Chapter Twenty-Seven

!Warning! May contain "offensive language"

Breac dragged a hand through his thick dark hair in exasperation before continuing on his way to his father's chambre.

Breac entered the Laird's grand chambre to find his father pacing the floor beside his desk. His face was dark from sun; etched with age and worry. His raven curls were strewn about his face and mussed from his constant tugging at them from frustration.

His Mother; Lady Macdonnell was draped across a silk chaise in front of the hearth, The Mackenzie plaid tucked around her and serving as a blanket. He watched envious as his mother fussed over his youngest brother's hair.

Balfour sat beside their mothers chaise wrapped in the Macdonnell plaid and leaning into the touch of his mouth as she brushing her fingers through his straight caramel colored hair.

Lady Macdonnell loved all of her sons though she adored Balfour. He was the only one of her living children that looked of her. He sported the same whiskey colored eyes and straight brown hair of their mother. He reveled in the coddling he received and his constant babying drove Breac mad.

"Mother,Father, Pipsqueak"

Breach bowed respectfully to his father. He rose only to find a silver brooch hurling it's way to his head. He caught the brooch expertly and rose a brow to his mother.

"Donna call ye brother; that how many times must I ask that of you mo murinin"

"Sorry Mother"Breac grumbled as he moved to perch himself on the edge of his parents bed.

Laird Macdonnell paused his pacing to stare down his eldest son. "Why didn't ye tell me about this Lass immediately?! I could have struck up a deal with that snake Laird Douglas.. I could have given him some parcel of the north territory and some of our younger warrior..Breac son I could have helped ye but now, now I can do nothing. My hands are bound by respect between Laird's and fear of Laird Alpine"

Breac clenched his fist tightly as he stared at him father.

"I was not thinking Father I was so caught up in saving her and nursing her back to health. When I first saw her Father she was being forced to wear this veil..I was intrigued but I had no idea if she would be suitable for marriage; Then I began to follow her to watch her and Father I grew to care for her. Then that witch of a daughter Lady Mae had Elspet lashed and thrown into the barracks to be compromised all because I fancied the servant lass. After that I just got caught up in her, when I'm with her it's like the world pauses and It's just the two of us." Breac trailed off as tears began to surface once more.

Lady Macdonnell stood and moved to comfort her eldest son and brushed fingers through his dark curls.

'"Son, I know how ye feel and I wish I could help, But to oppose Laird Alpine is like opposing a king. He has resources we do not. He outnumbers us by the hundreds and he has more supplies and King Albert would not appreciate a civil war and he would crush us both down and strip us of our titles."Laird Macdonnell's heart ached for his eldest son. He pictured his beautiful Irvette in that poor lass's place and the thought lit fire in his eyes.

"I know Father..I know" Breac whispered defeated.

Lady Macdonnell began to speak words of condolence when her middle son came tumbling through the door. Hair astrew, tunic lopsided and breeches unlaced"

"Dear god Braigh ye appear as if ye just tumbled from a brothel" Lady Macdonnell admonished.

"Only if the brothel provides lads"Breac mumbled under his breath.

Braigh's eyes shot open wide. "Why ye little snake I'm going t-"

"Oh hush Braigh no one cares where he stick your damn cock" Laird Macdonnell grumbled as he sat himself in the oak chair beside his wife's desk.

Braigh went scarlet with embarrassment at his father's brash statement and his mother's tinkling laugh afterwards.

Lady Macdonnell smiled as she settled herself after her chuckling outburst and cupped her eldest cheek "Breac I can send a letter to Clan Mackenzie to my brother. He is the leader of the King's Guard and his Deputy, I can have him investigate the claims of Sion's murderous actions and the origin of your lady. I can make no promises that the King will act if Sion is found guilty but it is worth a try."

Breac smiled weakly "Thank you mother"

Lady Macdonnell smiled

" Good, We have one problem slightly fixed now I wanna hear more about Braigh and this Blind lad seen snooping around his chambres."