Page 48 of The Return of the Heir

Suddenly an idea came to Gwendolyn as she headed back out of the main keep and towards the old keep. The chapel in the older section of the castle would serve them well.

Once they were in the chapel, Gwendolyn released Rowena’s arm and studied the two young people before her. Marcus had obviously taken great care in dressing for his visit today. His dark brown hair was drawn back from his face and fastened with a black tie, and his dark blue coat fitted his shoulders impeccably. “All right, make your case as to why the two of you should be together despite the friction between your clans.”

An expression of surprise crossed Marcus’s face. “Rowena and I care for each other.”

Gwendolyn’s frown increased. Surely, if their affections were engaged, their feelings would be stronger than that. “Have you any idea the kind of scrutiny your relationship will be under if it is allowed to move forward? Your affections will have to be stronger than ‘caring’ for each other in order to survive the ordeal ahead of you.”

Rowena glanced at Gwendolyn impatiently. “He meant to say we love each other.”

“Then prove that to me. Rowena, what do you love about Marcus?”

Rowena remained silent as her brow furrowed in thought. “He is kind and gentle, yet strong and ready to fight against his own clan if necessary in order for us to be together. He does not look at me as his enemy. He sees me as I am.”

Gwendolyn turned to Marcus. “And you, what do you love about Rowena?”

“Rowena is like a burst of sunlight on a misty day. Simply being near her soothes the rawness of my soul.” He turned his gaze to Rowena. “I want to turn away from the violence that has fallen between our two clans. A union between Rowena and myself might be the first tentative link in forging that bond.”

Gwendolyn released a pent-up breath. They truly did care for each other. “Well, before a link can be forged, a fire must be built.” Her gaze narrowed on Marcus’s face. “A man like Alastair MacLeod will require proof of your devotion, and your willingness to turn away from your clan if an accord cannot be reached.”

Marcus smiled mockingly. “How am I supposed to do that when I am not even permitted to see Rowena?”

Gwendolyn stared at the man thoughtfully. “There is something. . . I have an idea that is a bit devious, but once executed, it would prove beyond a shadow of doubt where your loyalties lie.”

“I’m listening.”

“The MacDonalds stole something from the MacLeods.”

Rowena gave a startled gasp, but then remained silent.

Marcus’s gaze shifted from Rowena to Gwendolyn as a frown came to his lips. “The Fairy Flag.”

Gwendolyn nodded. “The Fairy Flag’s return will right a wrong. You helping me do this would be an incontestable show of loyalty.”

“If I help you, and I am discovered, I will be forever banished from the clan.” His face remained expressionless and for a heartbeat, Gwendolyn feared she might have revealed her plan to the wrong person.

“No one has to know you were involved. I will remove the flag from the premises once you help me gain access. Will you do it?”

Marcus was silent.

“I cannot do this without you, Marcus. If you help me, I will be an advocate for you and Rowena. The two of you need someone on your side if you truly wish to be together.”

When he still didn’t answer, Gwendolyn’s heart pounded in her chest. What had she done? If Marcus refused to help her, any chance of retrieving the artifact might be lost. “We can devise a plan that has the least amount of risk to you. If caught, I will never reveal your part in this scheme.” She opened her mouth to further bargain with him.

He held up his hand. “Enough. I will help you.”

“You will?” Gwendolyn breathed a sigh of relief.

“How can I resist if it means winning the hand of the woman I love?”

A silence fell between them until Marcus asked, “When?”

“Tonight. Our best chance of success is to strike while Alexander MacDonald is still here at Dunvegan, along with several of his most trusted guards. And before Alastair can gather his army to march against your clan. Such an attack will not go well for either side, I fear.”

Marcus nodded.

“I am going with you,” Rowena said.

“You will do no such thing,” Marcus countered. “I’ll not have you involved in this in any way.”