Page 28 of The Highland Heir

Kieran frowned to think his mother had beensuch a woman. One who had cruelly tricked a grieving widower intosleeping with her so he would offer marriage. And then, when thatwasn’t enough, she had allowed his cherished child to be taken bythe sea.

It was no wonder Kieran’s father hated hismother for what she’d done and how she’d ruined the man’s life.

But Kieran had done nothing. Why was hecharged with her crimes?

He went to bed thinking of his mother as thewoman who had come to his room, and while his dreams were filledwith frustration and anger, he was saved for one night at least tonot have to dream of Ellie.

The next morning, Kieran met up with Arranand the men in the bailey as they began their drills.

Before long, they were working up a sweat andtunics came off to allow for ease of movement. It wasn’t uncommonfor warriors to do such in the bailey. It was a way of castlelife.

What Kieran hadn’t experienced was a group ofwomen gathering in the bailey to watch the men.

“Do they not have work to do?” Kieran askedthe chief.

“Ach, aye, they do, but I welcome them tocome and watch the men,” Arran said like it was a common thing.

“Why would ye do that?” Kieran was fit ofform and a good fighter. He didn’t have anything to be embarrassedabout, yet it was uncomfortable to be gawked at like a prized pigto be roasted for supper.

“It makes the men work harder to impress thelasses. It’s the best motivation I’ve found for getting my men towork harder and longer without a word of complaint.”

Kieran looked about at the men and noticedthey had picked up their pace.

“I shouldn’t have doubted your methods,”Kieran laughed.

“It’s not only about the drills. Some of themen have made matches this way. The two red-haired lasses overthere are married to two of my warriors. Even the married men liketo impress their wives at drills. The men who aren’t married oftenearn comforts from the women who gather. If you are interested, Ican tell ye which are spoken for and which are available.”

“Nay,” Kieran said immediately. “That is, Iam betrothed and will be married in a few months.”

“Ah. Love will keep ye honest, then.”

Kieran should have just let it go, but hecorrected Arran instead.

“Nay, I’ve never met her. My father made analliance with her father.”

Arran shook his head. “I can’t imagine beingmarried to a complete stranger. You’ve never even seen her?”

Kieran shrugged. “I knew this was what myfuture held. I’m not happy about it, and no, I haven’t seen her.Nor do I know anything about her other than her name. But it is myduty.”

Arran slapped him on the shoulder.

“I wish the best for ye. I hope your bride isbonny and kind.”

“Thank ye.” Kieran lifted his sword again andthought about his intended and if she would be bonny and kind. Hefound himself wishing she were mischievous and witty instead. Forthat would better fill his life with happiness.

Looks faded when age took hold, and kindnessseemed rather boring as life trudged on. He’d rather have someoneto challenge him. Someone who would tease him and whom he woulddevil in return.

And damn if he didn’t find himself thinkingof Ellie again.

Chapter Eleven

After breaking their fast, Jenny announcedshe wanted to get out of her cottage. Ella was happy to oblige,having spent the night restlessly while thinking of Kieran.

She couldn’t help but feel she had both lostan opportunity and avoided a mistake with him. Which wasridiculous. It couldn’t be both. Could it?

“I’ve been cooped up inside for too long, andI want to walk about with the sun on my face.”

“Da will be pleased I seemed to have healedyou from your illness in just one night.”