"You wish to take a husband?"
"Aye, 'tis every lasses wish. But the lads only notice Charlet."
"I understand. Who else knows about your red hair?"
Kenna took another deep breath to clear away the last of her crying. "No one, not even Julie. She is unwell today and did not go with me. Mother knows, but my father is on the hunt."
"Good, you will stay in the Keep today and out of sight. I need you to do something for me. Are you willing?"
"I will do whatever you ask. You are my laird and everyone loves you."
Kevin smiled and then turned to the girl's confused mother. "Kenna has done well and she pleases me. You will tell no one about this, not even your husband. If he asks about her, tell him she is with me. Will you obey?"
"Of course, Kevin, but..." When Kevin held up his hand, she backed away, turned and left the great hall.
"Connor, where is my wife?"
"Upstairs with my wife."
"And my sons?"
"Sween practices in the meadow and Neil has gone fishing."
"Good. Put Kenna in Neil's bedchamber for now. Kenna, I will tell you what I want after I see my wife." He waited for her nod and then headed up the stairs.
*
Blair would do anything Thomas Cameron asked him to. Thomas was his laird and wise beyond his years. He learned a lot from him and respected the man, but with an unconscious woman in his arms, he wondered just what he'd gotten himself into. He remembered little of his mother, was raised with four older brothers by a strict father and his only reference to being around women was those he ignored in his clan or an occasional visit with his sister-in-laws. He should have paid more attention.
He held in his arms a gift from the King of England? How was that possible? Highlanders don't make the acquaintance of the king; they would rather kill the man. He glanced down and noticed Charlet didn't look very comfortable, so he halted his horse, and tried to figure out how to move her. Her legs were over one of his and her head rested on his opposite arm. Her face was indeed beautiful, even with her increasingly swollen cheek and black eye. He cupped his hand around the back of her head, sat her up straight, tucked her arm behind him and laid her head against his chest. She suddenly moaned and arched her back. It was a good thing he still had a firm hold on her or she might have hurled herself off the horse.