“When he was murdered, ye mean.” Preston nodded.
“Aye.” Blake exhaled an angry breath. “I kent it would be difficult when Laird Murray ordered me tae bring her back as his bride, but I kent as well that she’d agree tae the marriage tae protect her brother, and I thought I could endure it. But that was afore I saw how he’d treat a wife, worse than he does even the serving lasses in the halls.”
“Tae speak o’ both sides o’ the issue, she did provoke him.”
“Aye, but ye ken as well as I that ye’d gut any man who touched Kenzie the way he touched her, even if ye werenae her betrothed.” Blake glared at his friend, daring him to say different. “He doesnae care fer her as more than a means tae get an heir.”
“Aye. But I dinnae ken what ye’re thinking tae dae about it. Ye ken what kind o’ man our laird is, as ye said earlier.”
Blake nodded. “I ken, but... I cannae let him take Reyna as his wife, nae under such circumstances.”
I’m nae certain I could have endured the marriage even if he hadnae shown himself tae be a bastard and a callous brute even worse than the name he gave me.
Preston winced. “I ken what ye’re saying, but ye cannae act rashly.” He shook his head. “Ye cannae go against Laird Murray. ‘Tis treason, and ye willnae escape with yer neck intact if ye try tae run away with his bride. And even if ye succeed, all ye’ll dae is get her braither killed, and spark a full feud between the clans. ‘Twill be a bloodbath, and he’s snake enough tae be sure everyone else comes off the worse, even if he perished in the end. He’d also see Clan Murray burnt tae the ground and the land razed with salt afore he fell, just fer spite. If that happens, ‘twill be the common folk that suffer fer it.”
He knew Preston was right, but that didn’t make his words any less galling. Blake forced himself to take a deep breath and think. “What if we dinnae make a run, but rather find a way tae delay? Use tricks tae make the hunting poor, so he cannae fulfill traditions immediately? Or if there’s some other problem that he’ll have tae wait tae pass?”
Preston frowned, but after a moment, he nodded. “’Tis possible. I dinnae like it, plotting against me laird’s will, but I understand where ye’re coming from, and I’ll nae desert ye.” He sighed. “Fer now, ‘tis best I talk tae Kenzie. She can serve as a friend and a help tae ye, lass. And Fair Folk ken, she’s miles smarter than I. If there’s anyone who can think up a plan that has a good chance o’ working, ‘twill be me bonny lass.”
“Aye.” Blake would rather have simply run away, but matters were far too complicated for him to attempt it. He bent his head to brush a light kiss over Reyna’s hair. “I wish I could stay with ye, but there’s liable tae be rumors we cannae afford tae have drifting about.”
“I ken. Just lock the door behind ye, so I can be assured o’ being safe here.” She gestured to her packs. “And dinnae fret about me, I’ve still got some healing herbs in me pack. I’ll set a fire and make up some medicine, and I’ll be feeling better soon enough.” She paused. “And if ye can bring me some pen and paper, I’ve an idea o’ me own tae delay the wedding.”
“Ye’re a brave lass.” He gave her another hug, then rose and left the room, before his heart could get the better of his common sense.
When Reyna woke on her first morning in Murray Keep, it was to a rumbling stomach, an aching jaw, and a stinging lip. The bed was comfortable enough, but the bruises Laird Oran had given her were stiff and painful, despite the healing paste she’d applied to them.
She was also hungry. Whether from forgetfulness or spite, Laird Oran hadn’t seen fit to have an evening meal sent to her in her confinement. Blake had given her some bread and soft cheese when he came to take up the guard on her door, but it was less than she would have liked.
As if her thoughts had been a summons, the latch to her door clicked open, and a young woman entered the room with a well-laden tray in her arms. She was flaxen haired and brown-eyed and greeted Reyna with a cheerful smile. “Mornin’ me lady! ‘Tis good tae meet ye. I’m Kenzie, and I’ll be serving as yer personal maid fer the moment.”
She brought the tray over and set it down, before turning to stoke a fire in the hearth to drive away the morning chill. “I’ve tea, and wine tae drink, and boiled oats with sugar, honey or fruit, bread, butter and some breakfast meats fer ye!”
Her warm gaze drifted to Reyna’s face, and the bruised and swollen cheek. “Och, that’s a right proper knock ye’ve taken. I heard ye’d been hurt, but I didnae realize... I’d have gone tae Healer Mavin if I’d kent, brought ye a tisane fer the pain and a poultice tae ease the swelling.”
“There’s nae need. I’ve herbs and preparations o’ me own.” Reyna showed Kenzie the pouch of herbs she kept with her at all times.
“’Tis good ye’ve such things, even if Mavin’s a fair decent healer. Truth is she’s nae got much in stock, with the amount o’ medicines she oft needs tae prepare.” Kenzie frowned. “But enough o’ that. If ye’ve what ye need on that front, then ‘tis best tae move on tae other things, fer it’s Laird Murray’s man Luke that’s on the door fer now, and he’s like tae get fair impatient. So, first ye need tae ken, Laird Murray’s arranging the hunt, and word is that he’s intending tae have the wedding taemorrow.”
Reyna winced. ‘It cannae be... me faither’s nae expected so early. The day after taemorrow, at best.” She shivered. “I thought I’d have more time afore... afore the... the wedding night.”
“Well, Laird Murray’s an impatient man. And in any case, I’ve heard that he’s nae the most gentle o’ lovers, but mayhap being his wife willnae be so bad.” Kenzie patted her hand in a soothing manner.
Reyna bit back a slightly desperate laugh. “As if I’d believe that, kenning his reputation. And even if I didnae ken his reputation, ‘tis Laird Murray that did this tae me.” She pointed to her battered face. “If he’s this harsh when he ken’s I need tae be presentable fer a wedding, what am I tae expect when he hasnae anything o’ the sort tae worry about? I dinnae trust Laird Murray, and I’m fair certain he’s as vile and bad tempered as his reputation.”
Kenzie sighed, then hugged her gently. “Och, I wish I could tell ye that ye were wrong. But be that as it may…” A small, impish grin curled her mouth. “There’s always Brutus, I’m thinking.”
Reyna colored. “What are ye talking about?”
Kenzie snickered a little. “Och, I heard about it from Preston. Me love’s a braw warrior, but he’s nae one fer keeping a secret from me when something vexes him. He explained about ye and Brutus – or Blake, if ye prefer – when he asked me tae assist ye.”
“Oh.” Reyna hesitated a moment. “And will ye help me?”
“Aye. There’s ways o’ delaying a wedding. If nae else, I’ll help ye fake a moon time, which may nae stop the wedding, but might hold off the wedding night.” Kenzie smirked.
“It would with a decent man, but I cannae trust tae Laird Murray’s decency. And I’d not like tae chance me braither’s safety on such things.” Reyna frowned. “I ken there are servant’s passages throughout any keep. Is there nae one ye can show me, that will allow me tae see me braither in the dungeon, tae assure meself o’ his condition?”
Kenzie flushed, looking uneasy. “Ye’re nae wrong about servant’s passages, but if the laird kens ye’ve been using them... I’m more than pleased tae help ye as I can, but I dinnae want tae risk anyone facing Laird Murray’s wrath, especially me kinfolk. And he’s the sort who’d punish me and Preston both, as well as all the members o’ our families if he discovered I’d been showing ye such things.” Her eyes fell. “I’m sorry, but me parents are nae getting younger, and me elder sister just had her first bairn...”
