“Shouldn’t you be in the lists training with Tieren?”
“Already did.” Hunter signed quickly between spoonfuls. “Da sent me back to check on you.”
That surprised her. Did he suspect? More likely he worried about her state of mind. Since their quarrel, she worried more than ever that he felt ambivalent about marrying her. Why else hadn’t he told his father? A wave of unhappy insecurity washed through her. Of course, he denied any ambivalence, saying only that the decision was his alone. He claimed he had no concerns about his father’s reaction. How was that even possible? His father was still the earl.
After breakfast she’d go through her sewing materials. The thought of making tiny garments for her very own baby sent a thrill of excitement through her. For a moment, her thoughts flew to her grandmother. Gran would have been beside herself with excitement at the news of becoming a great-grandmother.
“True.” Elaine came in through the passageway leading from the kitchen. “Finally up? We all feared you would spend the day in your chamber.”
“What time is it?”
“’Tis well past midmorn. Malcolm bid Molly leave the food for you until after the nooning hour. This is the second time Hunter has broken his fast this day.” Elaine tousled Hunter’s hair, and he grinned at her. “Are you…well, sister?”
Alethia couldn’t ignore the speculative glint in Elaine’s eyes. Did she know? “I’m fine. Just tired.”
Hunter pushed his empty bowl away and shot out of the keep, presumably to find Malcolm and Tieren now that his task had been completed.
Alethia sighed and rose from her place. Searching the shadowy corners of the great hall to ensure they were alone, she took Elaine’s arm and leaned her head close to her friend’s. “I’m not going to be able to keep my secret from you, am I?”
Elaine’s laughter echoed through the large room.
“Shush. Be quiet!”
“Oh, True.” Elaine hugged Alethia’s arm. “I only suspected. ’Tis you who canna keep this secret.”
“Don’t tell anyone, especially not Malcolm. I want to be certain all is well first.”
“Not even my mother?”
“She’ll know soon enough.”
“How long has it been since you’ve bled?”
Before Alethia could answer, a single blast from the village horn rent the air. “Another message from your father, do you think?”
“No’ likely. Come, let us go to the ferry landing. ’Tis a fine day, and the air will do you good.”
By the time she and Elaine reached the beach, Malcolm, Liam and several other MacKintosh warriors were already there. Malcolm spared her a nod and a smile before facing the ferry. He tensed, and his expression hardened. Alethia followed his gaze to the lone man standing on the deck. Who could this visitor be to cause such tension? Normally when the ferry crossed the loch, the crowd anticipated the arrival of news and the pleasure of company. Now the mood seemed angry and fraught with wariness.
Elaine gasped.
“Who is it?” she whispered to her sister-in-law.
“’Tis John of clan Comyn. He’s the laird’s son.” Elaine gripped her arm. “’Twas the Comyns who took Meikle Geddes.”
“What on earth would he be doing here?” She watched the MacKintosh warriors as the ferry made its landing. None greeted the man. None offered a hand as he disembarked. All had their hands on their weapons, ready to draw them in an instant.
Malcolm stepped forward. “What business have you here?” His voice and stance carried authority and strength. He let it be known that any enemy would have to get through him first before they could reach the people under his protection. Alethia’s heart swelled with pride.
“I come in peace bearing a message from my father. In proof, I give you my sword.” John drew the sword from its scabbard and laid it on the ground.
“Indeed, you will give me every blade upon your person before you take a step farther onto our island.” Malcolm’s men murmured approval, watching their enemy for any sign of treachery.
“Done.” John began to remove daggers from his belt and boots, laying them on the ground next to his sword. Liam stepped forward to gather the weapons. MacKintosh warriors surrounded the man, and the group moved in formation toward the keep.
“True.” Malcolm reached for her hand and drew her next to him. “I would have you join us in the great hall,” he whispered in her ear.
She nodded, aware that her abilities as a truth-sayer were finally needed for the safety of their clan. Her stomach churned with nervousness as she gripped Malcolm’s hand, grateful for his steady strength.