Cailean stood and kissed her, finished dressing, and packed their items. Effortlessly, he lifted Elayne into the saddle and then mounted his own horse, and they returned to the castle, where he rang for hot water for them to bathe.
Cailean said to Bessie as he thanked her for lunch, “We will take a tray in my chamber for dinner; I wish to keep my wife to me and nae share her with others yet.”
“Aye, I ken and will send ye a dinner for ye both. It is good for ye to take time alone together, for yer duties will interrupt ye soon enough.”
Cailean took the stone stairs two at a time to return to his bride. In their chamber with the door locked and barred, he took delight in teaching her the pleasures of bathing together. Much later, they dined in their robes at the table, and finalized their plans for the next few days.
Elayne fell deeply asleep with her head resting on Cailean’s chest as he held her in their bed, the toll of their activities these past few days catching up with her. She sighed while sleeping in his arms. Nestled and entwined, Cailean kissed her head andstroked her hair from her face. Fervently, he wished they could remain in this cocoon of love alone for a few more days.
Separated far too long, Cailean needed Elayne like the air he breathed. Constantly, he felt the incessant need to touch her and assure himself Elayne was near and not a figment of his imagination. He wished never to be parted from her again if he could help it.
Aside from his time-tested love for her, their clan alliances were important to keep the peace, demonstrate a powerful united front to their rivals, and provide for the welfare of their clans. Cailean kent challenges and obstacles awaited them, but they could subdue and conquer them together.
Chapter Fifteen
A New Laird
The following morning, Cailean helped Elayne dress, and they broke their fast in the great hall, greeting their laird and guests, all of whom congratulated them again on their marriage. The elders were delighted with their union and the qualities they both brought to it. They answered the couple’s questions about the status of various items and groups at the castle. At the forge, they greeted William and Thomas while Elayne donned her protective gear. Taking the hot iron in her pliers, with her hammer she pounded out a horseshoe as they spoke with Cailean and her father. Elayne showed them the lanterns they had made and gave each a gift of one, which the elders deeply appreciated.
“Even though my wife will lead yer clan as the laird, I am her partner and will support her in whatever way she needs. Therefore, I wish for ye to understand that she cares deeply about the welfare of people in her clan.” Their brows rose as one in surprise and admiration of this amazing couple. The elders thanked William, Thomas, and Elayne as Cailean kissed her head and escorted the Grant clansmen back to the castle; a fishing expedition had been arranged for the Grant elders this morning.
Elayne felt Cailean’s absence acutely and poured herself into her work. So much needed to be done. Cailean escorted Elayne back to the castle to wash and dress before dinner. His father summoned them to his study before the feast.
“A man who claims to be Elayne’s cousin has arrived to join us for dinner. It seems the elders suspect he wants to challenge Elayne for the position as the laird. Yer cousin, Malcom is contentious about if ye are who ye say ye are. Ye need to be prepared so ye are nae taken by surprise.”
“Thank ye, laird. I appreciate ye sharing this with us now.” Confidently, she said, “All will be well.” The bold smile on her face appeared as if she invited the challenge.
Cailean was ready to fight as a warrior for her honor, angered by this man’s assertions after the elders had already been satisfied. Her cousin should not cast aspersions against his own family outside his own clan. It potentially weakened the Grant clan in the eyes of others.
“Husband, I appreciate yer ire on my behalf. Not everything needs to be settled by the sword. Trust me. All will be well. This challenger will look the fool.” Cailean and Elayne left the study, and in the great hall, they greeted their family and guests. The elders introduced her cousin, who congratulated them on their marriage. Avarice glittered in Malcom’s eyes, but he was distracted by Elayne’s stunning beauty, momentarily disarmed.
Cailean and Elayne enjoyed the feast, but the underlying currents of tension were almost tangible. At the end of the dinner Elayne’s cousin stood. “Thank ye, laird and lady, for yer warm hospitality. Before the elders leave, I must beg for yer indulgence.” The laird nodded and allowed him to continue.
“Please allow me to introduce myself as Malcom Roy, the nephew of Laird James Grant. The position as laird should be mine. I am a man born to lead. Yer claim to be his daughter is in grave doubt under the circumstances. I demand proof that ye are James’s rightful daughter.”
Cailean bolted up immediately, his hands clenched at his sides with barely restrained fury. Incensed by this man that dare challenge his wife and the clan elders. “Before we entertain yer demands, as ye say, I have several questions for ye. How old are ye?”
“I am twenty-eight years of age,” Malcom answered confidently.
“What have ye done for the benefit of yer clan?”
Standing proudly, he boasted, “I trained to become a warrior.”
“Aye, as any able man should train to defend his family, home, and clan. What else have ye done to benefit yer clan?”
“I continue to train to defend my clan.”
“Have ye been called upon to fight any battles? Have ye been on diplomatic missions?”
“Nae, I have nae been called yet.”
“Ye are twenty-eight years of age and ye have trained as a warrior for yer clan. Lady Elayne Grant is eighteen years old and is an accomplished blacksmith. She has produced many weapons, horseshoes, tools, and lanterns to benefit clan members. Elayne works in the castle to make candles and soaps to support the clan.
“When seven men were outnumbered, captured, and thrown into the dungeons of Tor Castle, she sacrificed her freedom for theirs to prevent war and bloodshed between clans. Lady Grant rode alone to Tor Castle on a five-day journey and met with the laird, Devil Cameron, where she negotiated the men’s release from imprisonment in the dungeons. In exchange, Lady Grant spent six months as a lad working as a blacksmith from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, before she returned here.”
Gasps sounded from the elders and members of the clan.
“Aye, that is a testimony to her courageous character and bravery facing a daunting challenge. I ask ye who is more deserving of being a laird serving the Grant clan? Here are the documents testifying that Elayne is Lady Grant. Ye can read them for yerself,” he said, handing the man the documents he had brought into the feast in case they were needed.
