And when he had…
Something had come alive in him. Some desire he did not know how to control.
“That is unfair,” Da said, speaking some of the words in Deathan’s head. “Ye scarce know the lass. Is this yer pride talking, Rohr? Because ye did no’ win any o’ the competitions?”
Rohr went from bone white to hectic red. “They cheated.”
“Their ways may be different to ours, but I canna say they cheated. Much learning must be done. I daresay that is the wisdom behind King Kenneth’s decision—”
“Wisdom?” Rohr fair shouted it. “Wisdom?”
“Hush!”
Rohr lowered his voice but said, “I did no’ come to ye for to argue it all again. I am telling ye, I will no’ marry her. Having seen her, I will no’. Let that be an end to it.”
“That canna be an end!” Da howled. “’Tis an order o’ the king—”
“Then I will go to the king,” Rohr declared. “Seek audience wi’ him. Declare this canna be done.”
Both his companions stared at him.
In true distress now, Murtray cried, “Son, ye canna do that. D’ye think ye are important enough to gain audience wi’ the king?”
“I am no’ important enough to face the man, ye say? Yet he can ruin my life wi’ an order?”
“Tell him, Rohr,” Deathan heard himself say quietly.
Both men stared at him again. A new expression bloomed in Rohr’s eyes.
“Wha’?” Da asked.
“Tell Da the true reason ye will no’ marry the princess.”
“Silence, Deathan—”
“Go on. It has to come out eventually. ’Tis no’ a thing can be hidden for long.”
For an instant, rage looked at him from Rohr’s eyes. Then betrayal and chagrin.Ye will pay for this, that look promised.
But Rohr turned to his father, drew himself up visibly, and said, “I am in love wi’ someone else.”
If he thought he could end it there, he was very much mistaken.
Da lifted his brows and took a moment before he said, “That is most unfortunate, son. I am afraid it does no’ alter wha’ must be. Who is she?”
“Caragh MacDroit.”
Da’s gaze softened. “Aye, a bonny lass.”
“I ha’ told her, weeks ago, I would wed wi’ her.”
“I fear she will ha’ to be disappointed.”
“She is carrying my child.”
That knocked Da back on his heels, so much so he stumbled to the nearest chair and sat down.
“Are ye certain?” he asked Rohr then.
