Sully didn’t take her decision lightly. He knew how difficult it must have been for her but, in truth, he saw her reason. Reaching out, he took her hand and pressed it to his lips, all the while focused on her eyes. She was watching him with fear, hope, and sadness.
“I shall take the best care of your castle while it is entrusted to me,” he said softly. “This, I swear.”
Josephine smiled weakly. It was such a sad moment for her but such a necessary one. Sully continued to hold her hand, looking deeply into her sweet face. The pain and anguish of what certainly was the most jolting decision of her young life tore at him like a great claw, threatening to gut him. His insides felt as if they were being twisted and wrenched from him.
But whatever Josephine must have been feeling was surely worse, even though she tried to appear brave. “My steward will draw up the contract,” she said. “He will be finished by the time the ceremony is complete, if that damned priest ever gets here.”
Her sharp words were indicative of the fact that she was not as calm as she appeared. God knew, she had every right to be upset. Sully simply nodded as he released her hand.
After that, the conversation between the three of them fell somewhat silent. The knights in the room were beginning to stir, looking at each other in question. They had all been summoned here so hurriedly that they scarce had time to catch their breaths and now they found themselves waiting.
The torches above their heads on the walls flickered brightly, illuminating the enormous room adequately, but phantom shadows still danced near the ceiling. Ghosts, perhaps of what had been and now what would be. They were here to witness the change. But the fresh smell of the rushes was comforting, somehow soothing frayed nerves.
Josephine moved away from the hearth, leaving Sully and Justine alone, and conversed quickly with servants as they dashed to and fro, not only preparing for a wedding but for the king’s visit as well. She was trying to keep the burden off of her sister, who had enough to worry over with an unexpected wedding imminent. A feast being set in the great hall at this ungodly hour, for the king’s arrival, would serve as Justine and Sully’s wedding feast as well.
When the servants had gone about their duties and Josephine was finally alone, Donald made his way over to her. He’d stayed to the shadows mostly, watching the happenings but not really clear on what, exactly, was going on. All he knew was that Josephine had been very busy with the arrival of the mercenaries and now the impending arrival of the king. It was all quite confusing to him but he hadn’t pressed Josephine for an explanation, thinking that she would tell him when she had the time.
Now was that time.
“What is happening?” he hissed as he came to stand next to her. “What on earth is going on around here?”
Josephine turned to him, wincing when she saw how badly his face was bruising. “Poor Donald,” she said. “Your father is going to think we’ve beaten you.”
Donald had to admit that he looked poorly. But he waved off her sympathy. “Why are we here, Joey?” he asked quietly. “After what ye told us earlier today, about the king’s visit, it looks to me as if there is some manner of action being carried out. What is it?”
Josephine sighed faintly, knowing she couldn’t keep the truth from him. He would see what was going on soon enough when the priest arrived.
“I am saving Torridon,” she said simply. “Sully and Justine are about to be married, if the priest ever arrives. For Justine’s dowry, I am giving her Torridon.”
Donald’s bruised eyes widened. “Giving her Torridon?”
Josephine nodded quickly. “Please understand,” she begged softly, putting her hand on his arm. “I have little choice. You know what I suspect by the king’s visit; you know I believe he wants to betroth me to Colin Dalmellington, meaning that Colin will ultimately be in control of my fortress. And you know I cannot allow that to happen.”
Donald’s expression went from one of shock to one of apprehension. “But… to give it to Justine…”
“Sully will command it,” she assured him. “Justine is simply the means to an end. If she has it, it cannot go to Colin. Do you understand this?”
Slowly, Donald nodded, but it was clear he was uncertain about the entire situation. “Aye,” he said. “I suppose it makes sense, but what about ye? Even if yer sister is married and the fortress is hers, ye’re still very valuable. The king can still marry ye away.”
Josephine knew that and she nodded, with resignation. “I know,” she said. “But if I do not come with a fortress, then mayhap he will think twice before doing such a thing. It is my hope that he simply goes away and leaves me alone. Besides… I will not be unwed for long.”
Donald looked at her suspiciously. “What do ye mean?”
Josephine wasn’t sure how happy Donald would be to hear that she would wed Andrew, the mercenary leader. She knew that Donald had always been rather fond of her. Perhaps he’d even hoped for marriage one day. She was about to quash that hope.
“Andrew d’Vant has proposed marriage and I have agreed,” she said. “We will be wed as soon as possible.”
She could see the shock, even disappointment, in Donald’s eyes. He blinked at her as if unsure how to react. “I see,” he said after a moment. “When did this come about?”
“Today.”
He grunted and looked away. “If I’d known ye were looking for a husband, I could have offered,” he said, sounding hurt. “But ye’ve never given any indication that ye were even interested in such a thing. Why did ye not come to me?”
Josephine put a hand on his arm. “Because it was not my idea,” she said. “In discussing my suspicions with Andrew about the king’s visit, he was the one who suggested marriage. I am sorry, Donald, I truly am. It just happened to be him.”
Donald shrugged. It didn’t make it any easier for him to stomach, but he understood somewhat. The more he thought about it, however, the more depressed he became.
He and Josephine continued to stand in silence as time dragged on. Josephine was sure that hours were passing when it was really only minutes. Unable to stand it any longer, she was ready to perform the ceremony herself when Albert suddenly entered the hall, half-dragging and half-escorting a haggard-looking priest.
Josephine rushed forward. “Father, thank you so much for coming,” she said with great relief. “You have a ceremony to perform.”
The priest adjusted his cowl and straightened his wrinkled woolen robe. “So I understand,” he said irritably. “I must say that I am outraged, my lady, at being dragged here at this time of night. It is completely improper treatment for a man of God.”
Josephine nodded patiently while the priest vented his rage. “Of course, you are right,” she said. “Will fifty marks be enough?”
He didn’t miss a beat, swiftly turning into an eager man. “Where is the happy couple?”
Josephine fought off a smile at his swift change in attitude. She took his arm.
“This way, please.”
Sully and Justine looked to be frozen as they were introduced to the priest, who wanted to seem to chat, but Josephine hurried him along.
“Father, our time is limited,” she said. “May we proceed?”
The priest nodded. If he thought a rushed wedding was odd, he didn’t say anything. Fifty marks assured his cooperation. “Let us not waste time,” he said as he waved his arms and motioned for everyone to take their place. “My lord… my lady… you will face me.”
Justine and Sully did, and he began to intone the wedding mass. Josephine stood directly behind Justine, a few feet away. As the priest began reading from his weather-worn Bible, she began to wish her father and James had lived to see this. And, of course, her mother. She and Justine were the only de Carrons left, and perhaps witnessing the most important event in Justine’s life.
As she watched the priest speak, she was suddenly very sorry that she forced the whole thing on her sister and on Sully. In the chain of hierarchy, they really
had no choice and they knew it. Josephine got what she wanted, and what she wanted was to save Torridon and her family in the process. She hoped they truly understood that, deep down.
Now, there was no turning back, come what may.
After the liturgy, the priest pronounced them man and wife by tying a piece of ribbon, provided by Ola, around their wrists. Sully’s gaze seemed to be riveted to Justine, who looked back at him apprehensively. Josephine watched the two of them as well, holding her breath for the moment Sully would kiss her sister. For a few painful seconds, he just seemed to stare at her. Then, he reached out and grasped her shoulders and deposited a quick kiss on her forehead.
With that, they were married.
Josephine was the first to move forward and congratulate the couple. She felt as if she were moving in a dream, hardly believing her sister and Sully were actually married.
“Sully, retire to your chambers and consummate the union,” she whispered to the man. “Make haste!”
Sully looked blankly at her for a moment before agreeing, putting his arm around his new wife’s waist and pulling her with him. Josephine walked with them as far as the staircase. There was a great sense of urgency now to complete the circle so that the union could never be disputed. Justine would be safe and Torridon would be safe.
That was all that mattered.
The king was in for quite a surprise when he arrived.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
King Alexander of Scotland arrived with little fanfare, surprising for a monarch who had been on the throne for many years. His arrival had been understated for the most part, and he arrived with a small contingent of courtiers and warriors, escorted into Torridon by a man who had identified himself as Andrew d’Vant. When that name meant nothing to the king, Andrew stated the nickname he was known by – The Red Fury – and suddenly, the king was quite interested in him.
He knew that name.
As she stood on the steps of Torridon dressed in her fine gown, Josephine fervently hoped that Justine was being cooperative in relinquishing her virginity to her new husband. There was no room for botched plans this night, as everything had to work on schedule or all would be lost. She could only pray the king didn’t realize that everything that had taken place, so quickly, was in an effort to thwart his plans.
As the king and his entourage entered the inner bailey of Torridon, Andrew rode majestically next to the king and Josephine found she couldn’t take her eyes from him. He looked more magnificent than she had remembered, and her stomach fluttered in excitement at the mere sight. Odd how a man she’d fought with on the day of their introduction had now become much more to her, very swiftly. One would have thought it was a foolish happening had it not felt so right.
And it did feel right.
Beneath the black night and dozens of torches, the inner bailey was jammed with the king’s guard, wagons, and more. Josephine was a little curious as to how she was going to house all of the people in the king’s entourage, because Justine usually handled that. But Justine was understandably occupied, so the duty fell to her. She watched as the king dismounted his horse a bit wearily; a tall man, with a crowning glory of wavy red hair, his face was thin but not unattractive. He had a bit of an overbite. But he bore absolutely no resemblance to the distant cousin he was visiting.
As the king approached the keep, he looked about with interest, pointing to the walls, the keep itself, and muttering to the men surrounding him. As he came to the steps leading to the keep, Josephine was waiting. She curtsied deeply.
“My lord,” she said politely. “Welcome to Torridon.”
The king looked somewhat amused, handing his fine gauntlets to a nearby attendant. “And which de Carron are you?”
His speech was rather continental, not Scottish as one would expect. Having been educated in England in his youth, he didn’t have the heavy burr. Josephine answered his question.
“I am Josephine, my lord.”
That changed Alexander’s entire demeanor. “Josephine,” he repeated, devouring her with his eyes. “The heiress. You do my grandfather, and your great-grandfather, a great tribute. It has been a long time since I saw you last and I am pleased.”
As Josephine nodded demurely, Alexander took his eyes from her long enough to look Torridon over, making note of the obvious repairs that were going on. He was used to staying in grander castles, but he knew why Torridon looked as it did. In fact, that was the reason for his visit.
“Lady Josephine,” he said finally. “You will escort me inside this monstrous fortress.”
“Of course, my lord,” she said, turning to go back up the steps.
As Josephine led the way, Andrew watched the king and his men as they followed her delicious backside into the depths of the castle. He had to admit that he was feeling more than just a twinge of jealousy at the way the king gazed at Josephine. The attention was more than just “family”. And the king did it knowing full well Andrew was betrothed to Josephine.
Andrew had introduced himself as such when he’d ridden out to meet the king, so there was no mistake. Andrew wanted to ensure that the king knew right away what Andrew’s role was in all of this. Obviously, the king either didn’t care or he had a false sense of security in the way he was looking at Josephine. Perhaps, he thought he was immune to the wrath of The Red Fury, but he wasn’t. And he was going to feel it if he didn’t keep his attentions in check. Andrew wasn’t particularly reverent of Scottish kings, being English by birth.
Thane interrupted his unhappy thoughts. “My lord,” he said, catching his attention. “The men are bedded. I have ordered the escort party to also bed for the night, and I shall be joining them. Will you be coming?”
Andrew’s eyes were still on the entourage entering the door. “Nay,” he said slowly. “I shall be joining my betrothed and her king in the dining hall.”
Thane looked at the expression on Andrew’s face as the man scrutinized the king. He’d known Andrew for several years and had never seen him appear so… suspicious. Or was it jealousy? He thought it was somewhat disturbing. Remarkable, but disturbing.
“You do not trust him?” he finally asked. “The king, I mean.”
Andrew gave him a look that needed no explanation. That was exactly what he was feeling. Soon enough, he headed into the castle, following the king and his men.
Thane watched Andrew go, shaking his head as he turned for the gatehouse. Poor lout, he thought. He has no idea he’s already gone in love with her. But that meant that there could very well be trouble.
Men in love were volatile creatures, indeed.
*
Halfway through the meal, Justine and Sully appeared.
Seated across the table from the king, so he could get a good look at her, Josephine was the first one to see the couple enter the hall. Josephine leapt to her feet, uttering an apology. She left the table to go to her sister, who she assumed must be traumatized by having been bedded by a man for the first time. She was fully expecting hysterics. But Justine smiled prettily at Josephine, who looked at her with open astonishment. She had never seen Justine look prettier or… happier. She definitely looked happier. But Justine’s smile was a ruse; as she reached her sister, she threw herself forward into Josephine’s arms and began to weep.
Josephine clutched her sister, looking at Sully accusingly. “What have you done to her?” she demanded.
Sully looked at her, rather drolly. “Nothing except what a husband usually does to his wife.”
Josephine eyed him dubiously as she continued to hold her sister. Then, she looked back to Justine. “Darling, the king is here,” she said gently. “You must greet him.”
“It hurt,” Justine whispered into her sister’s shoulder.
Josephine’s eyes flew to Sully. “You hurt her?”
Sully looked surprised and outraged at the same time. “It was not intentional, I swear it.”
Justine sobbed again. “He… he would not stop when I asked him to.”
That clinched it for Josephine. She flew into a rage, running at Sully and pounding him with her small fists. She shrieked and cursed like a soldier while he mostly tried to defend himself, wondering why in the hell she was so angry at him when she was the one who had asked him to marry her sister. Didn’t she know what men did to a wife on the night of their wedding?
Andrew caught sight of the altercation and could not believe what he was seeing. Unfortunately, King Alexander saw it, too, and in a half-second both men were heading in their direction.
The king wasn’t a fancy, pampered lily-soft nobleman. In fact, Alexander was a scrapper. If there was a battle, he was in it, and if there was a fight, he was fighting. He was by no means a passive observer. He had spent all of his forty years fighting rebellious barons who had no respect for his throne or policies. It was a never-ending battle, and he worked hard to keep the houses, like de Carron, under his rule.
The men nearest the door were laughing as Josephine assaulted Sully. But the laughter ceased abruptly as Andrew and the king arrived. Andrew went for Josephine, but the king shoved him out of the way purposefully, pulling the little hellcat from the soldier.
“What goes on here?” the king demanded.
Only then did Josephine realize that her little tantrum had been observed. She also realized that it was the king with his arm around her, not Andrew. Chagrinned, she looked at Andrew, then at Sully, before replying. She even laughed a little, trying to make light of the situation.
“Nothing concerning, my lord,” she said. “Simply… a game, and nothing more. May I present to you my brother-in-law, Sir Sully Montgomery, and his wife, my sister, Justine.”
The king’s muscular arms were still wrapped around Josephine’s waist. It was clear that he had no intention of releasing her any time soon. He coolly observed Justine as the woman curtsied before turning his attention back to the heavenly-smelling creature in his grasp.
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