Chapter Five #2
“And ‘tis your right to wonder such,” I said smoothly, grateful my voice didn't waver because I felt rather than saw how tense Declan and Lachlann had grown.
Even so, this was my Wyrd, and my ever-warming talisman told me so, giving me much-needed strength and belief in my words, as I said what was in my heart.
“Yet I would swear to my old gods and new God, that I only wish peace betwixt our people. To form a bridge for those Norse long established here, that I know you have been trying to build. To find a future where we might peacefully co-exist.”
While it was debatable how much of a bridge after the Battle of Largs, before that, Alexander hadn't driven the local Norse from these shores as he might have, so he wasn’t as cruel as some kings.
Alexander sipped his whisky and considered me before speaking again, confirming my assumptions.
“Though it might surprise some, I wish the same, Astrid. At least those Norse who have long lived here and contributed to a strong Scotland. Those willing to pay homage to me, their rightful king, and forsake King Hákon because he is no king of this land.” He shook his head once, firmly.
“No more.” His jaw tightened, and a vein ticked in his temple.
“Nor will he be of our Isles if ‘tis the last thing I do now that he rejected my claim last year, then dared to attack our verra shore mere weeks ago.”
“And we agree, my king,” Lachlann assured, resting his hand over mine, cooler to the touch than I would have liked, considering we sat in front of a fire, but I found comfort in his gesture, regardless.
“What is it, you wish, my friend?” Lachlann went on.
“For Astrid’s help, of course,” Gustav said, clearly speaking for his liege as Alexander got his rising temper at King Hákon under control.
Like Declan, he remained standing, only much nearer their king with a drink in hand and his arm resting casually on the mantle, speaking to just how close he had become to the King of Scotland.
“If she is truly of the mind to bring peace to these shores, we will need to set aside her impending marriage to you for a time, Laird Mackay, so that she might assist her new countrymen and prove she is truly suited to marrying a chieftain.”
“How much time?” Declan said, his voice gruff enough to let me know he wasn’t pleased with this turn of events or, mayhap, even with who revealed them.
“And what will you have of her—” his gaze lingered on Gustav for a moment, almost as if he challenged him, before he looked at Alexander— “my king?”
Undoubtedly catching the look Gustav and Declan exchanged because it was mutual and more than obvious, Alexander’s knowing gaze flickered between the men before settling on Lachlann and me.
“If ‘twill suit you, Laird Mackay, I would have Astrid travel with me to the Norse warriors who survived the Battle of Largs, then north and onward to meet with other established Norse settlers, so that I might weed out those who should and shouldnae remain. If she proves herself a true reformed Scot, willing to do the things I ask, and proves steadfast and invaluable, I will gladly approve your marriage.”
“For it does need approving,” Gustav echoed, smoothly filling the position of Alexander’s advisor. He smiled warmly at me. “And ‘twill be my pleasure to travel with you as you prove you’re every bit as worthy as I swore you were, my friend.”
This couldn’t be happening. Surely not. Yet it was, and I had no choice but to sit by and let these Scotsmen dictate my life. No choice when I had followed my fate and willingly come to these shores.
“And I agree, ‘tis a sound idea on both counts,” Lachlann said readily enough, because he had no choice, either, and I knew it.
Yet he would get his way one way or another, speaking directly to Alexander.
“But I would request something of you, my liege, if ‘tis not too much, as Astrid is to be my wife once she proves herself, which I have no doubt she will. A request given the long friendship I shared with your late father and now you.”
“And what would that be?”
“That you allow Astrid’s dog, as well as my son, and a handful of my men to travel with you to keep watch over her on my behalf, personally guarding her, as I will worry so.
” He looked from Declan to Alexander. “Declan is not only a friend to you but one of your best warriors, so he will, without doubt, only aid you in your cause and offer me comfort in Astrid’s absence. ”
When Gustav began to answer on Alexander's behalf again, no doubt disliking how much time Declan would be spending with Astrid, the king shook his head and considered Lachlann for a moment.
Then, he eyed Declan, who stood almost stoically now, his brow deeply furrowed.
“And what do you make of your father’s request, Declan?
‘Twill take you far from home once more and not to battle this time but to guard a lass.”
“I think ‘twould be poor to ever say no to my da,” he replied without hesitation, his steady gaze remaining on his king, when I sensed he would rather look at me or, better still, glare at Gustav. “So, aye, I will go if ‘tis his and your wish. To go where I am needed and serve at your pleasure.”