“You look like something is worrying you.”
“Not at all,” Magnus said. “I like this hall.”
“Aye, my grandfather decorated it to be a place where the family could feel comfortable and gather to share meals and tales. He was quite the storyteller, my grandfather. Half of it I was sure was made up, that is until I followed my friend across the Firth of Clyde and landed in a Viking village and seeing your clan with my own eyes.”
“Your grandfather told tales of our people?”
“Aye, he was fascinated with your gods and tried for years to learn as much as he could.”
“And he educated his family?”
“He did. He told us all about Odin and Thor and Loki. Has Elspeth not told you this?”
“She has not. I suppose she has had other things on her mind.”
“I imagine so,” he said.
“So where is this other suitor?” Magnus asked, becoming increasingly aware of Elspeth’s absence.
“She is speaking with him now,” Osgar said.
“You have given him permission to do so?” Magnus asked. He did not think this was the way these things worked for the Scots.
“I trust my sister,” he said with a grin.
“And you do not believe she will accept this man?” Magnus’ guts were ready to spill onto the stone floor.
“Nay, I do not. The man in question, is honourable as he is the king’s cousin, is nearly twenty years her senior. I am not concerned in the least.”
“But you would let him speak to her.”
“Aye, he has been welcome here for many years. I would let him speak with her out of respect.”
Magnus didn’t understand. If Osgar knew Elspeth would not accept the man’s proposals, why would he allow either of them to be put through it? Magnus would have just told the man outright,my sister is not interested.Magnus sat back in the chair and took another deep drink of his ale. The liquid soothed his parched throat and eased the tightness in his guts. He would not feel better until Elspeth joined them and the king’s cousin was on his way.
* * *
Elspeth wasn’t sure she’d heard him correctly. She’d known Malcolm since she was a wee lass and remembered him bringing her sweet honeycomb on his visits. It was thenow that you’re grownpart that sort of stuck in her mind as the moment when she would never look at him the same. How could he possibly think she would be interested in marriage to him when he was always more like a much older brother to her? Her mind would not let her ruminate on the particular point he had considered her for marriage. Though it was not uncommon for betrothals to be decided upon when either party was younger, she’d never envisioned it happening to her.
“Malcolm, you honour me,” she said.
“But…” he said and folded his arms across his chest.
“But you are one of my family’s dearest friends. I could never think of you as a husband. Surely you must see that.”
“I understand and in part I am relieved,” he said and sat back on the bench with his hands on either side of him.”
“I am confused. You asked me to marry you, but you are relieved I said no?”
“Aye.”
Elspeth felt like she was losing her mind. She was not without intelligence, but this man made absolutely no sense whatsoever.
“Do you care to explain that?”
“I had heard of your brother’s dealings with you and I came to ensure you were protected because it is the right thing to do and I need a mother for my children. I will never love another woman like I loved Marian and so by marrying you, I could have protected you and helped me as well.”
“But in that scenario, I do not get to love anyone.”
