The Great Hall was packed. I hadn’t considered how many people I would need tae speak tae. All eyes turned tae me as I walked in. I glanced at Bella and she was smiling widely.

She began tae introduce me. “Magnus, this is Governor Georges. He’s been with Donnan for many years.”

I shook his hand. “Magnus, a pleasure. You are the spitting image of your father he must be very proud. Your fighting in the arena has been spectacular. Well done!”

“Thank you, Governor Georges.”

I was introduced to another man. “Magnus, this is the war minister, Donahue.”

“Nice tae meet ye, Minister Donahue.”

Minister Donahue laughed. “Ye! He said, ‘ye!” What do ‘ye’ think Margaret, are ‘ye’ all hot and bothered by the young prince?”

The woman beside him twittered and blushed and demurely put out a hand for me to kiss.

Her husband winked. “I’m on your side, Magnus. My wife wouldn’t let me pick anyone else.” She blushed even more.

One by one I was introduced to a room full of people while Bella kept her hand under my elbow, whispering in my ear, announcin’ with her actions that we were together.

Towards the end of the introductions people began tae wonder at the lateness of Donnan. I asked, “What’s keeping him do you think?”

There was something in Bella’s eyes — she glanced at the doorway at the end of the room. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. Just keep to the plan.”

I asked, “Is that the stairwell up tae Donnan’s apartment?”

She shook her head and looked away, but I already had the answer tae it.

Lady Mairead came over a moment later. “Bella.” She nodded curtly. “Magnus, are ye healing well? You daena look verra vigorous; I think ye may need tae lie down. You have met most everyone. I can—”

Bella said, “He doesn’t need to lie down. He hasn’t met everyone yet, there is his uncle, Samuel. Let me introduce you.”

As Bella waved for his attention, Lady Mairead said, “Magnus, be careful of him. He wants the throne and has declared his intention tae go through ye tae get it.”

I took a breath.

She shook her head. “Try tae look menacing or he may take his chance right now.” Then she immediately said, “Ah Samuel, so good of you tae be here at Donnan’s Gala.”

The big man standin’ in front of me eyed me with much more menace than I could conjure in my weakened state.

Bella interrupted, “Magnus meet—”

Lady Mairead interrupted her. “Samuel, I would like ye tae meet your nephew, Donnan’s son, the next in line for the throne, Magnus—”

Uncle Samuel said, “Yeah, yeah, Magnus Archie Colin Campbly, I get it. You’ve been raised to think you’re a king.” His chuckle was still more menacing. People around us stopped talking tae listen.

I said, with as much charm as I could manage, “Until verra recently, Uncle, I dinna ken I was a future king, but I have taken tae the idea and for some of us it comes quite natural."

Lady Mairead said, “Magnus, careful.”

“You won’t be king. Where is Donnan anyway?”

Lady Mairead said, “He’s busy.”

“It’s like him to make us wait. I’ve asked to fight you tomorrow, Magnus, best be ready.”

I projected my voice for the surrounding crowd. “I am always ready tae fight for my rightful place. Yet I wonder at your commitment? Have ye been fighting for the throne, challengin’ the other sons of Donnan? Did ye challenge your brother, Tanrick?”

“No, I didn’t challenge Tanrick.“

“Och, you challenged me without the trial of killin’ tae get tae me. I am the next king by birthright, why must I fight ye? I could say ye are beneath me, untested, unproven — it would sully my reputation tae fight ye.” Samuel looked furious.

I continued, “I am the future king, but if ye challenge me, am I suppose tae let ye set the terms?” I looked around at the crowd for their approval. “I believe I am busy on the morrow. I have an appointment with my tailor tae let out the front of my kilt.” I stood taller and glared at him. “Tis constrictin’ tae my broadsword.”

The people around us laughed at my joke as the two of us stared into each other’s eyes, breathing heavy, locked, a step closer tae battle when the war minister stepped between us. “Samuel. Magnus. Hold it for the arena.”

I raised my brow and grinned at him. “Minister Donahue, I winna fight him tomorrow, but I would fight him later in the month.”

“I will set the date in the books.” He turned away tae converse with his wife.

Samuel stood close tae me, his chest bowed. “You got away with it this time, Nephew, but you’ll still be dead by next week.”

“Och, nae by your hands. I imagine much greater men wish me dead. I will spend my time worryin’ on them if I worry at all.”

He walked away by a few feet and pretended tae nae care about me.

Lady Mairead said, “Watch him Magnus, he is deadly. We have come too far tae watch him take the throne.”

“If he kills me I winna be the one watchin’ would I? Twould be you. Daena you mean ye have come too far? Seems tae me ye haena one bit of consideration about my life, only the outcome for you.”

“Remember, I told ye tae go to your rooms tonight. I told ye tae rest. I warned ye. But whatever happens here this evening, you have made a vow, you arna finished with it.”

“What are ye…?”

She pushed away through the crowd.