“Aye?” he said. “And how daes bindin’ me tae yer lass strengthen anything but yer own purse?”
Harcourt’s fingers tightened on the chair’s arm. “Careful, Highlander. Insolence has a cost.”
“So daes insult.”
Before the tension between the two men could break, Redfern’s voice cut through, calm but edged. “My lords. Please. We are here to seek a resolution for the Crown, not to start another war.” He looked between them. “The king desires unity. If the marriage was made in ignorance of the decree, that is regrettable, but not irredeemable.”
“To plead ignorance is quite convenient is it not?” Harcourt said. “You truly expect me to believe that he,” the earl shot a finger at Halvard, “did not know the king’s intentions?”
“Believe what ye like, Harcourt.” Halvard straightened.
Harcourt pushed back his chair, rising with deliberate grace and what Halvard thought was forced anger.
“This farce insults the king and my house both. I’ll not stay to listen to more of this barbaric posturing.”
Sten stepped forward, smoothly. “It’s late, m’laird. Best we all get some rest. If ye’ll allow it, perhaps I should show these men tae their chambers?”
He gave his man a curt nod. “Keep men on the doors.”
Harcourt paused, his expression frozen. “Am I to understand we are prisoners here? Perhaps we should take our leave immediately as we are not welcome here.”
Halvard kept his voice low and rough. “Guests,” he said, “if ye act like it. Prisoners if ye dinnae”
Redfern exhaled slowly, breaking the standoff. “My lord,” he addressed Harcourt. “The Laird is merely being cautious and the journey home is not known for its safety. Surely, you would not wish to test it under the cover of night.”
Harcourt regarded the envoy for a long moment before turning his cold eyes back toward Halvard. “You’ll regret this insult. Sooner than you think,Laird.”
Redfern smoothed his immaculate coat before heading toward the door of the council chamber. “I’ll stay near Harcourt,” he said. “It may spare us all from unnecessary… misunderstandings.”
“Ye are more than welcome tae join us in the great hall fer the evening meal, should ye choose. Ye’ll find Brochel Castle treats its guests well,” Halvard said coolly.
As he reached the door Harcourt turned his voice once again smooth and composed. “If you think this ends here, you’ve no idea what men like me can do with insult.”
“And ye’ve nay idea what men like me can dae wi’ a blade,” Halvard shot back, his gaze cold iron.
As the footsteps of his guests faded, Halvard turned toward the door, his boots echoing as he left the chamber. The night air in the corridor felt cleaner, sharper somehow, but it still carried the echo of Harcourt’s threat.
Let him come.
Halvard had faced worse than a pampered English lord, although even he had to admit few had smiled so sweetly as they sharpened their dirks.
CHAPTER SEVEN
The maid, Muirin Fraser, was unlike anyone Elsie had ever met. She had kind eyes and a laugh that came easily.
She moved about the room with a grace that seemed out of place in the drafty, stone Highland keep, her chestnut braid swinging against her back as she poured steaming water into a copper tub.
“There now, me lady,” she said, her voice low and melodic, touched by that lilting Highland rhythm. “Ye’ll be warm again soon enough. I can see th’ roads were cruel tae ye.”
Elsie tried to protest. She truly didn’t need a fuss made over her, but Muirin only smiled, a quiet knowing smile that made her words falter. The maid’s soft green eyes held something deeper than simple kindness. Perhaps, understanding.
Muirin had said little while helping her undress and brush the mud from her torn gown, but everything about her spoke ofquiet sympathy. When Else had shivered from the slight chill in the air, Muirin wrapped a rough wool blanket around her shoulders without a word. When she had winced at a bruise, Muirin’s touch had gentled, as though she carried the pain herself.
“I cannae imagine, what ye’ve been through,” Muirin murmured as she set the last bucket down. “But ye’re safe now, ye ken. Th’ laird’s a hard man, but nae a cruel one.”
Elsie gave a small uncertain laugh. But before she could reply, Muirin added gently, “Ye’ll find clean linens on the chair. Dinner will be soon, and I’m sure his lairdship will expect ye tae join th’ meal in the great hall, but ye’ve time tae soak a bit before. There’s lavender in the water, it’s good fer ye’re heart and yer skin.”
When the maid left, the room felt suddenly larger and quieter. The crackle of the hearth the only sound breaking the silence.
