“You are alive.” Colyne swallowed hard, brushed the pad of his thumb against her cheek. “You are with child? I am—”
“Marie?” the king’s voice boomed with fear.
With her in his arms, Colyne faced the powerful ruler.
Her father, followed by several of his knights holding torches, closed in. A pace away, they halted. King Philip’s fierce gaze narrowed on Colyne. “I demand to know what is going on!”
“Colyne saved my life,” Marie stated with pride.
The sovereign arched a doubtful brow.
“Sire,” Colyne said, “there is a man lying in the bailey below. Moments ago, he met with the Duke of Vocette in secret, a rendezvous both Lady Marie and I overheard.”
The king’s eyes shifted to Marie. “Is this true?”
“Oui. They discussed my abduction. It seems Gaston was involved in the entire scheme, and it was he who led them to me.”
A muscle worked in her father’s jaw. “This explains why you were so easily taken.”
“Aye,” Colyne agreed. “His accomplice also revealed that the Duke of Renard is still in France. He is hiding until arrangements are made for him to sail back to England.”
A humorless smile touched the king’s lips. “Arrangements will be made, but far from those he expects. Renard will regret that he dared to try to sway my support from Scotland by abducting my daughter.” Beneath the torchlight, the king’s gaze grew somber as he assessed Colyne. “Twice now you have aided me. I offer you my greatest appreciation.”
Colyne bowed.
His face taunt with worry, King Philip gazed upon his daughter. “I feared for your life. Had anything happened to you . . . I love you, Marie.”
“I love you too, Father.” Tears rolled down her face as Marie ran to him and gave him a big hug, her doubts and fears falling away. The bond between them was solid. Never again would she doubt that he wanted her in his life.
A sincere smile touched her father’s mouth. “But I shall never become used to your independent ways.”
Colyne stepped forward. “A fact I am more than willing to take charge of, Sire.”
Brow arched, the king studied the Scot.
Pride filled Marie as Colyne held her father’s gaze with fierce resolve.
“I am aware the situation is far from proper,” Colyne stated, “but I am requesting permission for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“And your reason?” the king demanded.
Tenderness creased Colyne’s face as he turned toward her with a look so filled with love that her heart ached. “Because, Sire, I am in love with Marie. I want to care for her, to help raise our child, and to cherish her for the rest of her life.”
In the torchlight, wonder shone in her father’s eyes as he glanced from Colyne to Marie. “Child? Is this true?”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded. “Oui.”
A happy smile curved her father’s face. “In light of recent events, I hereby end your betrothal. You are free to marry the man you choose.”
She gave him another hug. “You have made me so happy.”
He nodded to Colyne. “You have my blessing.” The king pressed a kiss on her brow, and then stepped back as Colyne moved to her side.
Happiness pouring through her, Marie turned.
On an unsteady breath, Colyne cupped her face. “I love you, Marie. I want to grow old with you, to share the happiness of our every day, and to hold you as we watch our children grow. Marry me; you are all I need to make my life complete.”
Emotion tightened in her throat as she stared at the man who was her life, her love, and who she wanted to be with forever. She threw herself into his arms.“Oui!”
