The Marriage Alliance by Troche Mageela

Author:Troche, Mageela [Troche, Mageela]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Secret Cravings Publishing
Published: 2013-04-16T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The great hall gleamed and was ready for the furnishings and décor. The space was bare and supper ought to be served in less than two hours. And if this hall wasn’t completed before mealtime, she didn’t have to worry about the hungry men; instead Duncan was her most dangerous threat.

The creak of the donjon’s heavy door alerted her to someone’s approach. She hoped it wasn’t Duncan. Ailsa breathed easily when Caelan came into view trailed by someone Ailsa never thought to see again in her life.

“Keifer,” Ailsa cried with joy. Her mind flooded with sweet memories.

From the pleasure on his face, he was happy to see her. “My lady.”

“Welcome to my home. Please allow me to offer you some refreshments after your journey. You must be parched.” She dashed toward the kitchen. “Keifer, please sit.” She called out as she passed through the arched doorway. Keifer’s perplexed gaze scanned the bare hall. Caelan’s stony gaze met his without reaction, waiting to see how the Cameron lad acted. Keifer remained standing.

Ailsa returned with a platter of bread, cheese, and fruit and cup of wine. Caelan wondered how she intended to serve him since the only place to set it was the floor. Her dilemma dawned on her and Keifer seemed just as confused, not knowing what to do. Keifer looked from the platter to the cup then back again. His movements were jerky but he took the cup from her.

“Thank you, my lady.” He guzzled the wine.

She laughed. “You are so proper suddenly. You’ve always called me Ailsa the tender and now, I’m my lady.”

Caelan stiffened, more than his usual inflexible stance. Keifer picked up on the affront he would cause if he dared such improper behavior.

“Now, you are the Lairdess.”

“I haven’t changed that much. I just took the place I was trained to hold. But, please let us speak of other things, how is the clan faring?”

“Tavish the Old went onto his reward. Fluer visited him every morn like she promised. He complained that she didn’t do anything like you did.” Sorrow descended over her. She spent many hours with Tavish, strolling the lands as he cared for the cattle. “And Ena had a daughter.”

She raised her hand to muffle her giggle. “Now Lucas has seven daughters.”

“He swears he will never have a moment of silence. He’s threatened all the lads and his hair is already gray.”

Duncan walked in to find his wife laughing with the Cameron messenger and Caelan disgusted.

“Step away from my wife.” The messenger took a step back then bowed to him.

Ailsa rushed to his side. “Duncan, this is Keifer. Connor’s best friend and my friend.” Duncan’s scowl lessened to a frown. “He taught me to ride.”

“He has a message for me.”

“Do you have one for me as well Keifer?” She held her breath, awaiting his answer. He bowed his head, ashamed that he had nothing for her.

“Nay, my lady. The laird sent me with this message.”

She swallowed. “’Tis fine.”

Keifer shook his head. “However—no insult to Laird MacLean—Alec demands a report on your happiness.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.