Coinneach was concerned that if Hamish believed Blair had abandoned him in the wilderness to endure any fate, the chief might decide to execute her or exile her from the pack. Coinneach didn’t want that to happen.
He wished for Aisling’s mother to understand that he held no grudges. However, if the chief were to banish Blair or do something worse, Aisling would be heartbroken, and Coinneach would have to consider other options.
As Aisling madeher way to the women's quarters to settle in for the night, Gormelia, accompanied by two friends, confronted her, poking her finger at her chest. "You think you're so important now that you're seeing Coinneach because he defeated our champion."
"Not at all. Coinneach is the exceptional one. Don't worry, I'll be serving at the women's table tomorrow as usual. Cook only had me serve at the champion's table because Coinneach was a guest and we are courting." Aisling and Gormelia had never been on friendly terms.
Their animosity started when Gormelia belittled her mother's healing abilities. Aisling had dropped a heavy pot on her foot, though she had always sworn it had been an accident. Gormelia was a bully who always needed a couple of women by her side to boost her confidence. Alone, she wouldn't dare confront Aisling with her disparaging remarks.
Aisling suspected that Gormelia's hostility might also stem from Rupert ignoring Gormelia's attempts to catch his attention, when instead he continued to try to get Aisling’s interest.
So instead, Gormelia had tried to gain the champion’s attention, but he was more interested in fighting than courting lasses.
Aisling’s mother approached, and Gormelia and her friends marched off to their pallets across the room.
“Trouble again with Gormelia?” Her mother was speaking low for Aisling’s ears only.
“Aye. She was furious that I served the champion’s table.”
“I saw her try to upset your tray. I wanted to hit her for it. Most of the women at our table did too. And I saw Coinneach helping you serve the meal.” Her mother took a deep breath. “What did you tell him?”
“Everything. But he doesna blame you for any of it. He still wants your favor so that we can mate. Elspeth wants the wedding to be in the meadow.”
Her mother remained silent.
“Coinneach said he wouldna remove his shirt when he is at the castle.”
Rubbing her eyes, her mother said, “What if anyone sees the resemblance between the chief and Coinneach? They’re both tall, both have the same-colored hair and eyes. They have the same facial structure and when they smile…” Her mother shook her head. “’Tis so risky.”
“You see these things because you know he’s his son.” Now Aisling saw the resemblance as well. She hoped no one else would.
“What about Magnus and Elspeth? Did Coinneach tell them the truth?”
“Nay, and he doesna plan to.” However, if circumstances changed, Aisling suspected the truth would come out.
“He willna try to take revenge against”—her mother glanced around the room where everyone was settling down for the night, and they did too—“the person responsible?”
“Nay.” However, Aisling knew things would change if Morag tried to harm them.
Her mother pulled her blanket over her shoulder and sighed. “I hope you have no’ signed our death warrants.”
Coinneach was up earlierthan anyone, chopping wood to add to the woodpile and gathering water for his mother to break their fast. Once he had awakened, he couldn’t sleep, excited about his new position, but he didn’t want to leave his family with all the chores before heading to the castle.
His mother peered out the door, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “You are up early.”
“I couldna sleep.”
His mother came out and hugged him. “You be careful while you’re working at the castle. We might live a simpler life, but we dinna have to deal with all the pack members’ disputes within the clan. You willna be prepared for the backbiting between the wolves, vying for power.”
Which made him think of Morag making a play for the chief when his wife died. “Aye, I will be careful.”
He was glad that Aisling had told him the truth, or he wouldn’t have known who to keep an eye on.
His da came out next. “Hey, son, you’re no’ going to do all the chores so Tamhas can sleep all day.”
Coinneach knew Tamhas would have his work cut out for him when he was gone. “He packed my bags last night. I was returning the favor.”
Stretching his arms above his head, Tamhas finally left the croft. “What’s everybody doing up so early?” His eyes widenedas he saw the woodpile. “You cut enough firewood to last us for months.” Then he smiled. “Thanks.”
