Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"
Автор книги: Kara Griffin
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Grey laughed. “Aye? I deem they’d war regardless of whether the lass went to Marshall. So will you do this for me? Will you take and hide her?”
James bellowed in laughter. He couldn’t cease for his life took a turn toward bizarre. He’d just been given his fondest wish. Using his tunic, he wiped the laughter moisture from his eyes. Now he understood why Grey had given him odd looks when they’d first discussed the issue of the betrothal.
His laird was interfering again, and had the habit of bringing his guardsmen into affray with a woman. He’d done it to Kenneth and Sean, and now it appeared it was his turn. James continued to laugh for he should have realized his laird’s intent.
“What is so humorous? I want your compliance,” Grey said sternly, looking peeved about his reaction.
“Where do you want me to take her?”
“I’ve thought on it and the only place the lass will be safe for now would be Donal’s keep. When we went to meet with Marshall, Donal was pissed. He wasn’t pleased by the pact Marshall gave Iorwerth either. He remarked that he didn’t like the look Marshall had on his face when he spoke of the lass. I know he’ll support us in this.”
James shook his head. He couldn’t believe their discussion led to this. “There will be repercussions.”
“I’ll deal with them when they come. If we can get Donal to side with us, he can gain our king’s accord that we did the right thing. We should leave this banter betwixt Iorwerth and Marshall.”
James couldn’t agree more, but he said, “Our king wanted us to aid his comrade. He’ll not be pleased that we disobeyed his direct orders.”
“One problem at a time, James. Do I have your accord?”
“Aye, you do.”
“I need your oath that no matter what happens you will not allow the lass be given to Marshall.”
“You have it.”
Grey folded his arms and scratched his back against the tent pole. “When I met with Llywelyn, he said his daughter hasn’t been home in two days. He has a search out for her. You wouldn’t know where she is, do you?”
Mayhap her father should’ve been concerned about that when he’d seen her on the training field. Obviously her father was more intent in testing her arms than having her safely in the keep.
James nodded. “I have an idea.”
“Christ Almighty, James. Only you would fall in love with a hellion princess. Find her and make sure she agrees to leave with us. We’ll keep up the pretense that we’ll take her to Marshall. When we reach the border, you will veer off toward home and we’ll keep Marshall’s army busy. And, James, if you deem I don’t know what’s going on … I know what you’ve been up to.”
James laughed. “I should’ve known you’d suspect something. But aye, I’ve met the lass and had a run in with her. I am sure she’ll agree to our plan. No lass would want to be betrothed to their clan’s enemy.”
“You best hope she agrees. Go and find her. And for God’s sake, keep your face from her fist. Your eye is unsightly and ugly as hell.” Grey chuckled as he left the tent.
James realized he might have need of the dragon key after all.
Chapter Eleven
Where would he find a door with a dragon? James searched all morning, but found nothing to which she described. During the training rounds, he snuck away and was able to walk near the keep. He had to return when a group of Iorwerth men began following him. He didn’t want to draw their suspicion and pretended to be lost. They directed him back to the fields.
James needed a diversion, and knew just how to provoke one. “Sean, I need you to keep all the soldiers occupied so I can slip away.”
Sean scoffed. “How am I supposed to do that?”
Before he could answer, Colm wedged himself between them and inserted himself in their conversation. “I know what we can do. Sean and I will take to swords. Kenneth can bet one of the Iorwerths who will win and gain everyone’s interest for the next round.”
“It might work,” Sean said, and followed Colm on to the field. As soon as their swords rang with the first strike, several men ceased their activity and stood in groups watching.
Before long, many were enthralled in the betting. James grinned for Sean and Colm put on a good show. They knew how to wield their swords in ways others did not. He found himself watching too and realized he needed to get away while everyone’s attention was focused on his comrades. James hastened away from the fields with a quick stride. He reached the water well near the keep and stopped to take drink.
“You!”
He turned and noticed one of the lassies who swam with Emlyn, that first night of their arrival, calling out to him.
“Good day, milady.” He returned a large ladle to the bucket after he drank down a good helping of water.
The lass appeared angry and stood spine-stiffened. James was about to make his escape, but stopped when he heard her speak.
“You won’t help her will you?”
He frowned in question, and looked around them. “Do you mean Emlyn?”
“Aye, who else do I speak of? My name’s Branwyn, friend to Emlyn. You won’t help her, will you? You’ll allow her to be taken to that knave? He’ll kill her, just like he killed my brother.”
The lass became distraught and James stepped backward, for he didn’t know how to console her. “I have decided to … help her. I’ve been searching for her all morn. When I find her, I’ll tell her so.”
“She said you wouldn’t. I’m gladdened you changed your mind. She’s hiding until she can figure out a way to thwart Marshall.”
“I know a way. Do you know where I can find her?”
Branwyn pretended to fill the bucket when two soldiers passed by. They looked at them overlong and he was about to walk away to disengage their interest.
The lass shouted at them. “What are ye looking at? Mayhap I should have my Cranog come and inquire?”
The two soldiers hastened down the lane. As soon as they were far enough away, James returned to her side.
“I know where she is. Don’t walk too close. Follow me,” she said, waving him onward. She walked around the keep near the wall surrounding the fortification. There, he saw a large hill embedded into a high rocky wall. The wall rose up from the ground, seemingly reaching the sky. In the center of the rocky formation stood a white door with a dragon etched in the large stone above. She pointed at the door and kept walking.
He wanted to thank her for her help, but she was already too far away to hear him. James waited until she disappeared around the bend of the keep, before pulling the key from his tunic.
It fit perfectly and he turned it. The door groaned when he opened it. The abode was dark within. He closed the door behind him, darkening the chamber further. His eyes couldn’t see much ahead of him. Before he called out Emlyn’s name, someone attacked him and forced him back onto a table. Their sword thrust against his neck. He couldn’t breathe. As his eyes adjusted to the obscurity, he saw her.
“Emlyn.”
She withdrew her sword and pulled back. “James.” His name was a sultry whisper on her lips. She dropped her sword and threw herself in his arms.
James caught her and when she set her mouth on his, he was swarmed with lust. Their kiss became frantic, vehement, and full of desire. Holding her close, he reveled having her in his arms again. He couldn’t get enough of her mouth, and continued kissing her as if he was ravenous.
Her hands gripped his tunic, and he felt the air around him when she stripped it from his body. James kept his mouth fused with hers, surrendering to her siren’s tongue’s call. He had never been kissed so seductively or enthusiastically before and vowed to enjoy every second of it. Her hands moved frantically over his chest in unison with her lips.
Emlyn caressed his bared chest, her fingers squeezing and pinching him. James leaned back against the table and pulled her to stand between his legs. He undid the ties of her tunic and pulled it over her head, breaking off their kiss.
They both laughed, and then James took her breasts in his hands. He gazed at them and when she leaned in, he used his mouth to tease the hardened tips of her nipples. She moaned and set her hands on his shoulders as he continued to press his attention on her lovely mounds.
“James, please … Can you not tell how much I want you? This is not the time to tease or go slow.”
“Aye, it is, lovely. I want to touch you everywhere and I won’t be content until I do.” He caressed her body with his rough hands, roaming at his will. James tugged at the closure of her breeches when his hands reached her waist, until they fell to her ankles. She stepped out of the garment, and began seductively removing her shift. It was all too much and James growled, anxiously wanting her to rid it. He helped her shift it beneath her hips. When she stood before him, James knew he was astute, for she was a vixen, one that held him in complete rapture.
“Let me look at you.”
She stepped back and he his eyes took in the musculature of her arms and legs. Emlyn was as fit as a warrior, and he surmised it was due to the practice she participated in daily. Her hands and feet were dainty, her hips curvaceous, and her chest speckled with the same freckles she had on her face. When he remembered to breathe, he took a breath.
“I didn’t get a chance to enjoy this view the other night. You are beyond beautiful, Emlyn.”
She took a step toward him again and ran her hands along his arms. When she reached the bulge of his biceps, she stopped and stared at him.
“Not as strong and capable as you,” she said in a whisper.
James unbelted his tartan and let his garment fall to join hers. He hopped on the table and pulled her on to his lap. He wanted nothing more than to be inside her—knowing nullity from their previous encounter.
Emlyn sat astride him, with her hands on his shoulders for support. She leaned close and kissed his chin, his cheek, his nose, and finally his mouth. Her sweet lips brushed lightly over his and caused him to moan, for he wanted to taste her again.
She settled her mouth against his, and James thought the coy gesture was utterly feminine. It was completely unexpected from her. In this she couldn’t help but be the sweet, willing lass he’d hoped she’d be.
James leaned back on his elbows and watched as she took hold of his erection and guided it to her woman’s essence. He couldn’t hold back the groan of pleasure when he entered the wet, warmth of her body.
“Am I hurting you?”
“Nay, to the contrary. I’m yours to command, lovely. Do with me what you will. What do you want me to do?”
Emlyn raised her body and lowered herself onto him. The movement caused him to grit his teeth, for he was already pulsing with the need to ram inside her and expire. It took a will he didn’t know he possessed to remain still and allow her untried movements.
“Hold my hips and help me move,” she commanded.
James did as she bode and as she began gyrating madly against him, he closed his eyes and basked in the glory of their joining. He wished he’d remembered their last encounter, because this one damned near, pleasantly tortured him.
Emlyn slowed, and tossed her head back. She appeared lost in passion, and he took over from there and jerked his hips to meet her. He continued to thrust, and they both rasped with the exertion of their hasty movements. James slowed and took hold of her waist. He flipped her onto her back and laughed when she gasped.
“Now it’s my turn.” He settled himself between her legs and thrust deep and hard. She withered beneath him, huffing, and moaning. James got caught up in listening to her sweet desirous wails that he had lessened his movements.
Emlyn cried out, and James suspected she was nearing culmination, and he kept to the teasing pace. She screamed his name and he moaned. Her woman’s core tightened and convulsed around his erection. Such sweet, tumultuous torture.
James couldn’t hold back and he became a beast. Pleasure entwined his veins, and he shook with magnanimous force. He thrust and stayed planted, for his body hardened and he released a ground-out breath in a guttural call. He was wracked in a paralyzing orgasm of which he’d never experienced.
His breath rasped and when he opened his eyes, he found her watching him closely. The only thing he could do at that moment was grin, for if anyone asked him to move, he would likely fall.
“God Almighty, James. I cannot believe how wonderful that feels.” She continued to stroke his arms and smiled.
He laughed and pulled away from her, giving her a hand to help her sit up. Emlyn threw her legs over the side of the table and sat next to him, shoulder to shoulder.
“Is it like that all the time?”
He grinned, for he was about to tell a falsehood. “Aye, it is.”
Emlyn’s sweet laughter flowed through him.
“I cannot believe you came to me. Does this mean what I deem it to mean?”
“Aye. I will help you.”
She threw herself into his arms. “James,” she said, trailing light kisses over his face, “Thank you. Why did you change your mind?”
He chuckled and pulled her against him. Her naked body felt splendid against his. “I’ve been released from my vow to my laird. When we go, we will let everyone believe you’re going to Marshall as agreed. When we reach the border, we’ll head north.”
“Oh, I thought mayhap you … Ah, well that is good and I am relieved.”
A bang sounded on the door and they both shot a gaze toward it. The banging persisted.
“Who else knows you’re here?”
More bangs came and shouts. “Emlyn, are you in there? If you are, ye best answer me. I demand you open this door at once.”
“Oh, damnation. It’s my mother. Come, we must hide.” Emlyn scooped up her garments, and James followed suit. He clasped her hand as she led him to a dark, dank outlet. They seemed to be in a cave. “This should be far enough.”
Once inside the cavern, James moved into a recess of rock near the entrance where Emlyn stopped. Light from the antechamber didn’t reach the cave and he could barely see her even though she stood next to him.
“My mother won’t come in here. Stay quiet.”
James pulled on his tartan, belted it, and held on to his tunic. He helped pull Emlyn’s tunic over her head and she giggled when his fingers brushed her abdomen.
“You’re ticklish. I’ll have to remember that.”
“Shhhh,” she said, setting a finger over her lips.
James grinned and pulled her to his body. He kissed her and kept it up until his lips became numb.
Voices came from the antechamber and Emlyn broke off the kiss, and leaned to peer into the lightness.
“Emlyn, if you’re in there, ye best come out. Delyth told me where to find you. Hiding will do you no good. You will be sent to Marshall and will wed him as your father and I bid. You have a duty as your father’s daughter. As a Wales princess, you should not be acting so childish. I am being reasonable, but not for much longer. Do you hear me?”
Emlyn whispered in his ear, “How can we not? She’s yelling loud enough to rattle the bats and wake the Gods.”
“Mayhap she’s not in there,” one of her mother’s guards said.
“If you do not return to the keep by this eve, I vow I will send ye to our enemy without a stitch of clothing on. Come all, I have spoken my peace.”
The antechamber door banged and a quiet followed.
Emlyn stood still and didn’t seem to want to move. James pulled her close and clasped her in his arms. “Do you deem she means what she said? I fear all of the Gunns would want to ride alongside ye, you being naked and all.”
Emlyn laughed. “Oh aye, she means it. My mother was born to King John of England. Her heart is just as malevolent. I doubt she knows what compassion is.”
James kissed her forehead. “Mayhap, you’re aright, for I know King John never had any. What is this place?”
From deep inside the cavern, he heard the sound of dripping water. The scent of fish and an acrid smell engulfed him. He noticed the ceiling went upward and seemed not to end. He never would have guessed the chamber led to the cave, but the entrance was darkened and it appeared to be another room. It was far from an adjoining room.
“Ddraig Goch, the red dragon’s lair, the dragon that guards my grandfather’s secrets.”
Her grandfather had a strange name for his domain. “Where is he?”
Emlyn pulled on her breeches. “He’s gone, died. He practiced the old religion and many still revere him. They deem this sacred land and none ever enter his realm. I’m surprised my mother did, but she never believed in my grandfather’s sorcery. My father sometimes speaks of the days when he was a lad and odd happenstances occurred.”
“You believe he performed such rituals and of dragons?” James kept his expression devoid of humor, for he wouldn’t affront her.
“Oh aye, for I saw his sorcery with my own eyes. I never did see the dragon though. I’m not certain, but he may have fabricated that tale to keep everyone away from the cave.”
James looked ahead and his eyes adjusted to the dark abode. He spotted something bright on the floor of the cave. “Look there.” He began walking toward it.
“Oh, James, it looks to be eggs. Do you deem they’re dragon’s eggs?”
“I know not, but I’ve never seen such large eggs before. They’re warm,” he said, touching the closest one.
“We should leave. I don’t want to disturb anything, especially if the dragon or whatever they are, mama’s returns. Come.”
James followed her from the cavern back into the adjacent chamber. He finished dressing and leaned against the table where they’d fornicated.
“Come here.”
Emlyn stood between his legs. Her bright green eyes still misted with passion. James held and stroked her face with his thumbs and considered kissing her again.
“I should return.”
“Aye,” he said. But neither moved. He wished she didn’t have to leave his presence, but knew she had to return to the keep. “Emlyn, when we leave … Once we reach the border, we’ll head toward Gunn land. We’ve a neighboring chieftain that will give us sanctuary and aid. I don’t want you to fear.”
“I won’t as long as I’m with you.” She stood on the tips of her toes and kissed him.
James returned the kiss, but broke it off when he felt the stirrings of lust. Aye, he wanted her again.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Because, I now know what we experienced the other night and I will remember what it feels like to be inside you.”
Emlyn smacked his hand when he raised it to touch her breast.
“Aye, you’re a vixen, lovely, and mine.”
Emlyn set her hands on the sides of his neck and whispered, “Always and willingly.”
Chapter Twelve
Emlyn was forced to submit. Her mother’s guard awaited outside the chamber and captured her arms before she made a move to defend herself. Even though she didn’t resist, they drug her forcibly to the keep. Her mother met them at the entrance.
“Take her to the black-stall. She’ll not be able to escape.”
“Mother, I wish not to escape. Please, don’t put me in there. I’ll do your bidding. There’s no reason to lock me away.”
“I disbelieve ye. Put her in the stall and make sure the door is locked.” Her mother turned and walked away as if her punishment were nothing but a mere slap on the hand.
Emlyn pulled her arms free of the guard. “I can walk unassisted.” She followed, her chin raised high, with two guards in front of her and two at her back.
They guided her to the lower level where the garrison was located. In the very back where no light reached, was a chamber where soldiers were placed when they had committed a crime or needed punishment. No one in their family had ever been sent there. She would be the first.
Once inside, Emlyn turned to face the door and when they closed it, darkness prevailed. She couldn’t believe her mother sent her there. As angry as she was, she couldn’t fault her mother for she had disobeyed her and deserved her mother’s wrath.
Hours went by and Emlyn lost track of the amount of time she’d been in the tiny cell. It could’ve been an entire day, but felt more akin to three. She daren’t sit and her legs weakened from standing so long. Emlyn wouldn’t touch the walls or anything inside the chamber. Every so often, she heard the rustling of a mouse—at least, that’s what she hoped it was.
A noise came from outside the door and the handle jiggled and opened. Her mother finally came to her senses and was going to release her. Emlyn was appeased and would curve her tongue and not speak out. But it wasn’t her mother.
Her father slipped the key inside his tunic and stepped forward. “Emlyn, my sweet, are ye harmed?”
“Nay, Father, I’m well, but tired.”
“When I found out what your mother did … I came straight away to free ye. Come, we’ll get you out of here. How long have ye been in here?”
“I know not. Thank you, Father, for coming for me.”
He offered his arm and Emlyn set her hand on it. She was grateful for his aid for she wasn’t sure she could walk on her own. When she reached the outside, she saw that it was nearly nighttime and dusk had settled on the land.
“Come, we’ll sit there, by yonder tree.”
Emlyn fell to her knees when she reached the grassy spot.
Her father sat and leaned his back against the tree. “You’re to leave the day after tomorrow, lass. Tell me ye were able to find someone to aid you.”
“I did. I’m gladdened that I’ll be leaving, especially after what Mother did.”
“Do not blame her, daughter. She only has the family’s best interest at heart. She was reared in England and doesn’t have our winsome ways.”
Emlyn snorted a laugh. “I will never be what she wants me to be.”
“Nay, likely not. But we all can’t be what our parents want of us. Never fear, she has two other daughters to rule and mold as she wants. You’re akin to me, my sweet. Aye, none could tell me what to do when I was a lad.”
“I’m sorry, Father, to be so troublesome.”
He grinned and shook his head. “Do not apologize for being true to yourself, lass. So tell me, who is the Scot who will aid ye?”
“His name is James. He is a guardsman to their leader.”
“Ah, good, good. He has a position of prestige. I will meet him and ensure he is capable of protecting you.”
“I am certain, Father, that he is.”
He pressed his fingers against his beard, tugging it downward and nodded. “I left ye a reward, a satchel full of weapons in Aled’s stall. It is my gift to you for your journey.”
“I thank you, Father.” Emlyn was thrilled to hear of his gift and she couldn’t wait to see what weapons he’d given her.
“There are two maids awaiting you in your chamber. Go and bathe, and make yourself bonny. And on the morrow in the eve, we’re to have a farewell feast. It was your mother’s suggestion. Be sure to appease her. Wear something becoming a princess. Many will attend, including the Scots who are to escort you to Marshall.” Her father winked and gave her a small grin.
Emlyn rose. She curtseyed to him and waited for his dismissal.
“Go daughter, and get rest. I’m pleased you have done as I asked.”
Emlyn hurried away and went directly the bedchamber that she shared with her sisters. There, the two maids had a warm bath ready. She undressed and sunk into the soothing water. By the time they finished scrubbing and dressing her, Emlyn was sleepy, and barely able to keep her eyes open.
She lay upon the bedding and listened to the maids cleaning the chamber. Emlyn decided to surprise her mother on the morrow. She would appear at her farewell feast attired in garb to rival a queen’s.
*****
A chill set the air and brought forth a mist from the sea. Autumn would soon be upon them. James walked the trail to the waterfall and listened to the serenity of the morning. He’d slept through the night before. Finally, he’d gotten a full night’s sleep.
His last thoughts before he closed his eyes were of Emlyn and their time together in the cavern. As he walked along, he couldn’t hold back his grin, for his thoughts when he’d awakened were of the same.
His breath fogged the air, and he got cold, and he pulled his tartan around his upper body. The journey home would be dangerous. Not only did they need to thwart Marshall’s army, but it appeared they’d have to contend with a colder climate.
James thought of home and how the men of their clan would take to hunting to ensure their stores were filled with meat for the long winter. Harvest would be in full-swing and tasks to get everything done before the change of season weighed heavily upon them. He knew Grey must also be thinking of such matters. Hopefully, soon everyone could return and put the king’s errand behind them.
He reached the waterfall and hoped to see Emlyn there, but she was nowhere in sight. After washing his face, and using Sean’s small blade on his whiskers, he hurried back to camp. Training would soon begin and he wanted to see Emlyn again. James hoped she’d at least be there.
When he reached camp, his comrades had just finished eating their morning fare. He was handed a bowl of pottage. It smelled delicious and of cinnamon, and he wondered where Sean had come of the spice. James set about to eat it quickly for they would soon be heading to the fields and wouldn’t break until near supper.
“Sean, you’re getting better at cooking,” he said, and handed the empty bowl back to him.
“Aye, he’ll be wearing a kitchen maid’s cap and be tending to the pots when he returns home.” Colm received a hard shove from Sean for his jest.
James laughed. “Aye, he might want to hide from his sweet wife for I heard wives change during pregnancy. Is that not right, Kenneth?” He meant to tease both Sean and Colm for this spring they’d each have a bairn.
Colm groaned. “Cosh, James! Don’t remind us. Who knows what Frances and Kelsi will be akin to when we return.”
Kenneth bellowed a laugh. “They’ll be a wee bit fatter, that’s for certain.”
To which Sean threw a hunk of bread at both he and James.
“James,” Grey called.
He looked up to see his laird standing nearby. “Aye?”
“Come. You’ve been called to the keep by Llywelyn. He wishes to speak to you.”
“Me? What does he want?” James grimaced. Her father couldn’t have found out about his encounter with Emlyn. He didn’t like not knowing what he wanted.
“I don’t know, but ye need to hurry. I’ll go with you.”
The sun finally showed itself and the morning mist was chased away. They reached the keep a few minutes later, and were bid entry by the keep’s maid. She led them into the great hall. He and Grey stood awaiting the Iorwerth chieftain.
Llywelyn was being fetched, the maid told them, and disappeared through a door. James shifted from one foot to the other as uneasiness came over him. Would he be sentenced to death for fornicating with the chieftain’s daughter? James felt the room close in on him and a doom shadowed his thoughts. He heard the Iorwerth’s footsteps and saw him as he appeared at the entrance with his wife.
The warrior chieftain was dressed for war as his mail glinted from the sunlight that streamed into the chamber through the narrow window casement.
“All will leave but James.”
Grey gave him a regretful gaze before he turned on his heel and left. So much for his laird’s support.
“I would know what you will speak of to this soldier,” his wife said in a demanding tone. She stood behind her husband and didn’t appear to want to leave.
“I will speak to him alone.” Llywelyn sat in his designated chair. He frowned sternly at his wife when she didn’t make a move to leave. “This matter does not concern you. Leave us at once.” The chieftain’s voice gave the command with no option for her to question him.
James continued to stand, and he watched Lady Iorwerth leave the hall with angry steps. He didn’t like this one bit, for the longer he stood there, the more he considered what ramifications he’d bear. Would he be beheaded or hung? At least he’d had a last meal and verily it had been tasty. His thoughts muddled and an urge to laugh at such absurdity came.
“Come, James. Sit, for I have something to discuss with you.”
James released the breath he’d been holding. The chieftain sounded more at ease. He sat in the chair to the right at the head of the table, and kept his gaze serene, with his eyes fastened on the lord’s.
“My lord? I’m not sure what you wish to discuss, but I am at your service.”
“You appear to be a fit soldier and capable. It seems my daughter has chosen well.”
“She told you?” James could’ve cringed at his words, but kept his expression devoid of any reaction.
“Aye, from the first day I met you, I suspected her interest. I saw the way she looked at you when I introduced your leader to my family. And now that I think on it, I recall you watching her as she left the chamber.”
“I should apologize, my lord, but I won’t.” James fisted his hands, readying to defend himself. In a matter of seconds the chieftain’s guard would surely come to collect him.
“So she gave herself to you, aye? I told her to submit and for once the lass listened.” Iorwerth laughed. “James, I want your promise that she will not be given over to Marshall.”
James quailed irefully at his words. He’d commanded Emlyn to be with him? He wasn’t sure how he felt about that, but kept his expression from showing his indignation. “You have it. I give you my word, my lord.” James relaxed his hands and realized he hadn’t been brought before the lord for punishment or execution. Emlyn spoke the truth that her father had given her permission to thwart Marshall. He hadn’t believed her.
“I deem you might be the one to tame my sweet daughter, for none have been successful so far.” Llywelyn raised his cup and bowed his head before taking a drink.
“It will be a difficult task, my lord.”
Llywelyn laughed boisterously. “Aye, ye speak the truth in that. I want ye to know that you have my permission to wed her. I set in place now your betrothal. Here,” he said, and placed a heavy-laden sack on the table. “I believe this is enough of a bride price for her hand. Do you accept?”
James stared at Llywelyn and then at the pouch, disbelieving what he was asking. He was no fool. The amount of coin filling the sack was enough to pay a bride price three times over. The question that plagued him more was, was he wanting to wed her? But there was no time to deliberate it.
James slowly nodded. “Aye, my lord, I accept.”
“This night we will have a farewell feast. I would that your laird and his closest guardsmen attend. We will not speak of this betrothal or our agreement. For you must gain my sweet Emlyn’s hand on your own. I wish ye good fortune, young James, for ye shall need it in dealing with my fair Emlyn.” Llywelyn stood.
