"I would like that," Una replied, and meant it.
"We must keep moving," Cormac said, and drew her gently forward.
***
THE KING STOOD AT THEedge of the dais.He looked up as they approached and something settled in his expression.
Cormac bowed.Una curtsied.
"Your Majesty," Cormac said."My wife.Una Stewart."He paused."And Una, this is my friend.His Majesty, King David."
She raised her eyes.The king was looking at her with a wide grin.
"Mrs Stewart," he said quietly."I am very pleased to finally meet ye.Shadow has told me much about ye."
Una blinked."Thank ye, Your Majesty."She hesitated."Ye know who he is?"
"Aye.Who do ye think Shadow works for?"The king winked.
Una turned to look at Cormac."Shadow is the king's man?"she whispered.
"Aye, love."He held her gaze until she saw the truth of it.
And she did.So many things made sense now.Their talk on the road, when Cormac said he only robbed nobles who deserved it and never did anything to inconvenience the king.Because her husband was not a raider at all.He was one of the king's men.The notorious gang intercepted and arrested.All of it in service to the crown.
"I understand ye have had an eventful week," the king said.
"A little eventful, aye," she replied."Though I find I have no complaints about the outcome."
The king looked at her, then at Cormac, with an expression that said plainly he approved.
"Neither do I," the king said.He raised his cup."To yer health and happiness.Both of ye."
Cormac's hand settled at the small of her back.
"Your Majesty is very kind," she said.
She curtsied.The king inclined his head.Cormac drew her back into the room and she walked beside him into the noise and the candlelight.
"I'm sorry I kept that from ye, wife," Cormac said as they made their way back to his parents."I wanted it to be simply us before ye knew about my work for the king."
"'Tis all right.I can understand why ye held that back.I just feel a little robbed of my dream."
"What do ye mean?"
"I was getting used to the thought of raiding the countryside and living in the woods."
Cormac grinned at her."We could still do that.Find a cozy bothy by a river and lock ourselves away for a few days."
Una's expression became somber.
"What is it?"Cormac asked.
"'Tis just that now I realize who ye really are, it seems wrong that ye married me.Ye should have a noblewoman of yer own station and—"
Cormac cut off her words with a kiss."Never, ever think that is what I want.I want ye.Always have, from the very beginning."
She nodded as his arm tightened around her waist.
