Lord Torridan took his measure before replying. “’Twill be done.”
The tense muscles in Rónán’s bodyrelaxed a bit.
Wary eyes of the younger noble held his. “How is it that you were sailing with Lord Sionn?”
“Before I reply, due to the nature of my mission, I must know two things. First, whether you and Lord Sionn have made peace.”
The powerful leader studied him briefly, then gave him a curt nod. “We have. The second?”
After his reaction to what he had said of Sir Feradach’s crew, Rónán felt confident of the noble’s reply to his next question. “Whether you support King Robert.”
“I swore an oath to the Bruce when we met several months ago.”
A fact, Rónán mused, Lathir’s father hadn’t shared with her.
The noble nodded to the younger lord. “As did my son, Kieran, Earlof Craigshyre.”
Which explained the similarities between the two. Rónán explained his allegiance to King Robert, and the reason their sovereign had sent him with Lord Sionn.
Both nobles stared at him in disbelief. “’Tis why we are here,”the elder said.
Confused, Rónán frowned. “My lord?”
“Several weeks ago, I received a missive from Lord Sionn, informing me he was sailing to speak with King Robert. He requested that I meet him at Wynshire Castle upon his return. His reason, to assist in retrieving weapons to send the king to help squelch the lingering resistance.” The earl paused. “That the king sent you as his envoy leads me to believe you are charged with ensuring the arms reach Scotland.”
Rónánnodded. “I am.”
Lord Torridan glanced toward the loch. “And the pirate ship?”
“After Sir Feradach’s men seized Lord Sionn, believing everyone remaining on board dead, they set theAodhafire.”
Concern lined the Earl of Craigshyre’s brow.“Lady Lathir?”
At the anxiousness of the younger man, unease sifted through Rónán. He dismissed his disquiet. No doubt they had met in the past. Only a fool wouldn’t be attracted to her.“She is safe.”
The young lord relaxed.“Where is she?”
“Safe,”Rónán replied.
Craigshyre’s brows slammed together. “Tell mewhere she is!”
Rónán stiffened, then forced himself to relax. The nobles presented no threat. Once he’d returned to the ship, he’d bring her ashore. “Lady Lathir is aboard the cog.”
The young lord’s shoulders eased, and he gave a brief nod. “Then all is set. As in the agreement for peace between Lord Sionn and my father, and by her father’s consent in the last missive, Lady Lathir and I will seal our betrothal this night.”
Chapter Eleven
The deep clang of the bell rang out from Wynshire Castle, barely piercingRónán’s consciousness as he stared at Lord Craigshyre, struggling to accept the earl’s claim. The pending betrothal to Lathir couldna be.
Not when he’d found her, loved her, had begun building a future with her.
Nor could he forget her in his arms, the love shining in her eyes when she’d accepted his proposal, or the dreamsthey’d shared.
Fury slammed through him, and his fingers dropped to the hilt of his sword.
The nobles’ hands moved to their own weapons as he struggled for control. By God, he wouldn’t take her. He’d fight for her, force Craigshyre to realize he had noclaim on her.
He dragged a rough breath. He would… He would…
