“Rumor has it, Norway’s King Hákon has settled in the Orkneys and mayhap intends to overwinter there before trying to breach our shores again.” Alexander’s gaze settled on me, where I sat on the sofa. Lachlann sat to my right, and Declan leaned against his father’s sizeable desk to my left. “Rumor also has it you grew up around your king and might have some insight into his next move.”
“I met him twice in my youth, King Alexander,” I corrected. “And ‘twas many years ago, so I fear I cannot be of much help.”
Alexander eyed me for a moment, again striking me as older than his years, before he got to the crux of why he was really here. “Be that as it may, it has also come to my attention that you are much favored in these parts by Scots and Norse alike.” His gaze dropped to the cross I wore like armor before glancing from Lachlann to me. “That you have shunned your heathen ways and welcomed God into your heart. Now, a Scottish chieftain and good friend wishes to marry you, so I cannae help but wonder if word of you is true.” He paused and considered me for another moment, going on before I could assure him it was, whether entirely true or not. “Or, you are a traitor amid us, biding your time in some heathen way that your bonnie face and gentle ways mask to my countrymen.”
“And ‘tis your right to wonder such,” I said smoothly, grateful my voice didn't waver because I felt rather than saw how tense Declan and Lachlann had grown. Even so, this was my Wyrd, and my ever-warming talisman told me so, giving me much-needed strength and belief in my words, as I said what was in my heart. “Yet I would swear to my old gods and new God, that I only wish peace betwixt our people. To form a bridge for those Norse long established here, that I know you have been trying to build. To find a future where we might peacefully co-exist.”
While it was debatable how much of a bridge after the Battle of Largs, before that, Alexander hadn't driven the local Norse from these shores as he might have, so he wasn’t as cruel as some kings.
Alexander sipped his whisky and considered me before speaking again, confirming my assumptions. “Though it might surprise some, I wish the same, Astrid. At least those Norse who have long lived here and contributed to a strong Scotland. Those willing to pay homage to me, their rightful king, and forsake King Hákon because he is no king of this land.” He shook hishead once, firmly. “No more.” His jaw tightened, and a vein ticked in his temple. “Nor will he be of our Isles if ‘tis the last thing I do now that he rejected my claim last year, then dared to attack our verra shore mere weeks ago.”
“And we agree, my king,” Lachlann assured, resting his hand over mine, cooler to the touch than I would have liked, considering we sat in front of a fire, but I found comfort in his gesture, regardless.
“What is it, you wish, my friend?” Lachlann went on.
“For Astrid’s help, of course,” Gustav said, clearly speaking for his liege as Alexander got his rising temper at King Hákon under control. Like Declan, he remained standing, only much nearer their king with a drink in hand and his arm resting casually on the mantle, speaking to just how close he had become to the King of Scotland. “If she is truly of the mind to bring peace to these shores, we will need to set aside her impending marriage to you for a time, Laird Mackay, so that she might assist her new countrymen and prove she is truly suited to marrying a chieftain.”
“Howmuchtime?” Declan said, his voice gruff enough to let me know he wasn’t pleased with this turn of events or, mayhap, even with who revealed them. “And what will you have of her—” his gaze lingered on Gustav for a moment, almost as if he challenged him, before he looked at Alexander— “my king?”
Undoubtedly catching the look Gustav and Declan exchanged because it was mutual and more than obvious, Alexander’s knowing gaze flickered between the men before settling on Lachlann and me. “If ‘twill suit you, Laird Mackay, I would have Astrid travel with me to the Norse warriors who survived the Battle of Largs, then north and onward to meet with other established Norse settlers, so that I might weed out those who should and shouldnae remain. If she proves herselfa true reformed Scot, willing to do the things I ask, and proves steadfast and invaluable, I will gladly approve your marriage.”
“For itdoesneed approving,” Gustav echoed, smoothly filling the position of Alexander’s advisor. He smiled warmly at me. “And ‘twill be my pleasure to travel with you as you prove you’re every bit as worthy as I swore you were, my friend.”
This couldn’t be happening. Surely not. Yet it was, and I had no choice but to sit by and let these Scotsmen dictate my life. No choice when I had followed my fate and willingly come to these shores.
“And I agree, ‘tis a sound idea on both counts,” Lachlann said readily enough, because he had no choice, either, and I knew it. Yet he would get his way one way or another, speaking directly to Alexander. “But I would request something of you, my liege, if ‘tis not too much, as Astrid is to be my wife once she proves herself, which I have no doubt she will. A request given the long friendship I shared with your late father and now you.”
“And what would that be?”
“That you allow Astrid’s dog, as well as my son, and a handful of my men to travel with you to keep watch over her on my behalf, personally guarding her, as I will worry so.” He looked from Declan to Alexander. “Declan is not only a friend to you but one of your best warriors, so he will, without doubt, only aid you in your cause and offer me comfort in Astrid’s absence.”
When Gustav began to answer on Alexander's behalf again, no doubt disliking how much time Declan would be spending with Astrid, the king shook his head and considered Lachlann for a moment. Then, he eyed Declan, who stood almost stoically now, his brow deeply furrowed. “And what do you make of your father’s request, Declan? ‘Twill take you far from home once more and not to battle this time but to guard a lass.”
“I think ‘twould be poor to ever say no to my da,” he replied without hesitation, his steady gaze remaining on hisking, when I sensed he would rather look at me or, better still, glare at Gustav. “So, aye, I will go if ‘tis his and your wish. To go where I am needed and serve at your pleasure.”
“No doubt ‘twould be wise to have you along, given her nationality in these trying times,” the king murmured, his gaze lingering on Declan before his attention returned to Lachlann and he agreed to his terms faster than I might have thought. “Aye, then, Laird Mackay. Your son and a handful of your warriors can travel with me and my retinue.” He nodded once at me as if granting a boon, which, in essence, he was. “And you may bring your dog as long as it doesnae cause any trouble.”
“Thank you,” I said, grateful to at least have Oksana along for company over the next few months.
“Verra well then.” Alexander held up his mug in a toast. “Here’s to weeding out the Norse who dinnae truly want to be here and unifying this country under one flag once and for all.”
Despite it being an uncomfortable thing to toast to, I did so obediently and with a smile lest I cause the king uncertainty.
“Weather permitting, I would like to leave on the morrow,” the king went on, looking at Declan and me. “If you two think you could be prepared by midday, we will head back to where the battle took place. There are wounded Norse that I need to communicate with.” He focused on me. “If you still have Norse attire with you, I would see you wear it to put them at ease. Make them trust you. ‘Twould be better still if you appear more the infamous shield-maiden they claim you are. A warrior just like them.”
I could tell by the way both Declan and Lachlann visibly tensed that they didn’t like the idea.
“Is it truly so wise to bring a Norsewoman there so soon dressed in such a way, no less?” Lachlann wondered. “I would think there’s still a great deal of animosity from fellow Scots who might verra well take issue with it.”
“Aye, there are, but not as many right now,” Alexander divulged. “I’ve sent groups up and down the coast seeking stragglers and keeping an eye to the water lest King Hákon decides to raid sooner than spring. In addition, she will be under my protection, so no one would dare harm her.”
I could tell by Declan’s continued disgruntled expression that he seriously didn’t like the sound of this, but he remained silent, wise enough not to contradict his king given this clan’s traitorous actions of late.
“I will send along some of our verra best warriors as well.” Lachlann gave my hand another little squeeze of reassurance. “And of course, all will be ready to leave at your convenience, my liege.”
After that, with business out of the way, the conversation lightened as everyone caught up, then eventually made their way out to the great hall to dine. Lachlann sat beside the king with me to his right, and Declan took it upon himself to sit on my other side when usually he steered clear of sitting too close to me. I suspected it had to do with Gustav’s presence every bit as much as with Declan agreeing to marry me once he learned that Gustav and I had become friendly.
Although Declan said little to me as we ate a fine fare of flavorful wild boar seasoned with garlic and rosemary, a variety of perfectly seasoned smoked fish, and buttery mixed vegetables, I was, as always, overly aware of him. His earthy, spicy scent and the heat radiating off his body. His strong hands as he ate and talked to Stewart, who sat beside him.
