When Cormac was done, David was quiet a moment."Laird Gunn of Caithness?"
"Aye.The scheme has his hand in it.The men who ran it were hired, not his own people, which is why it took time to find them.But the coin came from Gunn and the target was chosen by him."
"Why Lady Fenella Lockhart specifically?"
"That," Cormac said, "is an interesting question.The Lockhart girl and Gunn's own daughter are competing for the same match.If Lady Fenella were taken and ransomed, the scandal would remove her as a candidate."He paused."I heard that from my wife."
The king's eyebrow rose slightly."Ah, finally.I was wondering when ye would mention the woman who has captured yer heart."
Cormac grinned and shook his head."I will come to that."He continued."Lady Fenella's family should be warned quietly.They are here in Edinburgh.I would ask that the warning come from a neutral party rather than from me directly."
"It can be arranged."The king made a note and gestured to his guardsman, who gave a quick nod."And Gunn himself?"
"He has kept his distance and his hands clean enough that nothing will stick publicly.But if ye were to take a close interest in his activities, I suspect ye’d uncover more."
The king nodded slowly."Consider it done.I will deal with Gunn personally and swiftly to ensure no other women are abducted for their dowries.I thank ye for finding the culprit with such haste."He reached for his wine."Now.I think we need to address this matter of yer supposed betrothal to the Ruthven lass, as it will no doubt affect yer newly married state."
Cormac stiffened slightly."How do ye mean?"
"'Tis nothing serious.I want to know more before I make my ruling."
"With respect, I am not going to set aside my wife."
"Aye, I know it.Calm down.I have had Laird Ruthven's petition on my desk since Tuesday.He is persistent, I will give him that, but ye showing up with a bride changes everything.And yer parents, good grief, man, how do ye put up with them?They are the most exasperating people I have ever met."
"Aye, they are the very reason I am in this bind.The betrothal was arranged by my father without my knowledge or consent.I was never party to it and I never agreed to it.Whatever Ruthven may claim about the terms, I did not sign them and I was not present when they were executed."
"I see."The king did not appear particularly troubled."Yer father has said as much."He set down his cup."The matter is not straightforward legally, which is why Ruthven has brought it here rather than leaving it to the clan to settle.He will have his hearing.I will sit the session tomorrow and I expect ye to be present."A pause."With yer counsel if required."
"Understood."Cormac met his eyes."It will not hold, Your Majesty.There is no contract I consented to and there is no—"
"Cormac."The king cut him off."I said it will be heard.I didnotsay I expected it to succeed.Ruthven will have his day and then the matter will be settled."Something in his expression shifted, lighter now."Which brings me to another rumor."
Cormac waited.
"A little bird," the king said, with amusement, "tells me ye arrived in my castle yesterday via the side yard gate, and that yer bonnie bride does not know ye work directly for me."
"Your Majesty hears a great many things."
"It is my castle, and the walls have ears."He grinned."So.Why does yer wife believe once ye leave here, she will have to live in the woods?"
"My wife is still getting used to the fact she has married a laird's son.She is a talented seamstress from Kyleakin who married me believing I was merely a criminal without a fortune.She accepted me, the Shadow, without judgment or expectation.Do ye know how rare that is?"
The king looked at him for a moment."'Tis rare indeed," he replied.
"If she discovers that the Shadow is purely a ruse, I fear it may be all too overwhelming.'Tis why I have been giving her time to grow accustomed to things here before I share all."
"What are ye afraid of, Shadow?That she will like ye less once she discovers ye are not a pauper or a criminal?"
"I'm afraid she will believe herself unfit to be my bride.That she will try to escape from me."
"And has she tried to escape ye before?"
Seumas let out a quiet laugh."Aye, and she very nearly succeeded."
The king laughed."Then it seems ye have found yer match."He looked at Seumas."What think ye of the lady?"
"She makes a fine mistress.She has earned the loyalty and respect of the men."
