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“No. The whelp lacks his father’s shrewdness and taste fer blood.” Robert remained silent for a moment, then cleared his throat. “The next threat of war will come from within our borders. That’s why I’m here. I need to know that I can continue to count on yer full support.”

“I’ve pledged my sword and my men to yer cause, fully committing all to defeating the English.” Gavin tightened his jaw. “I’ve never made any secret of the fact that I’m not nearly as eager to spill Scottish blood.”

“That’s hardly my choice either,” Robert exclaimed. “I will accept the fidelity of any man who swears allegiance to me and forgive any past transgressions. But we both know there are some clans who will never accept me as their rightful king.”

“I know. As we speak, they are taking sides against ye with the MacDougalls and the MacNaghtens leading the way.”

“Dinnae forget the MacNabs and the McCullochs.” Robert smiled grimly. “They, too, crave a piece of my hide.”

“Fer some it’s less about yer sovereignty and more about their history. They’ll line up against ye solely because their blood feud rivals are siding with ye.”

“Aye, ’tis how the English were able to gain a foothold inside our beloved country in the first place. But the clans must see reason, must look beyond their petty differences to the future.” The king slid a folded piece of parchment across the table. “You see before ye a list of those men who have not yet chosen sides.”

There were no surprises as Gavin read through the list of names. “Some will still try to avoid the conflict, delaying as long as possible before choosing sides.”

“Time for delay is fast running out. I need to work quickly to secure as many clans as possible to my banner.”

“I know most of the men on yer list. I can speak with them, plead fer yer cause, but I’m no silver-tongued diplomat.”

“I dinnae think many of those men would understand the art of diplomacy if it struck them over the head.” The king sat back, folding his arms across his chest. “I need these alliances to strengthen my claim to the crown and fight those who would oppose me, Gavin. Seven of the men on the list have marriageable daughters. McKenna’s sister is also of an age to be married.

“If ye take one of these women as yer wife, the allegiance of her clan will shift to our side. And they, in turn, can aid ye in convincing some of the others.”

Marry?Gavin felt an unexpected trickle of sweat start on his neck. Kings had long dictated the arranged marriages of the nobility, requiring that they give their approval for many of the matches. He really shouldn’t be surprised. Yet he was. Gavin glanced again at the list. The letters grew fuzzy before his eyes.

“Is there anyone in particular ye prefer?” Gavin asked, stalling for time.

“All on the list are suitable and will be beneficial to the cause.” Robert took another swig from his tankard. “Too bad ye can only marry one of them.”

Gavin tightly gripped the arms of the chair and tried smiling. He knew this day would come eventually. He owed his clan a rightful heir and his king a sovereign duty. That much was clear. Yet a part of him resisted. Why?

“When do you require the deed to be done?” Gavin asked.

“The sooner ye make a choice and achieve a formal betrothal, the better. The actual wedding can wait a few months, since the promise of a betrothal is binding.”

Gavin’s chest tightened. “I’ll send word to ye once the agreement is signed,” he replied, deliberately ignoring the trace of misgivings tugging at his heart.

The king’s gaze was not without sympathy. “I know I ask much of ye, Gavin.”

“I willingly serve my king,” Gavin replied forcefully.

“I know. Yer loyalty is noted and appreciated and will be rewarded.”

Gavin grit his teeth. He did not support the king in hopes of winning favors or rewards. He did it because he loved his country and believed in the cause. “Yer success as our king is reward enough,” he insisted.

“Well said, yet I’m grateful nonetheless. Truly.” Pleased with getting his own way, Robert flashed a generous smile. “I’ve heard tales of a recent addition to yer household,” he continued casually. Too casually. “An English widow and her son?”

Gavin stiffened. “Since when is it a king’s business to be concerned about another man’s mistress?”

“If that female becomes an impediment to my goals, she therefore becomes my problem.” Robert lifted his tankard and studied Gavin over the pewter rim. “Will the lady be a problem?”

Gavin bristled. “Nay. She understands her place in my life. Hell, ’twas the lady herself who suggested our current arrangement.”

“Curious.” Robert drained the tankard and set it on the table. “I suppose she found yer manly charms irresistible.”

“Not at all.” Gavin grinned and shook his head, then leaned close so his gaze was level with the king’s. “The lady needed my help.”

“Ah, ’tis the duty of every chivalrous knight to protect a lady in distress.”