The king was as shrewd as he’d ever been.
“Nay, Your Majesty. I merely offer my services to protect Your Majesties.”
Leaning back in his chair, the king nodded. “Then I thank you and encourage you to keep your wits about you. I will send a message with my fastest riders to alert her father that she will be escorted by you and kept safe along the journey.”
With that, William bowed to the king and retreated to the great hall in search of Fin. He found him to the side of the guest tables pointing a finger at Archie whose mouth was agape and looked positively mortified. The moment Fin noticed William approaching, he straightened and his expression changed from stern to completely masked.
“How can I assist, my lord?”
Before he could speak, Archie appeared to take advantage of the moment and scurried away. William had more pressing matters than to wonder about their quarrel, but he would make note of it.
“I plan to return Lady Agnes to her home in the north. The king agrees it is best if she return to her father, and I would like you to have the lady and her belongings collected and to meet me at the stables. The king has offered a comfortable carriage for her, and I will ride my horse together with six of his guards.”
Fin’s brow continued to lift as he took in the words. His mouth opened and closed a couple times but thankfully he didn’t inundate William with a hundred questions. He left to do as he was bid, leaving William to look around the hall one more time before heading to the stable to secure the modes of transportation for the long journey north.
What would she think when Fin gave her the news? Would she be relieved? Shocked? Afraid? He certainly hoped it would not be the latter as he had no interest in frightening her, but maybe on the journey he could do what he intended to do all along: find out what she knew and how she was involved. God help him.
Chapter Five
She could hardlybelieve her ears. She would be sent home and escorted by the earl and her uncle would remain in Stirling prison.
“So they think I was in league with my uncle,” she said to Fin who had been incredibly kind in sharing this information, but it was still difficult news to digest. Truth be told, she was sick to her stomach.
“They are erring on the side of caution to ensure the safety of the queen.”
“Why does the earl need to escort me? Can I not remain in my chamber here until my father collects me?”
Fin shook his head. “Lady Agnes, it was the earl who volunteered to escort you.”
“Why would he do that?”
He either didn’t want to let her out of his sight because of his complete lack of trust in her, or—
“I do not know the earl’s mind, Lady Agnes,” Fin said interrupting her thoughts, “but I can speak for his integrity and loyalty.”
Loyalty—that’s what had gotten her into this mess in the first place. What would her parents say when she was returned so abruptly after what was supposed to be a triumphant entry into court? She was completely powerless in this situation and not even questioned before a judgment was made and sentencerendered. If only she’d listened closer to what her uncle had been telling her, she might have picked up on his intentions and could have shared that information, proving she was not a part of his schemes.
Too late for that now.
“I will have your chests brought to the stable, but you are to accompany me there now. The earl has secured one of the king’s most comfortable carriages for you.”
She could not be trusted, but she would be treated to her station. At least she could take comfort she would not return to her family in a prison cart.
Her shame would not be easily lifted, and she prayed her father would believe her. He had to! Her entire future hung in the balance of this business. Och, how she loathed her uncle for involving her in this.
Agnes watched as four manservants lifted her chests out of the chamber and four more came for the two filled with the gowns gifted by the queen. A maid packed the contents of the tall wardrobe.
“Fin, those aren’t mine. You know I did not bring them.”
“Aye, I know you did not bring them, and I also know the queen gifted you with them. You would not refuse the desire of your queen, now would you?”
She didn’t quite know what to make of it. Did the queen think her innocent? She would go mad should she not understand what was happening soon.
Fin reached out to place his hand on her shoulder, then pulled it back and straightened himself. “All will be well, Lady Agnes. Come, we must make haste as I have to ensure the carriage is packed properly and there are sufficient provisions available to you for your journey.”
She followed him through the hallway and down the stairs, noting there was not one other person about. Was that for theirbenefit or hers? Either way, she was grateful there were no prying eyes and gossiping members of the gentry about.
Even the stables were relatively empty save for one stable hand at the far end and some guards readying their horses. Was she to be escorted by them as well?
