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The king paused. “What will become of his daughter?”
Gavin slowly let out his breath, relieved that Robert’s anger was visibly cooling. “Sinclair said he was considering a match with Brian McKenna.”
The king stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Now that Sinclair rides with me, the marriage would create a strong alliance fer my cause. The McKennas are fierce warriors and there are few who equal Brian’s fighting prowess. I much prefer him to be fighting at my side than to face him across a field of battle.”
“If ye so desire, I shall undertake the duty to broker the match, at my own expense,” Gavin volunteered.
There was a short pause. “And achieve the same outcome as the last time I asked ye to arrange a marriage? Do ye think me daft?” the king said sarcastically.
“Please, sire, ye must allow me the opportunity to redeem myself,” Gavin asked humbly.
Robert’s mouth twitched. “I suppose I must. I need yer loyalty and yer sword too much to push ye toward my enemies.”
“Ye have both, as well as my unwavering devotion,” Gavin replied, wishing there was a way to further prove this in deed as well as words.
As if reading his mind, the king gazed at him expectantly. Gavin was just about to offer Robert more gold when a thought struck. A brilliant thought! A way to placate the king and relieve himself of the nagging complication that sat languishing in his dungeon—Ewan Gilroy.
Gavin had lost more than a few hours of sleep trying to decide the fate of his bastard brother. He wanted him executed, but Fiona had begged and pleaded that the rogue’s life be spared. Though determined not to let anyone, even his beloved wife, dictate his actions, Gavin found he could not gainsay her in this request.
“In fact, not only do ye have my sword, but I’ll pledge ye the loyalty of my bastard brother, Ewan Gilroy,” Gavin offered.
“Ewan Gilroy? I’ve never heard any mention of him. Has he always been a part of yer army?”
“No, Gilroy’s always fought against me. He’s a legendary outlaw in these parts, who’s led a band of mercenaries intent on causing mischief. He’s never killed any of my people, which is the main reason he hasn’t been put to death. To be honest, he’s been a royal pain in my arse fer far longer than I care to recall—no disrespect to yer royal personage intended.”
Robert waved his hand. “None taken. Tell me more about this Gilroy.”
“Well, I’m ashamed to admit he’s run me in circles on my own lands fer years. He’s cunning, ruthless, and a natural leader. He’s got a fair hand with a sword and dirk and he’s a fearless rider. I was thinking ye could use a man with his talents.”
“I could. But can I trust him? The last thing I need is to be guarding my back in my own camp.”
Gavin nodded. “I spared his life when I captured him a few days ago. He knows he’ll only gain his freedom by repaying his debt to me. Though he was raised to hate our clan, he oddly carries the McLendon honor within him. If he agrees to serve, he’ll do it with his whole heart. I wouldn’t have suggested it otherwise.”
Robert’s eyes were alight with interest. “This man intrigues me. I wish to be present when ye pose this proposition to Gilroy, so I can look into his eyes and judge his character.”
“Fair enough. Shall I have him brought to ye now?”
Robert’s face creased into lines of puzzlement. “In the middle of yer wedding?”
Gavin groaned.Bloody hell, how could he have forgotten the rest of the ceremony?“The blessing willnae take long,” he said sheepishly.
“What of the celebration that follows? No—Gilroy can be brought to me after it ends.”
“Ye’ll stay?”
Robert quirked his brow. “If I am welcome? After all, I was not invited.”
Gavin laughed, his amusement genuine. “We would be honored to have our good king as our guest on this most sacred and special day.”
Robert’s mouth turned up with obvious delight. “Excellent. I have made it a practice to never miss an opportunity to kiss a lovely, happy bride.”
It was a wedding celebration for the ages, one that would be talked of for years and years to come. Attended by the king, who offered the first toast with the earl’s private stock of whiskey, followed by music and dancing and more specially prepared food than most had seen in their lifetime.
Tables laden with food and kegs of ale had been sent to the villagers, so that they, along with the hundreds of guests filling the great hall, could share in the earl’s happiness, too.
Yet it was not only the bounty of food and drink, but the obvious love and affection shared by the bride and groom that made this event so markedly different from any other. Gavin’s solicitous care and affection for his bride was swooned over by all the women, while Fiona’s obvious devotion to her groom was the envy of many of the men.
The celebration continued into the wee hours of the morning, but the king departed before nightfall. Bellies full of good food and drink, the people lined the road trying to catch a glimpse of their sovereign. A riotous cheer went up from the crowd when Ewan Gilroy, leading a contingent of his men, rode out with the king. There seemed little doubt among the common folk that Gilroy would acquit himself well in his service to the crown and thus bring honor to the clan.
