Chapter Fifteen
The next morning,the weight of what Miran had agreed to, to marry Kai, hit her as she walked with him to meet with the elders of Lagrith. Anxiety swirled around her, for she had allowed desire to overrule her mind. And Kai wouldna let her forget. How many times had he growledmineas he caressed and kissed her, reminding her through the afternoon while alone together in the steam hut, that he possessed superior skills as a lover. And all of those skills were now hers, especially after they wed, for then he would take her as a proper wife—in every way. She shivered at the thought.
“You are beautiful,” he whispered.
“Captain,” she said, “someone might hear ye.”
“I do not care. Soon enough, all will know you will be my wife.” He brushed against her to make his point. “I need to taste you again.”
They reached the common building used for meetings and celebrations and were invited to the high table where the elders sat waiting.
“Good morn, Captain Kai, Lady Miran,” Fraser greeted them. “Please, sit with us.”
Two chairs had been saved for them. The other men welcomed them, too.
“After much consideration,” Fraser said, “we have agreed to terms—based on yer guarantees, Captain.”
“And what promises are those?” Kai asked.
“That Laird Jamie seeks an alliance, not the deed to our lands, not complete allegiance to him.”
“On my honor, sir,” Kai said. “An alliance is what you shall have, as long as our conditions are met.”
“We welcome a regiment of MacKay soldiers here. It will serve as deterrent for any future attacks. And as for first trade. Here.” Fraser slid a missive across the table. “I believe ye will find everything has been written down correctly.”
“Thank you.” Kai did a cursory read of the document. “I must send this to Laird Jamie immediately. Once he approves and signs this agreement, I look forward to our future dealings with each other.”
The men gripped arms.
“I am also pleased to announce that three women have expressed interest in joining Lady Helen’s household, Lady Miran. Capable lasses, one my own daughter.”
“I am pleased ye would entrust yer daughter to our care,” Miran said. “May I know her name?”
“Rossa. She is a healer, young and eager to practice her skills in a bigger place. I’m afraid she has grown tired of fishermen’s wounds.”
Miran laughed. “Is she here, I’d like to meet her.”
Fraser stood. “Rossa. Come forward child.”
She had tawny-colored hair and bright, amber eyes, and carried herself with grace, confidence anyone would be drawn to. Miran could appreciate beauty, and Rossa had been blessed. And if she hadna already promised Kai she’d marry him, Miran believed she may have found the woman she would have pushed his way. Though Fraser’s daughter dinna match the kind of woman Kai would usually bed.
“I am here, Father.”
“This is Lady Miran, cousin to Laird and Lady MacKay.”
The lass curtsied and smiled warmly at Miran.
“Are ye sure ye want to leave this beautiful place and live at Sands Airgid?” Miran couldna stomach the idea of any woman being forced to leave home.
Rossa nodded. “Once Da told me why ye were here, I begged him to let me go.”
“Ye will not be disappointed. Laird Jamie is a fair master. And Lady Helen, kind and generous. We need a healer.”
“Then I am happy to go.”
“Doona worry, Lady Miran, my daughter has her own mount and is accustomed to travel. She has earned some coin and possesses a fair share of supplies, including her herbs and medicines. If ye will promise her coin will be protected…”
“Your daughter is now under my care,” Kai said.
