The Lord Constable hooted a laugh. “You cannot argue with the truth,” the elder nobleman declared.
The Lord Chamberlain glared at the elder, then continued his pursuit. “I am simply airing any concerns in regards to Lady Keirah’s loyalties,” he enlightened viciously. “Trading barbs will only fester wounds, Lord Constable. My consideration was whyLady Keirah did not present this to King Håkonsson when she arrived to Bjørgvin with the princess.”
Aonghus stepped forward. “Lord Kollungr would have takenherhide,” Aonghus stated, his face a mask filled with anguish and wrath at the Lord Chamberlain’s challenge. The coin counter’s bald scalp released a mist of sweat while he shuffled back.
She forced away the tears trying to wash her cheeks while answering, “Aye, Lord Kollungr’s reach was a force unlike any upon Norse soil.” She went to retrieve the precious gold off the table and met Alexander’s regal look. “With your permission, my lord king, I ask that my knight should place this before King Håkonsson when the time strikes.”
“I leave it in your care,” the king agreed, “Lady Keirah, how you seek to punish the Northman who captured you from my kingdom. Your loyalties arewithoutfault,” the king declared. Her shoulders grew taller.They are – at least the keeper of the kingdom gets it.
Her full attention turned toward her knight as she pressed the key to Lord Kollungr’s undoing into his palm. Meeting his stern gaze, she whispered up at him, “If I may be so bold to ask for the coin to be held safe by you, my knight, till the time strikes.”
His fist closed around the coin till his knuckles blanched. Lifting his free hand, he brushed his roughened thumb down her cheek to brush away a lone stray tear having fallen. “On my will and word with all that I am as a Scotsman, it shall be done,” he gave his oath to her.
“Sir Aonghus,” the king summoned. Both turned to face their sovereign. “My second command for you is to be a guardian of the room when she is present. Forthwith, you remain by herside at all times. If you cannot see the deed done, Sir James will remain in your stead.”
Aonghus frowned at the second demand. “In regard to Sir James, my lord king…”
The king cut him off, harshly. “Aye, Sir Aonghus, I know you favor Sir Brayden, but Sir James is my choice, and you will abide by my command.” A furrowed brow nodding once was the knight’s reply. The king then ordered, “Summon Sir James; ’tis time for feasting with King Håkonsson’s delegation, then we speak on our terms for the Isles.”Let the show begin!
Chapter 28
If tension could create a mountain, good gracious, they would be sitting atop the highest the Highlands had ever beheld, being seated four chairs down from Lord Kollungr at the raised dais table, which was a colossal horseshoe shape.
The courses presented were beyond reproach: catches gifted by the sea perfected by herbs, fresh breads still warm to the touch, then mead flawlessly brewed with honey and spice flowing like rain on a Highlands dreich day. If it were any other time the flavors would have been packed on her tongue heartily. At present, where was her joy found? Not in food, but another Scottish find.
Edina was near and busy as a tiny bee in a hive. It began with the wee one spinning for a time in the hall’s empty center with arms outstretched, much to her mother’s dismay, before the spent mother was forced to retire with a stern headache.
“Edina,” Keirah whispered at the wee one, who had seen fit to call Keirah’s lap home for the moment. Her lips brushed the little damp scalp, then declared, “You behold the spirit of Scotland, wild and free and fierce;neverlet another tell you different.”
“Aye, my lady.”
Giving a stern inward nod, she then inquired about the matter at hand: “Do you care for the honey drizzle upon your loaf or bog butter?”
The little brows raised toward Aonghus, who sat on their right sipping from his goblet, where the butter dish rested closest to him. “Pardon, Sir Aonghus, would you place the butter for me?”
“Of course he shall! Sir Aonghus, what a sire you shall make.” A bitter voice tore the air from Lord Kollungr, who raised his goblet at them. “If the peasant’s favored bog butter is not enough, perhaps your teat may nurse the babe?” Kollungr was growing drunk; the charming demeanor shown all eve had slipped.Look at the glare from Henry of Orkney, one of the true leaders of Håkonsson’s delegation – he is not pleased.
“Lord Kollungr, ’tis a blessing you never sired a bairn.” Aonghus balanced the bread with a hearty helping upon the request of Edina. “I have heard tales regarding animals who devour their young; I believe you are to be a creature directly up for the task.” Could Aonghus have grown any more desirable at this moment? Not even if he were covered in honey drizzle!
Sir Brayden, sitting beside her on the left, tried stifling a chuckle but failed, resulting in a warning look from Sir James just beyond.Keep pecking on the food, Sir Rooster, don’t make me unleash Vengeance on your arse.
All grew somber when King Alexander broached the great hall after finishing a private discussion initiated by Gilbert of Hamar, who had pressed to speak before the feast, and both retook their seats farther down the row at the high table.
“My Lady Keirah?” the wee lassie whispered.
“Aye?” she murmured and concealed a grin when the tiny plump finger motioned her closer. Oh, they were going to share a secret.
The wee one sounded suddenly beyond her years. “He is a mean, that Northman, I donotcare for him.”Clever lass.
“Trust your instincts,” Aonghus grunted in agreement. Keirah bit her lip to keep from smiling. He handed Edina the perfectly prepared bread. Her smile faded. Her knight, he would make a wonderful sire, and she was the bailey wall in halting this fate. Dammit.
Her arms tightened about Edina. “You comfortable, my wee lamb?”
The full mouth muttered. “Aye, my lady, I like you,” then snuggled closer in the drafty hall, “Very much.”Feeling the same, wee lamb.
As she looked up, another glare from Lord Kollungr shot her way like an arrow while he stabbed a slice of boar with his dagger. How long could she stay in his presence with the falcon always studying her? Rocking the wee lassie slightly as she munched, Keirah darted her eyes toward the relaxed expression on the king’s features while he surveyed the hall.Whatever Gilbert of Hamar has conveyed seems to have placated the sovereign – excellent.Aonghus took notice as well and leaned close.
“Our lord king appears pleased.” His breath scented by honey mead brushed her ear. A quiver shook her inwardly.
