William waved his comment away like he would swat at a fly. “Have you taken leave of your senses? You found the lass by the side of the road. She brings nothing to the union , and she’s no’ even a Scot. I granted you the privilege of choosing your bride with the stipulation that it be an advantageous union .” William leaned toward him across the table. “As my heir, you have a duty to your clan and to the earldom. Keep Alethia, but give Scotia heirs who will join two powerful clans and mayhap one day the earldoms of Fife and Mar. ’Tis an acceptable solution. Wed a Scot, lad. The match I have arranged pleases James, and it pleases me.”
“It does not please me. I will no’ have you dishonor my wife.” Guilt weighed heavy upon him. Had he sent word to his father of his handfasting back in November, they would not be at odds now. Yet, his father bore an equal share of the blame. He had sent no word of his plans either.
“Och, man. The earl of Mar and his daughter are on their way.” William took his seat again and rubbed his hands over his face. “This does no’ bode well. We canna renege on the contract. ’Twill cause bad blood between our clans at a time when we can ill afford it. King James will hear of Red Comyn’s death—and his son’s. I dinna ken what he will make of it.”
“Mairen will bear witness to her father’s perfidy. Send a messenger to intercept the earl’s party. You didna ken I’d already wed. I’m sure there are many who would gladly wed the lass. No harm has been done.”
“Nay. Things will go forward as I have planned. How will we look to King James? We have destroyed our neighbors to the east, and now we break our word to our neighbors to the north? Talk to Alethia, Malcolm. She’s a canny lass. She’ll come to terms with the arrangement. ’Tis best for all.”
“I am sorry, Father.” Malcolm could think of only one solution. He straightened himself to his full height and faced William with determination. “We are at an impasse, for I will no’ break the vows I made to Alethia. I would rather renounce my inheritance. I’ll take my wife across the ocean where we will live with her people. I will no’ forsake her. She is my wife.” He glared at his father. “I will have no other.”
Alethia had followed Malcolm and his father, determined to eavesdrop on their conversation. She covered her mouth to stifle the sob threatening to break free as she heard Malcolm swear to give up his future for her. She heard a gasp from across the corridor. Peering around the corner toward the stairs, she caught Elaine’s eye. Her friend motioned for quiet and held out her hand. She hurried to take it. Elaine hustled her along the hall to her chamber and pushed her through the door, slamming it behind them.
Numb, she stood frozen in place as her friend paced.
“My brother is willing to sacrifice all for love.”
“I can’t let him do it, Elaine.”
“Would that I had such courage.” Elaine stopped on her frenetic path to face her. “He will take you home. The two of you will live with your people.” Elaine took her hands briefly, seeming to look right through her.
“I won’t let him throw his future away, Elaine. We cannot return to my home. It isn’t possible.”
“You must ken by now the answer I sent to Dylan’s proposal to elope.” Elaine paced again, wringing her hands. “I’ll never love another. I…I have made a grave mistake.” Her eyes stark, she sank down to sit on her bed. “Nothing is more important than love. Not land, or titles—not my father’s approval or his permission. And now, Dylan is gone from my life forever.” She put her face in her hands, a sob breaking free. “My brother has it aright, True. Malcolm will no’ forsake you as I have forsaken Dylan. I did no’ deserve him, and now he is lost to me.”
“Oh, Elaine.” She had no words to offer. Her own world was crumbling beneath her feet. This was not her time or her place. Her coming had been both a blessing and a curse. And tonight—she’d been proven right. No matter how things turned out, hearts were breaking—her own for certain.
A knock sounded behind her. Malcolm entered. Nodding briefly at his sister, he turned to her. “Come, mo céile. I find I am in need of your company.”
She gave Elaine a hug and whispered in her ear, “Don’t give up. You deserve happiness.”
Malcolm took her arm and urged her out the door. “Come, lass. We must talk.”
“How did you know I was here?”
“This has been a most trying evening. I knew you would seek my sister’s company. She is your friend.”