“Aye, I will go. But ye must allow me to finish this wine. I have had nae a drop of liquid that wasnae stale ale or boiled potato water.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle lightly at that, Damon too, and Keegan nodded with a tight grin. “Go on, Sister. Finish yer wine.”
The sound of footsteps approaching pulled Keegan’s attention to the aisle in front of their table, and he turned to see Rodrick walking toward him with purpose. He was tense all over again and knew immediately that it had to do with Willow.
“Aye, Rodrick. What is it?”
His man-at-arms bowed quickly and then met Keegan’s eyes with a humorously affected tilt of his head.
“Our guest is askin'—quite forcibly, I might add—to speak with ye, me laird.”
Keegan sighed, slumping into his chair for a moment. Of course, he knew this was coming, but it did not make him dread the situation any less.
“Fine, fine. I’ll get it over with.” Keegan stood up, addressing Damon after taking one more blissful sip of the ale that still remained on the table. “Be sure she gets to the healer, aye?”
Damon nodded subtly, narrowing his eyes. “Of course, Brother.”
“I must’ve turned into a ghost, for they daenae see me. Rodrick,” Melissa turned to him, exaggerating a plea, “ye must tell me, man, can ye see me?”
Rodrick snickered under his breath, trying and failing to keep back a grin. “Aye, me lady. I can see ye quite plainly.”
“Och, thank the Lord. I shouldnae have enjoyed being a specter, except, of course, for how I might have gotten out of these two fussin' over me like hens.”
Keegan glared playfully down at her, not saying a word. He shook his head and left the table to find Willow in her chambers. If he was going to be forced to entertain two spirited lasses, he would at least deal with the more difficult one first, as he shouldn’t be putting it off.
Having reached Willow’s door, Keegan rapped his knuckles on the sturdy wood, awaiting her answer. It took but a moment for him to hear the footsteps on the other side, and the lass opened up her chamber.
“Me laird,” she said flatly, holding open the door so that Keegan could step inside.
As he did, the laird nodded to the two guards at the end of the hallway, acknowledging their watch and silently encouraging them to stay prepared for any trickery.
Still, as Keegan stepped in and Willow shut the room up once more, he noticed that she seemed exceptionally calm—too calm.What are ye up to, lassie?
“Thank ye for coming,” Willow’s stare flicked between Keegan and the floor, the only sign that her nerves might be getting the better of her, “Laird Brahanne.”
Silence bloomed between them, and it was several moments before Willow cleared her throat, preparing herself to speak again. Keegan would give her all the time in the world. He wasn’t looking forward to this discussion, and he wasn’t about to be the one to break the quiet.
“I’ve a question that has been on me mind for some time.” Willow’s tone was level, but her words were clipped as if she were repeating a practiced speech to him. “Me brother doesnae wish for me return, does he?”
Keegan clenched his jaw, his stare falling to the ground for a moment. He’d dreaded this moment even though he knew it was coming. He couldn’t hide the truth from her much longer, but it stung something fierce that he would have to break the lass’s heart like that.
“He only?—”
“Daenae lie to me.” Willow stood as stoic and firm as a statue. “Please.”
Swallowing, Keegan tilted his head toward her, conceding without words that he had been about to. After a moment where the laird pinched his eyes closed, he met Willow’s stare again and nodded.
“Yer brother told me that he wasnae interested in yer return as ye cannae be used in exchange for land from the MacMillans.”
It was gruff, but it was the truth. Keegan wouldn’t soften his words, either. Willow deserved to hear of the situation in earnest, no matter how grim it might have been.
“Ah, well, I cannae say that I am all that surprised by that. He wasnae shy with his desire to get something out of the marriage—or his lack of concern for me own happiness.”
Willow sighed, her gaze ducking toward the floor for a moment before it returned to Keegan.
“Is that all he said?” She didn’t move, still holding his stare, but Keegan could see a subtle sheen form over Willow’s eyes.
Goddamn it.Keegan shook his head.