So he pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist. “I wouldnae want tae have any other lass at mah side tonight.”
Her lips parted, and Kaiden leaned down, brushing his lips over Ferra’s. “I want ye tae know that,” he whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. “I know ye dinnae agree with mah plans, but—”
She pressed her finger to his lips, halting his words. “Let’s not talk aboot it taenight.”
He nodded and let her go, even though he didn’t want to. “Then let’s make our way tae our clan, lass.”
Ferra placed her hand on his arm, and together they walked down the stairs to the great hall, where the clan was gathered to witness the ceremony. The doors were thrown open tonight, and the crowd parted as Kaiden and Ferra moved through them, to the courtyard where a circle of torches had been lit. The elder clansmen and his day’s council waited for them, with his father waiting, dressed in his ceremonial garb.
His smile widened as Kaiden approached, and Ferra moved to the side, clasping her hands before her. Despite what had passed between them, he saw the pride in her eyes, and it made Kaiden want to be the man she saw standing there.
She had saved him, after all.
“Mah clan!” his father shouted, holding up his hands. “The time has come for mah son tae take his rightful place as our laird!”
The cheers went up as Kaiden straightened his shoulders and forced himself not to show any emotion outwardly. Inwardly, the emotions were brimming over. This day would be etched in his mind for the rest of his days.
“Tell me,” his father continued, his eyes searching the gathered crowd, “is there one amongst ye that doesnae agree with mah son being laird?”
It was tradition to ask the clan that Kaiden would be leading to accept him as their own. There were stories of clansmen challenging the decision, which would end up with a duel to the death so that the clansman could take over the seat.
Kaiden hoped it didn’t come to that. His leg was throbbing from the recent few days’ training, and though he wouldn’t admit it to Ferra, she had been right. Perhaps he wasn’t quite ready for training yet.
When no one stepped forward, Kaiden loosened the breath he had been holding, his father winking at him as if the few moments of silence didn’t affect him at all. Kaiden imagined that his father was just as nervous as he was.
His father nodded to the elder clansman that was standing there, and the elder stepped forward. “Kneel, Scot,” he rasped.
Kaiden did as he was told, his injured leg protesting the move, and his father withdrew his sword, holding it high over his head. “This sword has served generations of McGregors well. It has led this clan and many others before it intae battle, and it will lead mah son into future battles for this clan!”
There were no cheers behind Kaiden, only quiet anticipation as the sword was lowered and handed to the elder to complete the ceremony. Kaiden remained kneeling before the elder as he recited his part, providing blessings over the new laird from the gods.
Then his father stepped forward, taking the hilt of the sword and holding it to Kaiden’s shoulder. “A drop of blood,” he murmured, nicking the skin on Kaiden’s neck, “tae coat the blood of yer clan’s sword. The blood that will smite their enemies and make the clan prosper tae the next generation.”
Kaiden barely felt the small cut, keeping his head straight so that the blood would touch the sword. “Rise, Kaiden McGregor,” his father finally said. “Son of Shamus McGregor. Rise and take yer place amongst the lairds!”
Kaiden did as he was told, and his father handed him the sword. “’Tis yers now,” he said softly, his eyes full of tears. “Go on, take it.”
Kaiden cleared his throat and took the sword, the clan erupting into cheers as he held it over his head.
It was done. He was laird, and everything he did—every decision he now made—would be for the good of the clan.
So he turned to them, placing the sword to lay over his heart. “Mah blood will be shed for yers. Mah life will be used tae bring upon future generations of McGregors, and I will be loyal tae the clan until mah last breath!”
One by one, they knelt where they stood, pledging their allegiance to the new laird. Kaiden caught Erik’s smirk as he dropped to one knee, but it was the sight of his wife doing the same that caught him off guard. When she lifted her head, their eyes met, and he was breathless to even go forward from the shining pride that was showing on her face.
Och, the lass is goin’ tae be the death of me!
“And this battle that we find ourselves nearing,” Kaiden continued, keeping his eyes on Ferra’s, “will only prove that we are greater than any of our enemies!”
Her expression changed then, and Kaiden could make out the clench of her jaw as the clan rose and cheered around her. She still didn’t think he should be going into battle, but it wasn’t her decision to make.
It was his. He was laird, and he must lead them into battle.
Later, after the ceremony was over, the clan erupted into celebrating the new laird. Ale flowed freely, and in some groups, so did the whiskey. A feast for the ages was laid out from the kitchens, and Kaiden’s stomach rumbled as the smells filled the air. “Well, now,” his father said, clapping him on the back. “’Tis over with. Ye are laird, Son.”
Kaiden smirked, still adjusting to the feel of the heavier sword now strapped to his back. “I dinnae know if I am ready.”
His father laughed. “’Tis too late tae be reconsidering, lad. Ye’re the laird. I’m only yer advisor now.”
