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She would not back down. “As Niall said, an affinity grew between us as we traveled together to learn the source of the cattle’s movement from our land to yours.”

He addressed Niall. “And did you learn of it?”

“Nay,” Niall said. “Avelina’s brother continues to investigate the matter. They’ve been returned, but we do not yet know by who, or why it happened.”

That clearly did not please his father.

“Someone attempted to renew the feud.”

“And we,” Avelina added, “are attempting to mollify it.”

Her meaning, clear.

“Perhaps this union is, indeed, a good thing,” his mother said. “Kenneth, think on it. We do not wish to renew the feud, and their marriage may even bring our two clans together.”

His father addressed Niall, finally turning away from Avelina who was grateful for the respite.

“We will never be allies with Clan MacKinlay.”

It was as if he’d struck her in the chest.

“Kenneth,” his mother repeated. Then she said to Niall, “Perhaps you should take Lady Avelina for a respite after your travels.”

“Perhaps I should take her to Glenhaven this eve rather than on the morrow.”

“You will retire to Glenhaven without speaking with me first?” his father asked, his voice hard.

“I am finding it difficult to speak with you at all,” Niall said.

“You would not reach it before nightfall and have already been traveling,” his mother said. Stay, Niall, and we will speak again in the morn.”

Her tone was almost pleading, and clearly it was one Niall could not deny.

“As you wish, Mother,” he said. “Come,” her husband said to her.

He did not address his father before tugging on her hand and leading Avelina toward the door. Neither did she wish to speak with the chief any further, though she would thank his mother for her courtesy.

“I am very pleased to meet you,” she said, this time with the warmth that her first greeting had lacked. “And thank you for your hospitality.”

“‘Tis more than hospitality, my dear. You are my daughter-in-law. You are family. And this is your home.”

Her words could not have been a more straightforward show of support. So very different than the chief who said nothing amidst their exchange.

“I am grateful for it,” Avelina said, appreciative of her support.

They left the solar without any other words spoken. And it was not until they’d reached the end of the corridor and climbed another set of stairs that Niall pulled Avelina into his arms. Wordlessly, he kissed her. Slowly. Deeply.

And if she did not know otherwise, Avelina might have even thought of it as lovingly.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Niall stood by the bed for a long time, watching as his wife slept.

He should have gone already. Wanted to be back before she woke. But Niall just could not pull himself away from the sight. ‘Twas still dark, but the candlelight provided enough light to illuminate her face.

In the light, while she was awake, she would be more cautious as if she were attempting to prove herself, something Niall was certain Avelina had done for a long time. Wanting to prove her worth against threats which, to be fair, were plentiful for her. A woman who’d lost nearly everything.

Her father.