Chapter Seventeen
On edge, Rois walked beside Griffin as Seathan led them down the corridor. With a discreet glance, she took in the hard angles of Lord Grey’s face. He was a man well lauded for his strength, wisdom, and cool calm when a difficult situation arose. And, her cousin. At Lochshire Castle for hours now, she still struggled with the revelation of their blood tie.
Griffin wrapped her fingers within his.
Thankful for his unfailing support, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
“The solar.” Seathan moved aside, motioned for Rois and Griffin to enter. “I thought it best to finish explaining the details of our grandparents’ embattled past in private.”
“Thank you.” She stepped inside, the warmth of the afternoon sun welcome. “I look forward to hearing the rest of their story.”
Seathan crossed to where goblets were set out along with a bottle of wine. “Would you like a drink?”
“Nay,” she replied, anxious to learn more.
“Nor I,” Griffin replied.
“I will start at the beginning,” Seathan said. “In 1257, my grandfather, Trálin MacGruder, was wounded in an effort to halt an abduction of King Alexander III.” He set the bottle down.
“I had heard of the kidnapping,” Rois said, “but I didna know of my great-uncle’s involvement.”
Seathan swirled the wine around in the cup. “During the battle, my grandfather and the others in accompaniment fought valiantly. Due to the sheer number of Comyn’s knights, their forces were overwhelmed. My grandmother came upon the abduction. Stunned, she watched in shock as the Comyns rode off with the young king. After they’d left, she aided Trálin.”
Amazed, Rois shook her head. “An incredible way to meet one’s future husband.”
“Indeed,” Griffin agreed.
“How did your grandfather know King Alexander?” Rois asked.
“An only child, my grandfather was fostered to train with the knights in the king’s service,” Seathan replied, pride in his voice. “Due to his age, intelligence, and expertise with a blade, Trálin was often paired to spar with King Alexander II’s son, Alexander III. Over time, they became fast friends. When Alexander II died, his son was crowned king.”
“At the very young age of eight,” Griffin said, his voice somber. “It must have been difficult to lose a father and gain the demands of a kingdom. More so, when he later became caught up in an embittered power play between Walter Comyn, Earl of Menteith, and Alan Durward, Justiciar of Scotia.”
“Aye.” Seathan took a sip of wine, swallowed. “During the turmoil, my grandfather was appointed as the king’s personal guard, the reason Trálin remained by Alexander III’s side.”
“You said the king was abducted,” Rois asked. “How was he freed? What part did your grandfather play? And what does this have to do with your grandmother?”
Her cousin smiled. “’Tis much to take in. My grandmother and her clan joined forces with him to free the king.”
“Incredible,” Rois said.
“It is,” Griffin agreed, “but as you know, Lady Catarine was a proud, strong woman who once you met, you never forgot.”
She glanced at her husband in surprise. “You knew her?”
Griffin cleared his throat. “I met her on several occasions.”
“Indeed,” Seathan said dryly.
Rois hesitated. From the tension between them, they spoke of something more. “How did Trálin and Lady Catarine fall in love?”
“My grandmother said that from their first meeting she felt an immediate connection with my grandfather. Trálin, intrigued by her mysterious appearance, admitted he felt the same. During their time together to save King Alexander III, the unexplainable bond grew into love.” Seathan paused, smiled with remembrance. “My grandfather loved her greatly, and would do anything for her. When Lady Catarine MacLaren agreed to wed, he built the tower chamber for her, and filled it with her favorite things from her homeland for all she sacrificed to become his wife.”
Rois sighed. “Their story is like a romance told.”
“An interesting story,” Griffin agreed dryly. “One I wonder does not grow with the telling.”
Lord Grey chuckled. “Mayhap a wee bit.
“A trait,” Rois said, “’twould seem carried by his grandson.”
Seathan’s smile grew. “A compliment indeed. My grandfather was an extraordinary man.”
“’Tis sad that my grandfather’s infatuation with your grandmother tore our families apart,” Rois said.
“Aye, Faolan was a man as proud as stubborn,” Seathan agreed. “My grandfather missed his brother, but never did his love for his wife fade. I remember standing on the wall walk with my grandfather during my youth, his eyes twinkling when he spoke of Catarine. He said theirs was a love he’d never believed possible. Eyes misty, he explained ’twas like a spell cast over him when he looked into her eyes. Fitting, as stories claim her chamber is enchanted.”
Prickles slid up Rois’s skin. “Enchanted?”
Seathan cleared his throat. “’Tis—”
“Naught but a tale crafted by Duncan,” Griffin finished with a scowl.
“What tale?” Rois asked.
Humor flashed in Seathan’s eyes. “I see Griffin has omitted an important MacGruder legend, one I will leave him to explain.” He nodded to the door. “I have sent Alexander to gather the rest of our family. They will be awaiting our arrival in the great room.”
“Before we go,” Rois said, “I would like to check upon my father one more time before I join you.”
“I will accompany her,” Griffin said.
Seathan nodded. “Of course. I will see you both shortly.” He turned and left.
Curious about what had passed unsaid between the men, Rois turned to Griffin. “What MacGruder legend did Seathan speak of?”
“Naught that cannot wait until after we see Lord Brom.”
“Aye,” she agreed, her mind immediately lost in her worries for her father. Please let him have begun to improve.
Still reeling from shock at news of her brother’s marriage, Nichola ambled down the spiral steps of the turret. At the bottom of the stairs Alexander stood smiling up at her. Warmth burst in her heart.
Alexander took her hand and rubbed his thumb over the soft curve of her palm as he scanned her face. “Still stunned to learn your brother is married?”
“Yes,” she replied, her emotions on edge. “As well as your blood tie to Lord Brom.”
“Until his arrival,” Alexander said, “I had forgotten of our family bond.”
“’Tis sad such a division came about when family is so important,” Nichola said.
“Aye, but ’twas long ago.” He grazed his knuckles across her cheek. “Mayhap the time has arrived for the severed bond to heal.”
“I pray so. Alexander . . .” Nichola hesitated. How did she explain she sensed something momentous had occurred with the arrival of Lord Brom, more than the possible healing of their ancestors’ feud, and however crazy the thought, beyond that of Griffin being wed. “Griffin brought them here.”
“With Lochshire Castle being so close, it made sense.”
“Nay, ’tis not what I mean.” Nichola blew out a frustrated breath. “Alexander, ’tis Rois.
“What about her?”
Nichola exhaled. “I would not have thought Griffin would marry.”
“’Tis time for him to settle.” Alexander winked. “And to think, Rois never entered nor stayed within our grandmother’s chamber.”
At his teasing reference to the tale of the halved stones in their grandmother’s chamber, Nichola smiled, loving this man who had stolen her heart.
“Griffin’s halved stone does still sit in the bowl in your grandmother’s room.” Nichola tapped her fingers against her gown. “’Twould seem Rois has proven that the chosen bride of the wearer of the matching gemstone does not need to enter the chamber, or take a gemstone.”
“Mayhap,” Alexander
said, “but she is my cousin. Mayhap my grandmother’s magic has woven another path, one that beguiled your brother?”
Nichola laughed.
“Aye,” he said with a wink. “’Twould seem that, unknown to your brother, nae only has he been charmed by my grandmother’s magic, but his role is one of a greater deed. Their marriage will repair the division cast between our grandfathers so many years before.”
A thought fluttered to mind. Nichola gasped. “Alexander, I know you but tease me, but ’twould indeed take magic to break Griffin’s vow.”
“Vow?”
She nodded. “Griffin swore off ever taking a wife.”
Alexander frowned. “Why would Griffin nae desire to wed?”
An ache built in her chest at the tragic memories. “A penance of sorts. Our parents died while we were en route to free him from imprisonment. He believes himself responsible for their deaths.”
“’Twas an accident during a storm.”
“I agree, but Griffin dismisses fact. He is convinced that had my father, mother, and I not journeyed that night to release him from his incarceration, they would be alive today.” She exhaled. “And, with his service to the Scots as Wulfe, he thinks his life is too dangerous to ever take a wife.”
“Bloody fool. Does he nae think any of us took such a risk? That I . . .”
“What?”
A flush reddened his cheeks. “Before I met you, I believed the same.”
“You mean of your father’s decision in battle to take an arrow meant for you,” Nichola acknowledged. She was well aware how, after his father’s death, Alexander had lived a reckless life, challenging death, and not caring if it took him within its grasp.
Until he’d met her.
Until they’d fallen in love.
“Aye,” he breathed.
Nichola’s heart ached with love for this fierce Scot, one who had suffered overlong from guilt. “’Tis what Griffin must come to accept as well, that our parents made a choice to travel that night. But how does one convince him? My brother is foolish and stubborn.”
Alexander smiled. “And wed.”
Doubts about her brother’s unexpected marriage increased. “I am happy for him, but I admit I am anxious to see if Rois is indeed the woman for him. A brief meeting told me little.”
“Nae worry, the hard part is done.” Alexander arched a playful brow. “Mayhap she already carries a nephew or niece?”
Hope bloomed. “I had not thought of that.”
“Which is why you have me.”
Nichola chuckled. “You are too arrogant for your own good.”
Alexander claimed her mouth in a heated kiss. “Aye, that I am. Let us join the others. ’Twould seem the night holds much to discover.” With their fingers entwined, he strode through the great hall toward the solar.
Rois hesitated as she and Griffin walked down the corridor. “Mayhap we should wait until tomorrow?”
He gave her hand a gentle tug, his look sure as he led her forward. “Your father sleeps. There is naught more we can do for now. ’Tis time to meet the rest of our family.”
Our family. A tremble slid through her. Though blood tied her to the MacGruders, she wished Griffin indeed looked upon her as a woman he loved and wished to remain with forever.
“Why did you reveal to Seathan, your sister, and brother-in-law we were wed?” Rois asked.
“Are we not?”
’Twas nae so simple. “We both know our marriage is but a role played. That in time, we will part forever.” She forced out the last words, damning them, wishing somehow their marriage could be real. Regardless of his touch, of his apparent desire, he’d made it clear no room existed for her in his life.
“Rois—”
“’Twould seem we are nae late, then.”
At the deep male burr, Rois turned, and barely stifled a gasp as a large sandy-haired man strode toward them, his gait sure. A smile sifted through his gaze, but she caught hints of wariness. Beside him walked a slim woman who, oddly, seemed a fine match to this daunting warrior. An olive hue accented her gentle features, and the confidence in her steps radiated strength.
“Rois,” Griffin said, “may I introduce my brother-in-law Sir Patrik and his wife, Emma.”
Warmth gleamed in the fierce Scot’s gaze a second before Patrik took Rois’s hand. He pressed a kiss upon her knuckle. “Lady Rois, the pleasure is mine.”
Patrik’s wife nodded, her gaze lingering, then softening with welcome. “As well as mine, my lady.”
Rois was humbled and overwhelmed by their genuine welcome. Tears burned her throat. Griffin’s thumb caressed her finger in support, and she struggled to control her emotions. This moment with Griffin’s family was a mirage, a glimpse at what never could be.
“My thanks for your warm welcome,” Rois said, “and the care given my father.”
“Nay thanks are necessary.” Though subtle, Patrik’s gaze intensified as if he detected strife between her and Griffin. “We are family.”
“We are,” Griffin said. “Come, Seathan and the others await us.”
Rois assured herself ’twas but nerves that fed her thoughts of Patrik’s insight. The formidable Scot was a warrior, a man used to sizing up those he met. She’d married his brother-in-law, which would invite scrutiny.
They walked down a long corridor, the sturdy stone hewn beneath a brilliant eye, the paintings adorning the walls unique and unexpected. After they passed an archway, she paused, taken by the fairy captured in each canvas hanging in a row before her. Cupped within each fairy’s hands lay a round of stone, each different.
“You have fairies upon your walls?” Warmth crept up Rois cheeks. “Sorry, ’tis obvious.”
Emma smiled. “Worry not. I said the same when Patrik brought me here after we wed.”
“They are so beautiful,” Rois said, stunned by the sheer magnificence. “I find it intriguing that each holds a stone—” She gasped. “Griffin, the fairy at the end is holding a stone exactly like the one you wear.”
Patrik arched a brow. “Indeed?” Laughter danced in his hazel eyes, and Rois caught the look that passed between him and Griffin.
Her husband frowned.
“Is something wrong?” Rois asked.
“Nay,” Patrick said, “’twould seem all is right.”
“Enough of this idiocy.” Griffin gave Rois’s hand a tug and started down the corridor.
“Idiocy?” Rois asked as she walked at his side.
Patrik’s faint chuckle echoed behind them.
Griffin cleared his throat. “’Tis nothing.”
Nothing? By his withdrawal, clearly there was something of relevance, but he chose nae to share it with her. An ache built in her chest. Should she expect otherwise? Still, it hurt that he pushed her away when she wanted him, when she . . .
Loved him.
She stumbled.
Griffin caught her. “What is wrong?”
“Naught.” Everything. Heaven help her, she loved him. A man determined to leave her. A man she’d once believed her enemy.
“You are here.”
As they entered the solar, Lord Grey’s deep burr jerked her from her thoughts. Rois forced a smile.
A stately woman stepped to his side, her amber-gold hair woven into a plait.
“Lady Rois,” Seathan said, “’tis my pleasure to introduce you to my wife, Lady Linet.”
“Lady Grey,” Rois said, liking the woman immediately, appreciating the sincerity in her smile.
“Please, call me Linet. I am sure we will become close.”
Because she and Seathan were cousins? “I would like that very much,” Rois replied, and realized she yearned for the close bond of this family. Except, regardless of her relation, visiting Lochshire Castle with any frequency meant she would risk seeing Griffin.
En route to Lord Grey’s home, she’d focused on the dire condition of her father. She hadn’t considered Griffin’s family or their acceptance of her.
�
��This is my brother Duncan and his wife,” Seathan said.
Rois turned and found herself greeted by a man whose eyes were bright with interest, his sun-bleached hair framing a face that could easily be that of a Greek god.
Heaven help her, she’d been staring. Heat stole up Rois’s face. “Oh, I—”
Laughter spilled from the woman at his side, the sheen of whisky-colored hair a warm complement to her amber eyes. “Do nae worry. Your reaction to Duncan is that of most women.”
“I like her already,” Duncan said, the dimples on his cheeks deepening. “Lady Rois, my wife, Lady Isabel.”
“A pleasure to meet you,” Rois said.
Griffin drew Rois to his side and grinned at Duncan. “She is mine. You have your own wife.”
“Never mind them both.” Isabel smiled at Rois. “It pleases me to welcome you into the family.”
Rois smiled at Nichola, thankful to have met Alexander’s wife and Griffin’s sister before the family had gathered. Trying to keep everyone’s name straight and who was wed to whom was overwhelming.
She took in the brothers, their similarities easy to see, except for Patrik. Of course, Griffin had explained he was adopted. Still, his mannerisms were those of the MacGruders.
Seathan motioned toward a servant waiting nearby, who brought in wine and a platter of cheese, bread, and meat. Once all were served, Seathan raised his cup. “A toast. To our cousin, Rois, and Griffin. God bless their marriage, one that will reunite our families.”
At Rois’s stricken look, Griffin silently cursed. Though thankful Seathan had explained their marriage to everyone before he and Rois had arrived, he’d not meant to embarrass her, or to make a mockery of their union. Yet, he had achieved both.
Rois lifted her goblet, her eyes avoiding his.
Griffin drank deep.
“I will say,” Alexander said, “the news of your marriage surprised us all.”
Aye, Griffin mused. It had surprised him as well. But he would not remain on this topic and add to Rois’s discomfort. “Though we traveled here to seek care for Lord Brom, I have come for another reason. I bring news from Andrew de Moray.”
Diana Cosby Page 19