Page 30 of A Fearless Rebel

The man did not act surprised at the words. “I understand my late brother was not well liked. However, the alliance is not broken. Therefore, ye will be held to certain expectations.”

Laird Fraser tapped the table with his fingertips. “We should continue this discussion after last meal. I am sure the women are weary from travel.”

Lady Fraser rose. “I will show ye to the chambers I had prepared. I know ye will be comfortable there.” She gave Keithen a pointed look. “Keithen, ensure Ava is settled in yer chamber.”

As her parents led the visitors out, Keithen also stood and took Ava’s elbow. “If I know my mother, yer baggage is already deposited in our chamber.”

Her brow crinkled as if not liking what was said, but she didn’t say anything. Instead, she turned to look to the doorway, and it was then he noticed a dark bruise on her left temple that ran to her cheek.

“What happened to yer face?”

Her hand flew to the precise spot and she covered it. “Nothing that should concern ye.”

Keithen stepped in front of her. “Who struck ye?”

Once again, it was apparent that she was struggling to maintain a calm demeanor. Her eyes filled with tears and she lowered her head. “I caused it because I spoke out of turn. Will ye please escort me to the bedchamber? I require some rest.”

He knew better. The woman had ridden nonstop for an entire day just to purchase fruit tarts. However, she was humiliated twice now. First, rejected by him and sent back to live with her family and now, sent back.

The tightness in his chest became stronger when he noticed a slight tremble of her chin.

“Aye, of course. Ye can spend the rest of the day relaxing. If ye wish to have a chambermaid assist with unpacking, I can have one attend to it.” Keithen spoke of nothing more than unpacking, having fresh water bought and such the entire way to their bedchamber.

Two things struck him at once, and it was becoming impossible to ignore either. First, that he would do anything in his power to keep Ava from crying. The woman who walked beside him was one of the strongest people he’d ever met and to see her so broken struck him to the core. Second, his wife was there and would not only be living in the same house, but they’d be sharing a bed from that night forward.

To send her away to sleep elsewhere at that point would be another horrible strike and he would not do it.

When they entered the chamber, true to form, her bags were there and several of her gowns were already unpacked and hung in the wardrobe. Keithen was struck by the sight of the dresses hanging next to his tunics.

Ava looked about the room in which she’d only spent one night. Their wedding night in which Keithen had claimed her as his bride.

Not seeming interested in her bags, she went to the window and peered out. He knew what she saw. To the left were rolling hills, a long winding road and, in the distance, the edges of the village. Straight ahead was an open field that was used for training with the warhorses and large gatherings. Then past the open area was a thick forest that stretched as far as the eye could see. Just behind the keep was another forest and a shallow creek that was used for drinking water and the watering of the gardens.

There were several farms as well, but most were not visible unless one stood on the rooftop.

Keithen studied Ava’s profile for a long moment. “Despite the circumstances, I am glad ye are here.”

It was apparent she didn’t believe him by her flat gaze. “I am not sure what to say.”

“My mother will wish to spend time with ye and go over what duties ye will be taking over.”

At her surprised look, Keithen shrugged. “She assured me she is looking forward to having some of her duties taken over by ye. Since my sister left, her time is much less hers.”

Ava nodded. “Do ye know what kind of duties she will give me? I have managed most of my household, therefore I’m competent.”

“I do not know but I am sure she will explain it to ye.”

There was uncertainty when she looked to him. “Surely yer mother expected someone else as yer wife, not me, a Mackenzie.”

“Mother is a kind person, I assure ye. She does not harbor any rancor toward ye.”

When Ava wrung her hands, he wanted to calm her, but wasn’t sure how to go about it. “I am not sure yer household will allow for a Mackenzie to give any orders.”

“I will ensure they do,” Keithen said, knowing it would be a hard road ahead for Ava. Wounds were still fresh, and people did not forget that it was a Mackenzie who’d taken so many brothers, fathers and sons from them.

Her right eyebrow rose, giving a hint of the spitfire he remembered. “And how, exactly, do ye plan to arrange for the staff to fall in line and do as I ask?”

Keithen fought not to smile. “At first, I will speak to them. If that does not work, I will threaten them.”