Page 46 of The Knight’s Reward

“Neill,” Bryce said, sitting on his bed. “Do you realize the delicacy of this situation?”

“I do. But there is more to consider.”

He couldn’t see his brother’s expression clearly from across the chamber, but he could easily imagine it. Years, days . . . it didn’t matter how long they’d been apart. Neill had been raised with this man, and he knew his habits well. His eyes, as blue as his own, will have grown dark.

“More than the fact that there’s a woman asleep in your chamber, whose father, once the king’s royal messenger, was murdered by someone in the Scottish court, potentially a man who will be present at the council we both plan to attend in two days.”

“Was that a question?”

Bryce growled, “Aye, more than that.”

He stood, grabbing the only light source as the wall torches had gone out in the night, a lone candle, and took it with him as he sat next to his brother on the bed.

“There was a condition to the king’s reward. The boon was only granted after some negotiation.”

“What condition?”

“King Edward is vexed that King Alexander has hesitated to repledge his loyalty. He wished for it to happen soon after his return to England. He insists that it happen before he removes Caxton from office.”

Bryce frowned. “Why didn’t you say so?”

“I know I did not mention it in my letters, but I knew of no secure way to tell Geoffrey in writing.”

“The Scottish king has pledged to the English crown since the Treaty of Falaise. Why should he refuse to do so now?”

Neill wondered the same. “That’s the very question I plan to posit tomorrow. It worries me that he’s delayed for so long.”

Bryce stood. “Then it is even more important the wardens understand the stakes and communicate them to their king. Douglas will ensure it.”

“Brother, you should sit. I’ve not finished.”

Bryce did as he’d asked, the flickering of the candle between them casting an eerie glow on their early morning talk.

“There’s more?” he asked tiredly.

“Aye. One more condition.”

Bryce swore under his breath.

“I am to marry Lady Alina deBeers, the daughter of Baron deBeers and a personal attendant to the queen.”

Bryce whistled. He thought on it a moment, then said, “The queen’s condition or the king’s?”

Bryce, though a pain in the arse at times, was also quite intelligent.

“The queen’s, I believe.”

Bryce crossed his arms. “Is she fair?”

“I’ve been told she is, but that hardly matters.”

“It matters some.”

“Though I do not believe you understand.”

“I understand the king’s reward comes with a high price, but you’ve no choice but to pay it. As long as Alexander renews his pledge of fealty, all will finally be well again. At least as well as the borderlands have ever been.” He shrugged.

“Such is the life of a border lord,” Neill said, a common refrain they’d both grown up saying. But it was their home, and one worth fighting for.