Aiden scanned the slope leading to the castle where, weeks before, he, Cailin, and Rónán had ridden, caught the flicker of the king’s standard waving in the afternoon breeze. He frowned.
Gwendolyn dropped the ladle into the bucket as she peered up the incline. “I thought you were expecting the Earl of Dunsmore to transport an artifact of importance for the Bruce, but not until youhad returned.”
“Aye.” A holy artifact, one of great importance to the Templars that, regardless of their endless searches in Latharn’s tunnels, they hadn’t found. News he dreaded sharingwith his king.
Their gazes met and worriedeyes held his.
Aiden drew her to him. “I dinna know why he has arrived early, more so accompanied by the king. Regardless the reason, ’tis one we shall soon learn.”
“I will ensure preparations are made for their stay and meet you in the bailey before they arrive.”
He lifted her hand, pressed a kiss upon her palm. “Until then.”
A blush swept her cheeks. “I willna be long.” She hurried away.
He watched her go, admiring her lithe form, matching the grace of her character. Blast it. Fully healed, he’d planned on spending this last night with Gwendolyn alone, but ’twould seem the hours ahead would be engaged in conversation with the Bruce concerning the next attack. He strode toward the castle.
* * * *
Horns blared.
Creaks from the portcullis opening echoed through the castle as he halted at the centerof the bailey.
The scrape of the door sounded. Then Gwendolyn rushed toward him. Breaths coming fast, she halted at his side, nodded. “Everything is ready.”
Horns again sounded from the wall walk as King Robert rode into the courtyard. His crown glinted in the afternoon sun, his yellow tunic embroidered with a deep red lion rampant atop his mail, the same color and design of his steed’s caparison.
“The nobleman at the king’s side is Stephan MacQuistan,” Aiden said.
“The Templar who seized Avalon Castle and wed Lady Katherine?”
“Aye.” On a nervous breath, shoulders back, she turned to the king as he halted before them.
Aiden couldn’t have been prouder of his wife. He gave a deep bow. “We welcome you to LatharnCastle, Sire.”
Gwendolyn curtsied. “Welcome to our home, Your Grace.”
The Bruce and the earl dismounted, and a lad hurried forward to lead their destriers away. “Rise,”the king said.
“Lady Gwendolyn,” Aiden said, “may I introduce you to Stephan MacQuistan, the Earl of Dunsmore,and my friend.”
“My lord,” she said.
Stephan bowed. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, my lady. I have”—he shot an amused glance toward the king before nodding to her—“heard much about you. In the future, I look forward to your meeting my wife. ’Twould seem you and Lady Katherine have much in common.”
A smile curved her lips. “I look forward to that moment.”
“One nay doubt she will enjoy as well.” The earl turned to the king.
The Bruce turned to Aiden. “We had hoped to find you still here.”
“Your Grace, my men and I are prepared to sail on the morning tide,” Aiden said. He shot a curious glance at Stephan.
His friend remained silent.
“Lead us to somewhere you, Lady Gwendolyn, the Earl of Dunsmore, and I can speak in private,” the king stated, his words solemn.
“Aye, Sire.” Aiden started toward the keep, not missing the concern on Gwendolyn’s face. Moments later, he opened the door to the solar. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, spilling swaths of blues, reds, and purples within the chamber. Once he’d ushered the small group inside, Aiden closed the door.
