Relief flooded Selene so suddenly her knees weakened.
“But,” Halvard added, expression darkening, “Be mindful. Aidan will nae forgive this. He will destroy ye both if he can.”
Selene’s heart skipped a beat. “Thank you, my dear brother. Does this mean you are prepared to grant us you blessing at last.”
Halvard lowered the exquisite little carving, placing it on the table. He nodded. “Aye, if ye wish it, I am happy tae bestow me blessing and good wishes upon ye both.” He looked up at Selene and grinned. “Yet I ken ye would have journeyed with yer lad nae matter what I said.”
Kenneth stepped forward and reached for Halvard’s hand. The two men shook hands. Not quite amiably, yet the hostility Selene had viewed simmering between them had definitely thawed.
Perhaps there was hope there would be a true alliance between the clans one day.
Halvard reached for his cloak. “I shall accompany ye tae the landing tae see ye safely set sail.”
Before either Selene or Kenneth could respond, the door was flung open and all three pairs of eyes turned as a small whirlwind blew into the room.
Elsie.
“I want tae go with them,” She blurted.
Halvard stared.
“I wish tae travel tae Duntulm.”
The words landed like a stone tossed into a loch. First the splash of her proclamation, then a startled silence as ripples fanned out around the room.
Halvard turned slowly, disbelief written plainly across his face. “What did ye say, wife?”
Elsie did not flinch. “I am sailing with me sister and Laird Kenneth. I wish tae go with her. We’ve had scarcely more than a day together and I cannae let her go so easily.” She gazed up at her husband adoringly. “Say aye,” she implored, “Please, pretty please.”
Halvard’s expression remained implacable.
Elsie closed the door behind her with exaggerated care and crossed the room, folding her hands as though she were presenting herself for judgement.
“I willnae permit ye tae leave our keep.” Halvard shook his head. “‘Tis nae safe.”
“I havenae finished,” she said calmly.
“Ye have,” Halvard’s fierce tone would brook no argument. “Me answer is still nay.”
Kenneth glanced at Selene, who had gone very still beside him. She opened her mouth to intervene, but he shook his head. It was never wise to interfere between a man and his wife.
Selene recognized the defiance on Elsie’s face.
She’s already planning something.
Elsie smiled winningly and tilted her head. “Me Laird Halvard, I ken ye always say nay tae me wishes. At first.”
“That is because the answer is usually nay.” He folded his arms, an obdurate expression on his face, his lips taut.
“And yet,” she said lightly, “I am still standing here, pleading again fer yer agreement.”
Halvard sighed and rubbed a hand over his chin. “This is nae game, me love.”
“Nay,” Elsie agreed, stepping closer. “It is a journey. With me sister. Who is about to be married.”
Selene inhaled sharply at that last word, warmth blooming in her chest.
Halvard fixed Elsie with a stern look. “Ye need tae heed me words, lass. If ye journey tae MacDonald lands, ye will be in danger.”
