"Aye. But nae because he wanted tae own her, because it was the only way tae get her out of there alive. They married afterward, tae protect her legally and politically. And in the meantime..." Alpin's expression softened. "… it became real. They fell in love."
Mhairi was quiet for a long moment, processing this. "So, Graham has been daeing this fer a while. Takin’ women, selling them."
"Aye. Longer than we initially thought." Alpin's jaw tightened. "Which is why I need Peadar's help. He knows Graham's operation better than anyone. He knows the routes they use, the contacts they have, how the whole network functions."
"And ye think taegether ye can stop him?"
"I think taegether we have a better chance than either of us alone." Alpin reached across the table to take her hand. "That's the plan, Mhairi. Unite the clans that have been affected by Graham's trade. Pool our resources, our intelligence, our warriors. And then bring the bastard down permanently."
Hope flickered in Mhairi's grey eyes. "If ye stop Graham... if ye dismantle his network..."
"Then we might be able tae find yer sister," Alpin finished. "Aye. That's what I'm hopin’."
"Ye really think it's possible?"
"I think we have tae try." He squeezed her hand gently. "I made ye a promise, Mhairi. And I meant it."
Tears shone in her eyes but didn't fall. "Thank ye fer nae forgettin’ about her. Fer carin’ about what happens tae a girl ye've never met."
"She's yer sister. That's all the reason I need tae care." Alpin released her hand reluctantly as a servant appeared to clear their dishes.
They finished their meal in companionable silence. When they rose to leave, Alpin caught Mhairi's arm gently.
"There's something else," he said. "Tomorrow. I need tae... there's somewhere I need tae go. And I'd like ye tae come with me."
"Where?"
"Somewhere important tae me. Somewhere I dinnae show many people." He couldn't quite meet her eyes. "Will ye come?"
Mhairi studied his face for a moment, then nodded. "Aye. Of course I'll come."
The next morning dawned clear and cold, frost coating the ground in delicate patterns. Alpin found Mhairi waiting for him in the courtyard, dressed warmly against the autumn chill.
They walked in silence through the castle grounds, following paths that grew progressively narrower and less maintained. Mhairi didn't press for details, seeming content to simply walk beside him as the sun climbed higher.
After nearly an hour, she finally spoke. "We're quite far from the castle now."
"Aye."
"And headin’ away from any main roads."
"Aye."
"Alpin."
"Just trust me a bit longer." He glanced at her. "Please."
They continued walking. The forest grew denser around them, evergreens mixing with bare-branched oaks and ash trees. A stream burbled somewhere nearby, hidden by undergrowth.
Finally, they emerged into a small clearing. It was peaceful, sheltered by ancient trees, carpeted with moss and autumn leaves. And at the center, arranged in a careful pattern, were stones.
Not natural stones. Placed stones. Carved with names and dates.
Mhairi's breath caught as understanding dawned. "This is..."
"A burial site." Alpin's voice had gone quiet. "Me family's burial site."
He moved forward slowly, and Mhairi followed, her footsteps silent on the moss. There were three stones arranged in a small semicircle. Alpin knelt before the two on the left.
