Page 13 of Redemption

“No one holds you responsible for your brother’s traitorous acts,” Gregor said.

Kaden gave him a cool smile. “Ye know it isnae that simple.”

“He was your brother, man. It was only right that ye believed he was innocent.”

Did it matter that Kaden confided in the woman he loved that Liam had stolen the Faery Flag and she told his father, who then hung his own son on the word of a maid? Not a single person had ever dared mention that tidbit.

“Your father is to blame for hanging Liam,” Gregor said.

Kaden gave a slow nod. “He played his part.”

“No one blames you for confiding in Rhona.” Anger flashed across his face. “She had no business telling your father what you told her.”

“I blame me.” Kaden held up a hand when Gregor opened his mouth to reply. “The past is the past. Caeleb is laird now.”

Gregor took a long draught of ale and set his mug down. “Are you aware that we lost over a hundred men to the Donald’s four months ago?”

Anger whipped through Kaden. “Dòmhnall has gone mad. Why has Caeleb not retaliated? Has he no stomach for blood?”

Gregory leaned forward and whispered, “What Caeleb has is a spy in Malcolm Donald’s camp.”

“A spy?” In the Donald camp? Had he heard correctly? “Who?”

“His wife.”

Kaden straightened. “What?” He’d been gone two years and the world had gone to hell. “You’re talking nonsense, Gregory.”

Gregor snorted a laugh. “Ye dinnae know the half of it. Malcom Donald sent her to spy on Caeleb, but she betrayed Malcolm for Caeleb.”

Kaden was certain he’d heard wrong. “God’s teeth. Caeleb has betrayed us.”

“Careful,” Gregor said in a soft voice. “You, of all people, understand the dangers of making hasty accusations.”

“She’s a Donald’s spy,” he snapped.

A man two tables down glanced in their direction.

Kaden leaned toward Gregor. “Ye need to have a talk with your cousin. Find out what madness is in his mind.”

“He’s your cousin, as well,” Gregor said. “You talk to him.”

“He’s your cousin by blood,” Kaden growled. “My cousin married his mother’s cousin.”

“He’s sane,” Gregory said.

“A traitor cannae be trusted.”

“Caeleb feels he can trust her.”

Kaden fisted a hand. “Caeleb is thinking with his cock.”

Gregory gave a slow nod. “His heart may be involved, but Caeleb is no fool. He knows what he’s doing.”

“I thought the same thing about my brother,” Kaden whispered.

Gregor only stared.

Kaden finished his ale. “Caeleb had better be right.”