Page 55 of Highland Guard
Macbeth rolled his eyes at Dalziel, who merely smirked. It was well known that Queen Gruoch was a hopeless romantic, and she had taken a keen interest in Kieran and Naomi’s love story.
“I ken it, love, but neither can I have them out there and unprotected. There must be a way to keep them close without causing too much upheaval between their clans.”
Dalziel replied, “I may have a solution.”
***
The Solution
ALL PARTIES GATHEREDin the queen’s solar. Eugenie Anrias and her father Oisein Anrias, including several retainers. Across from the table sat Iverson Macrae and Donald Clunes and the MacKenzie retainers. Then the royal couple, Dalziel, and finally Kieran and Naomi.
“Kieran MacKenzie, do you wish to remain the MacKenzie laird in Kintail?”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Why not?”
“With respect to the clan members that are present, I never wanted it to begin with. I’d made my intentions clear on the matter. My mother and I were banished from clan lands when I was a bairn. I no longer feel any connection to it. Even now, I sit among you wearing the MacGregor plaid because they are my clan. But if being your laird means I get to keep my wife, then I’ll take on the responsibility and never complain about it.” He squeezed Naomi’s hand.
“Iverson Macrae, do the MacKenzies want Kieran as their laird? Is there not another who has gained their trust, and the clan feels they should lead instead?” Macbeth asked.
Iverson paused and looked uncertain until Donald replied, “Aye, Your Majesty, there is. Iverson has the backing of the entire clan, but out of respect for the old laird he refused to take the position. We never much cared for the late chieftain nor his son, Baden. They caused more strife among us than we cared to admit. The constant raiding of Anrias land was a part of the problem.” Donald paused and looked at Kieran. “If it means anything, what your da did to you and your ma was not the last. He banished many members at a whim, and we had no say in it.”
Kieran merely nodded in acknowledgement.
“Go on,” Macbeth said.
“Iverson should be our laird. His mother is a MacKenzie, and he led us out of many scrapes when the old chief got us into them. If Iverson leads us, all raiding will cease.” Macbeth noticed several of the MacKenzie retainers nodded their heads in agreement.
“That would be welcome from us. It would put an end to the skirmishes along the borders of our lands and we would be reluctant to break that peace,” Oisin Anrias said. His retainers also nodded their heads.
“Would you all be willing to sign an agreement to that effect?” Dalziel asked. There were nods of heads around the room.
Macbeth said, “If peace is kept between you with a written agreement, then Kieran MacKenzie relinquishes his position as laird. It passes to Iverson Macrae. The agreement will take the place of the betrothal contract. I will settle a small sum on both clans to honor it.”
“But what happens to my niece?” Eugenie Anrias asked. “You cannot mean to discard her now that everyone knows the marriage is consummated. It will ruin her reputation.”
“Your niece shall remain wed to Kieran. That does not change, and they shall remain under my protection,” Macbeth replied.
All parties nodded in agreement.
“That is very generous, Your Majesty. I thank you,” Kieran replied.
Naomi was relieved that Kieran would not be forced to take a lairdship he did not want. But whether he wanted to stay married to her would remain to be seen.
“Then it is settled,” Macbeth declared.
***
“SO, WHAT HAPPENS TOus now?” Naomi asked Dalziel.
“We will travel to MacGregor Keep as there are clan matters in need of my attention. I am sure the MacGregors would be happy to see Kieran and meet you. I have not had time to send word of our arrival, but the womenfolk will have things well in hand.”
“And the relic?” Kieran asked.
“It remains here, well-guarded within Macbeth’s treasury. But should he require Naomi’s services, then you are to return. This way, theBrotherhoodwill not have access to both the relic and Naomi at the same time.”
“Thank you, friend. That is a wise plan indeed.”
