Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

a beauty. ‘Twas the look in her eyes that caught me—sad and full of despair.”
    The king glanced at his brother again before shaking his head. “I hope you are wrong because your involvement in her life would be impossible. The lass is betrothed to Fredrik Ivarsson, a wealthy merchant originally from Orkney. This is a very important match for the Scottish crown, and it is to take place in less than a sennight.” The king sighed and strode over to his window. Without looking at Brodie, he continued, “Ivarsson has promised his loyalty in return for this marriage and promises to convince some Norwegian vassals in the Isles to support me. He has access to shipbuilders, and promises other funds to my court. I will not change anything concerning this arrangement. I stand by my commitment to the marriage. Find another, lad.”
    Alex spoke up. “My thanks, Your Grace, for your kind consideration of my clan and my brothers. May we take our leave? I need to consult with my brother.”
    King Alexander turned to face the group again, his hands woven behind his back. “As you wish, Grant. Your attendance at this eve’s meal is expected. The Baron and Fredrik Ivarsson will be in attendance, along with the lass in question, who will be at her betrothed’s side. So, you will find the answer to your question. If I am correct about her identity, then I will expect you to stay away from her.” The king’s eyes bored into Brodie’s, sending a chill down his spine. The threat in them was quite clear, but it didn’t matter…He would have to ignore it.
    Quite simply, he knew it was not within his power to stay away from the lass.
    ***
    Fredrik Ivarsson kept his eye on his steward. There could be no wrinkle, no issue with his dress, for tonight he would meet his future wife. After securing his breeches and his tunic, he waited for his servant to assist him into his dark blue surcoat, embroidered in gold thread to match his other adornments.
    “My lord, ‘tis quite stunning,” the steward said, standing back to appreciate the full effect of the nobleman’s apparel.
    “Of course, Hector. I paid the tailor well. I will have the most regal presence of any man at dinner tonight.” He brushed a hand through his golden locks to make sure all were in place.
    “But not more so than the king, my lord?” Hector’s eyebrow rose.
    Fredrik noticed Aldrik, his personal protector sitting at a nearby table, had the same expression on his face.
    “Do not be foolish. Of course I will be more handsome than Alexander III. There is nothing I can do to avoid it, but I will wear fewer jewels than the king in deference to his rank.” Fredrik sighed, hating to think about making such a concession. “My mantle, Hector?”
    Hector secured the blue mantle with a golden broach that drew the eye. Fredrik smiled as he imagined how his splendor would awe his little bride-to-be.
    The first time he had seen Celestina Lunde , she had been talking to one of the Blackfriars, and the mere sight of her had stolen his breath away. Never had he seen a woman so lovely and so deserving of his companionship. He had heard of her beauty, but it had still taken him by surprise. After he’d discovered her mother’s Norwegian background, the marriage agreement might as well have been signed on the spot. He had become determined to have her as his wife, to return to Norway with her on his arm.
    He had now been here for two years and had acquired quite a few properties. The Scottish region was a great market for his various businesses, shipbuilding among them, so he had decided to stay for a time. When Fredrik found out King Haakon had set sail to stake his claim on the Western Isles, he was ecstatic. War was imminent, and as with any skirmish, there were be many ways for him to make a fortune. Now he was pursuing a plan that would end in immeasurable wealth for him.
    “Excellent, Hector.” He ran his hands down the fine cloth of his mantle, reveling over how all his