Page 85 of Leila’s Legacy

To his surprise, Lord Werrick laughed. “I don’t think Leila would have allowed that, but it wouldn’t surprise me if she’d wanted to.”

Niall flicked an uneasy glance at the Earl of Werrick, the West March Warden of the English side of the border—a powerful man whose daughter Niall had killed. Even more than that, the father of the woman he loved.

“I love her,” Niall said.

Lord Armstrong’s eyes crinkled into a smile. “Aye, I know.”

“I dinna have a choice in killing her.” Niall drew in a pained breath. “I would have rather it had been me that day in the river.”

Lord Armstrong’s expression became more somber. “Aye, I know. But you saved her. What’s more, you brought her home.” The earl glanced toward the door. “She’ll be back soon. You slept longer than expected and Marin demanded she take a reprieve for some food.”

Niall’s chest lightened with the thought of seeing Leila again. Now that Lord Armstrong and Alban were dead. Now that they were safely back at Werrick Castle.

A flicker of nervousness fluttered through Niall’s veins. “Before she comes back, my lord, I’d like to ask ye something.”

Lord Werrick leaned forward with his elbows on his knees, his face expectant, as if he already knew the question. And mayhap he did. If so, Niall hoped it would be to his benefit.

“I’m in love with yer daughter,” Niall said. “As I’ve said.”

Lord Werrick nodded.

Niall cleared his throat. “I’d like to wed her. With yer permission.” He tensed for the earl’s reply, expecting questions about Leila’s safety, about how Niall anticipated making a living now that he’d killed his employer, about what sort of alliance Niall might bring with him.

Lord Werrick straightened and answered without hesitation, “Aye, you have it. But I’ve a question for you.”

Niall couldn’t help the grin pulling at his lips. “Aye?”

“How do you plan to support my daughter?” Lord Werrick arched a brow.

Niall’s smile wilted. He’d considered that on the painful ride back to Werrick. The question had been a burr in the back of his brain, digging in with spiny thorns. And he had no good answer to offer Lord Werrick.

“I will manage something. But I dinna yet have a plan,” Niall said honestly. “. I can promise ye I’ll do anything to ensure she is well cared for.”

“Anything?” Lord Werrick folded his long, slender hands together. “Including considering a position as Captain of the Guard for Werrick Castle?”

Niall blinked in surprise. “Ye’d hire me as yer Captain of the Guard? And still allow me to wed yer daughter?”

The earl nodded. “Your reputation is well-known. You’re a good man, Lion. I would be honored to have you lead my men. And regarding your station and your ability to still wed my daughter…Marin taught me a long time ago that love does not see wealth or position. I want my daughters to be happy above all else.” He leaned forward and patted Niall’s shoulder. “I’ve never seen Leila light up at anything the way she lights up when she speaks of you.”

Niall’s chest went warm at such words, to hear from another’s lips how much Leila truly did love him. “Aye,” he replied. “I’m honored to be yer Captain of the Guard.”

“I’m pleased to hear it.” Lord Werrick squeezed his shoulder and released him. “Then I’ll show you to your chamber, so you can freshen up a bit and then ask my daughter for her hand in marriage.”

“I’d like that verra much,” Niall said gratefully and got to his feet, eager for the moment he could see Leila again. And ask her to be his wife.