True to the Highlander(82)

“That is no’ all,” he shouted. “Let him continue.”

Once again the hall quieted, with the exception of a startled toddler whose cries echoed off the walls as his mother shushed him.

Edward continued. “James travels to Scone Abbey in Perthshire, where his coronation will take place during the month of May, in the year of our Lord 1424. He will then continue on to Castle Hill in Stirling. I bring with me your king’s first command as your liege.” He held up a sheet of parchment with the crest of the house of Stuart affixed at the bottom for all to see. “He has issued an edict, which I pass along to his subjects as is his wish. Word has reached your king that his country is in chaos with clan fighting against clan. He is distressed by the news and seeks to remedy the situation. From this day forward let it be known: by order of your rightful king, James I, son of Robert III, all fighting amongst the clans of Scotia is forbidden. Furthermore, any insurrection will be punishable to the full extent of the law.”

Stunned silence met his words, followed by exclamations of disbelief and skeptical grumbling. Edward took his seat as Malcolm rose again.

“’Tis our king’s command.” He spoke low, and soon all sound in the hall ceased as their people strained to hear what he had to say. “The MacKintosh are now, and always have been, true to king and country. Finally we will have our king home where he belongs. If King James desires that Scotland become one country united—so be it. His leadership can only strengthen us. We canna fall to an enemy from without so long as we are unified within. Long live King James.” He lifted his goblet in a toast, sparking an echoing roar from everyone in the hall.

Alethia’s heart swelled with love and pride. She’d married a natural leader, a good and honorable man—and she could not imagine a life without him.




A fire in the hearth cast warmth and light throughout their chamber. Alethia sat near the radiating warmth as she braided her hair for bed. She watched Malcolm at his place across from her as he sharpened his sword with a whetstone and oil. All day she’d been dying to ask what his father had to say about their handfasting. “Malcolm?”

“Mmmm?”

“What did your father have to say in his letter about our handfasting?”

“He said naught about it.”

Alethia stopped braiding and focused her attention on him. She sensed…discomfort. “Don’t you think that’s odd? His only son and heir gets married while he’s away, and he has nothing to say?”

“I dinna find it odd at all.”

A suspicion grew in her mind, making it difficult to swallow. “You haven’t told him!”

With a resigned sigh, he stopped working on his sword and looked her in the eye. “I have no’ told him.”

“Why not? Are you ashamed of me?” She stared at him dumbfounded, feelings she couldn’t name swirling through her.

“Nay, lass. I am no’ ashamed of you. I havena told him because he has other things to deal with at present, and it can wait until his return.”

“You wrote him about Meikle Geddes though, didn’t you?” She rose from her place to stand before him. “We took our vows right after your return. I’ll bet we’d done the deed before you sent your letter. Am I right?”

“Aye.”

Stunned, she paced the chamber. “You regret it, don’t you? William won’t accept it. He’ll pitch a fit when he finds out.”

“That is enough, Alethia. I dinna regret anything. I am a man grown. Whom I wed and when has always been my decision. It matters no’ how my father reacts.”

“If that were true, surely you would have told him right away.” She glared at him. “Send him a message tomorrow.”

“I will do no such thing.”

She gasped in disbelief. “See? I knew it. You’re ashamed of me. That or you regret what you’ve done.” She put her hands on her hips and glared. “Send him a message.”

“Watch your tone. Do not presume to tell me what to do, woman.” He growled as he rose from his place to loom over her. “There’s little point now. Any rider we send will likely miss my father’s party. He’s on the road home as we speak.”

She blinked rapidly to hide the hurt his ire caused. Watching him put his sword in its customary place near his side of their bed, she struggled to squelch the urge to scream. Far from offering reassurance, his words only confirmed her insecurity. She slipped her feet into her moccasins and began walking toward their door.

“Where do you think you are going?”

“I’m going somewhere else to sleep.”