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“As you saw this afternoon, you were right, but it appears as if an agreement is close. The only issue that remains is how precisely to deal with Caxton.”

Though the chiefs continued to quibble, they’d begun to form a plan that would please all involved. The chiefs who’d jawed about boycotting the next Day of Truce had pledged to hold off so long as Douglas gave his word to ask King Alexander to consider new laws that would address the rampant blackmail on both sides of the border, ensuring harsher punishments for those found guilty. Only if the king and his English counterpart refused to come to new terms would the border clans attempt to find justice outside of March Law.

Alex shook his head. “With Caxton as Lord Warden, new laws will not matter. He is the worst of all offenders—”

“And the reason,” Reid agreed, “that we are here.” Some members of the council had actually argued for Caxton’s murder. Others, like Douglas, believed more peaceable measures could be taken. “I fear we will never have peace with him in power.”

“Agreed,” his brother said. “What do we do about it?”

“A topic for another day,” Reid said.

It struck him that Alex hadn’t given him a straight answer about why he’d come. He was far from the only Scotsman who doubted Caxton’s integrity, and with him in power, peace may very well crumble. But what did Alex hope to achieve by being here?

“How is my new niece?” he asked.

Alex and Clara’s first baby had been born in May, four months earlier.

His brother’s smile was so pure that Reid could not help but offer one of his own in return. Both of his brothers had been blessed with wonderful wives. Which reminded him of Allie, a topic he was not anxious to discuss. He’d have to explain himself soon enough.

“She and Clara are both doing well.”

“I’m surprised you left them.”

Though he’d not meant it as an insult, he could tell Alex took it as one.

“The outcome here will affect us all.”

Reid stood and reached out his hand. “It will,” he agreed, pulling his brother up off the bench.

“I suppose you are staying with me?” Although Highgate was a large castle with many rooms, it was filled to capacity for this council.

“Looking forward to it, brother.”

“I hope you brought a bedroll.”

“I am older.”

“I am a better swordsman.”

“A fact I shall allow you to prove tomorrow. In the meantime, I suppose a bedroll will do.” Alex clasped him on the back. “The floor for you then. ’Tis good to see you.”

“And you,” he said, not looking forward to the reckoning there would be once the lord and lady of Highgate spoke to Alex about Allie.

But he was ready for it. For Allie, he would go through hell and back.

* * *

“What the hell is wrong with you, Reid?”

Alex ignored the stares of those around them. They’d just finished a course of spiced fowl, and servants scurried throughout the hall carrying jugs of wine and ale. Highgate’s cellarer and larderer spoke to the steward not far from them while the men at their table ate and drank in celebration. All knew, or at least hoped, their time at Highgate was nearing an end, and though the road ahead was fraught with dangers, for the first time since they’d arrived, a feeling of hopefulness prevailed.

Graeme had unfortunately spoken to Alex earlier, and while he’d not mentioned Allie, his brother had sensed something was wrong.

So Reid had told him everything.

“Wrong?” he asked. “Were you not listening, brother? I’ve done nothing to Lady Gillian.” He lowered his voice. “Certainly not enough to warrant her continued ire.”

Alex folded his arms.