CHAPTER 27

Edward stiffened and glared at the older man, outraged by the insult. “Are you saying my word isn’t good?”

“Nay, I’m saying I would feel more secure in the alliance if there were more at stake than mutual protection. I don’t want my lands in the hands of a man like Duncan Cameron. He’s a greedy, power-hungry bastard who’d betray his own mother to further his cause.

“There are rumors, Edward, more now than ever, that Duncan plots against the king. And I’ve heard that he might throw in his lot with Malcolm to support another uprising against the throne.”

Edward drummed his fingers on the table and looked again at Alan, who wore what could only be described as a pained look of resignation.

“I’ll have to speak to my brothers. I won’t make any decision that affects Alan without hearing his thoughts on the matter.”

McDonald nodded. “Of course. I would expect no less. Separately, we are strong clans. But together we would be a force to be reckoned with. Think you the McLauren clan would join