Excerpt copyright @ 2019 Kara Griffin
Lillia
followed James inside and King Robert stood upon their entry. He waved James
forward. Lillia was content to await by the door. She shifted from one foot to
the other, anticipating the king’s harsh words. But he surprised her by bidding
her to join him at the table.
“Come
and join us.”
She
warily approached and inclined her head, curtseying to him. “My lord, Your
Grace.”
“So
you’re the woman the Comyns deem to use against me?”
“Apparently
so, my lord. I have no designs on ruling Scotland or taking the crown from you.
As you can see, I am a simple woman only interested in keeping my husband’s
home and perhaps giving him a bairn or two.”
King
Robert laughed and his eyes crinkled. He appeared to be kind-natured, with
trusting blue eyes, and a curl about his dark brown hair. She might put the
word handsome to him, but since he was her adversary, she decided not to like
him.
“Nay,
and I am grateful for it is a trying task, ruling this kingdom. Trust me, for
I’ve done nothing but give myself to the cause and the duties are never ending.
Are you hungry?”
She
nodded. “A wee bit.”
“Join
me.” He hitched a finger, and a woman stepped forward and set a trencher before
her filled with meats and bread.
Lillia
ate until she couldn’t stomach another bite. James kept quiet through the meal
although he ate enough to fill two trenchers. Remarkably, he actually used
manners which verily shocked her.
“Lillia
Hunter, we need to discuss this situation.”
“Aye,
my lord. I was going to suggest—”
He
cut her off by holding up his hand. “I bid you to remain here under mine roof
whilst we ferret out the traitorous Comyns. Until they are dispatched, I cannot
have you unguarded.”
“My
lord, I promise I shan’t do anything to go against you. I do wish to return to
my husband for he will worry.”
Robert’s
regard turned to James. “You did not speak of a husband, James. Who is the lass
wedded to? One of my fighters?”
James
nodded. “Aye, but I agree with you, sire, for the woman needs remain here for
her safety and protection. The Comyns continue their search of her and will
stop at nothing to obtain her. If they do get to her, they won’t have a care
that she doesn’t wish to vie for the kingdom.”
Lillia
scowled at James. Damn him for going against her. James was a churlish,
dour-faced, heathen. The tirade in her mind ceased because she’d continue
coming up with vile names for the lout. “They cannot make me do something I am
not wont.”
King
Robert laughed. “A strong-willed woman, are you? It matters not, Mistress, for
if the Comyns wish to use you they shall. Nothing you do or would do could stop
them. Nay, for your husband will have to do without you for now. When the
threat has passed, I shall consider releasing you. For now, you will reside
here.”
Lillia
wanted to object again, but the king rose. “Sire, please …”
“You
will stay within these walls until I can get you to a safer residence. We shall
leave within the sennight for Turnbury.” King Robert motioned to his guards.
“Take the lass and put her in my chamber. I will find another. Be sure the door
is well locked. She is not to leave.” When she gave him a dismayed glance, he
added, “’Tis for your own safety that I keep you locked in the chamber,
Mistress.”
She
beseeched him, “Sire, please I must return to my husband. Will you not listen
to my proposal? I vow that I shan’t vie for your kingdom. No one—”
He
turned his back to her and held up his hand, ceasing her speech. “I will not listen
your pleas, Mistress. Our discussion is over.”
The
men took hold of her arms and forced her to a chamber down a small hallway. She
was pushed inside and the door forcefully closed behind her. Their abruptness
caused her to misstep and she tripped on a floorboard. Her head struck the edge
of a wooden bedframe and her vision blurred. A burn came to her face, and she
realized she’s scraped it in her fall. She lay on the floor rubbing the forming
bump and stinging of her cheek. Tears filled her eyes.
Lillia
was crestfallen to realize there were no windows and her escape thwarted. So
much for her plan to appease the king and be on her merry way.
Don't miss Fearless Heart
No comments:
Post a Comment