“Is the idea of a union betwixt us so repulsive?”
Tears finally came. “No. Once, maybe, but not anymore. But, Godfrey, I do not love you.”
“Love has nothing to do with marriage,” he said.
* * *
ALANAHUDDLEDINher fur on the steps outside the hall later that day.
It was snowing. The Earl of Buchan was mounting his dark steed. His best knights were already mounted and awaiting his command to leave. Alana stood with Godfrey and Eleanor, relieved that they were leaving, yet frightened for her father’s safety, too.
Sir Alexander had not yet mounted. He led his gray warhorse over to her and smiled. “We have had such a short time to get to know one another,” he said.
Alana realized that, as much as she needed Buchan gone, she was going to miss her father. She hurried down the steps. “It was a very short time,” she said hoarsely. She did not point out that they did not know one another even now—that a few days could not make up for a missed lifetime.
“You seem sad,” he said, clasping her shoulder.
“This war frightens me. Please stay safe.”
“I will do my best. And, Alana? When the time is right, I will send for you.”
Alana reeled in shock. “For me?”
“It is time you met Alice and Margaret.” He hugged her briefly, surprising her even more. Then he turned and mounted gracefully.
Alana felt ill. She did not want him to die—she wanted to meet her sisters, and get to know her father.
She knew now she did not want to betray her father, even though she was forced to spy by Bruce, even though she remained worried for Iain. She did not want to betray Sir Alexander because he was her father.
But she had to know what was transpiring—because of her feelings for Iain and because she feared for his safety.
“Father.”
He halted his horse abruptly, his eyes wide.
She hadn’t meant to address him in such an intimate manner—it had just slipped out. “Did you learn where Bruce is?”
“Yes, we did. And that is why my brother is in a rush. We will surprise him with an attack—on Christmas Day.”
Alana gasped. Christmas was eight days away!
“If you are worried, don’t be. Our army has grown and we will have the element of surprise on our side.”
She fought for air. “Where is he?” she whispered.
“He is at Slioch, Alana.” Sir Alexander’s gaze narrowed. “Why do you ask? Is this about your sister?”
She stiffened. She had not been thinking of Buchan’s interest in marrying her sister to Iain until her father had brought the subject up. Had Buchan sent another message to Iain? She imagined so.
“Alana,” he continued, “when you meet Margaret, you will come to love her. Your jealousy will pass. I am certain. She has not a single enemy in this world—everyone likes her.”
She could barely assimilate his words. So everyone adored pretty Margaret! She almost told him she was not jealous, but she remained silent, because he was right. But she could not dwell on her sister now.
Buchan and her father rode to war—and they would ambush Bruce at Slioch Mountain in eight more days, when they would be the most unsuspecting.
She had to warn them.
Alana hugged herself, watching as the two men led the cavalcade of knights from the courtyard and through the entry tower.
