‘The men who took thetánaistewere likely already inside these walls,’ Balor predicted.‘Possibly pretending to be suitors.’
‘The Ó Phelans?’Patrick mused aloud.
Although the chieftain lacked the power to be any sort of threat, Balor agreed with the king.Fergus would indeed ally with the enemy if he thought it would bring him favour.‘Possibly.But the chieftain doesn’t have enough men—and I don’t know if he would take that risk because he wantsKenneth to wed Lady Mairead.’After a pause, Balor added, ‘I think it’s more likely the Normans who were responsible.’
‘I don’t agree,’ Patrick argued.‘They have no reason to attack us.’
When Mairead turned back to Balor, he could read the thoughts in her mind—why was her father defending them?He had his own suspicions but kept silent.
‘I was already attacked by the Normans, only a few months ago,’ she reminded her father.
‘By a handful of men,’ the king countered.‘And I have come to terms with King John about it.’
‘What do you mean?’After a pause, she added, ‘Did he threaten our family?’
Her father didn’t answer, which only confirmed Balor’s suspicions.The two kings had indeed made an agreement, and one that likely involved Mairead’s marriage.
‘Are you planning to give the English king control of Laochre through marriage to me?’she ventured.
Her mother took a breath and answered, ‘King John wants only our loyalty and an alliance.’
‘But an alliance ofhischoosing,’ Mairead predicted.‘I presume it’s with the Earl of Lowell?’
‘The Earl of Lowell is a powerful man favoured by the king,’ her father said quietly.‘He would indeed be a good match for you.’
Balor remained silent.He could see the trap closing around Mairead, and she saw it, too.
She took a step away.‘I don’t even know the earl.And neither do you.’She clenched her hands together.‘What sort of bargain did you make with the king?’
When her father remained silent, she added, ‘Or did you fail to keep an agreement with him?Is that why Liam went missing?’
Her father stood from his chair, his face furious.‘My alliance with King John hasnothingto do with Liam’s disappearance.John knows that if he threatens my family, it will be war between us.’
So therewasan alliance.
Mairead paled at her father’s words.‘If it wasn’t the Normans, then who do you think was responsible?’
‘There are others who no longer want a MacEgan king,’ Patrick answered.‘They would be glad to take command of Laochre from us.’His expression fixed upon Balor, as if he still suspected Fergus might be among them.
‘You’ve kept the peace for more than twenty years,’ Balor said.‘There are many who support you.’
King Patrick seemed to consider it before he turned back to his daughter.‘Given what happened, I think it’s best if I increase the guards who protect you, Mairead.’
‘I don’t think it’s safe at Laochre,’ she said.‘I will not be taken hostage like Liam—especially as a negotiating tool for another king.’She straightened and faced her father.‘I intend to leave, with Balor as my escort.’
Her father’s gaze narrowed, his expression discerning.It was clear that the king hadn’t missed Mairead’s swollen lips or her flushed cheeks.
‘Even if I agreed with your desire to go to my brothers,’ Patrick said quietly, ‘I would never send you to travel alone with one of your suitors.I am not a fool, Mairead.’
She cast an uncertain look at Balor in a silent plea for help.If he said nothing, then she would remain here with her family, which was likely the right decision.He shouldn’t interfere with her father’s desire to protect his daughter.
And yet—no woman had ever looked at him in that way before, as if she needed him.In Mairead’s eyes, he saw her fear of becoming a prisoner in her father’s castle and beinglocked away for her own safety.It would happen, too.He could see the determination on her father’s face.
He shouldn’t get involved.Not in this.The truth was, he didn’t understand why she wanted someone like him.Most people, including his own family, believed there was nothing good in him.Nothing worth saving.
Except her.
Mairead treated him as if she saw beyond everyone else’s opinions.And maybe that was worth his protection.
