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“But why would anyone outside o’ the castle dae such a thing?” Duncan cried.
“Lots of reasons. Ye’ve made some enemies along the way. Nae everybody loves ye as I do,” Keir smiled a little. “Perhaps there’s disgruntled tenants, perhaps there’s a conspiracy brewing in another clan for a takeover, perhaps lots of things. But ye cannae just throw out such accusations with nae evidence.”
Keir had a point, and while Duncan was certain that Cora and Eoin's deaths were premeditated, he couldn't be so sure that the person responsible wassomeone from the castle. It made sense in his head, but he had been struggling with a lot of things lately.
“All right,” Duncan lifted a surrendering hand. “I will yield. Yer points are valid, as always. I am only frustrated that we seem tae be nae further along in discovering this person, than when it first happened.”
“There’s been nae word from the scouts?” Keir asked.
“Nae yet. I would have thought they may have returned by now, but I am mindful o’ the distance and the terrain. They’ll return when they can.”
“Then, as much as ye dinnae want tae hear it, Duncan,” Keir replied. “All we can do now, is wait.”
‘Aye, I ken.”
* * *
Three days later, the lairds began to arrive.
Though he had hardly paid attention, Duncan could not miss the activity in the castle, for preparations had been under way for several days. It would be a grand feast and with many bellies filled with food and wine. He had a good feeling that it would be enjoyable for all. Apart from him, of course.
While the rest of those in attendance were there for a good time, renewing old friendships and acquaintances and making ones anew, his main focus was discovering a woman he would spend his life with—a woman he would be forced to bed and have by his side, with little affection between them. In some ways, it felt like a life sentence, a punishment added onto the sentence of loss he was already suffering. But this was the only choice that would serve everyone, as well as save him from further pain.
Elaine had come to him every night since they had first lay together. And as though a dam had been broken, thoughts of Cora no longer held him back from taking what he desired from his mistress. He needed to drink her up, to consume her, to possess her very soul until he was replenished once more. It had been difficult to stay detached, and yet, he knew he must if he was not to go quite mad. Though he hardly spoke to her when they were together, when she finally fell asleep and he remained awake and restless, he left the bed and sat, watching her sleeping form from across the room.
It still played on his mind that she had been a virgin on their first night. While he could not understand it, he had not raised the issue. A part of him did not want to ruin the moments they spent together, for when they were taken over in the rapture of their lovemaking, he treasured every second. Bringing it up would only break the spell he found himself under. Besides, if he was to be married to another, what did it really matter? One of the reasons he had made little conversation with her since the council’s decision had been to stop himself getting to know her further. The more he knew, the more it would pain him to separate himself when the time came. And it would come eventually.
The night of the feast arrived, and the lairds from the surrounding areas, as well as other clans with whom they had alliances, presented themselves to Duncan in the Great Hall one by one. Hesat in his throne-like, high-backed chair on an elevated platform, normally occupied by the table where he and the rest of the family ate. His mother sat to his left, and Keir to his right. As each laird was announced, they bowed reverently toward him and expressed gratitude and good will.
This continued for some time until all had been presented and then, once gathered together before him, Duncan stood with a raised goblet.
“Ye are, one and all, welcome here at Dunollie Castle. It is with a warm heart that I welcome faces I have nae looked upon for quite some time. The MacDougall Clan is made strong and secure with yer presence and support, and yer attendance here only moves us further forward tae remain so. I invite ye now tae eat, drink, and enjoy the feast.” Duncan ended by lifting his goblet. A great cheer echoed around the stone walls as those before him lifted their own mugs and goblets before taking long swigs in a sign of agreement.
Music began playing and Duncan took his seat once more. He glanced over to Keir who returned his gaze with a raised brow.
“And so, it begins, brother,” he said.
“Aye,” Duncan nodded. “So it does.”
A gentle hand rested upon his shoulder and Duncan turned to see his mother smiling at him. “Yer responsibilities weigh heavy upon ye, Duncan. But ye are doing what needs tae be done. That is what it means tae be a laird.”
“I will do my duties, Mother. I ken well, without everyone reminding me, that I have an obligation tae the clan. This evening, if it is fruitful, will bring the result of a new wife and an heir tae continue the MacDougall name. My own desires, I must put aside.”
She smiled sadly then, for Duncan did not hide his melancholy in his tone. For a moment, she did not speak, but then began. “I have nae yet had the chance tae tell ye, that I went tae see yer mistress.”
Duncan suddenly frowned at this information, and warily turned further toward her. What business did she have speaking to Elaine and what had she said to her?
“Dinnae be angry with me, Duncan,” his mother continued. “I told her naething that was nae my business tae tell. The fault was my own that I had nae been tae see her tae thank her for what she did for myself and Keir. Given that she might nae be in the castle for much longer, I thought it only right that I spoke tae her sooner rather than later. The truth is, I ought tae have gone tae see her earlier. The notion that I didnae thank her for her sacrifice made me feel more than a little ashamed.”
“And how did Elaine tak’ yer visit?” Duncan asked. The frown had dropped from his brow, now replaced with slight surprise. While she had done right by Elaine, his mother had hardly been pleased that he had brought a mistress to the castle.
“Warily,” she said plainly. “She appeared nervous at my arrival, though I cannot imagine why.”
“Really, Mother?” Duncan blurted. “Ye mean after such a warm welcome she has received from ye?”
She dropped her eyes from his then and looked a little reticent. “It is true, I have acted a little presumptuously. But ye must understand how difficult it is for me tae stand by and watch what goes on in the castle, Duncan. I have only ever had yer best interests at heart, my son. I ken ye’ve been hurting and perhaps my judgment has nae helped. If a mistress gives ye some comfort, I ought nae tae have taken that from ye.”
Duncan heaved a sigh at her explanation. He had no retort, for he knew her words to be true. His mother had been his biggest champion since he had taken his position and, in all things, she had supported him and given him her backing.
