“Aye.”
“Remove the Earl of Sutherland from our immediate situation and consider what rights Laird Munroe has to defend his honor and that of the woman he intends to marry.”
“She dinna sign that betrothal contract.”
“Nay. But weigh the law against tradition. What man wins?”
“The one with the biggest sword!”
Alex folded his arms over his chest, staring at Jamie as if he dinna know him. “And what does that mean exactly?”
“I leave it to ye to decipher. And now, with yer permission, I wish to speak with the lady, alone.”
Alex considered him. “We grew up together,” he spoke so only Jamie could hear him. “Ye are a first son, as was John. Everyone knew ye or John would follow in my sire’s footsteps to lead this clan. I never considered it a possibility. Never.”
“Aye, I know.”
“Even now, standing here, looking upon everything I am blessed with—my wife and children, this keep, lands, and all of these beloved people, our kinsmen… Why me? I chose ye to become laird, and half the council agreed.”
No one remained on the stage but Jamie and Alex, so he dinna fear answering honestly. “I am not the man to lead the MacKays. Look at what a selfish arse I’ve turned out to be. Since my return from Constantinople, I havena been the same. Ever since that witch told me…” Something hard and heavy hit Jamie in the gut and he struggled to take his next breath.
“What is it?” Alex placed his hand on his cousin’s shoulder. “Ye are pale.”
“Jesus,” Jamie said in a strained voice. “I forced myself to forget. I dinna want to believe her prophetic words, because I felt it a sin to listen to a soothsayer.”
“What witch?” Alex asked. “Doesna every clan keep such a woman close?”
“Only if she kneels before the cross.”
“Forget what god she serves. What did she tell ye?”
Jamie struggled with the memory. He’d locked it away for a reason. He dinna believe he’d ever find the right woman, one that would love him unconditionally, faithfully, passionately… But her name. Helen’s sweet name matched the prophecy of the witch.
“I took a lover in Constantinople.”
Alex shrugged. “I had six.”
Jamie gave his cousin a shove. “Tis nay a pissing match.”
Alex smiled. “I wished to show my support and understanding for ye.”
His cousin’s toothy grin brought a smile to his own face. “Hana and I parted on good terms. I gave her a house and enough money to never have to share another man’s bed out of wedlock.”
“Ye honored her the way any Highlander would. I am proud of ye for that. Men in the east often disregard the importance of women outside of the bedchamber.”
“Aye.”
“But the witch, where did ye meet her?”
“On my way to the ship the day I was leaving. She told me Hana had sent her as a parting gift.”
“Then why are ye upset about it? Did she foresee yer death? Tell ye of bad things to come?”
“Nay.” Jamie could almost hear her speak. “She told me I will be the father of a new land, a new people.”
“What else did she say?”
“That Hana prepared me for the woman I’m meant to love and protect. She also told me the woman’s name would remind me of Hana’s. But there’s more… she spoke of ye.”
