Dughall grinned at her. “’Tis good we’re not the enemy.”
But she was the enemy, Margaret thought with a shiver.
They emerged into the early daylight of the courtyard. It was full. Tents had been erected everywhere, and horses were tethered by the far walls. Yet as full as it was, it could not contain Bruce’s entire army—just his most important men.
Alexander and Isabella were riding directly to the steps before the central hall. A group of men stood there to greet them.
Margaret tensed, espying Robert Bruce immediately. He stood a hand above everyone else, in a dark red surcote with long sleeves and an ermine-lined gold mantle. A brooch winked from its claspmantle and jewels glinted from the hilt of his sword. He was surrounded by equally well-dressed noblemen—one of whom was the Earl of Atholl.
Her heart turned over, hard. Her instinct had been correct. Atholl had betrayed Buchan that night at his home. Atholl rode with Bruce.
Alexander had dismounted, and he was helping Isabella to do so, as well. But Margaret’s gaze was riveted to Atholl’s, and the moment he met her eyes, he smiled and bowed his golden head.
Margaret did not smile back. Atholl had betrayed her uncle, after so many years of friendship. She wondered if Buchan knew. And she wondered what Atholl thought of her—and Alexander.
Bruce was hurrying down the steps. “Alexander! You have brought me the Countess of Fife!” he exclaimed.
Alexander dropped to one knee. “Yer Majesty,” he said. “I have gladly done as ye have demanded.”
“Rise up, you may pay me homage tomorrow. And I had no doubt you would bring her here.”
“The storm delayed us,” Alexander said, standing. “And I am sorry.”
“Do not apologize for God’s will.”
Margaret was relieved that he seemed only happy at their arrival, despite its delay. He was positively expansive as he turned to Isabella. But suddenly a beautifully gowned and heavily bejeweled woman stepped outside the central hall, also clad in red and gold, her hair tightly braided beneath a gold circlet. The woman was younger than Bruce, but older than either Margaret or Isabella, probably in her late twenties. She stared, unsmiling, at Bruce and Isabella, and Margaret felt certain that this was his second wife, Elisabeth de Burgh.
“Countess!” Bruce boomed. Margaret’s attention was jerked back to Bruce and Isabella. He clasped her hands tightly and said, “Welcome to my royal court.”
Isabella beamed. “Your Majesty!” She started to curtsy, her color high.
He hauled her upright, and then held her by both arms. “Do not bow to me yet. Isabella—how beautiful you remain!”
Her eyes shined. “Thank you, Rob—Your Majesty.”
Margaret was horrified. Isabella was smitten with Robert Bruce. Her feelings were so obvious; they were expressed all over her face.
“I am so pleased you have come, Isabella. I have a great need of you.”
“I could not wait to come and help you to become king!” she cried earnestly. “I have dreamed of this day!”
Margaret felt despair stab through her. Isabella was not worldly, never mind that she had thought so for a moment at Balvenie. She was young and flirtatious, she was impressionable and impulsive. But most of all, she was in love with Robert Bruce.
“Do ye wish to stay astride forever?”
She jerked as Alexander spoke, rather teasingly, but so softly no one could hear.
But her attention returned to Bruce and Isabella. “And you will be a great help to me! We despaired, Isabella, when Alexander did not arrive yesterday, and I was crowned anyway. But we will hold another coronation tomorrow!” He turned, scanning everyone present. “Tomorrow, at Caislean Credi, the Countess of Fife will lead me to my crown!” he roared.
Everyone present roared back in approval.
And Isabella gazed upon Bruce with open adoration.
Margaret looked past Bruce. His wife stood unsmiling on the top step before the central hall, surrounded by several noblewomen. She was as still as a statue, and clearly displeased.
Alexander laid his hand on top of her knee.
She inhaled. As distraught as she was, as frightened—for Isabella, who would apparently still be used by Bruce as his pawn—Alexander’s touch aroused her in many ways. He had her attention, and he also made her instantly wonder what they would do now. Were they to continue their secret love affair? An insane part of her hoped so!
