How could Alex disagree with a scholar from Rome, the very place the pope lived? Petro had a strong mind, greater than his own. Alex raked his fingers through his hair. What of his desert stronghold? His soldiers? Concubines? Servants? His freedom? Surely this news dinna change anything. If Petro dinna share the information with anyone…
“What will ye do with this knowledge?”
“Tell the truth,” Petro said in a subdued voice.
“To who?’
“The council has requested a meeting with me.”
What right did his captains have to speak with Petro? “Why?”
“On the occasions I was present while you were debating with the council and stormed off, a couple of the members questioned me. I am many things, Alexander, but not a liar. Not if your life doesn’t hang in the balance.”
“Ye’d lie to save my life?”
Petro nodded.
“Then lie for me now.”
“No.”
“This is such a moment.”
“Am fear nach misnich, cha bhuannaich.”
The familiar words made Alex freeze. His body began to quake with emotion. “Where did ye steal those words?”
“From letters I discovered in your father’s belongings. Letters to you. You know this saying?”
“The man who dares not, wins not,” Alex said. “Something my da often whispered to me as a boy when I feared anything.”
“And do you fear something now?” Petro pressed.
“I find peace among the heathens,” Alex said.
“There are no unbelievers here except for you.”
“I believe…”
“In what?”
“Myself.”
“Is that enough, Alexander?’
He dinna know at this point. Thinking hurt too much right now. And there were letters, from his beloved father. Why hadn’t his brother told him right away? Sent them to him? Because John probably believed he dinna deserve such a rare gift. “Give me the letters.”
Petro walked back to the table, picked up a pile of missives tied together with a leather chord, then offered them to Alex. “May God open your eyes, Alex.”
He hugged the missives to his chest. “Dinna look for me, Petro. And tell anyone else who wishes to disturb me that I will punish them severely for such an offense.”
Petro bowed, unable to hide the smile on his face.
Alex ignored him. There were more important matters to tend to now. First the missives, then his wife. The idea of having a wife dinna bother Alex overmuch, only the fact of who that wife was—Keely Oliphant—the bane of his very existence in the Highlands.
Chapter Ten
Keely had spentthe better part of two days in her chamber, avoiding Alex and everyone else in Clan MacKay. If she overheard another insult or caught another maid giving her a dirty look, she’d eventually snap and defend herself. It would only deepen the rift between her and Alex. His advice? Give people time to get used to her presence.
