Page 15 of The Icy Highlander's Virgin
The man—introduced as Malcolm, the castle's head steward—bowed respectfully. "Of course, m'lady. The small library off the solar would serve yer needs well. 'Tis quiet and away from the main corridors."
Within minutes, Erica found herself seated at a polished oak table in a cozy chamber lined with leather-bound volumes. The smell of parchment and old leather filled the air. It was the kind of room her father would have loved—practical yet refined.
Ewan entered first, his weathered face creased with concern. "Ye sent for us, me lady?"
"Aye." Erica gestured to the chairs across from her. "We need to discuss strategy."
James arrived moments later, slightly out of breath and carrying a leather satchel stuffed with documents. "Forgive me, Lady McLaren. I was reviewin' the contracts with Kinnaird's steward."
"Good. That's exactly what we need to talk about." Erica leaned forward, her hands clasped on the table. "Things are goin' better than we expected. I thought I'd be wed in a week; instead here we are merely two days later. This marriage has given us an opportunity we've never had before—a direct alliance with one of the most powerful clans in the Highlands. I want to ken how we can use it to strengthen our position."
James spread several parchments across the table. "The marriage contract is quite generous, actually. Trade agreements, shared defense pacts, access to Kinnaird ports for our goods. But there's more we could negotiate."
"Such as?"
"Joint ventures," he said, pointing to a section of the contract. "Kinnaird has access to markets we've never been able to reach. Their wool trade alone could triple our income if we can arrange shared contracts."
Ewan nodded slowly. "Yer father always said the key to a strong clan was strong allies. The Galloways have never been defeated in battle, and their lands are some of the most prosperous in Scotland."
"What can we offer them in return?" Erica asked. "An alliance only works if both sides benefit."
"Our wool is of excellent quality," James said, warming to the topic. "And our location gives us access to trade routes they daenae have. We could offer exclusive trading partnerships."
Ewan nodded. "Our men are skilled fighters. Joint trainin’ exercises could benefit both clans' defenses."
"Work opportunities," Ewan suggested. "Some of our younger men could train with Kinnaird's guard, learn their methods, and in turn introduce some of our best fightin' tactics. And their women are skilled at certain crafts we've never mastered—fine embroidery, special weaving techniques that command high prices. And our women could in turn show them some of the fine highland recipes McLaren is kent for."
James rifled through his documents. "There's also the matter of the disputed border lands with Clan Morrison. With Kinnaird backing us, Morrison wouldnae dare press their claims."
Erica felt a surge of satisfaction. This was what she'd hoped for—concrete ways this marriage could benefit her people. "And what about grain stores? This past winter was hard on our supplies."
"Kinnaird has surplus," James confirmed. "They've got some of the best farming land in the region. A formal trade agreement could ensure we never face shortages again. As yer husband, he will be obligated to see yer people well fed."
They spent the next hour going through possibilities—trade routes, defensive agreements, shared resources. Erica found herself impressed by the scope of opportunities this marriage had opened. Perhaps her parents had been even wiser than she'd realized when they'd arranged this match.
"There's one more thing," James said carefully. "The matter of heirs."
Erica's stomach tightened. "What about it?"
"Well, any children from this union would have claims to both clan territories. It could create a power the likes of which hasnae been seen in generations."
"That's assumin' there are children," Erica said stiffly.
"Of course, me lady. I just thought ye should be aware of the... implications. Especially since that was the reason Laird Lachlan agreed to this union."
James gathered his documents and left, but Ewan remained seated, his expression thoughtful.
"What is it?" Erica asked when they were alone.
"Have ye considered," he said slowly, "that ye might want to stay?"
"Stay where?"
"Here. As Lady Kinnaird. Truly, I mean, nae just in name."
Erica stared at him. "What are ye sayin'?"
"I'm sayin' maybe this doesnae have to be just political. Maybe ye could build a real life here, with him."
