“Any good Ramsay warrior would do as he did. Your sire was not close enough?”
“Nay, he was in the front, leading us through the section.”
“He was lucky Cailean was close by.”
She leaned in closer and whispered, “Uncle Alex, would you mention that to him, please?”
Her uncle gave her a wide grin. “Your sire does not wish to admit you’re a woman grown? ‘Tis tough for us old fathers.” He tipped his head toward Kyla. “I suppose I’ll be forced to go through the same myself soon.”
Kyla said, “Oh, Papa, you know I’ll pick someone you’ll like.”
Connor chuckled, looking at his father. “But will he be good enough for you? I imagine you’ll want to test his sword skills.”
Sorcha rolled her eyes. “Papa already tested Cailean’s skills.”
“And did he pass?” Alex asked.
“Aye, or he wouldn’t have been allowed to come along.” She scowled, thinking again about the trials the poor man had been forced to endure just to travel along with the other Ramsay guards.
Just then, Sorcha’s sire stepped out of the solar, closing the door behind him. A wide grin spread across his face as he movedto join them at the hearth. “Alex, you’re looking much better.” He stood by the big man’s side, clapping a hand on Alex’s shoulder.
“Aye, I’m improving. My thanks for getting my sister to my side so quickly, Ramsay.”
“I doubt ‘twill be long before you’ve got your hands on that sword again. Your son here can help you the first time. He’s growing into a fine lad, I see.”
“Do not worry. I’ll be back.” He shot a wry look at Kyla. “If for no other reason than to test the skills of my daughter’s suitors, just as you did, Ramsay.”
Her father smirked at her, but then turned back to Alex. “He passed. The poor lad took a rough tumble after that, but he’s a Ramsay warrior. He’ll survive. You’re welcome to join us, laird. I need to confer with your sons and your brothers to see what’s been transpiring in the Highlands.”
Alex shook his head before nodding to Connor. “Nay, I’ll leave all to the new lairds. Connor will help me back to my chamber. I’ll sit with Maddie for a while.”
With one last nod and grin, Sorcha’s sire left for the solar. Kyla bolted out of her chair as soon as Alex started to lift himself up. “I’ll help you, Papa.”
“Nay, daughter. Stay and enjoy your cousin. Connor will come back to the solar in a few moments.”
They watched the two cross the hall to Alex and Maddie’s new chamber before they continued their conversation.
Kyla
Book 9
Alex with his eldest daughter, some of the best scenes ever…
Chapter Five
Kyla decided to sneak away to make sure Davina was fine. But the truth is she is just beginning to deal with nearly losing her father. Have the tissues ready!
Kyla’s reckoning finally came that evening. Her mother had sent word that she was to meet her parents in the solar in ten minutes. After delaying as long as she dared, she trudged down the staircase and knocked on the door.
“Enter,” her sire’s voice boomed.
She peeked around the door, pleased to see only her parents inside, her father seated at his desk and her mother in a chair off to his side. Much better to face them alone than with a board of witnesses. “Greetings, Papa. You sound so much better. Is he better, Mama?”
Her sire narrowed his gaze at her. “Sit. You’ll not distract us from our purpose, daughter.”
She sat down in the chair in front of the desk, fussing with the folds of her skirt. “Mama, forgive me for my transgression. I…”
“How could you?” Tears fell down her mother’s face, exactly what she didnotwant to see. “After everything your sire and I have been through, how could you put us through this worry?”
