Page 200 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Rhoslyn drew him to the other side of the hearth, a little ways away from the musicians. With the music playing and the laughter and gaiety surrounding them, there was little chance of being overheard.

She leaned close and said, “You didna’ tell me that ye swore fealty to King Edward a month ago.”

He shrugged. “So?”

“If he discovers you defied him, you will end up in an English prison.”

Her grandfather snorted. “I did not succeed. He will warn me no’ to try such a thing again.”

“What better reason to seize your wealth than because ye disobeyed a royal command?” She shook her head. “And you call me naive.”

He released a heavy sigh. “Leave it be, Rhoslyn. What is done is done. I would have done it one way or another. I did no’ want ye to marry St. Claire.”

“Ye certainly have accepted him,” she said.

“Fate favored him. At the very least, he does protect his own, and ye are his. I can hope for the best.”

“The best?” she repeated. “Has Edward returned ownership of Banmore Castle to ye?”

“Aye. As well as all my other estates.”

“What of our nobles? Duncan told me Edward has yet to return ownership of their castles.”

“That is true of many,” he replied. “But Edward married you to St. Claire, and it was good business for him to ingratiate himself into my graces.”

“He is only grabbing power.”

“Aye, as are Bruce and Wallace.”

“But they want power for Scotland.’

“And themselves,” he said. She opened her mouth to rebut, but he stopped her. “Aye, they are our nobles and have Scotland’s interest at heart, certainly more than Edward. But they are working hand in hand with him. They fought amongst themselves like children. Someone had to step in and bring order. He made more progress in these last months than our leaders have in a year.”

Rhoslyn couldn’t believe her ears. “Ye sound as if you agree with him.”

“I agree with putting someone on the throne in Edinburgh. Not Edward,” he said quickly. “You underestimate our leaders, Rhoslyn. Do ye think they will let Edward dictate to them any more than I did when he ordered me to marry you to St. Claire?”

“Lot of good your rebellion did,” she muttered.

“Luck was not with us. Though how St. Claire knew ye were on your way I canna’ say. Did he say how he knew?”

She shook her head. “Nay. I would like to know that, as well.”

Her grandfather grunted. “I wouldna’ be surprised to learn he made a pact with the devil.”

“Just as you did with Edward,” Rhoslyn said.

“Dinna’ fash yourself over Edward, Granddaughter. Once he has settled the matter of the true successor to the crown, we will deal with him.”

“And how will you deal with my English husband?” she demanded.

“You really dinna’ know?” he asked.

Her pulse jumped. Was he in league with Duncan? “Ye cannot mean murder?” she said in a low voice.

He laughed. “I would consider it, but, nay. There is a simpler way.”

“And that is?”