Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

A fter sending two servants ahead of them to gather the council, the two men travelled hurriedly through the castle. As he went, Benedict thought of the day he had spent with Evelyn. His mind whirled with confusion and contradiction. He wanted her, but could not have her. He should stay away from her, but he couldn't stand it when she was not beside him.

Things were not going to get any easier. She would marry Audor and become a permanent resident in his life. He would be forced to look upon her every single day. Look, but not touch. It was going to be utter torture.

So, what am I tae dae?

As they continued to stride down the corridor, Benedict couldn't hold this anxiety to himself any longer. Killian had already helped him navigate the issues that had arisen in Audor's absence. Perhaps he could help him with this too.

"I've a confession tae make," he blurted.

Killian jerked his head toward him, but the men continued walking. "What confession?"

"Ye ken the lass I met in the library at the Mackay's wedding?"

"The one ye havenae shut up about," Killian teased.

But Benedict was in no mood for joviality. "Aye, her. Well, I ken who she is."

"What?" Killian exclaimed. "How? When?"

"I found out the minute Evelyn Sinclair arrived," Benedict replied.

It took a second, but then Killian came to a sudden standstill and spun toward his cousin. His mouth fell open with a loud gasp, and with wide eyes, he stared at Benedict. "It was Lady Sinclair?"

"Shh," Benedict hissed. "Nae so loud. Dae ye want the entire castle tae ken?"

Killian was stunned, an acceptable reaction under the circumstances.

"It gets worse," Benedict said, as he moved forward, and the men began walking again. They rounded the corner and headed towards Audor's study, where the council had been instructed to meet. "I kissed her today."

"Ye did what?" Killian barked. "Are ye mad?"

"Very likely," he replied. "I'm in trouble, Killian. Big trouble. I dinnae ken what tae dae."

When they entered the study, Killian hurriedly closed the door behind him and turned to Benedict. He lowered his tone and gave Benedict an intense look. "All right. How bad is it?"

Benedict sighed. "I cannae get her out o' me head."

"Bloody hell," Killian breathed. "Well, this is a mess."

"I ken. And the burden lies with me. Evelyn has nae blame. She didnae ken who I was in that library, and she doesnae ken she was kissing me today. She thinks I'm Audor."

For a moment, Killian didn't say anything. With his gaze lowered, he furrowed his brow, clearly in deep thought about the circumstances.

"Right," he said a few seconds later. "Here's what ye're going tae dae. First and foremost, I think it's best if ye stay away from her."

That was the obvious answer. The answer Benedict knew was the solution, but had struggled to implement so far. Maybe now, having Killian watching him and having some accountability, he would get a handle on his previous lack of self-control.

"Audor will be back soon," Killian continued. "When he gets here, ye need tae tell him."

Of the two things mentioned, the latter was what Benedict feared the most. He wasn't afraid of his brother. They had always been close. But that was the point. His fear lay in how Audor would look at him when he discovered what he had done; Audor's disappointment in Benedict's treachery. Guilt wrapped around him like a heavy cloak, and dropping his head, he heaved a sigh.

"He'll understand, Benedict. It's nae like ye sought her out. Ye didnae ken who she was until she arrived here."

Benedict shook his head, feeling angry at himself. "But I kent who she was when I kissed her earlier. I'm lying tae her and betraying me braither at the same time. Besides, what am I supposed tae dae with these feelings?" He thumped his chest. "They're driving me mad."

Killian didn't seem to have an answer for that, and both men stood there in silence. Killian, clearly trying to figure out a solution to the problem, and Benedict, tortured and frustrated with the circumstance he found himself in.

A knock at the door broke the silence.

Killian looked at Benedict as he was about to turn and open it. "We'll keep this between ourselves. Let's get this council meeting over, and we can talk about it later. And dinnae forget," he nodded towards the door, referencing the council members beyond it, "yer meant tae be Audor."

"How could I forget?" Benedict snarled.

After the older men had entered the room and settled around the table, Benedict stood, as his brother might, and addressed them all.

"I've gathered ye here because I have some worrying news. I was in the village earlier today and Lady Sinclair spotted men wearing Clan Keith colors."

There were frowns of concern from all the men present, then James Finley spoke up. "This is worrying, me laird. Especially with yer upcoming betrothal tae me lady."

James Finley was the oldest of the group. He had been a close friend and confidant of Benedict and Audor's father, and had been instrumental in helping the brothers come to terms with his death.

All the council had been of great support, but James had been there the most. He had sat with them for many nights afterward, relaying stories of their father's bravery and courage. While Benedict and his brother's tears were shed privately, James had been the listening ear they needed in their time of grief.

"Did she see how many o' them there were?" James continued.

Benedict shook his head because, of course, it had not been he who had seen them at all. "I'm afraid nae, James. Perhaps a handful. It was a fleeting glance. But nae matter the number, there shouldnae be any o' Laird Keith's men anywhere near here. In fact, I cannae understand how they have managed tae get ontae our lands unnoticed."

"They are a sneaky lot, me laird," William Kerr offered. "And ‘tis impossible tae guard every inch o' the borders."

Benedict nodded. "Indeed, William. I am also o' the mind that their presence has much tae dae with the arrival o' Laird Sinclair and his daughters."

He had deduced that the moment Evelyn had spotted them, but he had not wanted to cause her any unnecessary concern by mentioning it.

The men murmured in agreement. "Laird Keith has been relentless in his attacks o' Clan Sinclair," Angus Gunn said. "He's an arrogant man. It wouldnae surprise me tae learn he's sent men tae follow them."

"But tae what end?" William countered. "Surely, they willnae attack the Sinclair's on our land. That would be madness."

"I've always thought o' Laird Keith as a man who isnae sound in mind," James murmured.

"Be that as it may," William replied. "I cannae believe he would mount an attack. He cannae bring an army through unnoticed. A few men, perhaps, but nae more."

"He may nae be here tae attack at all," Angus said.

"Then what is our response?" Benedict said. "I dinnae want tae jump tae any conclusions, but it's clear they're nae here for anything good."

"We need first tae establish if there is any threat tae the clan, me laird," James said. "I would suggest we send scouts intae the village and beyond. It will be prudent tae discover where they are, and how many."

The rest of the council nodded in agreement.

"I would also send more guards tae the borders. ‘Tis a preventative measure and a discouragement fer any others that might approach," Benedict said.

Once more, the men murmured an agreement.

"Very well." Benedict turned to Killian. "Ensure that is done as quickly as possible, Killian."

"Aye, me laird," he replied.

He turned back to the gathered council. "I thank ye fer yer time, gentlemen. We will meet again when the scouts return tae discuss our next move."

Even as he spoke those words, Benedict knew that Audor would have returned by then. The next time the council met, they would be speaking to the real laird, not his stand-in.

The council members stood and, one by one, they left. Only James Finley lingered.

"Yer braither has been away fer several days, me laird. If he doesnae return soon, he may miss the wedding." The old man's eyes twinkled, and a soft smile danced at the corner of his mouth.

Did he know?

Benedict returned his gaze and deduced that James certainly had his suspicions. "I'm sure he will be back by then, James. He is me braither. The wedding cannae occur without him. If necessary, we shall wait a few days."

James smiled widely. "Indeed," he replied. And with a knowing nod, he turned and left the room.

For the next three days, and, after further discussion with Killian, Benedict avoided Evelyn wherever possible. Of course, he still remained present for the meals of the day, but other than that, Killian had come up with a list of things that Benedict had been able to use to excuse his absence.

Being away from her, however, did not stop him thinking about her. In fact, his obsession became, for the most part, worse. She was like an elixir, something he needed to feed the craving that was driving him slowly mad.

Even his sleep was being affected, and waking up wearily that morning, he had arrived for breakfast, stayed for an acceptable amount of time, and then hurried off to Audor's study, where he spent the rest of the morning hiding.

For fear he might go entirely mad, Killian had arrived with a plan for them both to do some training that afternoon, and thus, he and Benedict were now in the castle gardens wielding shields and swords. Benedict was grateful for the distraction. He needed some kind of release to rid himself of the pent-up energy that swirled within him.

"I wonder what Audor is doing," Killian said, as he unsheathed his sword and readied himself.

"If I kent, I'd tell ye," Benedict replied, doing the same. "I could hardly believe it when that missive arrived from him yesterday. He told me he was only going tae be a week. Now, God only kens when he'll return."

"It's just a few more days," Killian said.

"Aye, a few more days where I have to hide out in my own home so as tae avoid making this mess even worse," Benedict growled. "I dinnae ken how much longer I can keep this fa?ade going."

As though thinking about Evelyn had conjured her up, she and Yvaine came into view some distance across the garden. They settled themselves beneath a tree, both clearly wanting to watch the men spar.

"Och, that's just great," Benedict huffed.

"What?"

Benedict jerked his head in their direction. "It appears we have an audience."

Killian clearly found it funny, and with a smirk, he said, "Try nae tae think about it."

"Aye," Benedict drawled back. "Easy fer ye tae say."

"Ye're doin' everything ye can, Benedict."

"I ken. But how am I supposed tae keep this up? Audor is going tae be away for even longer now, and my lack o' attention towards his daughter is making Laird Sinclair suspicious."

Killian raised his eyebrows and shrugged. Clearly, he had no answer, and with no solutions, the two abandoned thinking about it and began to train.

Lunge after lunge, their swords clashed together, the sound of metal ringing across the air. When Killian attacked, Benedict defended, stepping back to avoid each swipe. But when the opportunity arose, he switched and instead, attacked Killian, forcing his cousin back with a heavy assault.

A soft wind blew across the gardens, and while Benedict was doing his best to ignore Evelyn's presence, he did put on a good show. Every woman liked the sight of a strong man. But as Killian advanced again, the wind blew stronger, lifting Evelyn's dress and revealing her legs. He couldn't help himself. His eyes veered from the battle and he found himself transfixed, even as she hurriedly pulled the material down again.

A second later, Killian's sword caught him on his upper arm.

"Argh!" he yelled, dropping his sword and grabbing the wounded area.

"Bene—"

Benedict glared at Killian, who quickly recovered. "Audor. I'm so sorry. I expected ye tae block the blow."

And Benedict should have done, but his attention had been focused elsewhere.

Killian had since dropped his sword and was by Benedict's side. "We should get ye tae the healer."

"I'm fine," he growled. "I dinnae need the healer." But even as he said that, he watched blood trickling through his fingers and soaking into the sleeve of his tunic.

"Dinnae be a fool, cousin," Killian said, taking him by the arm and leading him across the garden. "Come on. Let's get that wound looked at."