Her lower lip trembling, she lifted her jaw, her words a rough whisper. “I agree, Sire.”
“Excellent. Now let us celebrate.” The Bruce walked to the side table, refilled his goblet with wine, and poured two more. He handed one to each of them. “A toast to you, Lord Lenox, and to Lady Gwendolyn, for achieving your heart’s desire.” He raised his cupand drank deep.
Aiden downed the spiced wine, noted she took but a sip. Considering her upset, his elation at his liege lord’s generosity faded.
For a second time they would wed, although this marriage would be real. She would have a husband to govern her people, her castle. Gwendolyn had fought for her independence, and he knew part of her would fight this union for that reason alone, not to mention the betrayal he’d served her.
His being away on campaign would allow each of them time to adjust to their marriage, distance shewould welcome.
“Your Grace,” the guard atthe door said.
The king glanced up. “Aye.”
“The priest has been sighted and will arrive shortly,”the guard said.
Priest? Aiden’s heart pounded. They couldn’t wed now, theyneeded time to—
“Once the priest reaches my tent,” King Robert said to the sentry, “ensure he is escorted inside.”
“Aye, Sire.” The guard bowed, andthen departed.
“Y-Your Grace,” Gwendolyn rasped. “Our wedding can be performed at Latharn Castle once ’tis seized.”
The king’s eyes narrowed. “Nay. The marriage will bedone this day.”
Chapter 14
Aiden damned the flare of anger in Gwendolyn’s eyes, the disdainful resignation as well. Nonetheless, soon the deed would be done. How he and Gwendolyn fared after their marriage would beanother matter.
Still, an urgent issue remained. “Your Grace, to prevent the English from gaining a foothold in the Highlands, ’tis imperative that we reclaim Latharn Castle posthaste.”
The Bruce gave a solemn nod. “Once the marriage vows are said, meet with your men and devise a strategy.”
Eyes blazing, Gwendolyn took a step forward. “Sire, I must be included in the plotting. ’Tis my home, one I intendto fight for.”
Aiden faced his king. “Nay! I have familiarized myself with the stronghold; ’tis unnecessary for Lady Gwendolyn to return. I willna allow her to be placed in danger.”
She rounded on him. “A concern you didna raise while we burned the homes and fieldsofmypeople.”
“However regrettable the damage,” Aiden said between clenched teeth, “’twas an action necessary to remove resources the English could use.”
She scoffed. “And what of my skills with a knife or as an archer? Are they nay longer of value?”
Blast it! “I didna have the luxury to keep you safe before. Now I do. You will stay here with my king,” he stated. “I know the location of the secret entry. There is little more you could offer.”
“You know of only one.” Fierce eyes held his as if on a dare. “But you are ignorant of the others. Passageways I know like the back of my hand and, if necessary, could navigate in the dark.”
“Details,” Aiden said with cold precision, “the hidden ledger will reveal.”
She gave a cold laugh. “If you believe you could find my father’s journal without my assistance, you are a fool.”
“Enough,” theBruce bellowed.
Furious he’d allowed her to draw out his anger before his king, Aiden bowed tohis sovereign.
“Knowledge of the castle’s secret passageways is imperative to ensure the mission’s success.” Palms flat on the arms of the chair, the Bruce leaned forward. “As we dinna have the secret journal, and given Lady Gwendolyn’s skill with weapons and knowledge of the stronghold, she shall be involved in the planning and will accompany youto the castle.”
Triumph flared in her eyes.
