Ewan grimaced and touched Mairin’s cheek in a soothing gesture. “ ’Tis nothing I can do, sweeting. Too much rides on this alliance. Alaric is a man full grown. He’s made his decision.”

She huffed in exasperation. “But would he have made such a decision if our clan didn’t have need of this alliance so much? He’s a good man. He’d do anything for you. For the clan.”

“He has a chance to be laird,” Ewan pointed out. “A chance he’ll never gain if he remains here. This is an opportunity as much as it is a necessity that we gain this alliance.”

“Do we really need the McDonalds so much?” she asked incredulously. It didn’t seem logical that they’d need the much weaker clan with the might the McCabes wielded.

“There is more to it than fighting force,” Ewan said gently. “ ’Tis a matter of politics. The king wants this match. This cannot pass your lips, but we both fear that McDonald could turn to Cameron’s side and that would be disastrous, for he is all that lies between McCabe lands and Neamh Álainn.”

Mairin’s nose wrinkled. “Then ’tis more a strategic move than a need for his strength?”

Ewan nodded. “Add to that, there are still some clans who fear Cameron’s might and have held off allying themselves with either side for fear of retaliation should Cameron and Malcolm prove victorious in the bid for the throne and control of the highlands. We need to appear an invincible force. ’Tis a never-ending cycle. To lure others to our cause we must have the alliances of many clans.”

Mairin sighed. “ ’Tis rotten business. I want Alaric and Keeley to be happy.”

Ewan pulled her into his arms. “There’s nothing to say that Alaric won’t eventually be happy with the match. Rionna is a beautiful lass. She’ll bear him strong sons and daughters.”

“But what of Keeley?” Mairin whispered.

“She’ll remain here with us, sheltered by the McCabe clan. There are plenty of men who’d count themselves fortunate to marry a lass such as Keeley.”

“You make it sound so simple. Would you think the same if you were forbidden to marry me?”

Ewan pulled away, a scowl on his face. “There is no force on earth or heaven that would keep me from your side.”

“Aye, and I love you for it. Maybe I think ’tis what Alaric should be willing to do for Keeley,” she said quietly.

Chapter 30

CHAPTER 30

Keeley was up at dawn, staring moodily over the terrain. The snows had almost fully melted during an unexpected warming trend, most unusual for January. She hadn’t slept the night before and her eyes were dull and achy.