“King Kenneth kept us waiting several days before granting us an audience,” Caerdoc said somberly. “And when he heard me out, he was not best pleased with what I had to tell.” He turned his dark gaze on Rohr, sharply critical. “I fear, ChiefMacMurtray, you and yours have fallen some in the king’s estimation.”
Da gave a heavy sigh and likewise raked Rohr with a disparaging look.
This is it, Deathan thought.There will be no escaping the decree now. The marriage will follow swiftly. Darlei will be my sister.
“The king pondered well and long over what should be done, and left us waiting several more days before making his decision.”
“And what,” Da asked, “is that decision?”
Deathan could see Darlei trembling now. Her head was still high, but her hands quivered where she clasped them together.
King Caerdoc said, “This marriage will not take place.”
Darlei sagged. Rohr made an inarticulate sound in his throat that smacked of relief, and Deathan’s heart bounded. A good outcome.
But swiftly, King Caerdoc turned to his daughter. “The king has chosen another husband for you, instead. We leave as soon as ever we may and will journey to Killin for the wedding. King Kenneth sends word ahead of us.”
“What?” Darlei gasped.
What?Deathan echoed in his head.
King Caerdoc spoke rapidly to Darlei in their own tongue, as if he feared she had not understood his words.
A dull flush rose from her bosom upward. She did not look at Deathan, though he felt her emotions flying to him.
Nay.
Nay.
“Who?” Darlei asked in Gaelic, like a woman stunned. “Who is this man to whom I am being given?”
“His name is Dunstoch MacNabh, and he lives a goodly distance east of here. Closer to home, it will be for you.”
“I know of Dunstoch MacNabh,” Da spoke up. “He is a widower and a strong chief.”
Darlei began, “I will not—”
Swiftly her father told her, “You will do as the king commands. There has been enough delay, and we can see what comes of it. Chief MacMurtray, we will be ready to leave here in two days, as soon as my men and ponies are rested.”
Two days.They had but two days together.
This was not what Deathan had expected. He’d thought, if the wedding were canceled, Caerdoc would take his daughter home. Deathan would follow and somehow,somehowpersuade him they should be together. As, in truth, they already were.
But she was to be swept away. Into the arms of another stranger. How could he stand and let that happen?
“Father—” Darlei began again.
“Hush. I wish to see this settled and done. For once in your life, daughter, you will do as you are told. Now go to your woman. Begin to pack up your things.”
Darlei, too, looked like she’d been struck a hard blow. But she turned to leave the hall. As she walked past Deathan, she sent him one burning look.
I will find ye, he promised silently.I will always find ye.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Another stranger. Quitelikely, if he was a widower, an old man. Nay, that was not the way it was meant to be.
Clamor filled Darlei’s head as she walked from the hall, silent. Angry thoughts, protests, desperate longings. She could not feel her feet hitting the ground. The pain inside was far too bright.
