“Loved,” Alex emphasized.
“That’s shite,” Jamie challenged him, again.
Alex growled with disapproval. “Watch yer tone, cousin.”
Alex secretly envied a man like his cousin. Jamie’s father was Alex’s uncle. Aye, he was the next in line for the lairdship, but he’d grown up without the pressure of being a laird’s son. “My relationship isna yer concern. Keeping Keely safe is.”
“Just yesterday ye demanded I marry the lass. I pity the girl. For she doesna know what man will be waiting for her in the great hall. I am sure once she finds out, yer marriage bed willna be as pleasurable as ye think. Ye’re a fool to take advantage of her.”
“Take her away,” Alex dismissed him.
Jamie did as he was told, leaving Alex alone.
Curse it all. Alex dinna like feeling trapped. But he was. And no matter how appealing that trap was, he still wished to be on his ship. Happiness would be reserved for their bedchamber, found only in their mutual pleasure.
His father and mother had shared a loving relationship, but after birthing two children, his da sought comfort elsewhere. Alex would have none of it. He’d ride his beautiful wife every night until she admitted she still loved him.
And once she was with child, he’d return to Constantinople. Fate had him by the bollocks, but he’d fight back. He tucked the treasured missives in his tunic and walked back to the keep.
Once seated at the high table with the council, Alex eyed Petro with curiosity. What had the scholar revealed to his captains?
“Thank ye for coming, Alex,” Mathe said. “We are encouraged by what Petro has told us.”
“And what is that?” Alex asked.
“Ye’re already wed to Keely Oliphant. No man can undo what the Almighty has sanctioned.”
Alex chuckled. “What if I disagree?”
Mathe shot him a look of disgust and crossed himself. “Do ye accept the laird’s chair? Will ye lead Clan MacKay with honor? Provide protection, administer justice, and walk in faith with God? Give us an heir?”
Alex looked from one captain to another. All good men, all trusted advisers to his father. Jamie was the most inexperienced. Something his father had insisted on years ago, keeping a younger man on the council.Everyone must be heard, his father had said.
“I accept. And tonight, a wedding will take place. Spare no expense or effort. I doona wish my lovely bride to mistake her wedding for a simple celebration. She must know what is expected of her. Clan MacKay has a new laird and lady.”
The council and Petro applauded.
Fools. If they only knew what Alex had given up, how many of his dreams had been stripped away in the few days he’d been home. As he stood, the members surrounded him, offering congratulations. Alex graciously received their well wishes. He needed all the blessings he could get.
Petro embraced him, slapping his back. “A wise decision. And as all of these fine men have done, I, too, pledge my life to you, Alexander.”
“Good,” Alex said. “Take five men and ride to the beach. Bring my warriors home. I wish them to stay in the Highlands.”
“Even Nasim, Kuresh, and Cyrus?”
“Especially them.”
“Alex…” Petro started. “Few from this part of the world have set eyes on men from Constantinople. I am from Italy and stand out.”
“I doona care. They are essential to my success.”
“They are slaves.”
“Nay,” Alex said. “They are freemen as of today. I will reward their loyalty with lands and wives.”
Petro approved of his choice and bowed. “As ye wish, Laird Alex.”
*
