Page 25 of Wicked Highland Wishes
“Aye,” said Iain. “’Tis true.”
Cameron nodded. “I agree with what the king is doing, but I imagine many lords will nae.”
“I imagine ye’re correct,” Iain replied. “Now to the pressing issues… The king’s party has been struck twice on the journey here, and the king is requesting reinforcements from us to continue on his journey.”
Cameron leaned forward. “What do ye want from us, brother? Volunteers to go?”
“Nay,” Iain said. “I ken who I’ll send, I just wanted ye all here to learn from me why.”
“So who do ye like the least that ye’ll be willing to risk him being killed by men who evidently dunnae care for King David’s return to Scotland?” their youngest brother jested.
Lachlan knew Cameron hadn’t meant the words, but given the way Iain scowled and narrowed his eyes, Lachlan could see his older brother was not in the mood for jests of any sorts.
“Sometimes ye’re funny and sometimes ye’re nae,” Iain said without the slightest bit of levity.
“Aye,” Cameron mumbled, fidgeting in his chair and looking appropriately regretful at his words. “I’m sorry. I’m happy to volunteer,” he added.
Iain nodded. “That’s good because ye and Lachlan are going.”
Beside Lachlan, Graham stiffened. “Why nae me?”
Lachlan looked to Iain, wondering what he’d say, but Iain simply glanced at Graham, and then back to Lachlan and Cameron. “The two of ye will lead twenty of our men to retrieve the king and bring him safely to Skye. He will take a respite here for a verra short spell before traveling to see Marion’s uncle. He intends to ensure he has the support of her uncle, as Lord of the Isles.”
Graham lurched to his feet but stumbled backward, wincing and grabbing at his leg. Lachlan jumped up, caught his brother by the arm, and dragged him forward to prevent him from falling.
“I can manage without yer help,” Graham said, his words stiff and low.
Lachlan immediately released Graham while grinding his teeth on a biting reply. He deserved Graham’s anger for failing to protect Graham, Marion, and Bridgette from attack when he was laird in Iain’s absence, and for his lustful thoughts of Bridgette.
“Why them and nae me?” Graham demanded of Iain.
“Ye ken why,” Iain said firmly.
“My injuries have improved greatly,” Graham insisted. “I’ve been training every day. I beg of ye—let me lead our men.”
When Iain jerked a hand through his hair, unease tightened Lachlan’s shoulders. He knew Iain almost as well as he knew himself and that gesture from his brother meant he was considering relenting to Graham’s request.
Lachlan’s need to protect Graham as he’d failed to do before awoke inside of him. “Iain, ye kinnae send him. He kinnae even ride a horse properly.”
Lachlan swore under his breath when he saw the murderous look that came into Graham’s eyes. He recognized that his word choice could have been better, but if his words kept Iain from sending Graham and kept him safe, then Lachlan would take all the anger Graham cared to heap on him.
“I dunnae need ye playing my defender, Lachlan,” Graham said. “And I can ride just fine. I’ve been practicing. I’ll show ye if ye dunnae believe me, Iain.”
Iain sighed. “Of course I believe ye, Graham. But the journey will be long and hard, and ye’ve only just begun to recover.”
“I want to help bring the king back safely.” Lachlan could see the pleading in Graham’s eyes, and he knew it was getting to Iain by the way his brother’s gaze had softened and his rigid stance had slackened.
“By God, Iain,” Lachlan burst out, drawing his brother’s gaze—everyone’s, really—sharply to him. “Ye’ll send him to his death. Ye kinnae do it.”
“Are ye challenging yer laird?” Graham demanded, cleverly choosing the exact words to put Iain in a position to have to allow Graham to go. Graham had just made it appear as if Lachlan was doubting Iain’s authority.
“Ye ken I’m nae,” Lachlan said, struggling to control his temper.
“Everyone out but Graham, Lachlan, and Atholl,” Iain said in a voice that brooked no argument.
The other men on the dais did not raise argument at being ordered to leave. Lachlan was curious why Atholl was allowed to stay, but he was certain Iain had his reasons. Lachlan noted that Marion and Bridgette remained as well. Marion had a defiant look upon her face and Bridgette’s expression mirrored her friend’s.
“Marion,” Iain said in a warning tone.
