Page 4 of Forbidden Desire
I tensed at his conceited tone, pushing down the need to put him in his place. Alban had always been arrogant. The youngest of three boys, he was spoiled as a child and had never outgrown the need for constant attention.
“It is wonderful.” Reaching past him, I grabbed a goblet from my manservant and lifted the contents to my lips. “You should try it sometime.”
“Me?” Alban balked. “No way, brother. I need not sire heirs to have my fun.”
My gaze darted to Jeemie, who shook his head with a sigh. We both understood Alban’s temperament all too well. He had used his position and influence to his favor for too long, giving little back to the community.
“Regardless, you shall marry.” I watched his gaze narrow as I gulped back the freshwater.
“What?” Drawing back his shoulders, he moved toward me. “Is that an order, Maighstir?”
I rarely had trouble with obedience in the village. My people were content to accept their place in the group and benefit from the fruits of our collective labor. Alban, though, had always been different, a constant thorn in my side who knew his privilege as my brother brought him protection. He rarely addressed me properly, and when he did, it was with a condescending tone I despised.
“Yes.” I met his eyes, undeterred by the apparent show of authority his brawn inferred. Alban forgot his place, and it was my job to remind him of it—third in line for the role as chief, assuming neither Jeemie nor me bore sons—a fact I would remedy in the near future. “It is.” My focus flitted from him to our brother. “It is time both of you took wives. The survival of our bloodline depends upon it.”
“I have thought on the matter and agree.” Jeemie smiled. “Why should you have all the fun, Rasmie?”
“Precisely.” I laughed.
“Who says we’re not having fun?” Alban sniggered. “I have plenty, just without the restraints of a woman hanging off my arm all the time. I’m not built for that, Rasmie, and you know it.”
“You’ll grow into the responsibility.” My tone was firm. “It will make a man of you.”
Alban threw me a skeptical glance. “I am man enough, brother. If you are unsure of my pedigree, I can round up my most recent conquests, who can validate my view.”
“You live your life between your legs, Alban,” Jeemie scoffed. “You think sex is all that matters.”
“I do not think it.” Alban turned to Jeemie, enunciating the penultimate word. “I know it.”
“Enough!” I raised my palm to call them to order. “This is not up for discussion. You shall both marry, and I will take it upon myself to find you the right brides.”
Alban spun back toward me. “You!” His glare was accusing. “Why should you choose for us when you chose the woman now in your bed?”
“Watch your tongue.” I rounded on him, glowering as my heart rate quickened in disgust. “Desiree is my wife and merits all the respect associated with the role.”
“Respect?” Alban cocked a fair eyebrow, his reddish-brown hair much lighter than mine. “Is that what you have in mind when you parade her reddened bottom around the village for every man to leer at?”
“Do not question our Maighstir.” It was Jeemie who sprung to my defense, sensing the growing acrimony. “He embodies the old ways and shows us both an example of how best to lead our future wives.”
“Example? Is that what you think, Jeemie?” Alban shook his head. “I almost pity the poor woman.”
“She is your mathair, and you shall do well to remember it.” I could bear no more of Alban’s scoffing tone. “Do not think I shall not serve punishment on you, brother. If you push me by disrespecting my wife, you shall pay.”
“Fine.” He flicked his wrist dismissively. “Have it your way. I shall show your wife all the respect she deserves.”
My hands balled into fists at his insincere and impetuous scowl. How had any of us grown to be so ungrateful and entitled? It was certainly not the way our parents had raised us, and I silently thanked the gods our father was not here to witness Alban’s decline.
“Good.” Blowing out a breath, I forced myself to retreat and disregard his irritating ways. The day had started so well. I refused to permit Alban to denigrate it entirely. “I shall bring her to you both and observe this respect for myself.”
“Wonderful.” Alban’s jaw clenched. “I look forward to seeing her.”
“Now this matter is resolved,” Jeemie interrupted, his gaze traveling between us. “I must away.”
“You are set to hunt?” I inquired, a part of me envious of my brother’s sport. I hadn’t hunted properly since Desiree had arrived but could not bear to be separated from her for too long. The last time I had let Vaila out of my sight, I had never seen her again.
“Aye, Maighstir.” He grinned. “I am leading men north to find the largest stag. We shall feast once he is brought back as my prize!”
“Of course.” Clapping my hands together, I mirrored his smile. “The moon when the deer shed their antlers approaches. Now is a perfect time. You shall be away then for a day or two?”