Page 74 of My Scarred Laird

He smiled over at her, “Ye will?”

She nodded, “Aye. I’m good with numbers.”

Callum passed the book to her, “Be my guest. It gives me a headache.”

She looked over at him in concern, “Are ye havin’ a headache now?”

He shook his head, “Nay, but I can feel it comin’ on.”

She stood, “I will get some medicants ta help ye.”

He nodded, kissing her hand, but before she could leave, a knock sounded on the door.

She hurried over to it, seeing Egan, Lachlan and Culloden on the other side, “Wha’ is wrong?”

“There is somethin’ ye need ta see.”

Callum stood, and he laced their fingers together as he pulled her from the room.

They walked out to the bailey, and Islay saw some men up on the walls, waving down to Callum.

“Stay here. I need ta see wha’ is going on.”

She nodded, and Lachlan came up on her side, and she looked up at him, “Wha’ do ye think is goin’ on?”

Lachlan studied Callum as he made it to the top of the war walk, “If they need him up there, someone is coming.”

She looked around to see the other lairds, looking at each other, and she looked back up at Callum.

He was standing on the war walk, speaking with Egan and second in command of his army, Connall.

The three of them spoke in quiet words, then Callum came back down, swallowing hard.

“The king is outside the gates.”

Islay’s eyebrows rose, “The king? The actual king?”

He nodded, “Aye. I invited him ta our wedding. ‘Tis always good ta have our regent on our side and letting him ken wha’ is going on.”

She nodded, “But does he normally travel this far inta the Highlands?”

Callum shrugged, “He never has before. No’ for a long, long time.”

She stayed by his side, and the other lairds stood by him, waiting as the gates opened and a procession came into the bailey.

A man rode in the middle of at least ten massive riders and when he stopped, so did everyone else.

He got off his horse, walking over to them and Islay knew she needed to curtesy, so she did.

He looked down at her, inclining his head and lifting the side of his mouth in a small smile.

“Good day my king,” Callum said, bowing at the waist and the king tutted, “None of that. I am here to offer my congratulations.”

Callum stood, “Thank ye my liege.”

The king looked back to her, “She is stunning. Very well done.”

Islay felt heat rise to her cheeks, and she looked away from the king.