“Lad.”

Strath jerked his gaze toward the entryway to Eva’s room. His father stood on the threshold, windswept hair more the color of clouds than the gold it had been in his youth.

“Da.” Strath stood up from the chair he’d pulled to the side of Eva’s bed where he’d been waiting for her to wake fully. She’d come to shortly after collapsing into his arms but had subsequently fallen back into a fitful sleep. It was as though her mind did not want to come to terms with what he’d revealed.

“Is this Lady Eva?” His father walked into the room, staring at Eva with a scrutinizing regard.

“Aye.” Unconsciously, Strath puffed his chest, and he understood why. He would protect Eva, even from any judgment his father might pass down.

But there was no need. His father broke out into a smile. “She is bonny. What happened?”

Strath let out a low breath. He should have known his father would not find Eva lacking. No one could. And what a relief to know his father trusted his choice in a woman, given what had happened before.

“She swooned upon hearing some rather shocking news.” Strath nodded his head toward the door. Though he hated to leave Eva, he didn’t want to talk about her as though she weren’t there simply because she was not awake.

His father followed him out into the corridor, where Strath explained all that had happened. From his arrival at Northwyck, Belfinch’s fall, Eva offering herself up instead of her father. The journey to Scotland, their arrival. Her love of kittens, even. He told him everything. Well, not everything. There were some private moments he preferred to keep to himself. But he did tell his father he loved her and wanted to marry her. That he’d offered, and she had accepted. How Belfinch had arrived, and the lies that had come out of it. How the poor lass had believed her mother dead, and then came to be unsure, and how just today they’d found out that the lady was alive and in Scotland.

“I knew ye’d find someone,” his father said with a smile, grasping Strath’s shoulder and giving a firm squeeze. “Your mother will be excited to have another English lass in the family, even if she is only half.”

Strath’s gaze fell back through the doorway toward the bed where Eva lay curled up on one side, her hand fisted beneath her cheek as though even in sleep she was ready for a fight. “If she’ll still have me.”

“She will, son, she’d be mad not to.”

There was a clatter of hooves in the bailey, followed by the booming of voices from the great hall. Hurried footsteps sounded on the stairs, and a moment later, Tomaidh came into view.

“The king is here.” He drew in a ragged breath, looking nervous. “With…Lady Northwyck.”

Strath glanced at his father, finding it hard to form words. Eva’s mother was here? Several reactions vied for purchase inside him. He should be elated that Eva was going to be reunited with her mother. But he was also distraught over how Eva would react. She’d fainted upon hearing her mother was alive. What would happen if she saw her? He had to be there for her, of course. Help her see this through.

The Earl of Sutherland clasped his son around the shoulders. His green eyes, the same in everything but color as Strath’s, bore into him. “Courage, lad. The king admires ye. Have faith in that.”

But there was something he had to do before they went downstairs, before the opportunity was lost. Something he’d promised himself he’d do when he saw his father again.

Resolute, he glanced toward his mate. “Tomaidh, will ye sit with Lady Eva, and if she wakes, please come get me?”

“Aye, my laird. I’ll keep her safe, and come find ye as soon as she awakens.”

With Tomaidh in the room watching over Eva, Strath turned back to his father. He blew out a breath and ran his hands through his hair. This was a lot harder than he thought. But he could do hard things. He had done hard things.

“I want to beg your forgiveness, Da. For not seeing sooner what the Guinns were up to.”

His father narrowed his eyes, crossed his arms, and waited.

“For rushing off and dumping Jean and her lover with her father. There was likely a better way to go about breaking the betrothal that did not involve publicly humiliating the laird, which caused him to attack Dunrobin. Though ye’ve forgiven me before, I’d yet to find the will to forgive myself until recently.”

The elder Magnus pressed his hands to Strath’s shoulders and looked him square in the eye. “I forgave ye before, and I’ll forgive ye again. Dinna blame yourself. Hindsight always has us seeing different ways of doing things. If the man had been of sound mind, he’d not have attacked. What his daughter did, their attempt to cover it up, was enough to have me laying siege to his castle.” His father chuckled. “And hell, we’ve all learned a hard lesson when it comes to women. But it seems like ye’ve been gifted with another chance.” He nodded toward Eva, and Strath followed his line of vision.

His chest tightened with love and pride. Somehow, over the course of the weeks he’d known Eva, the armor he’d put up around his heart had melted. At his father’s words, he felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Everything seemed to be right in the world. Well, almost. There was still the bastard in the dungeon to deal with, her addled father, and of course, her mother coming back to life. But those things seemed easily surmountable if he had her by his side and his father supported him. “Aye, and with your blessing, I’m going to marry her, Da. I love her.”

Magnus grinned and clapped his son on the cheek. “Ye have it, lad. Even if she was not related to the king, I’d give ye my blessing. But as it is, ’twould seem we’re gaining a better alliance than that of Guinn.”

Strath chuckled and shook his head. “And a hell of a lot less treachery.”

“Aye, there is that. Now, let us go and greet our king.”

Feeling lighter than he had in a long time, Strath followed his father down the steps and into the great hall where servants ran frantically to and fro with food and drink.

Warriors, including those who’d fought in battle and sustained minor injuries, were waiting in line to greet their king, Robert the Bruce, who sat on the dais. Even in his advancing years, the king still cut an impressive figure. His hair was mostly gray, and so was his beard. Shallow lines creased the corners of his eyes, between his brows, and down the centers of his cheeks, making him look what he’d heard his mother call “distinguished”. Despite the gray and wrinkles, the Bruce’s body was strong, and his eyes sharp.

As soon as the Bruce caught sight of Strath and his father, he waved them forward. Strath bent a leg to his king and kissed the ring on his outstretched hand.

“Your Highness,” Strath said.

“Strath, good work in England, and here. Two less Sassenachs to torment our people. And I hear ye found Lady Eva.”

Strath bowed his head in subservience. His father might have a friendship with the king, having served him and helped him defeat the English more times than anyone could count, but Strath was still in awe of the king who’d brought this country closer to independence. So while his Da might clap the king on the back and tease him, Strath would remain where he was, head bowed, and offer up only his respect. “’Twas an honor to serve ye, Your Highness. I am as always your humble servant.”

“Humble! Bah!” The king laughed. “Sutherland,” he said to Strath’s father, “Your son is funny.”

Strath glanced up confused, seeing the king’s mirthful grin.

“There’s no need to be humble about having captured a menace, Strathnavor. Tell me how ye really feel.”

He’d not heard anyone call him by his title in a long time. Glancing at his father who nodded with a wry grin, Strath said, “I was glad to have caught the filthy bastard. I hope he rots in the dungeon.”

“Belfinch will be hanged in the morning for his crimes against Scotland,” the Bruce continued. “And the other man, Lord Northwyck—”

“Your Highness, beg your pardon, but the man is not well,” Strath interrupted. “An illness of the mind.”

“How so?”

“The man canna seem to recall the last two years.”

The king grunted, staring at Strath. “Mayhap that will change soon.”

Strath knew he had to be referring to Lady Northwyck. Strath bit his tongue. He wanted to ask about Lady Northwyck but didn’t see any ladies present, and he wasn’t certain how to broach the topic. If he didn’t broach it now though, there might not be another chance, and he had to do it for Eva. The lass deserved to know where her mother was.

Clearing his throat, Strath dove right in. “Your Highness, if I may, Belfinch told me about Lady Northwyck. When the lady was stolen and presumed dead, Northwyck killed Belfinch’s father, at which point the newly titled Belfinch began blackmailing Northwyck.”

Robert the Bruce nodded. “A messy affair. I’m glad my cousin is safe. We tried to get her daughters more than once, but then we found out about Jacqueline’s marriage and Eva’s death. She’ll be relieved to know her daughter is still alive.”

Strath tried not to be frustrated at the response. “Your Highness, with the blackmail in play, I am uncertain Northwyck was behind all the attacks on the border. There’s no doubt he is guilty of funding Belfinch’s assaults, but it is my opinion that a man under duress should not be held to the same level of accountability. This does not mean I think there shouldna be some form of punishment however.”

The king studied him for several moments. Would the king be angry for what he’d said? Possibly. But it was the truth, and there was no one here to plead for Eva’s father but him.

“Ye speak your mind with ease,” the king responded. “I admire that. No more of the humble ballocks ye were spouting before. I am in agreement with ye. Though I think the reason ye pursued the topic is because of the lass, is it not?”

“Aye. I wish to marry her.”

“I’ll allow it.”

Strath blew out a breath, having just experienced a moment of panic.

“And ye can assure her that her father will not receive the same punishment as Belfinch, though he will have to face his crimes.”

“Aye, Your Highness, I thank ye.”

Despite what he’d told the king he knew, there was one secret Strath kept to himself—the information regarding the key. The more he thought about it, the more he decided it was only right to send the key and the coin purse to Eva’s sister, who could make certain the people of Northwyck were properly repaid. As much as he loved his king, Strath knew for certain he would want to take the bounty for himself. Wars were expensive, so Strath could not blame his king for wanting to garner more coin to pay for it. This, however, he needed to give back to Eva’s people. Which brought him to the next bone of contention he’d been holding back from.

“Your Highness,” Strath said. “May I ask where Lady Northwyck is?”

“I am here, sir.” The voice was melodic, a fair mixture of English and Scots.

When Strath turned around, a beautiful woman who could have been Eva two decades from now approached them. She had the same silky golden hair, identical bright-blue eyes, and skin the texture of fresh cream. The resemblance was uncanny. The only difference he could make out was that this woman was at least six inches taller than his wee Eva.

“My lady.” Strath bowed to the woman.

“Stand, sir, please. I understand you saved my daughter.” She regarded him behind a serene mask.

Strath stiffened. “Aye.” He had saved her from a fate this woman had left her to. “She was relieved to find out ye lived.”

The woman’s eyes glistened, but she didn’t seem taken aback by his words. “I tried to tell her.”

Strath held his tongue, wanting to ask a whole lot more, like why she hadn’t she tried harder to get to her daughter? He felt the eyes of his king boring into his spine. He had questions for him, too. But alas, the tongue of a vassal must be held, and he’d already pushed too much when it came to his liege.

Clearing his throat, Strath returned to face his king. “If ye will excuse me, Your Highness?”

Robert the Bruce nodded, and Strath strode from the great hall, certain his father and uncle would keep the king busy. He had a very strong urge to gather Eva up and take her away from here. To hide her from the torment of knowing her mother was not only alive, but very well.

He trudged up the stairs, his foot hitting the seventh step when a voice stopped him from below.

“Sir Strath.” It was her, Lady Northwyck.

He came down the steps to face her. “My lady?”

“Will you show me where my daughter’s chamber is? I would like to see her. To speak with her.” Though her face appeared calm, the lady clenched her fingers tightly in front of her waist.

“She is to be my wife.” Strath offered, letting her know that he would protect Eva, even from her

“Ah, very good news.” She looked sad though, but he didn’t take it personally. She was probably more upset at all the time she’d lost. “I have missed her so much. Will you take me?”

“Aye.” Strath offered her his arm and they walked together up the stairs. “I know it is bold of me to ask, my lady”—without the king present, how could he resist—“but I must know what kept ye from saving her yourself?”

“That is a question I ask myself every day.” She shook her head. “When my cousin found out that I’d been abducted, he sent men to bring me north. I begged them to get my daughters, but the men would not deter from their plan. When I asked the Bruce to bring Eva to me, he agreed, but every attempt made was thwarted. And my husband… Well, I think he was compromised enough to steal me away for a ransom. He stole me once, at the border when I was just a lass of sixteen. Soon after Jacqueline came and I couldn’t possibly leave either of my daughters.” She stopped walking, squeezed his arm. “Ironic isn’t it? That I should be taken away from them? You were our last hope to put an end to it. There is only so much a foreign king can do on foreign soil. I will be forever grateful to you, sir, for what you’ve done for my daughter.”

Though he hated all that she said, he understood it. “I would do anything for her.” They continued walking up the stairs. “Why do ye think Northwyck claimed ye were alive when he spoke with Eva?”

“Belfinch could have told him, I suppose.” She shrugged. “He did not try to find me.”

“Do ye think he’s truly gone addle-brained?”

“Nay,” she said softly, her eyes cast toward the floor. “Northwyck is clever. He was weak when I met him, but he also has a mean streak. I used to escape into the woods with the girls when he was in a temper. I made a game out of it. I prayed every day when I was gone that he would keep his temper in check.”

“He did not raise a hand to her himself, but he didn’t stop Belfinch from doing just that.”

“Oh,” she let out a little whimper. “I will never be able to make it up to her.”

“My lady, ye’re coming back from the grave. I think begging her forgiveness will be enough. She’s missed ye greatly.”

Lady Northwyck patted his arm. “Thank you.”

“Do ye want to speak to him? I’ll hold him if ye wish to thrash the bastard?”

The lady smiled and patted him on the arm. “You’ll make my daughter a good husband. I can tell. While the offer is strong, I’d rather not see him again. To give him an audience would only feed his power.”

“If ye change your mind…”

“I won’t.”

Eva’s door was closed with Tomaidh standing sentry. “My laird.” He nodded to Lady Northwyck. “She’s not yet woken.”

Strath nodded. “Thank ye for watching over her. Will ye let my uncle know I need to speak to him?”

“Aye, my laird.”

“He is still with Lord Northwyck.”

Tomaidh gave a slight bow to Lady Northwyck and then disappeared down the corridor.

“Are ye ready, my lady?”

She looked paler than she had in the great hall, and her hand trembled slightly on his elbow. “Aye, I’ve been ready.”

Strath opened the door to find Eva standing by the window, her eyes closed as she sucked in the fresh spring air. When she turned and saw him, her eyes brightened, but she paled when she saw who was beside him. He feared she’d swoon once more, but a resolute expression came over her.

The fighter he knew her to be came out, standing tall. She narrowed her gaze on her mother. “Mama, how are you here?”

“I’ll leave ye two alone.” Strath started to back toward the door, but Eva stopped him.

“Nay, you can stay. You are to be my husband.”

Strath strode forward, pressed his lips to her cheek, and whispered in her ear, “I love ye, lass, but ye must speak to your mother alone.”

She started to shake her head but then stopped, a resigned sigh escaping her. “You’re right.”

Strath bowed to Lady Northwyck and left the room. He met his uncle in the passageway and relayed his conversation with Lady Northwyck on the stairs regarding her husband.

“Ye think he’s faking being of addled mind?” Jamie asked.

“Almost certainly. If we go to him now and tell him what we know, and give just one tiny falsehood that the king has ordered his execution tomorrow along with Belfinch’s, I think we’ll see a different side. If we don’t, then we know he is ill, and for that reason alone it would be cruel to execute him.”

Jamie agreed, and they hurried down the next flight of stairs to Lord Northwyck’s chamber.

They found the older man sitting by the window, rocking back and forth.

“He’s been like that since I came in,” Tomaidh offered.

“Thank ye.” Strath patted his mate on the back and gave his uncle a glance. Jamie nodded, giving Strath permission to speak first. “Lord Northwyck, your wife has arrived with King Robert the Bruce.”

The rocking stalled a breath and then picked up faster.

“She is upstairs with your daughter. Naturally, Lady Eva was surprised to find out her mother is alive. It’s a miracle. We shall celebrate tonight.”

And still he rocked.

“In other sad news, I’m afraid ye’ll not be joining us in the celebration. Ye see, the king has decreed that ye and Lord Belfinch be charged for your crimes against Scotland, and he has ordered your deaths.”

At this, the man ceased moving once more.

“Ye’ll be hanged tomorrow morning.”

The rocking stopped completely. Northwyck turned slowly toward them, his gaze more lucid now than when Strath had first laid eyes on him. “You lie.”

“I never lie.” Strath’s voice was hard. The bastard had tried to trick them all, including his own daughter, all for the sake of saving his sorry arse.

Northwyck stood in a flurry of rage and rushed at Strath, but Tomaidh stepped in, easily subduing the man with a hard grip on the back of his neck, lifting him far enough off the ground that he had to stand on his tiptoes. The English lord was not very tall. In fact, Strath would wager to guess he was shorter than his wife. At least this was the only thing that Eva had inherited from him.

“Are ye ready to tell the truth, Lord Northwyck?”

“What difference does it make if I’m to be executed?” the older man snarled.

Strath shrugged. “None, I guess.” He didn’t want to tell the man what punishment he would actually receive yet. Best to let him stew. His fate would likely be a lashing, and then imprisonment until an arrangement could be made with the English king to pay for his release. That would be years. Enough time to ponder all the wrongs he’d done and hopefully come out of it a better person. Strath directed Tomaidh to take him to the dungeon. With one last look at the man who would be his father by marriage, Strath said, “Say hello to your good friend, Belfinch. He’ll be happy to see ye’re feeling well once more.”

Northwyck’s screams of fury followed Strath into the corridor and down the stairs. While Strath wanted desperately to go see Eva and make certain she was all right, he knew she would need this time to heal and speak with her mother. Besides, he needed to go speak with his king, and let him know Northwyck’s madness had been a ruse.

With the king here to collect the English traitors, there would be no more reason for the Dornochs to remain in Glasgow.

Home.

Strath longed to go home. He couldn’t wait to start his life there with Eva.