

Colin stirred uneasily in the chair, and tense lines appeared on his face. “Nay. Why do ye ask?”

There was a heavy moment of silence.

“We were in the woods and someone took aim at her. She bent over just in time as an arrow struck the tree above her head.”

Colin placed his tankard on the desk and sat forward on the edge of his chair. “My father has many enemies,” he said solemnly.

“And I was one of them, but I spoke my vows and I am a man of my word.”

“I am nae accusing ye.”

“Before ye even think of saying the words, my clan wouldnae harm her. I need to know who else would benefit from seeing her injured—or dead.”

Rubbing his hand over his brow, Colin sighed. “Mayhap now is a good time to tell ye the reason for my visit.”

“By all means, enlighten me,” said Alex dryly.

“The MacLeod attempts to raise arms again on Lewis. His Majesty will most definitely nae be pleased. King James’s men havenae traveled this far north, but ’tis only a matter of time before they do. Our men still remain on Lewis, and my father requests a score of your men to help keep the MacLeods under control. When they see the MacKenzies and MacDonells have joined forces, the MacLeod men may think twice before picking up arms against us. We wouldnae want word of the MacLeod starting another uprising to reach His Majesty’s ears.”

Alex tapped his fingers on the desk. “I have heard rumblings about the MacLeods, but I have also heard words of MacKenzie men taking the lives of the innocent.” His eyes studied Colin. “I want to know what ye did to the MacLeods that they attempt to raise arms against ye again. Before I send my men into a battle that isnae our own, I will have the truth.”

“The battle with the MacLeods became your fight once ye wed my sister.” Colin’s response held a note of impatience.

“Be that as it may, I will have the truth.” Alex sat as still as a stone statue, refusing to budge.

Colin sat back in his chair and glanced around the study, his expression becoming somewhat guarded. “My father is a verra determined man.”

“I knew that from his attempts to steal our cattle,” Alex said with sarcasm.

“If His Majesty travels north, all of the power that he bestowed upon the Highland lairds—”

“Ye can spare me the details. I am aware of political matters.”

“We did what was necessary to have the MacLeod surrender.”

“Did ye spill the blood of women and children?”

Colin hesitated and could barely look Alex in the eye. “Aye.”

Curses fell from Alex’s mouth. “Do ye think mayhap the MacLeod wishes to harm Sybella after ye killed his own?”

“It would make sense, but we havenae received word of any MacLeods taking their leave from Lewis,” Colin muttered uneasily.

“Aye, but ye arenae certain.”

“I am nae certain.”

Alex wondered if there would ever be a time when the MacKenzies were not a thistle in his arse. As far as he was concerned, the MacKenzie was no different than the villain who had taken his cousin a few years ago. Then again, Archibald Campbell, the seventh Earl of Argyll, certainly had gotten his recompense. Perhaps it was only a matter of time before the MacKenzie got his.

Clearly dismissing his wife’s brother, Alex stood and downed the last of his ale.

“And what of the men?” asked Colin.

“I will arrange for a score of my men to assist ye in keeping the peace with the MacLeods. Howbeit they will be under my orders nae to kill innocents. That might be the way of the MacKenzie, but
’
tisnae the way of the MacDonell.”

Colin ignored his words. “May I have a few moments with my sister before I take my leave?”

“By all means.”

***

Sybella washed up in her chamber and opened the door to find Colin waiting for her. His expression was grim and he looked tired, worn.

“There is something we need to discuss, Ella.” He brushed past her into the room and gestured for her to close the door. He pulled out a chair in the sitting area and sat down.

“What is amiss?” She sat down on a chair beside him.

“Your husband says someone took a shot at ye with a bow.”

“Aye. The arrow barely missed my head. Praise the saints, I havenae had to look over my shoulder since I have remained inside the castle walls. I pray there isnae anything more to worry about, given that naught untoward has happened since, but I am still verra unsettled. I donna know who would want to kill me.”

“Father has many enemies. I donna know who—”

“Donna be so quick to judge our father, Colin. More than likely the MacDonell has also made a few foes along the way. And whatever ye do, please donna concern Father with this. My husband has me verra well protected. There is naught Father can do that Alexander hasnae done already.”

“I give ye a word of caution nae to walk outside the castle gates alone.”

“Cease your lectures. I have already had my fill of them. Howbeit I will make sure that I have an escort,” said Sybella with an appeasing tone.

“We donna know who is responsible for taking aim at ye. I will have your word that ye will be careful, even within your husband’s gates.”

“Ye have my word.” She raised her hands in mock surrender.

Colin reached out and grabbed her hand. Unspoken pain was alive and glowing in his eyes.

“What is it, Brother? I have a feeling there is something more that ye arenae telling me.”

A gentle smile played on his lips. “Ye know me too well.” He sat back in the chair, looking uncomfortable. “We have battled so many years with the MacDonell.”

Sybella squeezed her fingers over the bridge of her nose. “How many times must we have the same conversation?”

Ignoring her words, Colin continued. “There has always been reiving between us. We take something, they take something. We burnt the MacDonell’s stable to the ground, and in retaliation, they burnt our church.” When she remained silent and didn’t question him further, Colin stood and walked over to the stone fireplace. He placed his hand on the mantel, and for a moment, he was quiet, searching. She’d never seen her brother quite so unnerved.

“There are certain matters of politics which I have sheltered ye from for your own protection.” He remained still, weighing his words. “His Majesty’s forces make their way to Lewis, and Father wants ye to find the stone within a sennight. If the king’s men arrive at Lewis and find the MacLeods arenae under control, His Majesty will strip Father of his power over the isle and mayhap even his position in the Highlands.”

She sat back, momentarily rebuffed.

When Colin spoke again, his voice was calming. “Our conquest on Lewis was the last our seer foretold. Father doesnae want to take the chance of making another move without the seer’s sight and doing something to permanently seal the fate of our clan.”

“Colin, who is this seer?” Sybella stood and approached him.

“I told ye before, it doesnae matter, and for your own safety,
’
tis better that ye donna know.” When Sybella scrunched up her face in annoyance, Colin continued. “I know I told ye to wait until ye earned your husband’s trust, but we nay longer have time on our side. Ye can nay longer leave Glengarry without an escort and are now given the perfect opportunity to search for the stone within the walls of the castle.

“Take it room by room, one at a time, and leave naught unturned.” He made a circle with his hands. “Remember the stone is of brown color and about this big around with a hole in the middle.
’
Tis also small enough to keep in a jewelry box, a desk drawer, or a hollowed-out book. Search every chamber, everywhere and everything.”

She took a deep breath and straightened her spine. “Colin, ye and Father are wrong. Alexander is a good man, and I’ve seen naught to tell me otherwise. He is kind and has a verra compassionate soul. Ye should see the way he cares for his aunt.” Sybella shook her head. “I cannae deceive him, MacDonell or nae. And frankly, I have had enough secrets between us. I am taking my leave with ye to Kintail. And
I
will speak with Father. I will nae do this.” She opened her trunk at the foot of the bed and pulled out her sack.

Colin whirled around, his mouth set in annoyance. “When will ye open your bloody eyes, Ella, and see the truth of our father’s ways?
Father
is the one who sent me here to make ye search for the stone! If ye didnae wed the MacDonell, your beloved sire was going to ship ye off to Lewis to marry the damn MacLeod on that desolate isle!”