Part 4 (2/2)

”You're wrong. We follow Red Alex's lead and take Gealach. I'd like to see Carlisle oppose us!”

Ridley's irritation won over. He set the goblet aside and advanced on his brother, pus.h.i.+ng him hard so he stumbled backward. ”Do you hear yourself? Alexander Maxwell holds Gealach by no more than his sword arm. Were Carlisle dead, he still has no claim to the land. Until he owns it outright he will never stop fighting to hang onto his pathetic little tower. He has less than three score men; he does not stand a chance against me. When I take something, it will be mine beyond doubt. Do you understand? I will not wage constant battle just to survive. I am more than a simple thief and reiver.”

Wesley jerked his head away, hating the truth.

”Now. The tower is yours, as I've said. And you have the pleasure of wresting it from the outlaw. But I need this marriage for more than the tower-you know that well. Should there be a war, I will be first in line to claim the spoils of my many kinsmen.”

Wesley turned back, another defiant question in his eyes. ”What of Lord Annan? He will be furious when I kill his brother. Will that not ruin all your other plans?”

Ridley smiled. ”The deed, you fool. I'm merely taking what is mine. What can Lord Annan say? Alexander Maxwell holds Gealach by will alone. The land belongs to Carlisle and will soon pa.s.s to me. No one-not even his brother-can fault me for taking what's mine.” He pointed a finger at Wesley before turning away. ”Even Lord Annan understands that.”

Wesley was silent. Ridley took up his wine again, impatient for the woman. He was about to send his brother away when Wesley said, so softly Ridley almost didn't hear him, ”But... is it worth it?”

Ridley hurled the goblet at Wesley. It caught him in the temple and drenched him in crimson. Wesley's teeth were bared, his lips peeled back, but he made no move forward.

”Is it worth it?” Ridley came at Wesley, grabbed handfuls of his doublet and shook him. ”Father left you nothing. He provided dowries for your sisters-but you, he left nothing.” That wasn't entirely true, but with the help of Ridley's expert forgers, that's what Ridley's version of Hugh Graham's will read.

Wesley's hands came up, gripping Ridley's wrists tightly. His control was tenuous, Ridley could see that. It was becoming tiresome, keeping Wesley in line. Each encounter became more impa.s.sioned, more violent. Soon Wesley would not be swayed, might even strike back. And so, soon, Ridley would rid himself of his brother. An accident. But for now, he was still useful.

”I am giving you land and power. Why do you doubt me?”

”I'm not doubting you.” Wesley jerked away, rubbing his hands over his forehead. ”I simply don't understand why we must give our sisters to monsters. There must be another way.”

”Do you truly believe Carlisle is a monster?”

Wesley opened his mouth to answer, but Ridley held up a silencing hand. ”I recall you returning from Annancreag less than two months ago, ranting incessantly about what a monster Lord Annan was.”

Wesley's mouth snapped shut.

Ridley smiled. ”You see? And when you tried to rescue her, what happened?”

Wesley looked away, his skin flus.h.i.+ng. Ridley knew the incident still infuriated Wesley, that he hadn't forgiven Caroline for what to him was the ultimate betrayal-falling in love with the enemy, Lord Annan.

”She didn't want to be rescued. She'd fallen in love with her monster and his monstrous ways.” Ridley shook his head. ”Really, Wesley, give it up. It's beginning to reek of something incestuous.”

Wesley's jaw jutted out until it popped, his eyes narrowed dangerously. ”I've killed men for less than what you accuse me of.”

Ridley blinked innocently. ”You think I say these things?” He shook his head. ”Nay, nay, Brother. 'Tis what the men whisper. You love your sisters too dearly. I'm only warning you. A leader who inspires disgust is no leader at all.”

Wesley looked away, his head bobbing in a sharp nod.

”Good,” Ridley said as the door opened and a female servant was led in. ”Tomorrow, you will ride on Gealach.”

”Yes, my lord.” Wesley's gaze was on the woman, his expression inscrutable. She stared at her feet.

Ridley approached the woman and circled her. She was a pretty thing-in need of a bath, but young and ripe.

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