Page 11 of Highland Guard
Kieran replied, “How fitting. Thank you for telling me, but you need not have bothered.”
Iverson continued, “The honors of the chieftain go to the next direct male descendant in line.”
“Then give my congratulations to Baden’s son.”
Donald piped in and said, “Baden had no male heir. He sired no bairns.”
“None?”
Donald shook his head. “None.”
“Well, I’m sure there are cousins aplenty to choose from.”
Iverson said, “Laird, you are the next direct male descendent in line and according to the clan rules—”
“The name is Kieran! I am not a laird.”
“My apologies, Kieran. But regardless of how you feel, none other can take the title. We traveled a long way to find you. First to the MacGregors, then here.”
“Then I am sorry you wasted your precious time.”
“You dinnae understand. We are on the verge of war with the Anrias clan and they willna accept a marriage alliance unless it is with you.”
“The hell you say. Marriage?” Kieran scowled.
“Aye, your da had drawn up contracts between our clan and the Anrias that a direct male descendent of the MacKenzie laird must marry a direct female descendant of their chieftain. If we dinnae make peace through marriage, then both lands revert to the crown. Tis hoped it would stop the constant feuding.”
“So, tear up the agreement now that there is none to satisfy the requirements. Seek recompense from the king. I dinnae care tis naught to do with me.” Kieran shrugged his shoulders.
Donald said, “The Anrias willna bind themselves in marriage to us unless they have the rightful heir. They say it must be you and no other.”
Kieran replied, “So, you’re telling me I need to go back to a place I despise, and then marry some stranger to save a clan that cast me and my ma out?”
Iverson grimaced. “Aye.”
“Then I suggest you prepare for battle, because I’ll not be coming back.”
Donald replied, “Kieran, the clan needs you more than ever. Can you not let the past go and—”
Kieran moved so fast across the room and had Donald by the scruff of his leine pinned to the wall. “Let the past go? Do ye not remember what happened? You were there.”
Donald clutched his neck to relieve the pressure and replied, “Aye, Kieran, it twas not right what your da did but—”
“But nothing. He cast me and my ma out during winter to fend for ourselves. Twas akin to murder. If it were not for the MacGregors, we would have starved to death. Leave before I forget that the Macraes and Clunes were once my kin.” Kieran released him and then stepped back.
Iverson held out a parchment in his hand. “We petitioned the king, and you will marry an Anrias heir or there will be consequences for you.”
Kieran snatched the paper and read it, then cursed out loud.
“What is it?” Bram asked.
“King Macbeth has already approved the petition. If I dinnae agree, they need only notify him to enforce the terms.”
“What are the terms?”
“I am to marry some lass who is a cousin to some person I neither care nor want to think about. Her grandfather signed the petition.”
“They canna do that, can they?” Lachlan asked.
