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

frequently.
    “Aye. I said I’d listen.”
    “True, but are you open to this suggestion, or are you already rejecting it as a possibility?”
    Torrian closed his eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath. “I shall listen to what you have to say. You have my undivided attention.”
    Logan nodded and said, “The king has asked if you would consider marrying Davina of Buchan in Perthshire. She is a lovely lass of ten and nine summers. I’ve seen her myself, so I can attest to her beauty. The Buchans have been having some issues with their neighboring clans, so they do not wish to marry her to anyone nearby. They are interested in an alliance with the Ramsays. You are the eldest male, and they are requesting a betrothal to the laird’s son. Gregor is near ten years younger than you, so he does not suit. Now, do you have aught you’d like to ask me?”
    “I’m highly suspicious of a clan who cannot get along with any of their neighbors enough to arrange a marriage,” Torrian grumbled. “Have you any more to say on the matter?”
    “I have. The Buchans are becoming more aggressive. That’s not to say Davina is aggressive, but her cousin, brother, and sire are stirring up trouble in the Highlands. The king is hoping this alliance will help satisfy them and prevent them from causing trouble.”
    “In other words, if I marry Davina, you and Da will be more aware of the Buchan’s movements, so you can let the king know if trouble is brewing before it happens. I’m to be the pawn in his game.”
    Logan smirked a little and glanced first at Gwyneth and then at Quade. Though not pleased with the situation, Torrian felt gratified that he’d read it correctly. He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms in front of him, awaiting the others’ response.
    Aunt Gwyneth said, “I told you he was quick. Well done, nephew.” She nodded and then walked from the room, patting Torrian’s shoulder on her way out.
    Logan caught Quade’s gaze and nodded. “He’s all yours, Quade.” But he stayed in the solar with them, watching with his hawk-like eyes that saw everything.
    Quade played with one of the carvings that decorated his desk. “You are correct in your assessment. But you’re not interested in any of the lasses on our land, are you, Torrian?”
    “Nay, but you advised me not to bed any of the lasses from our clan unless I was serious and interested in marriage. I have not found that lass yet.” He paused, then decided to be honest. “‘Tis true I have not searched verra hard.”
    “I will support your final decision, as I know how your grandmother felt about forced marriages, but I would like you to at least meet Davina to see if you would make a match. She would be a smart match, and I believe ‘tis always wise to expand your allies. ‘Tis also best to keep watch of your enemies. Davina of Buchan is not our enemy, but her brother, sire, or cousin—the MacNivens—could be.”
    Torrian mulled this over for a moment without speaking.
    “I see your keen mind whirring,” Logan added, “so allow me to add that it would be highly insulting for you to refuse the match without meeting the lass, both to her sire and to the king, and I would not recommend it. We’re asking you to do a favor for your clan, lad.”
    Shite, his uncle had just made the one plea he would never be able to refuse.
    Do a favor for your clan . He’d been raised to believe that his clan was more important than aught. That guaranteed his answer.
    “And if you do not suit,” his sire added, “I’m sure she’ll feel the same, and the betrothal will never take place.”
    “I’ll agree to meet her, but only for the clan.”
    “That’s all we ask, lad.” His sire stood and clasped his shoulder. “If she be ill natured or uncomely, there will be no match. Logan will send word to the king. We will travel to the Buchans together. Be ready to travel soon, possibly on the morrow.”
    How he hoped his father was telling the truth. He