Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2) Read Free Page A

asked.
    “Aye, ‘tis quite rare.”
    “They are exactly the same as Loki’s.” Gwyneth agreed with Torrian. “I agree that we not discuss it with her until we speak to Loki. But for now, she’s verra worried about her daughter. Once Nellie begins to heal, I’ll question her further.”
    “I hear she dresses as you do, Gwyneth,” Quade said with a smile. “I’d love to know more about her.”
    “And in time, you will,” Gwyneth promised.
    “Accepted, ‘tis no reason to rush this. She’s welcome to stay, and I hope my wife can help her daughter. There are more pressing matters for us to discuss.”
    “Continue.” Logan stared at Torrian. From the nature of his attention, it was clear Torrian was to be the next topic of discussion. The thought came with a fair portion of foreboding.
    “Torrian, after much thought, your stepmother and I have decided ‘tis time for you to marry.”
    Torrian almost toppled off his stool. So Kyle had spoken true. He had no response at all. None. Everyone in the solar stared at him, waiting for his response, so after a long pause, he decided to give them what they wanted. “Why must I marry? I have no interest in any lass here at all.” Though he wouldn’t admit it, Heather suddenly came to mind unbidden. Of course, she would not be considered a good match since she lived in the wild, but there was something about the lass that was difficult to forget.
    There was a smirk at the edges of Quade’s mouth, which only infuriated Torrian more. It was an unusual reaction for him. Torrian prided himself on having a steady demeanor like his father, on being a peacemaker who rarely turned to anger to solve problems. He didn’t get angry.
    Until now.
    “Well? Why throw that command at me without saying aught else? Da? Uncle Logan? Aunt Gwyneth? Who wants to speak? ‘Tis clear you’re all here to see how this ill news settles on me.”
    Quade started to speak, but stopped, his hand hovering in front of his mouth.
    “Da. This is not funny! When have you started barking orders at me? Or am I not entitled to choose my own mate as the rest of my family has done? I’ll call Grandmama down to haunt all of you if you continue with this ridiculous notion.” What he wouldn’t give to have his beautiful grandmother at his side this moment. They’d lost Lady Arlene Ramsay almost five years ago, and Torrian still missed her dearly. She would never have encouraged her son to press this issue.
    Logan held his hand out before he stood. “Now, hold your tongue, lad. I know this upsets you, but do not start throwing out accusations before you hear who we have in mind. You know as well as the next one that a chieftain’s heir must have his own heirs, and ‘tis near time for you to be started on it.”
    “I’m only five and twenty.”
    “You’re six and twenty, and your cousin Loki is already married with a bairn on the way.”
    Torrian got up out of his seat to pace. Six and twenty? When had that happened? He halted for a second to face his sire. “I know full well what my responsibilities are as your son, Da. Or have you not noticed? But I had thought I would have the right to choose a wife of my own liking.”
    “Torrian, calm yourself,” Quade said. “I have mentioned this to you before, yet you still have not courted any lasses. King Alexander mentioned to Logan when he last saw him that he thought he had a good match for you. ‘Tis only fair for you to meet the lass.”
    His king had found a match for him? Torrian fell into a chair. This was too much to take in all at once. “All right. I’ll listen. Tell me what you know.”
    Logan folded his hands together and waited for Torrian to give him his attention. “Are you ready to hear me out?” Uncle Logan and Aunt Gwyneth had both worked for the crown many times over the years, sometimes as spies. They were very familiar with King Alexander, though they had another contact, Hamilton, with whom they worked more