Page 106 of The Guardian's Bride

“Not me,” Aedan said. “I took it to old Edward, who was ill, so he conceded.”

Because he wanted the Rhymer’s stone, Rowena thought. “What of Malise Comyn?” she asked. “He and a monk were taken away, but where are they now?”

“They are in the Tower in London, both accused of hastening the old king’s death,” Gilchrist said. “Apparently the monk was dosing him with a medicine that weakened him. And Malise somehow injured the frail king. All that, with Edward’s chronic illness, was too much.”

“To be fair,” Rowena said, “he was already dying. No one could have changed that. When I saw Edward in the royal camp, I remembered what Grandda Thomas once told me about healing.”

“What was that?” Tamsin asked.

“He said that no matter what a healer does, naught is stronger than death once God wills it. I saw it on Edward’s face. He knew.”

After a moment of quiet, Gideon spoke. “You did all you could, Rowena. Heaven decided in its own way—the only remedy for what seemed an incurable illness.”

“And the only remedy for Scotland,” Gilchrist murmured.

Rowena glanced at Aedan. His gaze met hers, held. She knew he had the same thought as he leaned toward her, seated beside her at the table.

“Thomas said your crystal might save Scotland one day,” he murmured.

She nodded. “And the crystal in the ancient sword went to the one man who could help save Scotland too, as king.”

He took her hand. “The twin stones—Thomas knew. And he knew we were part of it.” She smiled up at him, then heard her name.

“Rowena,” Gilchrist said, “I heard that you will soon have official word about the charges against you. You can expect them to be canceled. Sir Malise and the monk will be held accountable for the king’s death.”

“Thank you,” she said in relief, setting a hand to her chest.

“I will look into that to be sure it is sealed and done,” Duncan Campbell said.

“And share your news, brother,” Gideon reminded his twin.

Gilchrist nodded. “I saw Bruce in the southwest before I came up here with Gideon and Agatha. Bruce wants me to act as an ambassador to northern England. I will be granted a forfeited castle along the Scottish Border. Gideon has agreed to go with me. Our sister Agatha as well.” He grinned at them.

“That is outstanding news, all of you,” Liam told his siblings. “Agatha too?”

“I left the priory, but I am not sure where to go,” she said. “Liam, I know you would welcome me at Dalrinnie, where we grew up. But that is your home with Tamsin now. I want something different—some challenge. I am happy to manage Gilchrist’s castle and see what comes of that.”

“She needs adventure, having been stuck in a convent for years,” Gideon said.

“If you want adventure,” Aedan said, “there is no wilder place than the Borders.”

“In the safe company of her twin brothers,” Gilchrist said.

“I wish you all a promising future,” Rowena said. “For those going to the Border, or to Ireland with Edward Bruce, or the Highlands with Robert Bruce—and here at Kincraig as well. Blessings to everyone—and Scotland too!” She lifted her goblet in salute as they drank together.

Smiling, she leaned against Aedan’s shoulder, the feeling of love and camaraderie warming her even more than the hearth. He bent and kissed her head.

“I love you,” he murmured. “Always.”

“Always,” she whispered.