Page 31 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

The envoy, who'd been standing silently near the wall, stepped forward. "He's deeply in debt, Yer Grace. Has been fer years. There have been... rumors about his treatment of his family."

"What kind of rumors?"

"The unpleasant kind, Yer Grace."

The Regent's jaw tightened. "I see." He returned his attention to David. "When did you say this betrothal was arranged?"

"Two years ago, Your Grace. Though we kept it quiet at Lord Royse's insistence."

"Quiet enough that nay one in me court heard of it?"

"We're Scots, Yer Grace." David allowed himself a slight smile. "We tend tae keep our business our own."

"Clearly." The regent drummed his fingers on the arm of his throne. "Ye understand this puts me in a difficult position, Laird MacDonald. I had plans for your marriage. Arrangements that would have benefited both our kingdoms."

"I understand, Yer Grace. But I couldnae ignore a prior commitment. I hope ye can see that."

"What I see is a Highland laird who's very cleverly circumvented me instructions."

The air in the throne room went cold. Beside him, David felt Elinor go very still.

"With respect, Yer Grace," David said carefully, "I didnae circumvent anythin'. I honored a betrothal that was in place before yer summons arrived. If I'd ken ye had other plans, I would have informed ye sooner."

"Would ye?" The regent's tone was sharp. "Or would you have done exactly what you've done, married the girl quickly and presented me with a fait accompli?"

"Your Grace…" Elinor started.

"I'm not finished, Lady MacDonald." The Regent's gaze never left David. "I summoned ye here tae tie the Highlands more closely tae England. Tae create an alliance through marriage. And ye've brought me a bride that I didn’t choose. One who daesnae serve me purposes."

The silence stretched out, taut as a bowstring. David could hear his own heartbeat, could feel Elinor's fear radiating beside him.

If the regent decided to push it, to investigate, to dig deeper, their story would fall apart. Royse would contradict them. Witnesses would come forward from the auction.

And then they'd both be arrested for treason.

"At least she's English," the regent said finally.

David's breath left him in a rush he hoped wasn't audible. "Aye, Yer Grace. That she is."

"And the marriage is consummated, ye say?"

"Yes, Your Grace," Elinor said quietly. "It is."

The regent looked between them, his expression unreadable. Then he sighed and returned to his throne.

"Very well. Apparently, ye have left me nay choice but tae accept that yer marriage is legitimate." He held up a hand as David started to speak. "But understand this, I am ane pleased with this situation. I had hoped tae use yer marriage tae create stronger ties between the two kingdoms. But we’ll figure out another way."

"Of course, Yer Grace. Whatever ye need."

"I'll think on it." The regent waved a hand dismissively. "Ye're free to return tae your lands. But I'll be watching, Laird MacDonald. And if I find that ye've lied tae me about any of this..."

"I havenae lied, Yer Grace."

"Fer yer sake, I hope that's true." The regent's smile was cold. "Ye're dismissed."

David bowed again, deeper this time. Beside him, Elinor curtsied. They backed away from the throne, turned, and walked with measured steps toward the door.

David didn't breathe properly until they were outside, back in the cold afternoon air.