Page 117 of Laird of Steel
“And no one’s heard o’ the warrior lairds.” His mouth had a bitter twist.
She blinked. Was that the reason behind Brand’s harsh attitude toward women? Did he envy the warrior maids’ fame?
“But your brother…”
“Gellir has managed to make a name for himself,” he said tightly. “But he had to leave Rivenloch to get out from under the shadow of the Warrior Maids.”
Merraid leaned against the fence beside him and murmured, “He was invisible.”
“Aye.”
“As are ye.”
He nodded.
Merraid understood. A man in a clan of women warriors likely felt as out of place and useless as a maidservant who could hold her own with a sword.
“Tell me about your brother, m’laird,” she said.
“Gellir? He was my inspiration, growing up. He kept my fighting skills sharp. Taught me how to ride a horse. Wield a blade. Use a targe. Gave me this scar,” he said with a dry chuckle, pointing to a thin line across his cheekbone.
“Why do ye not go on the tournament circuit with him, m’laird?”
Her question hit a nerve. A muscle twitched in his cheek. “I’ve been commanded to remain at Rivenloch.”
“By the king?”
“By the laird.”
“Your mother?” Merraid scowled. Brand was the same age as she was. He was a noble and already a proper knight. Even she was allowed the freedom to leave the castle. She didn’t need the laird’s permission. “Why?”
“Because I’m next in line.”
“For the lairdship?” That seemed overly redundant. If Laird Deirdre died an untimely death, Hallie would presumably inherit the title. Gellir was next in line after Hallie. Brand was only a spare heir in the unlikely event that Deirdre, Hallie, and Gellir were killed prematurely.
“For marriage.”
Merraid’s brows shot up. “Marriage? God’s eyes! Has the king threatened to marryallthe Rivenloch men to English brides?”
“He hasn’t actually threatened anyone. But better safe than…” He frowned. “Wait. Why would a maidservant know about that?”
“Gellir confided in me. We’re…friends.”
“So I’ve heard.”
Her breath caught. “Ye have?”
He shook his head. “My sister Isabel won’t leave it alone.”
“What did she say?”
“Some nonsense about a bond between you,” he said with a dubious roll of his eyes.
“Oh. Aye.”
“She also said you were worried on his account.”
“I suppose everyone’s worried on his account.”
