Page 12 of The Guardian's Bride
“I am usually accompanied by an escort, Sire. My brother is with me here.”
“Ah, Sir Henry. The Keiths of Kincraig want to stay in our good graces, surely.”
Seeing the king’s sharp stare, Rowena felt unsettled. “Sire.”
“We can arrange a husband for you. A good marriage.”
“Husband?” She froze. Standing by Malise Comyn, she felt ill suddenly.Not him. Not after all he had done against her family.
“Sir Malise owes his life to you. High praise. You could do worse than to marry one of our loyal knights. It would keep you in this court where you are needed.”
Lifting her chin, she felt her innate stubbornness emerge. “Sire, I appreciate your generosity, but I cannot marry. I am—” She sought some excuse and glanced at Henry, searching for what to say.
Her brother stepped forward. “Your Grace, if I may speak on my sister’s behalf.”
“What is it?” Edward seemed displeased by the interruption, and Malise sent a dark glance toward her brother.
“With respect, Sire, my sister cannot accept an offer of marriage. She is betrothed.”
Silence. Rowena stared at Henry, the king stared at her; Malise glared at Henry and turned his flat gaze on her. Then she realized what Henry was doing.
Aedan MacDuff.There was a thread of truth in it. But mentioning the man’s name here could endanger him.
“Betrothed!” Edward roared. He rose to his lanky height, wavering on creaky legs. His valet jumped forward in alarm and Brother Hugo came to his side, ready to support him should he fall. “Who is it? Scots in this court who wish to marry must have approval.”
“We cannot name him yet,” she said quickly. “The agreement is not final. It has been in discussion for years. I pray Your Grace understands.”
“Sire, it is being negotiated,” Henry said. “These matters are complicated.”
“He had better be a knight pledged to our service,” Edward muttered, and sat.
“He is a knight, Sire,” she said.
“Sire, regretfully, my sister cannot promise to another now.” Henry bowed his head and stepped back.
“Send word when it is done,” Edward said. “We will offer another reward.”
“Sire?” Her heart was racing. She could not bear another surprise from Edward.
He held up a finger. “Brother Hugo will visit Soutra hospital in a few weeks. You may accompany him on our royal recommendation. Then you may return here with new knowledge to continue working here. That is your gift.”
“I would be pleased to go to Soutra. It is an excellent hospital.” She had no desire to return to help King Edward, and no desire to go anywhere with sour Brother Hugo. But she was interested in the work at Soutra, and could hardly refuse the king easily.
“Sire,” Hugo began in protest. Edward held up a hand for silence.
“Consider the marriage offer, lady. Betrothals are easily broken, and this arrangement is in your favor. The Keiths would do well to ally with the Comyns. Loyalty is rewarded when Scots are loyal.” Edward’s gaze was pale blue and icy. She saw grave illness in his pallor and physical weakness—and tremendous willfulness too. She knew how easily his temper was provoked.
“I will consider it, Your Grace.” She needed caution, not a show of resistance.
“Sir Malise?” Edward barked.
“I would agree, Your Grace,” Malise said. “The alliance would be good.” He shot Henry a fresh glare.
No wonder it appealed to him, Rowena thought. By Scottish tradition, even enemies were safe if they married into an opposing clan. Marriage to her might protect Malise from the Keiths and Setons—at least in theory.
“Brother Hugo, you will send word to Lady Rowena about Soutra—you will,” he insisted as the monk squawked. “Now, Lady Rowena. If you have a charm stone or anything else of the Rhymer’s, those are now the property of the Crown.”
She blinked. “Sire?”
