“Because a peaceful takeover of the Sutherland clan will save property and food they would burn if we lay siege. Their warriors will die when they could be turned to add to our defenses. And although I do not believe they would slaughter their horses, many would die in the battles to take Dunrobin. Ella’s death would only make them hate us more, giving them strength to raise arms for her as a martyr.”

“What if she were a man?” Gideon asked, moving a pawn two spots forward.

Cain dropped the incomplete arrow into the basket and lifted his arms to cup his head. He frowned. “She would be dead already.”

Gideon nodded with a smug smile. His brother could sniff out a lie like no other, so it was no use in uttering one that he would prove false. “So, she is alive simply because ye desire her,” Gideon said and indicated the board to make Cain place his pawn.

Cain mimicked his brother’s move, his mind full of responses that proved Gideon’s statement wrong. “Nay,” Cain said. Gideon raised his eyebrow, and Cain glared at him. “Nay,” he repeated. “A woman being killed is viewed differently by her people. Their hate for us will make them stronger and delay our victory over them.”

“She is their chief who ordered the killing of our father and laird.” Gideon moved his bishop.

Cain leaned forward. “Ye know as well as I do that Da took risks as if he wanted to die, especially in battle. Thin armor and no shield, just his sword. And Merida even warned him. I will not punish Ella for Da thinking he was invincible.”

“But…” Gideon tipped his head, a grin growing on his lips. “If she were a man, she’d already be dead.”

Cain threw himself back in his chair, grabbing his poorly carved king from the board to fist in his hand. The wood was hard, unbreakable, and there was no fire into which to throw it like his father had often done when angered.

“I would not ask her to wed me if she were a man,” Cain said. “A siege would be the only way to gain Dunrobin Castle and the Sutherland people. Since their chief is a lass, there is another choice, and I have made it.” He tossed the king in the air, catching it to set back on the table. “She will wed me and join the clans under my rule.”

“Except that she refuses to say the vows. For it to be a solid union, witnesses must hear her speak the oaths to wed ye.”

“I will woo her,” Cain said and picked up his ale next to his chair to take a drink.

Gideon laughed. “Woo her? What do ye know of wooing a lass, big brother? All the lasses ye have known fall into your bed with a mere glance.”