Page 55 of The Guardian's Witch

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and tucked her next to him.Mine.He pulled her around to face him. “I would never offend you. I knew nothing of the king’s plan to have us marry. It was pretty clear to me this last year that you did not want my company. I certainly was not looking for a wife. But we find ourselves in an awkward situation. I know we can work things out. We can get through this.”

* * *

All of her loneliness and confusion fused into an overwhelming desire. Something in his manner soothed her. She needed time to think. “Perhaps we can.”

“Tonight I’ll announce that you and I have been married by the king’s proxy.”

“Alex, I know you will do your best to protect us all, and I pledge to you, so will I.”

He held her tight. “You do me a great honor.” He left her side and retrieved something from the nearby table. “My mother brought this. It’s been handed down in our family for generations. It’s a gift for the wife of the seventh son. It would please me if you wore it tonight.”

He showed her a necklace made of gold and garnets. The large center stone had a delicate etching. She examined it carefully and gasped.

“It’s an eye.”

“Yes. It’s part of our family crest. I thought you knew. Wasn’t that why you gave me the stone etched with the eye when you took the steel out of my side?”

Understanding coursed through her. Her instinct had been right. “No, I didn’t. I don’t know why I gave you the stone. All I knew was you had to have it.”

“It was good you did. Bryce said it stopped his man from attacking me. The eye blinked in the sunlight. It was enough of a distraction to get me out of a bad situation.”

“I had no idea,” mused Lisbeth.

“Some things are not for us to understand.” He turned her around and fastened the jewels around her neck.

Her hand felt the warmth of the gem when her fingers played over it.

“We’d best get ready and go down to our guests.”

* * *

“Ah, there you are,” said Bennett, Celeste and Philip’s second-oldest son. “I was about to go and hunt you down. We’ve been waiting for you two.”

Alex gave Lisbeth his arm and led her into the Great Hall. Her dress was of fine magenta silk shot with a thin gold thread that made her radiant. A riot of pearls and precious stones danced down the side from her hip to her hem. Stray gems were sprinkled on the skirt and glistened in the soft candlelight as she glided along. The tightly fitted bodice, cut straight across her chest, provided a fine frame for the wedding necklace she proudly wore. The hip-length tailored jacket of the same materials had long slim sleeves that tapered at her wrists. A silk wimple and veil, the same color as her gown, was topped with a pearl circlet.

“Bennett, Fayne. When did you arrive? No one told me,” said Alex. “Are Joanna and Aldith with you?” Alex’s head swiveled looking for his sisters-in-law.

“They wanted the comfort of a carriage ride. We couldn’t stand their chattering any longer. We took to the saddle.” Bennett clapped Alex on the back.

“It’s a slow pace. We kept trying to hurry them along. Finally, they sent us on ahead,” said Fayne.

“Lisbeth, you remember Bennett and Fayne.”

Lisbeth curtsied. “Yes, of course. Welcome to Glen Kirk. It is good to see you. I’m certain your mother will be glad you’re here, and a day early.”

Alex didn’t have to see his brothers’ admiring stares to know his wife was an exquisite beauty. His fingertip touched her veil. Its significance was not lost on him. She donned the headdress of a married woman. He motioned to Peter and gave him instructions. The boy rushed out of the room.

“We’re going to find seats, Alex. We’ve traveled fast to get here, and the aroma from the kitchen has my mouth watering,” said Fayne.

“Don’t believe him,” chimed in Bennett. “He’s come for Wesley’s ale and he bullied me into coming with him.”

“Whatever the reason, you’re both welcome.” Alex beamed at his brothers and led Lisbeth to her chair. Everyone took a seat except Alex.

He glanced around the room and was satisfied all his dinner guests were in place. He pounded the table once for quiet. All eyes were on him. “I am pleased to announce that I have taken Lady Lisbeth to wife.”

“Hear, hear,” sounded the cheers around the room.

“King Edward in his great wisdom, has married me to Lady Lisbeth by proxy.” The gasps and mutterings raced through the room. He raised his tankard and faced Lisbeth. “To my wife, Lady Lisbeth Stelton.”

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