Kenneth watchedin amazement as Sophie effortlessly drew MacDean into conversation. She asked about his children, his lands, showing genuine interest in his answers. With each passing moment, the older laird's demeanor warmed.
"Aye,me Margaret wed just last month," MacDean said proudly. "Though I must say, she could have taken some lessons from ye in grace, me lady. The way ye've adapted to yer new role is admirable."
Kenneth felthis chest swell with pride at the compliment to his wife. "I'm blessed to have her," he heard himself say.
MacDean's eyesshifted to him, more approachable now. "Indeed ye are, lad. Now, tell me about these trade routes ye've been considerin'. I hear ye have some interestin' ideas."
The conversation flowed easilyafter that, with Sophie occasionally adding perfectly timed comments that kept things smooth. By the time they moved to the feast proper, Kenneth felt certain they'd made progress toward an alliance.
Throughout the meal,Kenneth found his attention divided between the political discussions around him and Sophie's graceful handling of their guests. She seemed to know instinctively when to speak and when to listen, when to smile and when to show concern.
"Ye've chosen well, MacAdams,"MacDean commented during a lull in conversation. "A wife who can navigate these waters is worth her weight in gold."
"Aye,"Kenneth agreed, watching Sophie charm yet another difficult clan chief. "Though I can claim nay credit for the choice. It was fate that brought her to me."
MacDean's eyebrows rose."Oh? That sounds like a tale worth hearing."
As Kenneth related a carefully editedversion of how he came to marry Sophie, he noticed MacDean's expression growing increasingly thoughtful.
"So ye riskedwar with Clan Allen to protect her?" the older laird mused. "That shows both honor and courage. Two qualities I value highly in potential allies."
Kenneth felthope surge in his chest. "I would be honored to discuss such an alliance further," he said carefully.
"As would I,"MacDean replied. "Perhaps tomorrow, during the hunt? We can speak more freely away from all these ears."
"I look forward to it,"Kenneth said, inclining his head respectfully.
As the evening wore on,Kenneth found himself increasingly aware of Sophie's presence. She moved through the crowd with natural grace, her laughter brightening the hall. More than once, he caught himself staring at her, remembering the way she'd felt in his arms.
"Ye're a lucky man,"Lachlan murmured, appearing at his shoulder. "The lass has won over half the clan chiefs already. Even old MacPherson is smilin', and I haven't seen that crusty devil crack a grin in twenty years."
Kenneth nodded,unable to take his eyes off his wife. "Aye, I'm beginnin' to realize just how lucky."
As if sensing his gaze,Sophie looked up, meeting his eyes across the crowded hall. The smile she gave him was private, intimate, making his blood heat despite the distance between them.
Later,as the feast began to wind down, Sophie made her way back to his side. "Well?" she asked softly. "How did it go with Laird MacDean?"
"Better than I could have hoped,"Kenneth admitted. "Thanks to ye."
Sophie's cheeksflushed prettily at the praise. "I merely helped smooth the way a bit. Ye're the one who impressed him with yer ideas and honor."
Kenneth caught her hand,squeezing it gently. "Ye did more than that, mo chridhe. Ye showed me what it truly means to lead - nae just with strength, but with grace and wisdom as well."
The endearment slipped out naturally now,and the way Sophie's eyes softened at hearing it made his heart skip. He wanted to pull her into his arms, to show her exactly how much he appreciated her, but the hall was still too full of observers.
"Tomorrow,"he murmured, his voice pitched for her ears alone. "After the hunt. I'll show ye properly how grateful I am."
Sophie's breath caught,her eyes darkening at his promise. "I'll hold ye to that, me laird," she whispered back.
Kenneth allowedhimself to simply watch his wife, marveling at how she had managed to not only charm their guests but also work her way past all his carefully constructed defenses.
She's everything to me.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Kenneth surveyed the hunting party spread across the moor, his chest swelling with pride as Sophie rode confidently beside him. She handled her bow with growing skill, the lessons they'd shared clearly paying off. The memory of those lessons, and what followed in the shepherd's hut, sent heat through his blood despite the cool morning air.
"A fine day for huntin',"Laird MacDean commented, drawing his horse alongside Kenneth's. "Though I must say, I was surprised to see Lady MacAdams joining us."
