Chapter Eleven

"N ala?" Sencha's voice brought Nala out of her daydreaming. Once again, she'd been reliving being in Alexander's arms. As hard as she tried to distract herself from thinking of him, the interlude with him was constantly in her mind.

"Sorry. I was considering what to do next," Nala lied as she plucked a flower to add to the basket she carried.

Sencha giggled. "Ye are quite distracted. Ye just plucked a milkweed…again." Her friend pointed at her basket.

There were more weeds than flowers strewn haphazardly in the basket and Nala gaped at her rather unappealing harvest. "They are useful to make tonics."

They'd been walking not too far from the keep, enjoying the sunny afternoon and each other's company. It was Sencha's first visit since Nala had arrived. Perfect timing as she found herself in need of a diversion from Alexander and the useless husband hunt.

Nala smiled at her friend. "I am so glad ye are here. I have missed our visits."

"We only just returned from my grandmother's funeral. It was a pitiful affair. Only three mourners came. Father says it is because all of grandmother's acquaintances have already died."

Nala shook her head. "That is sad. I was nae aware ye went to the Isle of Mull."

They stopped under a shade tree and Nala spread a thin blanket for them to sit on. Then she dug out two apples for them to eat. "How long were ye gone?"

"A sennight," Sencha replied. "It seemed like longer. It is a lonely desolate place where my aunt and uncle live. They remained mostly because of the family land. My aunt admits to being tired of having to travel so far to reach the village."

The breeze blew across her face and Nala closed her eyes. At once, the picture of Alexander over her, watching intently as she came undone formed, and she opened her eyes.

"Tell me my friend, what has yer head in the clouds," Sencha demanded. "And do nay say nothing. I will ken if ye lie."

To her horror, her face heated and she was sure every inch of it was bright red. Even if Nala tried to hide, Sencha could easily see how affected she was.

"Ye must swear on yer life that ye will nae tell a living soul," Nala said, her mind tumbling over what to disclose.

Sencha's wide grin was akin to a satisfied cat. "I can tell it has to do with a man. Who did ye kiss?"

Shocked at how obvious she was, Nala's mouth fell open. "What do ye mean?"

"What else would have ye so distracted, barely able to keep yer mind still enough to hear one sentence I say?" Sencha said in a sing-song tone. "Ye are in love."

"Love?" Nala rolled her eyes. "I am nae in love."

Her friend gave her a pointed look, waiting for Nala to continue.

"Very well. I did kiss someone… more than just once. A long kiss… it was like nothing else I've ever experienced."

Sencha's mouth formed a perfect circle, and her eyebrows lifted so high, they disappeared under the waves that framed her face. "Who did ye kiss?" she asked slowly. "Go on tell me."

Although there was no one about who could overhear, Nala still turned to both sides just to be sure. "Alexander."

"What?" Sencha screeched. "Nae…" Her tone tuned almost reverent. "Ye kissed the laird?"

"Shhhh," Nala hissed. "Keep yer voice down. That is why I cannae tell ye any secrets, ye are so very loud."

Sencha lifted a hand to her brow and fell backwards, pretending to swoon and then abruptly sat up. "Tell me everything."

"There is nae much to tell. The first time, I was walking along the shoreline. I am nae sure why he kissed me. It was short… sweet. This last time it was in what looked to be a healer's depository. It was passionate, and we embraced…" She stopped, not wishing to disclose what had followed. "I found him looking out a window…in the healer's shop. He seemed so despondent."

"And ye did yer duty to the laird by lifting his spirits?" Sencha fell into a fit of laughter. "Oh my."

"Stop it," Nala said, unable to keep a straight face. "I hugged him. He is a childhood friend after all. Then we kissed. It was the most natural of things. I am sure it will nae happen again."

Sencha sobered. "Why?"

"When he marries, it will have to be a match that will bring progress to the clan. He is the laird and cannae marry just anyone."

"Do ye wish him to marry ye?"

At the question, her chest tightened.

Did she?

Was she in love with Alexander or besotted because of what had occurred between them? If Nala was to be honest with herself, the thought of sharing such an intimate moment with someone other than him was unpalatable. No, she could not picture being with another man.

"It matters not how I feel or what I wish for, so I do nay think about it, much less allow myself wish for it," Nala answered honestly.

"That is a smart thing to do," Sencha remarked, her gaze moving toward the keep. "What will ye do when someone is chosen for ye to marry?"

Nala shrugged. "I will refuse. They cannae force me to marry against my will. I would run away before marrying someone not of my choosing."

Was there anywhere she could go? Nala considered that her relatives in England would turn her around and send her right back to Skye. Her father's sister had already hosted her for most of her life and had given up on finding Nala a suitable match. There was no option to go to her mother's family. It was much too far to travel. Besides, her mother had lost touch with her remaining relatives after her parents died.

"I will have to figure out where exactly to go," Nala said. "Where can I go?"

Sencha shrugged. "I doubt yer parents would force ye. Ye may end up marrying out of guilt when yer mother reminds ye over and again that it is yer fault she has no grandchildren."

"My brother can father children. I am sure he will marry." Nala frowned. "He has been gone too long. He should return soon." Her brother, Belhar, was an importer to mainland Scotland. He and Sencha's brother, whom he traveled with, were rarely on Skye as they spent most of their time on ships between the West Indies and Scotland.

"Yer brother, like mine, are never still long enough to marry, much less produce heirs," Sencha said with a huff. "They are wasting the best years of their lives."

"Indeed they are," Nala agreed. "Although I am glad for his absence as he would nae hesitate to find a husband, not just for me, but ye as well."

"Ye should marry my brother, and I can marry yers. Then we will nae have anything more to worry about."

Both made a face at the thought and dissolved into fits of laughter.

"Look," Sencha pointed toward the road that led to the keep. "Visitors come."

They watched as an entourage consisting of a coach and ten warriors moved at a leisurely pace. Within moments they were met by Ross warriors. There was an exchange and then the visitors were escorted toward the keep.

"I wonder who that is?" Sencha asked, her gaze locked to the traveling party.

"Clan Grant," Nala replied. "I recognize the coat of arms on the banner."

Interesting that neither Ainslie nor Lady Ross had mentioned anything about visitors. Then again, Nala had been distracted for the last pair of days by Sencha's visit. Still, they'd spent time together in the sitting room and at meals.

Perhaps it was an unexpected visit.

"Should we go and see what occurs?" Sencha stood to watch. "I am very curious."

Nala rose to stand beside her friend. "I have always thought Clan Ross and Clan Grant are nae on friendly terms. Neither are they enemies, I suppose," she added.

The flowers in Nala's basket had quickly wilted. However, the hardier weeds looked as if they'd never been plucked from the ground.

Nala dumped the contents of her basket. "I promised Lady Ross we'd pick flowers for the tables," Nala reminded Sencha. "Let us pick a few wildflowers and then we have the excuse of placing flowers on the tables and we can eavesdrop on whatever conversation occurs."

By the time Nala and Sencha arrived at the keep, the visitors had been taken from the great room. She'd gathered from one of the maids, that the laird's brothers and the Grant's sons had gone to the practice field. And the Grant's wife and daughter to the parlor with Lady Ross and Ainslie.

It would be impolite for Nala and Sencha to enter now, besides, she needed to change as the dress she wore had grass stains.

They took their time arranging the flowers in vases and set them about the room. Afterwards, Nala suggested they return back outdoors to watch the men practice at swordplay or archery. They went out a side door and sat on one of the benches along the wall. A canopy of ivy-laden trellises provided them with shade from the sunny day. Ross warriors stood around watching two men battle.

It was Cynden and a red-haired man, who sparred, circling, thrusting their swords, evading strikes. By the smooth movements of each man, they were both well-practiced in the art of swordplay. And by the intensity in which they sparred, both were competitive. By the time, they were told to stop, both were drenched in sweat, chests heaving.

Next, Alexander paired with another man who looked to be almost identical to the one Cynden had been fighting.

"Do ye think they are twins?" Sencha asked in a low tone, as if she didn't want to disturb the combatants. "The three men look to be brothers, but two are much more alike in features and stature."

"I wondered the same," Nala replied, her eyes glued to Alexander, who effectively blocked a downward strike. "How can they keep from injuring one another?"

"By weighing yer opponent's skill level and adjusting accordingly," a deep voice stated causing both Nala and Sencha to jerk toward the doorway they'd come through.

Knox walked closer, his gaze moving from them to the sword fight. "Alex is a much better fighter, but he holds back so as not to insult the visitor."

The archer leaned on the wall next to their bench, seeming not to have any plans to go to the practice field.

Sencha slid a look up his long lean body until reaching Knox's face. "Are ye going to join them? Would ye compete with a sword or bow?"

After a moment, Knox shrugged. "I will do what Alex deems for me. I prefer nae to do anything at all." It was then Nala noted the sweat on his brow and the pallor of his skin.

She stood and touched the back of her hand to his face. "Ye are sick and feverish. Should be abed. Go on then, I will send someone with cool cloths and tonic."

"I'd forgotten how stubborn ye are," Knox said, but he didn't argue. "I should be out there representing my family and clan." He shook his head as if trying to regain focus.

Sencha narrowed her eyes up at him. "Unless ye wish for the visiting laird to think yer family to be mad and delusional, it is best ye dinnae show yerself."

Nala couldn't help the bark of laughter that escaped. Unfortunately, it came out a bit loud and the group of men turned to look in their direction. After a moment, the men returned to their conversations, seeming to disregard their presence.

"Come Knox," Nala insisted, motioning to the doorway. As they entered the house, she turned one last time to glance toward the practice field. Alexander watched them.

After seeing Knox to his bed and asking maids to bring cool water, she placed a wet cloth on his brow and ordered for an herb called feverfew to be boiled to make a tonic.

She remained with Knox until he fell asleep, and his face was cooler to the touch.

Feeling satisfied that Knox would be well, Nala went to her room and washed up so that she could wear a clean dress as it was almost time for last meal.

Sencha sat up on the bed, she'd been napping and woke with a start. "Ye should nae have let me sleep so long," she complained and then her features softened. "How fares Knox?"

"His fever has broken, and he sleeps. I am sure after some rest he will be well."

"I am glad to hear it." Sencha reached up to brush errant strands from her face. "I must do something about my hair and dress and decide what I should say in greeting when I see Alexander." She gave Nala an impish grin.

"Ye will say nothing other than what courtesy dictates," Nala replied giving her friend a steely stare.

It was not long after that they finally descended the stairs and walked into the great room. Lady Ross and the visiting women were already at the table where they took their meals. When Nala and Sencha neared, Lady Ross motioned for them to sit.

"These lovely ladies are daughters of my dear friends. This is Nala Maclaren and Sencha Anderson." Lady Ross smiled at her. "Ye look lovely."

A woman who Nala presumed to be Lady Grant smiled warmly. "I am called Una, and this is my daughter Leah." She looked to her daughter with pride. "Leah recently returned from studies in Inverness."

Leah scanned both Nala and Sencha, seeming to find them lacking by the downturn of her lips.

"Nala and her brother grew up with my sons. She was especially close to Cynden," Lady Ross explained.

At the statement, Leah took interest in Nala, her blue eyes taking her in. "Ye are nae married?"

Lady Ross chuckled. "Our Nala is an independent sort. She also recently returned from years of living in London. We hope to help in the quest for a suitable husband."

Although it proved quite difficult, Nala managed what she hoped was a pleasant expression. She didn't want Leah to know anything about her. Something about the woman put her on alert. "And ye Leah, are ye married or betrothed?"

Just as the younger woman opened her mouth to reply, her gaze shifted to the entrance. Laird Grant walked next to Alexander, the two lairds presenting an attractive picture.

Although the Grant was older, he remained a handsome man. His thick reddish hair was sprinkled with gray at the temples framing a handsome face. He wore a sash across one broad shoulder that was tied off at his trim waist. The tartan colors were flattering to his fair skin. Although he was a bit shorter than Alexander, he was still a tall man.

Nala took the opportunity to study Alexander, who looked wickedly handsome in a bright white tunic, over which the green and black tartan was draped and pinned to his shoulder. His ebony tresses were brushed back from his face, bringing attention to his exquisite features. Seeming to sense her regard, his gaze met hers just for a beat. It was as if he touched her by the way her body instantly reacted. When he looked back to the laird, the corners of his lips lifted just a bit. It was barely perceptible, but Nala saw it. Then he looked back to the table and his right brow lifted.

Nala almost gasped. He was purposely ignoring her request for him to act normally. She looked around to the others, hoping they'd not noticed. When she dared to slide a glance to Sencha, her friend mimicked Alexander's brow lift.

Behind Alexander and the Grant entered Cynden, who was in deep conversation with the broader of the brothers. The other two brothers brought up the rear.

"Ye must remind me of yer son's names," Lady Ross commented.

Lady Grant smiled. The woman, unlike her daughter, had a warm presence. "The eldest, who walks with Cynden is called Connor. The twins are Gawyn and Broden. The best way to tell them apart is that Gawyn has a scar that breaks through his right brow. Otherwise, they are almost identical."

Nala and Sencha studied the twins. It was most interesting that two humans could look that much alike. Unlike their sister, who had bright red hair and pale skin, the twins' hair was a dark auburn and they had olive skin like their mother. The eldest, Connor, was of the same coloring as Leah and their father.

The meal was served, and Lady Ross kept the discussion on safe topics of gardening, the weather, and descriptions of the local village.

Lady Grant did the same, regaling them with the different wares available at a market that had been started by locals near Grant lands. It had somehow grown so large that many merchants traveled to sell their wares there.

Sencha was practically salivating. "I have heard that there are fabrics sold there that are so silky, they slip through the fingers."

Lady Grant nodded. "I must admit, there are so many things to see and touch, I have yet to sample everything. Ye must all come visit and we will plan an outing."

"Mother will be most delighted," Sencha exuded, bright pink blossoming on her cheeks.

There were murmurs as Alexander stood and held up a cup. He welcomed the Grants formally and toasted to the laird's health.

The Grant then stood and thanked Alexander, he too toasting to the Ross' good health. The man grinned widely. "Perhaps by the end of the visit, we can come up with a way for our clans to once again be united." The man looked to where his wife and Leah sat.

Leah beamed.

Nala's stomach plummeted.