his finger. “The English presently occupy over half of Scotland’s border. The task of reclaiming them will be long and arduous. But make no bones about it, I have committed my life to this task.”
Ailish had never heard more uplifting news. “As have I. Tell me what I must do. I can act as a messenger or spy. Anything…”
“The best place for you is behind the priory’s walls with your kin.”
Ailish bit her bottom lip. Those walls were ever so suffocating—not that she didn’t appreciate the nuns who’d taken her in. It was just she’d been hiding behind the grey stone barbican for six years. If only there was something more she could do to help. She wanted her uncle out of her home so badly, she would gladly pick up a sword and face them herself if she could.
“You came all this way to bring news of your brother’s existence. Tell me, why did you not send a missive?”
“And miss the coronation? Moreover, miss a chance to represent Clan Maxwell and pledge our fealty?” Ailish clasped her fists over her heart. “In no way would I allow such a momentous event to pass without the representation of my kin.”
“I admire your spirit,” he said, drumming his fingers on the wooden armrests. “Tell me, did the nuns send a retinue to accompany you?”
“The nuns?” she asked, doing her best not to laugh aloud. “Alas, they are quite poor and there is but one old guard at the priory, and I assure you he is too valuable to the order to accompany me.”
Lord Bruce blinked, his mouth dropping open. “You came to Scone alone?”
“With my lady’s maid.” Ailish inclined her head toward the door. “The outspoken woman in the vestibule.”
“Are you jesting? The kingdom is riddled with our enemies. You could have been captured—molested, or worse.”
The tips of Ailish’s ears burned. Aye, she knew of the dangers, but this day was far too important not to take the risk. “We dressed in nun’s habits and shared a mule.”
“Good Lord, your story grows more precarious with your every word.”
“I beg your pardon, m’lord but are you not happy that I have come?”
“Nay, it is not my happiness I am concerned with, but your wellbeing.” His expression changed, making a wee bit of unease roil in her stomach. “You, lass, are a noble daughter of an earl. A match must be made with your hand, and safe passage to return your person securely behind Lincluden’s walls is of dire importance.”
Ailish gulped. “I see,” she said, half-dazed. In no way had she come to Scone to find a match. Her duty was to represent Harris, and that was what she intended to do. Surely, His Lordship wouldn’t see fit to find her a husband before her brother came of age and was securely returned to Maxwell lands.
“I will speak to the steward and ensure he is aware you will pledge fealty on behalf of your brother on the morrow. By that time, I will have appointed someone to accompany you behind the priory walls where I expect you to remain until the wars have abated.”
Bowing her head, she curtseyed. There were a great many things on His Lordship’s mind. She doubted he’d give a second thought to her marriage prospects—at least for the time being. “Thank you, m’lord. I am in your debt.”
The Bruce rose and moved toward the door. “Come, ’tis time to prepare for the ceremony. Are you looking forward to the feast?”
“Och aye, I am. I have not enjoyed a moment of merriment since the day my father passed.”
“Wonderful.” He rested his hand on the latch. “And where might you be staying?”
“The monks gave us sanctuary in the nave of the Church of the Holy Trinity.”
“I suppose ’tis the best place for an unwed lass as long as your lady’s maid never leaves your side.”
“I assure you, Coira wouldn’t dream of leaving me to my own devices.”
“Good,” he replied, opening the door. “Then at least you should remain dry and well looked after.”
Ailish agreed, though sleeping on the stone floor had given her aches and pains she’d never felt before. Still, Bruce had been correct when he’d said it wasn’t safe to be alone. She’d come across more than one merrymaker in his cups who had made an indecent comment or two. Honestly, if Ailish hadn’t been there to meet the man who would be crowned king this eve, she’d still be wearing a nun’s habit at this very moment.
In the