“Aye, lads, I gave my man much leeway in working out yer marriage contract. Laird Somerled asked little in return for two of his brothers gaining much.” He eyed Duff then turned back to Malcolm. “I am well pleased with ye both. I will send sufficient to make Somerled smile.”
Duff choked on a laugh. “As none have seen him smile since he took over as laird at sixteen, I doubt ’twould happen.”
“James said it would take a woman to make Laird MacDougal lift his lips,” said Colin. The laird’s heir stood with his back against the wall beside Duff. “Mayhaps you could ask King James to find him one, Father.”
“Och, dinna do that to a poor lassie,” added Duff, though he smiled at the idea. Somerled should marry, but as he never, ever, went past the stables at Duncladach, where would he find a wife?
“Niall would make her laugh, would he not?” asked Colin. “’Tis one advantage of marrying two husbands. If a wife is fashed with one she has the other to console her.”
“I will think on that. As for now, there is work to be done.” MacKenzie shoved back his chair and stood. There was a light in his eyes, one Duff had already learned not to trust. He braced himself. “I hope ye got enough sleep last night, lads. We’re off to Kinrowan.”
“Now?” demanded Duff, blurting the word before thinking.
“Aye. The weather is good to travel and ’tis best I be there to introduce ye to the clan, since ye be MacDougals and all.” He flexed his right arm, grinning. “If we’re lucky we’ll run into Ross of Balnagowan and make my daughter Catherine a widow.” He scowled. “I hated to marry her to the man but King James didna give me a choice. He said ’twould stop the attacks. It hasna.” His eyes went to Duff. “’ Tis why ye’ll keep wearing that wee mask, aye?”
It was not a question so much as a confirmation that he would obey. Duff gave a brisk nod. Wearing the mask, supposedly to cover deep scars, hid the fact few could tell he and Malcolm apart. Laird Ross, who held the land on the far side of Cromarty Strait, wanted to gain a foothold on the Black Isle. Whoever controlled Kiera controlled Kinrowan. If she was captured and Malcolm killed she could be married off to gain possession of the land.
If Malcolm was killed, Duff would fix his mask on his twin’s face and step in as laird to keep the land safe. They were more worried about Kiera. They would keep a close eye on their new wife, especially as she carried his babe. Only Kiera, Laird MacKenzie, his son and heir Colin, and a few trusted others knew they were identical.
“We thank ye for the offer to accompany us,” said Malcolm. “We are honored with your presence.”
“A pretty speech,” murmured Colin. “The truth is Silean’s belly is upset because of the babe she is carrying. Father hopes his young wife will again welcome him to her bed on his return.”
“Ye and Barbara should share one bed as we MacDougals do,” said Duff. “’Tis something to wake with yer arms around a warm woman.”
“We have to marry first. Her father put it off again.”
“Then I shan’t tell ye how little sleep I got last night.” That got him an elbow to the ribs. He chuckled at Colin’s attack but sobered quickly. “Kiera thinks we’re returning to her bed, not traipsing over the countryside for days.”
“’Twill will give her a chance to pine for ye.”
Duff elbowed his new friend back. As Colin had his blind eye next to him the elbow hit its mark.
“You’ll pay for that, laddie,” he threatened.
“Colin, ye’ll act in my place, aye?” demanded MacKenzie. “We’ll ride out now.” He waited for Malcolm’s nod. “I’ll send a lad with a word to yer wife.”
Colin straightened. He gave his father a respectful bow. “Aye, Lord Kintail.” They waited as their lairds passed. “When you return I’ll show you a few things,” murmured Colin menacingly.
“I’ve got a few for ye, as well,” replied Duff. “I’d best get to my horse.”
Colin turned his whole body to see Duff. His one uncovered eyebrow rose. “Having just married my demanding sister, you would leave without telling her you’ll be gone for at least a sennight?”
Duff hesitated. Kiera would be furious with them leaving no matter what. If they snuck out on her the morning after their wedding without explaining…
“Good point. If he asks, tell Malcolm I’ll meet him at the stables.”
Duff wasn’t familiar with the castle, but it was fairly simple to get anywhere. He raced up the stairs and down a long hallway to Kiera’s chamber. She’d fallen asleep again after they left. No surprise as they’d kept her awake most the night. She lay curled on her side, facing him. He stopped for a moment to admire her. He rarely saw Kiera when she was still and quiet. Awake, she was always moving, even if it was just pressing her lips together as her eyes shot fire at them.