3
She was here.
Erik took the Lady’s hands and gave them a brief squeeze, turning his attention back to the older woman before him.
“Kaiden sends his congratulations and well wishes for your long reign.”
She smiled, releasing his hands. “I trust he is well?”
He nodded. “Ferra is with child or he would have been here himself.”
“Oh, how wonderful!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. “I am glad ye are here. We are expecting another clan’s visit in two days, and I would like tae have ye listen tae their intentions.”
Erik arched a brow. “Do ye think their visit is not tae welcome ye?”
She smiled. “I’m not certain yet, but I do value yer judgment. Ye are Kaiden’s right hand. If he trusts ye, then I do as well.”
Erik gave her a smile. He liked Edna and knew she was going to be a good, kind, fair ruler for the clan. “I will honor yer request.”
She turned toward the woman behind her. “Come, Finley.”
Finley. That name was fitting for her. Erik cleared his throat as she approached, looking at him warily.
“This is mah niece,” Edna replied, surprising Erik. “She’s one of mah finest warriors.”
Erik gazed at the woman before him, seeing the ire flashing in her eyes. So she was a warrior.
He could see it now, the way she held herself. There was a glint in her eye that he recognized, one that he saw in himself.
Interesting.
“This is Erik McGregor,” Edna continued. “He will be staying with us for a few days.”
“Welcome tae our clan,” she said stiffly, not extending her hand or her forearm.
He wondered why he had never seen her before now. This was not the first time he had visited the clan, but it was the first time he had seen Finley. “I hope that we can continue tae share amongst our clans,” he replied smoothly.
“Aye,” Finley responded.
“Well now,” Edna exclaimed, “why dinnae ye take Erik tae his rooms, Finley?”
Erik watched as Finley glared at her aunt, but he knew that she would be far too proud to admit anything to her or refuse to take him. It would mean she would be showing weakness, and after earlier, Erik knew that Finley did not like to show any weakness, even when she was in a bind.
“Aye,” she finally said, her jaw clenched. “This way, McGregor.”
He fell in step beside her, and together they walked toward the stairs. “So,” he started, unable to help it, “ye are Edna’s niece?”
“Aye.”
“And a warrior?” he tried again.
“Aye.”
They reached the stairs, and he let her go up first, following close behind. “Ye could have told me that earlier.”
She spun around to face him, her chest heaving. “Would ye have cut me down sooner?” she challenged.
“Nay,” he grinned, winking. “I liked tae see ye squirm, Finley.”
