Pledged to a Highlander (Highland Promise Trilogy 1)

The one thing most complained about was that the clan didn’t have the men and strength to survive another attack. The clan had to grow or it would never survive. He agreed with them and his hope was he could make that happen.

It was a fairly nice day, a mixture of sun and clouds, though more sun. A good day to be outside. And a poor excuse not to enter the keep and talk with his wife. He intended to make it clear to her that they would sleep in separate beds and he had not a sliver of doubt she would disagree.

“Whatever it is, it’s best you talk with her and get done with it,” Stuart said.

Royden sent a questioning look to him.

“I’ve been talking to you for the last few minutes and you haven’t heard a word I’ve said. And I’m far too familiar with that look, since I’ve worn it enough on several occasions,” Stuart explained with a grin.

Royden grunted, annoyed at himself.

“Go, all is good here,” Stuart urged.

Stuart was right. He needed to get this done and over with without delay. Oria was probably in the Great Hall having the morning meal. It would be good to talk with her there. With servants about she would be less likely to argue with him.

He was surprised to find she wasn’t there and stopped a servant. “Do you know where Mistress Oria went after she finished her meal?”

“The mistress hasn’t been down for her meal yet,” the servant said.

That worried Royden and he hurried up the stairs. Was she that upset about what happened last night that she still hadn’t left his bedchamber? Or had she gone to her own, not wanting to remain in his bed?

He got his answer quick enough when he entered his quarters and walked over to the bed to find her sleeping on the side of the bed he had slept last night. She was entangled in the blanket, embracing his pillow as if she was holding tightly to him.

He shook his head. It wasn’t going to be easy getting her out of his bed, especially since she was right where he wanted her. He had had endless dreams of sleeping beside her while away, their naked bodies pressed close, his arms tucked snuggly around her, the flowery scent of her tickling his nose. The worst part had been waking up and finding it had all been a dream. It had torn at his heart each and every time.

He went to leave but first stopped and added logs to the dwindling fire. He didn’t turn to look at her again as he left, his mind too occupied with how he’d stop himself from keeping her in his bed.

Royden began to worry when he still hadn’t seen his wife two hours later. Had she yet to wake up? Or was she purposely avoiding him? When he finally thought to go see for himself, he was notified that Fergus approached the village and would be at the keep soon.

He went outside to wait and greet the man, eager to confront him.

Fergus was barely off his horse, his face flushed with anger, when he said, “You summons me like a servant and dare make demands?”

“And yet here you are,” Royden challenged.

“Watch it, Royden, your clan is not as powerful as it once was,” Fergus threatened with a sneer.

“The very reason you’re here,” Royden said, angry at his threat, yet calling him out for it would do no good.

“So Penn told me,” Fergus said, his top teeth rushing to grab his lower lip as if he could pull the words back.

“I figured he would, but I appreciate you confirming it for me.” Royden nodded to the keep door. “Come, we have things to discuss.”

They settled in the solar at the round table and Fergus didn’t wait for a drink to be offered. He filled a tankard with ale from the jug on the table and took a seat. He did it with a familiarity that had Royden realizing that he’d been in this room many times before. That angered him. His home had been held captive just as he had.

“You have no leverage to make demands,” Fergus said.

“This is their home and they have a right to return to it,” Royden argued.

“It doesn’t matter. A decision was made concerning them and it can’t be undone.”

“What do you mean a decision has been made concerning my clan, my family?” Royden demanded. “What decision? Who made this decision?”

“It was part of the negotiation for you and your brother’s release. Your clansmen were to be returned home as well,” Fergus informed him and emptied his tankard with a large gulp, then refilled it with more ale.

“Were you there for the negotiations?”

“No, I was informed about them afterwards and sent more warriors, so if you decided to retaliate, I’d be sufficiently prepared,” Fergus said.