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Torin blinked and said, “Nae, my cousin, my father has passed.”

He asked, “This Max you mention, he is the prince, Maximilian?”

“Aye, he grew up with me in Clackmannanshire, hidden from the murderous wrath of Rannald.”

“The prince of another kingdom, hidden in Scotland, the king of Scots is unaware.”

“The throne was empty, the kingdom was in turmoil, perhaps his uncles thought it would be a good place to hide a prince.”

“And ye held the position of Prince Maximillian’s Sworn Sword?”

“Much like Douglas is yers. If yer king was caught by the English and ye were bein’ questioned, how would ye answer, Douglas?”

He raised his brow.

Torin finished. “Ye would probably lie.”

Douglas slowly smiled. “Ye see, Laird Torin, ye just made a mistake.”

Torin scowled.

Douglas continued, “We are at war with England. Aye, I would lie tae appease them and save the life of my king. Princess Alexandria, are we at war with yer kingdom, Riaghalbane?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Then why would your husband not be truthful?”

I chewed my lip. “I don’t know… we were left behind. Torin is wounded, he has one thought: to keep me safe. This is all he thinks about. Actually two things: to win the throne back for Max, to keep me safe. So to that end, he lied about who we are. I beg your forgiveness.”

From the corner of my eyes, Torin had a deep scowl.

Dude jumped up on the table in front of Torin and stretched out long, completely at ease, ignoring the importance of the conversation.

Douglas said, “Yet still Torin will not swear an oath of fealty tae the King of Scots.”

Torin said, “I canna.”

“I want tae hear it from the Princess.”

I said, “No, that is one lie he cannot tell. He abides by his oaths, it means too much. His oath is to Maximillian the king of Riaghalbane. Though he will swear to an alliance as will I. I am certain he will.”

Douglas leaned down and he and the king whispered together.

Niall looked down at his hands out in front of him on the table, nodding as if this were going as he expected. He didn’t seem concerned.

The king said, “So, Princess Alexandria, ye arna an enemy, ye are a Christian kingdom?”

I nodded.

Douglas said, “Ye might not swear an oath tae this king, but ye need tae answer him directly and address him as sire.”

The king said, “I will ask it once more, are ye a Christian kingdom?”

“Aye, Sire, we are a Christian kingdom.”

They whispered once more.

“Has yer kingdom joined in the war with the Saracens, God’s enemies?”