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That seemed to sway her. It was only some time later, as Maisie rode beside him toward Aberdale, that he began to truly consider the implications of this day. Speaking to Lina’s brother, a man who, if all he’d learned were true, was not truly the enemy but, in truth, his clan chief.

“You are more quiet than usual,” Maisie said as she rode beside him. The others rode in front of them, their party of six heading toward Castle MacKinlay.

“I was raised the son of the Duncraig clan chief,” he said, voicing his thoughts. “And yet Lina’s brother, if what I’ve learned is true, is my true chief.”

“Nay, Kieran. Your true chief is the man you choose to follow. When we met, you were wroth with your brother until you spoke to him. You must do the same with your parents. Surely you realize as much?”

The topic was a serious one, and yet visions of Maisie above him, his hands guiding her soft hips, were all he could think of suddenly.

“Kieran, when you look at me that way, I canne remember our discussion.”

“We discussed,” he said as they approached a river crossing, “how beautiful you are. How much I cannae wait to make love to you again.”

She pretended to think on that. “I do believe we discussed a very different, and important, topic.”

“Nay,” he said immediately. “There is naught more important.”

As he said the words, Kieran realized the truth of them. How quickly Maisie had become more important to him than all else. When he’d asked for her to accompany them this day, Kieran had not realized how much he needed this woman by his side.

He loved her and would make her his wife. Of that, he had no doubt.

“When you say such things, I think . . .”

Though she did not finish as their riding party stopped at the riverbank, there was no need. He did not have to hear the words. She loved him. It was plain enough in her expression. But Maisie was scared too, and that fear overrode all else.

They found a spot where the water was shallow and crossed. Lina led them expertly, as they were now on MacKinlay land. She gained entry for them through the castle gates, and it was not until all six of them entered the hall of her home that Kieran realized something. He pulled Lina aside as they waited for her brother to be fetched.

“When I was here last,” he said, referring to the time when she and Niall met, when they’d come to inquire about the MacKinlay cattle grazing on Duncraig land, “there was a familiarity about this hall I could not place.”

“You’ve been here before,” she finished for him.

“Aye,” he said, that feeling he had now making sense. “I have. As a child.”

Lina frowned. “I am sorry I do not remember you, Kieran. If you were here, then surely we met before.”

“Perhaps,” he said, knowing a blacksmith’s son likely had little reason to frequent the clan chief’s hall very often. “What sort of reception do you believe your brother will offer?”

“A poor one,” Niall said, coming up to them. “Dougal and Hamish grow impatient to leave.”

Lina laughed. “We’ve only just arrived.”

“As I said.” Niall shrugged. Not long ago, ‘twould be unheard of for any Duncraig to stand in the hall of a MacKinlay. But things had changed with Niall and Lina’s marriage. At least, for some things had changed. As Avelina’s brother strode into the hall, it was clear he did not share the sentiment. Though likely pleased to see his sister, there was no doubt that having this many Duncraig warriors in his hall did not bring him comfort.

“Why do you bring them here?” he said to his sister, MacKinlay’s distaste quite clear.

“What sort of greeting is that for your sister?” she replied, clearly annoyed.

“As I said when you chose to marry him”—he nodded to Niall—“I dinnae accept it.”

“You’ve not changed your mind on the matter? His clan readily accepts me, Ewan. Can you not do the same? Perhaps we can bury this feud once and for all?”

“Bury?” The man looked, as he had most often when Kieran was in his presence, as if his head might burst from his body at any moment. “His family killed—”

“You do not need to say it. We are all aware, as you are, that Niall and his brother were children at the time.” As if realizing why they were there, she added, “If you willnae welcome us in your hall, we should retire to the solar for a more private conversation, after which I will take my leave.”

“‘Tis inconceivable,” Niall added. “That you willnae offer your sister a meal. Welcome her in her own hall.”

The MacKinlay clan chief had naught but vitriol for them. “I willnae welcome a Duncraig in my hall, and well you know it.”