“Kuresh…”
“I will not dishonor her.”
“That wasna what I was thinking.”
“No?”
“She has five maids travelling with her. Even if ye were the sort of brute who would seduce an innocent maid, ye would have to get through the lasses protecting her. Trust me when I say, twould be better to cut off yer own bollocks.”
Kuresh laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind if my lust overpowers me.”
“Good. And what about yer naming ceremony? Are ye truly ready to sever all ties with yer Ottoman home and become a MacKay?”
“I am,” Kuresh said unwaveringly. “Nothing is more important to me.”
“Then get some sleep. In the morn, the priest will be here to oversee everything.”
“Have a blessed night,” Kuresh said, setting the tankard on the table.
“Good night, Kuresh.”
*
Anger overwhelmed Miranas she sat on the stair, unhappy with the conversation she had overheard between her cousin and Kuresh. If that man thought he was the only one who could listen in on private discussions, well… Another indication of his discourteousness. Everything about him made her uncomfortable. A particular moment unraveled in her mind, an event that had happened not too long ago—the one which turned her against Kuresh permanently.
“I spoke with Petro on many occasions about Highland tradition. I served with Laird Alex for seven years in my homeland and here. I have no desire to return to the desert. But if I am ever to be taken seriously, to be honored as a true Highland warrior, I must take a Scottish name.”
“I can give ye a few suggestions,” Miran said as she entered the great hall from the kitchens.
Kuresh immediately spun about. “You’ve called me beast and monster, woman.”
“Ye earned those titles by telling me a woman shouldna speak unless she’s spoken to.”
“I gave you valuable advice—to help you find a husband.”
“I doona want a husband.”
“I believe you need one, woman. One who will teach you how to behave properly.”
Jamie sat back in his chair, watching. Miran knew Lady Helen had warned him the two dinna get along.
“Go back to the kitchens,” Kuresh commanded.
Miran blew out a frustrated breath. “I am nay a maid ye can order about.”
“I am the laird’s right hand.”
“And I am his cousin—invited here as his wife’s companion. Perhaps I should ask ye to fetch me some water!”
Kuresh stomped over to where she stood and gripped her by the arm. “If it’s water you seek, I will be happy to escort you outside and to the loch where I will dunk you beneath the frigid water until you promise never to talk to a MacKay captain so disrespectfully again.”
Miran pushed him away. “Nay… Let me take ye to the loch, put ye in a bag filled with rocks so ye sink to the bottom and drown like the vermin ye are.”
Kuresh glared at her.
“If ye doona wish to hear the name I was going to suggest for ye…” Miran said.
“And what title would you choose?”
