An eagerness in the light of what just transpired caused her hasty response. “It has been centuries since one in my clan has held the legacy of a fate-seer. My sire declared I would be one of the rarest in my line given I was born under a full harvest moon,” she explained. “There are certain elements which must be met to ensure the talent remains seated into my grasp.”
“The meaning regarding this?” the Lord Chancellor demanded, smoothing his fingers over his clergy robes like they were feathers.Hmm, not good – a possible foe at court.
“’Tis obvious; if certain elements are broken,” the Lord Chamberlain hissed, his bald head as shiny as the polished coin he counted, “the fate-seer is nae longer deemed to harbor any value.”Definite foe at court.
“Do not speak of the lassie as if she were a filly to be sold,” the Lord Constable retorted, eyeing his fellow advisors with a disdainful look.Possible friend at court.
The king’s eyes were softer than the foe advisors. “What is this element regarding?”
Her cheeks warmed. “My maidenhead’s veil must remain intact.”
The king questioned, “King Håkonsson, alongside Lord Kollungr – they know of this demand upon you?” He called it a demand – he knew it was a burden to never lay with the lad you could love or become with child. What an extraordinary king – no, Scotsman – one takes away the title, he was a Scotsman, but what a heart of gold hidden in there. This was worth every risk to get here.
Her eyes looked at Aonghus, then back to the king. “Aye, my lord king.”
The king darted his eyes between her and Aonghus.Why?“Then a maid you shall nae longer be in their eyes or any other,” he said, cunningly. “There is an assembly to leave Stirling, half a fortnight from this day, for my castle upon the shores of Ayr. A grand feast is planned,” Alexander explained. “Terms shall be considered with a delegation from King Håkonsson present. I seek you to be present as well, to gather any ‘glances’ which may aid our advancement. However, I would have them believe your talents are nae longer of any worth. Sir Aonghus, summon Sir James and Sir Sean to re-join us.”
Keirah saw Aonghus tighten beside her at the king’s demand, but he stepped to do the bidding.
Once the three re-entered the chamber, the king continued, “A husband shall be by your side, the union already ‘consummated’.” He paused to give her a side look that spoke it was to be a ruse. “Choose from the three knights present.” Sir James’s jaw dropped as he looked at the freshly knighted MacCade. “This is my reward to you, Keirah, given the prowess you showed in halting the poison from reaching my palate.” She paused, shocked, while he said, matter of factly as if they spoke about her picking a trim for a new gown, “If there is nae knight to your choosing within this chamber, then I may return you to the throne hall to choose among any present. However, forthwith, you will be handfasted by our Lord Chancellor, William Wishart, thus the terms bequeathed to handfasting of a year and one day shall be adhered to, if nae bairns are present.”
Of course– a year and a day. Once the Northmen were driven from the shores the ruse would be done, the handfasting vows broken. King Håkonsson had met a formidable opponent. Obviously Alexander, whose expression appeared set in stone by determination, would see to swearing her chosen ‘husband’ to secrecy, but her eyes glimpsed back toward the three before her.
Sir James somehow seemed to grow taller, appearing to be a flaxen rooster simply at the challenge to be picked first.Absolutely not. Sir Sean only stared through his bruised eye sockets –no. Aonghus. Ohhh, her Aonghus, his brow furrowed with intensity.
There wasn’t a Highland games required to show her the valiant effects needed to win her hand. Had she ever been drawn to another like she was to Aonghus? No, but did she dare condemn Aonghus to being locked beside her without acting completely upon what they yearned most for? He was knighted now; any lady or wealthy widow or lass would seek him into their bed. How could she possibly ask him to remain listless beside her?
Her knight seemed to sense the inner battle raging; he titled his head slightly in almost a bow with silent ask for her as if saying,Aye, Cluaran, ask me for your hand.
At the unspoken gesture, she crossed the chamber then raised her bound wrists before her Scottish knight, whose fingers eagerly tore the ropes away. The tears broke free, rushing her cheeks, which rose up in a smile toward him. Did the twining cutting her flesh being released at his action call to mind all she felt for him? Aye!
“Sir Aonghus, I so choose,” she said, wholeheartedly. He made her heart soar with freedom and power. The choice cast, she took his offered hand for the battles and challenges which lay ahead. They would fight them – together!
Chapter 16
Imposter!He was an imposter; this had to be the only logical explanation. He was honored to be named a knight, but first and foremost was his Cluaran. Any chief or knight or warrior or mercenary or sovereign was at her fingers’ very tips, yet she chosehim. Aonghus bowed his head as he waited to be handfasted within the chapel across the bailey by the Lord Chancellor himself, who looked at him when he raised his brow. The bishop straightened his robe but puckered his mouth.
“I made certain to hear that Sir James has a task far from here.” Sir Brayden took his attention, standing next to him. “Privileged prick kicked a watchtower guard’s feet out from under, crashing him onto the ground. The lad was not even distracted on gate watch. I am certain Sir James was just takin’ out the frustration from your soon-to-be lady’s earlier decision.”
“Is it true, wee brother, that your soon-to-be lady refused to speak with King Alexander without you present?” Callum questioned.
“Aye.”
Callum regarded him with a heavy emotion in his gaze. What was it? Anger. No. Astonishment. Aye, astonishment.
“She is a loyal one; ’tis the rarest of finds,” Callum added, but he seemed to be speaking of more than just Keirah. Had a lass hurt him too? “You watch over her well, wee brother.”
“Always.”
Sir Brayden grinned. “How does one feel to be chosen by the lady our lord king shines highest favor upon?”
“Grant me a slap?” Aonghus replied with an ask.
“Slap?” His friend looked shocked.
SLAP!All right, it wasn’t all a dream.
Aonghus rubbed his cheek, which held the freshly trimmed beard. “Much obliged, Callum,” he said, grateful.
