Page 8 of Bride Takes a Charmer

Shaw was somewhat concerned about why his king wanted his attendance too. It wasn’t like Alexander to be so secretive in his missives. He hoped whatever it was, wouldn’t take up too much of his time. “What do I know?”

“I’ll meet ye at the stables then,” Walen said and left him.

Shaw returned to the keep and collected items to take with him, giving thought to the arduous journey. In one satchel he placed a flint, flasks of water and ale, arrows, a sling with a handful of rocks, two daggers with a sharpening stone, and a small ax. In the other went his best tartan and two clean tunics, two pairs of thickly woven stockings, and a heavy cloak. The rest of the day, he handled a few unimportant clan matters and ensured all were informed of his coming absence.

By the time Shaw reached the stables, dusk had set on the land. Fortunately, there was a bright moon to guide the way on the lanes toward Edinburgh. As he rode through the gates, he peered back at his home and at the solitude he’d be leaving behind. He’d hurry and meet with the king and on his return, he’d visit with Geoff and stop in Fassifern. Soon enough, he’d return to the peacefulness of the Highlands and the serenity within the walls of his solar on Eilean Nan Clach. He didn’t plan to be gone longer than a fortnight—or so he hoped.

Chapter Three

Castle Tor

Inverness, Highlands Scotland

Mid-March 1260

In the greathall, Sorsha stood by the hearth, tense and wary about meeting with Geoff. She’d been summoned and when she arrived, he wasn’t there. Dread filled her. Since Rodick’s death, she’d been forced to stay within her chamber. The hardship of it wasn’t the loneliness or fear of Geoff, but the terror of what had happened to Gillian. Geoff hadn’t visited her chamber once, for if he had, she would have pleaded with him to return her daughter.

“Milady Sorsha.”

Sorsha nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. She hesitated before turning to look at the man who had murdered her husband and abducted her daughter. For months, she had despaired at what would become of her and Gillian but now was her opportunity to change their circumstances.

“Laird Chattan.” She kept herself restrained as she took him in. His height, brawniness, and severity showed the warlord manner he was renowned for. Garbed in black garments, most of which overshadowed the Chattan tartan, did little to lend to an amiable mood.

His dark wavy hair and full beard were damp. She assumed he’d recently bathed. Geoff’s dark eyes peered at her in return and he neither smiled nor frowned at her.

Sorsha was uncertain why he’d called her to him. Her only hope was that he intended to free her and allow her to see Gillian. “You wanted to see me, Laird Chattan? Here I am.”

He grunted softly and approached to stand next to her. Before the fire, she held out her hands and remained silent. When he was ready to explain why he’d asked her to attend to him, he would tell her so. A long moment passed and she sighed slightly because her fate rested in his hands. The hearth waved before her eyes as she continued to stare at it. Above a wooden mantle, the Chattan’s coat of arms, awarded to a previous war chief was sewn with the images of a ship, whortleberries, and a wildcat on richly dyed fabric.

“There are matters we need to discuss.”

“Aye, indeed. When might I see my daughter?” Sorsha continued to face the hearth and tensed in wait for his answer.

Geoff turned and walked to a nearby table. He snatched up two cups and filled them with wine. When he returned to her, he handed her a cup. “Drink, Milady, for I have much to say.”

“I shall listen,” she said and took the cup from him and held it but didn’t drink.

“I apologize, Milady, that ye witnessed what happened that night. Ye returned earlier from the festival and… My brother and I argued most of the day about clan matters. I had to act or our clan would be in ruin. Rodick was a spineless laird and was fearful of confronting our enemies. If ye had not born witness to what…happened…” He took a swig of the cup and was quiet for a moment.

Sorsha listened and understood the struggle of the clan and that Rodick was pathetic. Still, that gave no cause for Geoff tomurder him, keep her imprisoned, or abduct Gillian. She took a breath and waited for him to say more.

“Rodick ignored ye and his neglect was intolerable. If I’d been married to ye, I would not have treated ye so inattentively. ’Tis the truth, I always thought ye too good for him.” Geoff took another drink from his cup.

“I do not understand why you are telling me this. I vow to speak not of that night or what I saw. You have my pledge to keep secret what you did. All I want is the return of my daughter.” She turned to look at him briefly but he kept his reaction shielded by facing the fire.

“Until I trust ye to keep the details behind your teeth, I cannot allow your daughter’s freedom. I shall permit ye to leave your chamber but I warn ye, Milady, one word of that night and ye shall never see your beloved child again.”

Sorsha swallowed at the anguish his words brought to her. “For how long? Do you deem to keep her from me for a year or more…forever? I cannot bear it. Might I at least see her to ensure she is well?” Moisture threatened to burn her eyes with more tears of despair. Remarkably, she resisted the urge to weep.

“There is a way for ye to free her and to secure your protection,” his gently spoken words caused her to gaze at him. “Agree to marry me. As my wife, ye will be unable to make accusations against me. In return, I pledge my fealty to ye and will never neglect ye as my brother did.”

Sorsha stiffened her shoulders. The last thing she’d ever do was marry him but he offered her a chance to regain her daughter. It mattered not what pledges he made and she cared not for his attention. Still, the offer was there and he awaited her answer. “I am taken aback…”

Aela entered the hall and in a quick stride, approached them. “My lady, Laird… The king has sent a missive along with anenvoy. The messenger awaits to speak to you, my lady.” She handed the parchment to her and fled.

With the king’s missive in her hand, she turned away from Geoff and neared the table. Her hand shook as she opened the parchment and read:

Lady Chattan, your hasty presence is required in Edinburgh. My envoy awaits and will escort you at once.It was simply signed with anA.