She may have been put in a lady's chamber and showered with care, but the truth still remained that shewasa prisoner.
—
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CHAPTERSEVEN
Darach stared at his siblings. Morven was pacing around the study, his head in his hands, as he mumbled inaudible words to himself. Lorna was perched on one of the stools in the study, staring into the crackling fire. Darach could almost see the wheels turning in both of their heads as they thought about the story he’d just narrated to them.
“This could spell trouble for the Jacobite alliance,” Morven groaned and slammed his hand into the wall.
“He's never been fully loyal tae the cause, has he?”
Darach shook his head at Lorna's question. “He has been, sister. He's supported the cause from the beginning.”
“This is preposterous! We must get Kenn and the soldiers out quickly or we might be seen in the light of weakness, brother,” Morven said.
Darach nodded. “We must. That was why I brought his daughter here tae broker an exchange.”
“Ye think he'll listen?”
He hoped he would; he had no alternative. “She's his first daughter. Nae faither wants tae lose a daughter.”
“Some faithers would gladly lose their daughters—or sons,” Lorna said.
Judging by the change in her tone, hecould tell she was talking about their father. Darach had to stand up to him and take his beatings to protect his brother and sister. He had the scars to prove it. Lorna may be correct about MacThomas not caring for his daughter—he had slapped herin front of everyone, after all.
Morven stopped his pacing and stared across the room. “Do ye think ye have the right daughter? I daresay I saw the laird show more affection tae the younger girl.”
“She should be enough leverage for us tae get Kenn back. But since I’d rather be sure, we should send scouts to the MacThomas keep and find out if there is an easier way tae bring him out of the dungeons. I dinnae want tae go intae open war with Keith MacThomas.”
“It would break the alliance.” Morven nodded.
“And cause bloodshed. The only blood I want to shed is William’s and that of the clans loyal to him.”
Lorna cleared her throat loudly, and her two brothers turned toward her. “Ye reckon Kenn was truly looking for something in the laird’s books?”
“He couldnae. Kenn is an honorable man, Lorna.” Darach could see doubt on her sister’s face and looked toward Morven instead.
“We’re allies. He had nae reason tae spy on MacThomas.” He nodded at Darach.
“Why would the laird make an accusation that could destroy an alliance?” Lorna sneered.