Chapter 14
Aknock soundedat the door and she dashed to it. Agnes had come by a while ago to say there were hundreds of MacLeods outside and that she was to stay put until Malcolm called for her. She prayed no blood would be shed and that he and her father could speak as civilized men. She held on to that hope by athread.
Hamish and Connor stood on the other side of the door and motioned for her to follow them. Her heart thudded with each step she took toward the great hall. She had no idea what toexpect.
When they arrived, she moved to stand beside Malcolm and frowned when she noticed the angry red mark on hisjaw.
She turned to face her father. “You struckhim?”
His brows drew together. “Aye. And I will do more than that unless you tell me you are unharmed at hishands.”
“Father, Malcolm is myhusband.”
“Did he forceyou?”
“No he didnot.”
“But he abductedyou.”
She turned back to look at Malcolm and smiled. She was very glad he’d abducted her, though she hadn’t been too fond of it or him at thetime.
“Aye, he did. Neither he nor any MacDonald harmed me. I tell you that I am pleased with him, Father. Please do not quarrel. Listen to what he has to say and I promise you, all will bewell.”
Her father scrubbed his jaw and eyed themboth.
“Will you share a cup with me?” Malcolmasked.
“Aye, I will and I will listen to what you have to say, though I do not expect anything to change. Where is yourfather?”
“He is above stairs awaiting the Gordon to collect him.” When her father’s brow knit, Malcolm continued. “Please, sit. We have much todiscuss.”
Sheona moved to sit by her father and was surprised when he captured her hand in his and smiled. “You are trulywell?”
She smiled. “Aye, Father. Iam.”
“Very well, what is it you wish to tell me?” The MacLeod turned toMalcolm.
“I have found a way to end thefeud.”
Sheona was grateful that Malcolm did not waste any time launching into hisplan.
“And exactly how do you imagine that possible, considering your last attack on us!” His cheeks flamed. He would not be easy toconvince.
“I have been to the PrivyCouncil.”
“And why is your father not telling methis?”
“As I said, he is above stairs awaitingescort.”
“I do not believe you. I wish to seehim.”
This was most unexpected. Sheona watched Malcolm’s reaction. His jaw ticked and his eyes narrowed. As he weighed the options, she took the opportunity to observe her brother. He was a little gaunt from his time in the dungeon, but otherwise watched the scene playing out intently. What would he do were he incharge?
“Very well,” Malcolm said. “Hamish, bring my father downstairs. If MacLeod wishes to see him before learning of our plan, so beit.”
The hall grew eerily quiet while they waited for the MacDonald. Malcolm paced in front of the hearth and MacLeod stared at the staircase. After an age, Hamish returned with a man Sheona hardly recognized. He looked deflated. His white hair lay flat on his shoulders and his gaze was haunted, like he was in a nightmare from which he could notescape.
Her father stood and watched him approach. His eyes wide and his jaw slacked. “What the—” hewhispered.
