Annag had stopped mid-stride, staring at him as though she had seen a ghost.
Then the stranger spoke."Apologies, Your Majesty, for my lateness."The voice was rough, the throat behind it badly damaged."I wish to speak before ye make a final ruling for the Ruthvens."
"And who might ye be?"the king asked.
"I am Torin Ruthven.Son and heir to Laird Ruthven and brother to Annag."
Shocked gasps and loud murmurs swept the room.Torin Ruthven had not been seen since for several years.He never returned from the war.Most had assumed him dead or imprisoned.
"Son."Laird Ruthven's voice came out in a whisper.
"Father.I am home."He looked back at the king."And I wish to claim recompense for the wrong done to my family by a Stewart for a broken betrothal."
Murmurs spread fast across the chamber.
Cormac clasped Una's hand tightly.
"I'll need to hear what ye suggest," the king replied.
"I request a betrothal in place of the broken one."
"With whom?"
Torin scanned the room slowly.He stopped at Nessa.His gaze fixed on hers and held.Nessa's eyes went wide.She did not move.
"Nessa Stewart," he said.
"No!"Cormac was on his feet."There is no way my sister will marry ye."
"Ye have no say in this," Torin replied.
"I'm her brother and I say ye cannot have her."
"Quiet!I am addressing the king, not ye."
The king raised his hand for silence.He leaned toward his councillor and listened.Then he looked at Torin."And if I say no to yer request?"
"Then ye are no king I wish to serve."
Audible gasps broke across the room.Several guards moved toward Torin at once.Two tried to take hold of him.He was faster than a man his size had any right to be.Two quick movements, a flick of the wrist, and both guards were on the floor, winded.He stood with his gaze steady on the room and waited as more guards advanced.
"Stand down," the king said.
The guards stood down.
"Ye will not harm the lass?"the king asked.
"Never," Torin replied.
"Then if Miss Nessa Stewart does not object, it seems only fair the clans should be joined in marriage."The king looked at Nessa."Lass, what say ye?"
Silence.
Nessa sat very still.
Torin made his way toward her.Cormac stepped forward to stop him but Seumas gripped his arm and held him back.Una stayed rooted to the spot.
The entire assembly watched as the scarred giant crossed the room.When he reached Nessa he knelt down on one knee so their gazes were level.The gesture was startling from a man so large and menacing.
