It did not matter who they were. Religion. Gender. Or beliefs. If Emeline’s life was in danger, they were my enemy and deserved to die a painful, dishonorable death.
“That is true, but I did so in the name of love. What do you fight for?”
Her eyes turn nostalgic. “I, too, fight for love.”
Love?
This is a turn of events I did not see coming, and perhaps explains so much.
I am about to probe further, but a guard comes and drives the butt of his sword into my flank. “Get back in line, heathen.”
Sigrith and I share a moment, and I hope to find the sister I once loved. But she is dead to me, and in her place is a stranger I vow to kill because she is no sister of mine.
I have no idea why I’m sitting in a room in the palace. I doubt I’m here for scones and tea. So I’m on high alert, expecting anything.
Aethelbald enters, still wearing that ridiculous hat.
I don’t bother with small talk.
He walks the room without a care in the world, and why would he? Emeline just signed over half of England.
“Your sweet Emeline saw to her end of the deal, and I am a man of my word.”
I sit perfectly still.
“This is a complicated situation because Emeline cannot simply dethrone herself. It must be done in due course and with reason.”
I do not move.
“You understand me, heathen?”
“I understand you just fine,” I reply slowly.
He seems out of sorts that I have not retaliated.
But that’s what he wants.
“I am your king, and you will respect me.”
I cannot contain my laughter. “You are not my king. I do not respect any man who does not earn his place in this world. You wear that ridiculous crown because of extortion. You do not have an honorable bone in your body.
“And sooner or later, all of England will see just that. Your days are numbered, and you will meet a grim demise, one that you deserve, just like your father and grandfather.”
Aethelbald’s jaw clenches, and it’s evident I have struck a nerve. “I cannot believe she sacrifices everything for you.”
“And that is because someone like you does not know what love is. You are only in love with your reflection because who could ever love someone like you?”
Aethelbald storms forward, withdrawing his sword. He places the tip over my heart.
I remain unmoved.
“I should rip the heart from your chest.”
“You should.”
We remain in a deadlock because no one will surrender tonight.
That is, until I hear…
