Page 6 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

“A rider has informed me that Laird Sinclair and his entourage have been spotted on the hill,” Killian said, getting straight to the point. “Yer bride will likely be at the castle in the next half hour. We will meet them at the gates.”

“And good day tae ye, too, Killian,” Benedict teased.

Killian gave Benedict a playful scowl.

“Thank ye, Killian. Get a drink. Come, join us.” Audor gestured to a chair.

After filling a glass, Killian dropped himself down beside the brothers. “Are ye nervous?” he said, looking directly at Audor.

Audor shook his head and frowned. “What is there tae be nervous about? I’m getting married, nae going intae battle.”

“I dinnae ken,” Killian shrugged with a smirk, “some men might tell ye it’s the same thing.”

The men laughed at that comment.

“I’d be more worried about what yer future bride looks like,” Benedict added. “Ye’ve never met her. She might resemble a moose.”

Audor snorted at that comment, but Killian shook his head. “I think ye may be wrong there, Benedict. From what I’ve heard, both the Sinclair sisters are bonnie wee lasses.”

“Och, well. That’s all right then. She might nae have a brain in her skull, but at least she’ll be a pretty charm on yer arm,” Benedict sniggered.

“Aye, well. At least I ken where me sweetheart is, which is more than ye can say fer yers.”

Killian chuckled at that comment, and threw a knowing look at Benedict. “As usual, yer braither is right.”

“Aye. And doesnae he ken it?” Benedict growled playfully.

The men finished the last dregs of their drinks, and then Audor stood. “We should make a move here. I dinnae want our guests arriving without a proper welcome.”

When the three were out in the corridor, Killian continued the conversation. “Ye’re getting a rare privilege, Audor. Nay one has seen Laird Sinclair since his wife’s murder. In fact, I hear he hasnae left his castle since it happened.”

“Aye, it’s a sad affair. But it’s the reason this marriage is going ahead. Laird Alisdair Keith wanted an alliance with Clan Sinclair, even though he’d been a rival for years.”

“Aye, I ken,” Killian said. “When Sinclair refused, Keith had Mary, his wife, brutally murdered. He is not a man.”

Killian sounded angrier than he ought, under the circumstances, but Benedict could only imagine it was the fact that yet another parent had been murdered that angered him.

“Well, Laird Keith hasnae stopped there. He’s been relentless in his attacks ever since, which is why Laird Sinclair and I agreed tae this alliance. Our clan will get lands and coin, and he will get the support o’ our larger army.”

“I just hope ye ken what ye’re doing, braither,” Benedict said with a sigh.

“Why are ye so against this alliance?” Audor asked firmly.

They were now making their way down the wide stone staircase, and at the bottom, Benedict came to a stop and looked his brother in the eye. “Fer a start, ye’ve never met this lass. God only kens if yer even going tae like her, never mind, having tae spend the rest o’ yer life with her. Second, ye’re only thirty. There’s still time fer ye tae actually find someone ye might fall in love with. And third, once ye’re married, I’m nae going tae have ye at me side when we’re at the taverns and looking fer lasses.” Benedict grinned.

Audor smiled, shook his head, and then continued walking. “I understand yer concerns, Benedict. And I appreciate ye looking out fer me. But this is a good deal fer our clan. Besides, Laird Sinclair is a fine laird. He needs our help, and I intend tae give it.”

“Ye can always get a mistress if things dinnae work out,” Killian offered.

“Nay!” Audor and Benedict barked at the same time. They both glared at Killian, who seemed to shrink under the visual attack.

“All right,” he said weakly, raising his hands in surrender. “It was only an idea.”

“Ye should ken me braither better than that, Killian,” Benedict growled.

“I dae,” Killian countered. “I just thought it was something tae consider.”

“Ye’re a fool tae think he would even consider it.”