Ruaridh blinked. Colin’s expression sharpened slightly.
Niall smiled. “Well, that certainly daesnae explain the cheerfulness.”
Ruaridh turned to stare at Domhnall. “Ye offered what?”
“A white marriage.”
“Aye, I heard the words. I’m trying tae understandwhyye would say them.”
Domhnall shrugged. “It was part of the agreement we made before the claim.”
Colin crossed his arms. “And now?”
Domhnall looked toward the training yard for a moment before answering.
“And now,” he said carefully, “I am beginning tae suspect it wasnae me most intelligent decision.”
Ruaridh barked a laugh loud enough to startle two passing guards. “There it is!”
Niall chuckled quietly. “What changed yer mind?”
Domhnall hesitated. “I… desire her.”
The words settled over the courtyard with surprising weight. Ruaridh leaned back with obvious satisfaction.
“Aye. That sounds more like a marriage.”
Colin tilted his head. “Ye didnae anticipate that?”
“I anticipated many things.”
“Desire was nae one of them?”
“Nae immediately,” Domhnall admitted.
Niall looked thoughtful. “And daes she ken this?”
Domhnall frowned slightly. “Nay.”
“Why nae?”
“Because I gave me word.”
Ruaridh snorted. “Ye are the only man I ken who would promise celibacy tae a beautiful woman and then suffer fer it like a monk.”
Domhnall shot him a flat look. “Yer sympathy is overwhelming.”
Colin studied him with quiet curiosity. “And how did the lady respond tae the arrangement?”
Domhnall considered that. “She seemed… relieved.”
Niall hummed softly. “Only?”
Domhnall hesitated again. “And slightly displeased.”
Ruaridh leaned forward immediately. “Displeased?”
“A wee bit.”
