Page 116 of The Laird’s Sinful Claim

"Me lady." The regent's gaze swept over Elinor with assessment. "I dae."

"Yer Grace." Elinor's voice was steady despite the tension David could feel radiating from her.

The regent's expression gave nothing away. "Perhaps we might speak privately, Laird MacDonald? There are matters we should discuss."

"Of course." David had expected this. "Me study is prepared. If ye'll follow me?"

He caught Elinor's eye, saw her nod understanding. She would oversee the king's party being settled while he dealt with the more difficult conversation that awaited him.

In his study, the regent wasted no time on pleasantries.

"I received a letter from Sir Edmund Langley," he said as soon as the door closed. "Making some rather serious accusations about yer marriage."

"I'm aware Langley has been vocal about his grievances."

"He claims Lady Elinor was his betrothed. That you stole her from an auction where her father was selling her tae the highest bidder." The regent's eyes were sharp. "He claims yer marriage is a fraud designed tae circumvent the wishes of the Regent."

David kept his expression neutral, his heart pounding. "Langley is a jealous man who cannae accept that he lost."

"Lost what, exactly?"

"A competition." David moved to pour whisky, offering a glass to the king. "Elinor's faither, Lord Royse, was in financial difficulty. He wanted tae ensure his daughter married well. So he invited several suitors tae meet her. Tae present their cases. It was nae an auction, it was a gathering of interested parties."

"And you were one of those interested parties?"

"Aye. As ye ken, Lord Royse had decided tae break off our betrothal tae try tae obtain more coin." The lie came smoothly now, practiced. "When I heard he was inviting other suitors, I attended. Tae ensure me own case was heard."

"And Langley?"

"Was one of many. He offered fer her hand, aye, and had already showed an interest in the past. But his offer was, insufficient. Both in terms of settlement and in terms of what he could provide fer Elinor's future." David took a sip of whisky. "Lord Royse finally accepted me renewed offer. Langley has been bitter about it ever since."

The regent studied him for a long moment. "That's a very different story from what Langley told."

"Aye. Because Langley's version makes him the wronged party instead of the unsuccessful suitor." David met his gaze steadily. "But the facts are clear. I married Elinor with her faither's blessin’. Our marriage is legal and legitimate. And Langley's accusations are naethin' more than the bitter complaints of a man who didnae win."

"And you expect me tae believe this?"

"I expect ye tae investigate and come tae yer own conclusions." David's voice was firm. "Talk tae Lady Elinor. She'll confirm everythin' I've said. Talk tae Lord Royse if ye wish, though I warn ye—he's a difficult man and his version may vary dependin' on how much he's had tae drink. But the marriage is real. Legal. And consummated."

The Regent's eyebrow rose. "You're very certain."

"Aye. Because it's true."

"Then you won't mind providing proof."

David's chest tightened. He'd known that was coming.

"What kind of proof did ye have in mind?"

"The wedding sheet." The regent's tone was matter-of-fact. "Standard practice when legitimacy is questioned. Ye dae have it, I presume?"

"Aye." David set down his glass.

"Then fetch it."

David left his study and went to their bedchamber, his mind churning. This was necessary. He knew it was necessary.

He found the sheet where he'd stored it, folded carefully in the chest. The stain was still visible, proof that couldn't be disputed.