Battle he understood. But the thought of facing the man he respected most in this world and confessing what had already passed between himself and Catriona made his stomach knot viciously.
Because Duncan knew him. He knew every flaw, every failure, every ghost Malcolm still carried. And despite Catriona’s assurances, part of him still feared his friend might look at him and see precisely what Malcolm saw in the mirror—a man unworthy of her.
He forced the thoughts aside as the meeting settled once more.
Ewan stepped toward the map. “Our scouts returned an hour ago,” he reported grimly. “Unfamiliar riders have been spotted movin’ through villages east of the river.” He pointed toward several marked locations. “Three farmers have also reported armed men askin’ questions about travelers and guests stayin’ here at the castle.”
A low murmur spread around the chamber. “There’s nay doubt anymore,” Quentin muttered darkly. “Sinclair’s drawing closer.”
“Aye,” Malcolm agreed. “He’s testin’ our defenses.”
Duncan studied the map carefully. “I’ve brought two hundred men with me,” he said evenly. “They’re yers tae command while I’m here, Malcolm. And if necessary, I’ll summon more from Grant lands.”
Relief visibly settled across several faces around the table.
John exhaled slowly. “That changes matters considerably.”
“I’ve also brought supplies enough tae support extended patrols,” Duncan continued. “Food, weapons, feed fer horses.”
Full of gratitude, Malcolm met his friend’s eyes. “Thank ye.”
“’Tis the least I can dae tae thank ye fer rescuin’ me sister and fer bringing trouble tae yer gates,” he replied dryly.
Together they bent over the map, and the company fell to discussing the matter of tracking Sinclair’s men and trying to predict his intentions so they could plan how best to deflect his encroachments and defend the castle. For nearly another hour they continued, talking of scouting rotations and defensive positions and protecting the villagers before Malcolm, satisfied with their strategizing, finally drew the meeting to a close.
The councilmen dispersed in clusters, already debating logistics amongst themselves.
Duncan clasped Malcolm’s shoulder briefly. “Ewan and I will see tae the increased patrols.”
Malcolm nodded. “I’ll join ye shortly. First, I need tae fetch somethin’ I need from the library.”
He broke from them in the hall and went in the other direction, towards the library, intent on finding the portfolio containing his father’s notes and detailed hand-drawn maps of his eastern border. If Sinclair was coming, he would come that way, and Malcom wanted to be sure he knew every inch of the territory.
“Cat. I didnae realize ye were in here.”
Catriona’s heart jumped in her chest, and she almost dropped the book she was holding when she heard Malcolm’s deep voice behind her. A smile sprang instantly to her lips as she whirled about on her toes, thrilled to see him stepping inside the library and closing the door behind him.
“Likewise,” she said, hugging the book she had been looking at to her chest like a gleeful child as he strode towards her. “’Tis too gloomy tae go outside, so I thought I’d find somethin’ tae read instead,” she explained as he stopped a few feet from her. Shelooked up into his dark eyes and melted, unable to do anything but smile at him.
“I’m just as surprised tae see ye here,” she said. A delicious thought occurred to her. “Did ye follow me?” she asked, wanting it to be true.
He laughed softly. “Believe me, I would have if I’d kenned ye were in here.” Briefly, he explained what he had come for.
“Och,” she replied, batting her lashes teasingly. “I admit I’m a wee bit disappointed.”
He tilted his head. “If ’tis flattery ye’re after then yer best bet is Kenneth Forbes.”
“Hmm, well, now ye put it like that...”
They chuckled, then fell silent, their gazes locked on each other’s faces as the tension around them thickened, the only sounds the crackling of the fire and the soft patter of rain against the tall windows.
It was impossible for her not to notice how handsome he looked, with his dark curls slightly disordered, green plaid draped across broad shoulders, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal strong, tan forearms dusted with dark hair.
But it was his smile that almost undid her, sending a heated flush rising up her body all the way to her cheeks.
“How did the meeting go?” she asked softly.
“The treaty’s signed.” Relief flickered briefly in his eyes. “At long last.”
