Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) Read Online Free Page A

immediately called into a meeting with the king. The king’s brother, Walter Stewart, who was the Earl of Menteith and the Sheriff of Ayr, was also in attendance, along with two other lairds who had pledged to support Scotland: the Boyd of Kilmarnock and the Mure of Rowallan. “Sit, please,” Alexander waved his arms toward the hearth. “‘Twas a long trip, nay? Sit and relax with an ale.”
    Alex had been at the royal castle at least once in the last year to keep Alexander informed of business in the Highlands. He had been happy to report that he had confidence in the young king, so Brodie had been excited to be included in this trip.
    “You k now you have our support, Your Grace. What is the current need that is so urgent?” Alex Grant made his way to a chair by the hearth, resplendent in his red plaid, taller and broader than all the others by far.
    King Alexander chuckled. “Och, anything that takes you away from that beautiful wife of yours does not set well, does it, Grant? Marriage has changed you. How are the twins and the wee lass?”
    “All are well , Your Grace. Maddie is carrying again, so I do prefer to make haste where I can.”Alexander’s eyes twinkled as he stood to face Alex. “Aye, with a stallion such as you for a husband, the lass will probably always be carrying. After she births this one, give her a break and come see me for a few moons, aye?”
    Boyd and Mure chuckled in support of their king, but Alex’s demeanor didn’t change.
    “I take proper care of my wife.”
    Brodie couldn’t keep himself from grinning. Loving and protective, his brother wouldn’t stand for even the most innocent jesting at the expense of his wee wife. The king had been fully aware of this when he’d prodded him.
    The king waved his hand. “Och, Grant, relax. As King of the Scots, I would be a fool not to make sure you take proper care of the lass. Think of all the Highland lads she will give you and the country. The future is in her womb.” He laughed at his own prodding.
    The group sat around a table in front of the hearth, patiently waiting for their king to inform them of his purpose in gathering them together. “Lads, I need you aware of some changes. As you probably know, I am continuing my father’s quest to gain back the Western Isles for the Scottish. I am tired of having our land run by Norsemen. They have been there long enough. They may keep Orkney and the Shetlands, but I have offered to purchase Kintyre and the Isles back from King Haakon of Norway.”
    “’Tis only right, I agree,” Alex offered. “Should have happened long ago. ‘Tis our land, full of Scottish chieftains and people along with the Norse.”
    “Aye, and many who live there have agreed to give their allegiance to the Scottish crown,” the king said. There were several nods of agreement.
    Alex looked at the king, obviously awaiting more information. None came, so he ventured his thoughts. “And the response from Haakon?”
    Alexander shoved his chair back and strode over to the window crossing his arms as he stared out over the River Ayr. “He has rejected my offer again.”
    “ I am sure you made him a fair bargain.” Alex stated.
    When the king turned from the window, there was a harsh look on his face. “Of course, it was fair, Grant, but he refused. Word is this is the last time he will refuse. Apparently, he was not happy with the warriors I sent to Skye not too long ago. My informants tell me some of the chieftains of the Outer Hebrides and Mann have requested his assistance against me. True, my lads did get a bit carried away on the isle, but what’s done is done.”
    “Carried away?” Boyd asked.
    “Aye, they were a tad more aggressive than they should have been. But the fact is this: I want the Isles back and I expect all your clans to aid me in my quest. If we need to fight, we will. Any men lost in our quest will die as heroes, the most honorable way to die. What say you all? Will you support me? Aye or