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It took Reid a moment to grasp the meaning of her words. When he did, he looked at Aidan, who was already moving past them.

“An interesting development.” He lifted the dirk into the air. “Thank you, my friend.”

As they followed him out of the armory, Reid took Allie’s hand, fitting it into his own. Why was the warden here, at Brockburg? More importantly, what member of Clan Kerr would be greeting him as Toren’s second? For as often as he’d told himself it did not matter, that he would serve his brother loyally and faithfully until the end of his days regardless, Reid could finally fully admit what he should have the moment Alex left.

He wished to be that man.

36

Allie stood. And then sat. She tapped her fingers on her knees, staring at the wall in front of her. Had she been alone in the solar, she likely would have begun pacing, but Gillian and Juliette were waiting with her.

When Allie rose to stand again, her sister rolled her eyes.

“I’m sure all is well—”

“Except that it is not.”

Juliette put the book she had been reading on her lap. “What worries you most?”

As was her custom, Allie’s sister-in-law spoke in soothing tones. Typically, Juliette’s mere presence could improve her mood. But today was not just any day. The elders’ decision had not been put off by Douglas’s arrival. After Toren and Reid had an audience with the warden, they would decide on the chief’s second.

Graeme and Aidan, neither a member of Clan Kerr and thus not invited to the proceedings, had stayed in the solar with the ladies for a time, but they’d quickly become restless and retreated to the training yard.

“I’m not sure,” Allie admitted. “I fear that Douglas was not successful and the border clans will revolt. But I also worry for Reid—”

“He will be fine,” Juliette said again. “Toren remarked just this morning how happy he has been these past few days. Whatever happens below—”

“Will set the course for years to come. Both for Clan Kerr and for Reid.”

Juliette and Gillian exchanged a glance.

“Perhaps.” Juliette stood, something that had become more awkward over the last few days, and clutched her stomach protectively. “I will go down and—”

“There is no need.”

They’d not bothered to close the door, and the very man Allie fretted for stood in the entryway, looking directly at her. Allie could not glean anything from his expression, nor when he entered the chamber.

“Since I am already standing . . .” Juliette made for the door.

“And since we are still discussing final wedding arrangements,” Gillian added, leaping out of her chair and following Juliette.

As Gillian walked past Reid, who smiled congenially at her, Allie held her breath.

“I am glad to finally see you,” Gillian said. “She’s been quite worried.”

“All is well,” he said to her sister, though he looked directly at her. “Graeme just returned from the training yard,” he added. “And is on his way here.”

Gillian picked up the hem of her gown. “Thank you,” she said, brushing past him. The words held no malice, and when they were finally alone, she told her husband so.

“She is beginning to like you.”

Reid closed the door behind him.

“Though I am glad for it”—he reached her before Allie could discern his intent—“there is only one woman whose favor I crave above all others. One”—he slipped his hand behind her back—“I think of day and night.”

When he pulled her toward him and touched his lips ever so gently to hers, Allie responded by not allowing him to pull away. Though she very much wanted to know the outcome of the meeting, the feel of Reid’s lips was too tempting to deny. When he slipped his tongue inside her mouth, their kiss quickly spiraled into something more. Only when Reid groaned against her and pulled back did she remember they had much to discuss.

“Well?”