He nodded, skimmed his thumb against her palm. “Tighearnán told me that except for sleep, Órlaith hasna left her mother’s side since her return.”
“Nor can I blame the lass.” She arched her brow. “Why are you smiling?”
Dáire shook his head. “Shortly after we first arrived at Wynshire Castle, I remember seeing one of your maids with Tighearnán. From the way they spoke privately, I believed Tighearnán had found more than a woman in his life, but a mother for Órlaith.”
When,” she said with a laugh, “all the while ’twas my maid who was taken with Bran and sought out Tighearnán to learn more about his friend.”
“Indeed. ’Twould seem Bran is equally taken. After meeting you, I know how he feels. Nor did his good fortune end there. ’Twas wonderful to see the surprise on his face at the arrival of the Bruce’s missive, commanding that Bran be knighted for his service to his king.”
“A well-deserved honor,” Lathir said, “One my father was proud to fulfill.”
Laughter echoed from the back of the celebratory crowd.
Aching to touch her, wanting her alone, wanting her in his bed, Dáire claimed her mouth in a deep kiss. Blood pounding hot, he drew back. That time would arrive soon after their vows.
“Nor have the blessings ended there,” he said. “I still shake my head that your father as well as mine gifted us with Murchadh Castle, and I with the title of Earl of Ardgar stripped from theprevious lord.”
Pride shimmered on her face. “A decision our king sanctioned. And with Lord Dunsmore and his Templars bringing the arms to King Robert, I am confident the weapons will make their journey safely.”
“And be used to finally bring all of Scotland beneath King Robert’s rule.” Dáire frowned. “A fight that I fear will take many more years, one that could come to a head at Bannockburn, or another strong Scottish foothold.”
Lines of worry creased her brow. “I pray it doesna last that long.”
“As I,”Dáire agreed.
“Let us talk no further ofwar this day.”
“Aye.” Throat tight, bursting with pride, Dáire looked at his fellow Templar knights, Stephan MacQuistan, Earl of Dunsmore; Sir Thomas MacKelloch, Earl of Kincaid; Sir Aiden MacConnell, Earl of Lennox; and Sir Cailin MacHugh, Earl of Dalkirk; loyal men he’d fought with over the years. Brave men with whom he’d sailed from France after King Philip’s betrayal.
When they’d reached Scotland less than two years before, never could any of them have imagined they’d be standing together not only bound by the Brotherhood, but as nobles, men who were blessed with incredible women they loved.
“But celebrate—” Lathir said, drawing him from his musings as she pressed a soft kiss on his mouth, lingered with slow, devastating intent. Eyes dark with desire, she drew back. “That you willnahave to leave.”
“God’s truth,” he whispered in a rough hiss, “I should haul you upstairs to our chamberright now and—”
The priest cleared his throat as he stepped before them.
Lathir’s eyes danced with mischief before she faced the priest.
Bloody hell, the lass knew she was driving him mad. Nor did he mind. This night he would find sweet satisfaction in giving back, teasing her, until they both found their release, onlyto begin again.
“We are here before God’s eyes to unite Dáire McKelan, Earl of Ardgar, and Lady Lathir McConaghy.” Wrapping a woven green silk ribbon around Dáire’s wrist, then Lathir’s, the cleric regaled a passage of faith, loyalty, and love. As he finished, he made a knot. Face beaming with joy, the priest raised their bound hands. “I now pronounce youman and wife!”
Cheers roared within the great hall, the force making the golden chalices and flagons of bronze and silver upon the dais tremble.
The love in Dáire’s eyes filled Lathir. “I love you, my husband.”
“And I love you.” He claimed her mouth. Cheers again swept the room, but the voices faded as she sank into the kiss, let his touch, his taste fill her. With him ’twould always be so.
After accepting congratulations from all within the chamber, Dáire found himself anxious to be with his wife. He leaned close, whispered in her ear, “I am nota patient man.”
Her eyes darkened with desire. “What I am counting on.” She shot a glance toward the turret. “Do you think they would notice if weslipped away?”
Dáire gave her a dry look, then swept her up in his arms. “My lady wife, with the Brotherhood in attendance, any who tried to stop us would be a fool.”
“Then, my husband,” she said with a saucy wink, “’tis time we take our leave.”
He took her hand, and they sprinted toward the stairs. Once he reached the second-floor corridor, the shouts below demanding their return growing louder, he set her down. “Run!”
