Edna’s stomach hardened. “Why?”
“Because,” her mother stated, a slight smile on her lips now. “Yer cousin has arrived, and he’s none too pleased that his second-in-command has been charged with murder.”
Edna’s breath caught in her throat. Irvine was here! There was still hope to save Malcolm and prevent her from having to wed Neacal!
“I will be out directly.”
Her mother grasped her hand. “There’s hope, Edna...hope that we need tae hold on tae that this is going tae change.”
Edna couldn’t agree more.
20
When Malcolm entered the great hall, he was relieved to see Edna unharmed, her anxious eyes finding his in the crowd.
And what a gathering it was. Irvine was standing near Kaiden and Erik, with Edna and her mother close by. Neacal stood off to the side with his advisor, and Malcolm was surprised to see how fatigued the laird looked in the morning.
Malcolm felt it in his bones as well. He hadn’t slept well, up half the night attempting to find a way out of this for both him and Edna. Since he wasn’t allowed to see Erik or Kaiden, he had tried to formulate his own plan of action this morning in case Irvine hadn’t arrived in time.
Now, though, his friend and laird were here and clearly not at all happy to see his second restrained and being guarded by two Belshes guards.
“Wot is the meaning of this?” Irvine demanded, the travel dust still clinging to his clothing. He must have traveled all night to get to the clan.
“Yer second murdered mah brother,” Neacal replied, almost bored. “He’s mah prisoner and will be hanged for his crimes.”
Irvine clasped his hands behind his back and arched a brow. “Aye? Wot say ye, Malcolm?”
“I killed him.” Malcolm shrugged. “But he was attempting tae kill Edna, and I defended her.” He would do it a thousand times over to keep her safe.
Irvine turned his attention back to the Belshes laird. “And why would yer brother want tae kill mah cousin? She’s a lass.”
“He wouldn’t,” Neacal replied evenly. “He was ambushed by Lennox using Edna as bait. I had asked him tae bring her back tae me after Lennox kidnapped her under the pretense of rescuing her.”
“She was never a guest but a prisoner,” Malcolm shot back, attempting to keep his composure. “I found her there after inquiring after her disappearance.”
“That I sent him on,” Erik added. “Mah daughter was missing.”
“Yer daughter sought out a means tae escape yer thumb and learn more aboot the man who wished tae wed her,” Neacal replied angrily.
“I didnae!” Edna called out, her mother wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Malcolm wanted nothing more than to comfort her himself, but he couldn’t even get close to her, and it was causing his chest to ache.
Irvine clenched his jaw. “I dinnae appreciate that ye are calling mah cousin a liar.”
It was Neacal’s turn to clench his jaw. “’Tis the truth. I wish tae wed her and quit this horrid keep and the lies that are being spewed aboot me and mah clan.”
Irvine rubbed his chin idly, and Malcolm grinned inwardly. He was doing so to anger the laird, taking his time on purpose. It was what Irvine did best—irk others.
“Even if Edna is not telling the truth,” the laird finally said, “forcing her intae marriage like ye are is not wot is considered honorable. She didnae kill yer brother, so there is no need for this marriage tae continue.”
“Aye, I agree,” Kaiden replied with a curt nod. “The lass should be free tae choose.”
“This isnae fair!” Neacal growled, looking between the two lairds. “Ye are of relation. Of course ye are going tae stand with each other.”
“It matters not,” Kaiden shot back. “I’ve grown weary of wot ye have caused here, Laird Belshes. Release Lennox. I wilnae be signing over anything tae ye taeday.”
“Then ye are asking for battle,” Neacal replied. “Mah warriors and those that are against yer rule will fight before nightfall.”
To Malcolm’s surprise, Irvine chuckled. “Aye. I heard of yer petitions tae other clans, so I made a few mahself.” He motioned for one of his warriors to step forward, handing a rolled parchment to the laird. “Would ye like tae see the ones that have offered their support tae the McPearson clan?”
