Michael opened it with shaking hands, unfolding the carefully written words. He read aloud, his voice steady despite the weight of the news:
“The council has found a statement from Jack, sayin’ that upon his death, the lairdship is to go to his son, Michael.”
Eva gasped softly, her eyes wide with surprise. “That is very good of them to honor Jack’s word,” she whispered. “To act on Jack’s wishes despite everythin’ that happened.”
Michael looked at her, a shadow of a smile crossing his face. “Indeed, it is,” he said simply, folding the letter carefully.
Connor placed a hand on his shoulder, eyes serious. “Ye daenae have to take it if ye daenae wish, lad. Ye have a place here at Castle McLaren, at me side.”
Michael was silent, the words heavy in the cool morning air. He looked at Connor and Eva, considering the weight of the offer.
“I shall think on it,” Michael said. He then walked inside the castle.
“That one is a great thinker,” Connor said to Eva.
“Aye, I’ve noticed. That is a good trait. He does nae make decisions based on a temper or anger, but on careful thought,” she said.
“Let us go inside for a cup of tea,” Connor said.
Connor placed a hand on Eva’s back and guided her inside. All the while he was conflicted.
Tis a good offer to be Laird McKay, but I only had me brother returned to me and now he may leave once more.
Hours later, Connor and Eva sat in the solar for a quiet supper. There was a knock at the door.
“Come in,” Connor called out.
Michael entered timidly with the letter in his hand.
“Me apologies for interruptin’ yer supper,” he said.
“Sit with us and take supper,” Connor said.
Michael sat down and took the ale being offered him. He took a deep breath.
“It seems ye have somethin’ to say?” Connor asked.
“Aye, I want to take the lairdship,” he said at last, voice firm. “Nay matter how it came to be, the McKay clan is me family too.”
“I suppose that is true. I ken ye made bonds with more than Jack at the castle,” Connor asked.
“Indeed. The clan, the council, the servants, me old nurse that raised me… all are those that I miss,” Michael said.
“To take the responsibilities of a lairdship is nay easy feat. Are ye sure that is what ye want?” Connor asked.
“Aye, nae because I think I deserve it, but because this will also prevent any future attacks on the McLaren clan in justice for Jack. If I daenae take it, then who kens who will, and they may seek revenge. If I become Laird McKay, then we can have an alliance between McKay and McLaren as we did before. Both clans will be strong, ruled by brothers.”
“That is a good point,” Eva said.
Connor studied his brother, pride and admiration swelling in his chest.
“Aye,” he said slowly, his voice warm, “I can see Jack raised a good man with a good heart, a strong man. I am proud of ye, Michael. If the lairdship of Clan McKay is what ye want, then we will send word back that ye accept.”
He paused, placing a hand firmly on Michael’s shoulder. “Ye will always be welcome here. Ye are me family, and I plan to visit often to make up for lost time between brothers.”
Michael stepped forward and embraced Connor tightly. “Ye will always be me brother,” he said, the emotion in his voice raw and honest.
Connor returned the hug, squeezing him firmly. Eva stepped closer, her eyes shining with excitement.
