Elaina laughed again. “Ye think only the stables?” she teased, her eyes glinting. “I should say the entire castle will ken of it by supper.”
Duncan huffed a quiet laugh, though his hand had not yet left her waist.
“Then I suppose,” he murmured, his gaze softening as it lingered on her, “there is little use in pretending otherwise.”
Elaina met his eyes, feeling slightly embarrassed by the whole ordeal, but no less certain of the decision they had made prior to it.
“Nay,” she said softly, feeling her heart full. “I suppose there is nae.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
The courtyard was alive with motion by the time the sun had climbed its way above the hills. Crates were being carried in steady procession toward the larder, while the sound of boots against stone and the low murmur of voices were blending into the familiar rhythm of a well-run keep.
Duncan stood at the center of it. He observed the arrivals with a practiced eye, offering brief instructions where needed. He was surprised to realize that his attention was sharp despite the restless current beneath it. Every movement around him was accounted for and every detail was weighed and placed, yet his thoughts were not wholly on the supplies before him.
They had not been for some time.
“Me laird,” a voice came from behind him, one he could immediately connect to a face.
Iain came to stand beside him. His eyes were sweeping briefly over the activity before settling, as it often did, upon Duncan himself.
“Well?” he asked without preamble. “Have ye decided what ye intend tae dae?”
Duncan’s jaw tightened slightly, though his expression remained calm. He allowed himself the smallest exhale before turning to face him.
“Aye,” he said.
There was no hesitation in it now.
Iain straightened slightly, looking alert. “Then let us hear it.”
Duncan held his gaze. “We will send word tae Alasdair Fraser.”
Iain’s expression sharpened with interest.
“His offer stands,” Duncan continued. “An alliance through marriage tae his daughter, meaning his support and his men, in return for the union.”
He paused only briefly.
“Elaina has agreed tae the marriage,” he added. “And with that, we may now define the terms of such an alliance more precisely.”
There was a deliberate weight to the words, which was clear and measured, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“We are free tae send word,” Duncan concluded, “and request that Fraser dispatch reinforcements at once.”
For a moment, Iain said nothing. Then a slow, satisfied smile broke across his face.
“At last,” he said, with unmistakable approval. “The Council will be pleased tae hear it, me laird.”
Duncan’s expression did not mirror the sentiment, though neither did he contradict it.
“They have pressed for this outcome,” Iain went on. “And with good reason. Fraser’s support strengthens us where we most require it.”
His gaze shifted briefly, thoughtful now.
“And with the matter of marriage?—”
“Tae be settled in accordance with what has been agreed,” Duncan interjected.
