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“I’ll explain it all to ye, but I’dfeel better if ye sent out a scouting party presently.” Iain eyed Archibald,knowing he needed to at least explain exactly who might be coming and what theywould want. “Froste and his men’s surcoats are adorned with snakes, and theremay be other knights with them—Baron de Lacy’s. His men wear a fire-breathingdragon. They’ll be coming for my wife.”

Archibald’s eyes widened. “Ithought ye said ye married her to foster David’s freedom?”

“I did. I married her by decree ofKing Edward.”

Archibald scowled. “Then why—”

“That’s enough questions,” Alex thundered.“It’s nae for ye to ken. Report to me about the scouting when ye’re finished.”

“Aye,laird,” Archibaldgrowled and stomped off.

Iain caught Rory Mac’s eye. “Ye kenwhat to do?”

“Mind Marion and keep her safe,”the Scot replied with a wink.

“I’ll be doing that, as well,”Angus added, his voice daring Iain to argue.

A smile tugged at Iain’s lips. Intruth, he was pleased to have both men watching his wife. “I see ye’ve naeforgot the way of highland life, Angus.”

Angus snorted. “That’s the way oflife everywhere, laird. More so in England than here. There’s nae many men abody can trust in an English household. I barely slept some nights once my ladygrew te be such a comely lass. I worried some foolish knight would nae controlhimself when faced with her beauty and take liberties.”

The very idea of another mantouching Marion made Iain’s blood heat. “Does the baron nae have control of hismen?”

Angus stared at Iain for a longmoment and then gave him a look as if the answer was simple. “Can ye say forcertain that no man in yer entire clan would dare te take liberties with Mariononce they behold her?”

Iain felt himself stiffen. “I wouldkill any man, including all three of my brothers, who dared to touch my wife inany way other than to defend her, greet her, or guide her,”Iainstated.

“That did nae answer my question,but yer words make me happy,” Angus said with a small smile.

“I trust all my men,” Iain added.“They are honorable and faithful to me.”

“Aye.” Angus nodded. “I imagine yeearned their dedication by treating them fairly. Baron de Lacy kinnae claim thesame.” Angus spit toward the ground. “Service through fear and greed isdifferent from service through respect and a sense of family from a clan, yeken?”

“I do,” Iain replied, even moreaware now of how lonely Marion’s life must have been in such a home. She’d beenfortunate to have Angus. “Set yerself outside her door and go where she goes.”Iain looked between Angus and Rory Mac. “Ken?”

Rory Mac gave Iain a smug look. “Iken ye so well that ye did nae even have to give the order.”

“I ken, as well,” Angusinterrupted. “I’ve been shadowing Marion long afore ye took her te wife, laird.No rudeness intended.”

“Am I to take it,” Alex said frombeside Iain, “that ye are nae displeased with having to marry the Sassenach?”

“I was,” Iain responded.

Alex chuckled as Iain faced him.“And now?”

“And now I’m nae,”hegrowled.

Alex raised his eyebrows. “I cansee ye dunnae wish to discuss it. All I shall say is that I’m glad ye arefinally burying yer dead wife.”

The words, similar to Rory Mac’searlier ones, had Iain clenching his teeth against his sudden ire. He motionedfor Rory Mac and Angus to leave, and the men exchanged a knowing look that Iaindid not miss. They understood he was angry, which irritated him even more. Hedidn’t like people guessing his emotions.

Once Iain and Alex were alone, Iainsaid, “I’ve nae forgotten Catriona. Marion kinnae take her place.”

“No one said ye should forget her.Nor do I think yer new wife could take the place of yer old one. Now, enough onthe subject. Tell me the whole tale of de Lacy, yer wife, Froste, King Edward,and David.”

Iain quickly relayed how Edwardthought Froste and de Lacy were plotting to overthrow him, and how Edwardrefused to even speak of releasing David until he acquired a Scottish lairdwith a powerful army to marry Marion. Iain relayed that he was certain KingEdward also suspected nothing would stop the men from trying for the throne,but he had bought himself a distraction, time, and had effectively forced Iainto become his ally in the hope of finally getting David returned to Scotlandwhere the King of Scots belonged.

Alex nodded. “And so thedistraction Edward created is working thus far.”