I wondered if ‘twas a lie.
Lillian turned to bury her face against my chest and I wrapped my arms around her back, willing my warmth and strength into her.
“This is why I would make a poor wife of a chief, Kragorn.” Her words were muffled. “I am terrified of everything.”
“Aye,dkaar,” I drawled, dropping a kiss to the top of her head. “But ye face yer fears bravely, and that is why the clan will look to ye in example.”
I felt her shudder, and I sighed in response. She was willing to stand in front of our people and accept my claim…how could she doubt her courage?
“The Stormseeker told me last night that he wanted to speak with me today in private.” I squeezed her. “I suppose, after I eat, I’ll find him?—”
“Nay.” She pulled away with a deep breath. “Call him in now. He can have my portion of porridge, and I will leave you both?—”
I interrupted her with a squeeze. “Whatever he has to say, he can say to my Mate as well as me.” I met Lillian’s surprised gaze and nodded firmly. “Ye will be my partner, love. I will want ye by my side for all important decisions. We will start today.”
Her nod was hesitant, and there was surprise in her eyes, but she smiled softly.
“I am just wondering what my father or another laird would say if someone were to suggest his wife should help him make decisions.”
Considering he likely had treated his wife the way he’d treated Lillian, as a servant to his needs, I could well imagine. I squeezed her lightly again.
“I keep telling ye,dkaar, ye are no’ in the human’s world any longer.”
I took a deep breath to tell her the news of her father—that Tarbert was here in our world—but Lillian tugged awayfrom me and hurried to the door. When she cracked it open, I could see her steeling herself as she lifted her chin.
“Hello again, Laird Battleborn. My Mate will see you now.”
“Lillian,” I murmured, holding my hand out to her, ridiculously proud of her courage. When she hurried back to my side, leaving the Stormseeker to duck his head and enter our home, I tucked her up against my side.
“Sit down, Stormseeker,” I commanded, sinking into my own chair and pulling Lillian down into my lap. “Ye will tell both my Mate and myself what ye need to say.”
The other male nodded respectfully before following my command. He did, however, push the bowl of porridge toward Lillian, who ignored it to curl her fingers around a pleat of my kilt.
Stormseeker placed his palms flat on the table and met my eyes before glancing at my Mate and back again.
“I have traveled here from Islay for two reasons. My first was to apologize to ye.”
I reared back in surprise and Lillian made a little noise of astonishment.
The other male nodded solemnly. “My crew and I have made life…interestingfor the humans who live on the western isles, and Tarbert knew we would be powerful allies. He already has the Bladesedge clan, thanks to the Mating of his daughters.” He nodded to Lillian. “Yer sisters.”
“I know,” she whispered, her hold on me tightening. “Kragorn assures me they are well-cared for.”
“Aye, of course.” Stormseeker sounded surprised. “An orc would never mistreat his Mate?—”
“Or any female,” I growled impatiently, and the other male’s lips twitched briefly.
“Or any female,” he agreed. “I have nae alliance with BladesedgeorBloodfire, so I went to listen to what Tarbert had to offer my clan. He has warriors and weapons, but Battleborn have nae need of that.”
I nodded thoughtfully, my palm slowly running up and down my Mate’s spine.
“’Tis true. The Battleborn are fierce enough on their own.”
The other man grunted in agreement. “He offered me rich foods and heavy wine, and much gold.”
With a scoff, I shook my head. “The arsehole still doesnae understand what we value?”
“On Hogmanay, he offered meye. Said that having the chief of an enemy clan at my mercy would make me feared in the Highlands.”
