Page 52 of Fearless Heart

Heath smiled, for his jovial mien infectious. “I will leave it to you to offer a solution, one we may both agree upon.” Heath reasoned by giving the MacKintosh the upper hand would assuage him to supporting the truce.

“Nothing, no one comes to mind. I shall consider your truce and will think on it. If I feel a treaty should be set, Fraser, I will come. If not, then we shall continue to feud.”

“If your clan members—”

“My clan follows my rule and command. They will do as I say. Will yours? You’re a mite young to be laird. Have ye the backing and support of your clan?” Osgar crossed his arms, his face reflecting his disbelief with the set of his brows.

“I will have their support when the time comes.”

Osgar laughed. “We shall see.” He turned when a woman approached and stood next to him.

“I didn’t know we had guests. Shall I have cook put more food on?”

“Nay, my love. This is no guest, but a Fraser.”

Heath bowed. “My lady, Heath Fraser.”

Her eyes widened, but he had no time to wonder why she seemed surprised by his visit. He was certain he’d never met the woman.

Osgar turned her and gently shoved her to the door. “He was just leaving. See to my supper.”

Heath tilted his head in respect and walked down the steps. He left MacKintosh land as quickly as he could. He wasn’t wont to be caught by the sentry should Osgar MacKintosh change his mind and decide to cut him down.

Safe on Fraser land, Heath considered what he’d tell his da. The keep was quiet when he entered. He ambled to the chamber he used as a child and found Lillia there resting upon the bed.

He sat upon the bedding defeated.

“It’s only me, Sweetness. Go back to sleep.”

She smoothed a hand over his back. “I take it your meeting didn’t go well?”

“Not particularly.”

“I’m sorry. Do you want to talk about it?”

Heath shook his head. “Nay, but I want to discuss you staying here when I leave.”

He was taken aback by her anger. Lillia scowled fiercely. “I will not. You married me, Heath Fraser, and now … now you’re stuck with me.”

His shoulders rose from the harsh sigh he let out. Nothing went as planned this day. Not the meeting with the MacKintoshs or his plan to keep Lillia safe from James. He might as well get on with explaining the setback with the MacKintoshs. Heath had hoped to give his father favorable news, but it wasn’t to be.