“I will never be like him.” The stories of the High King’s ruthless actions were well known. Rory had plundered and burned the lands of Strabane and Derry, even ordering his own brother to be blinded in order to seize possession of the throne. It was one of many reasons why no one dared to stand against him.
“In one way, you will.” Carice’s hand rested upon his cheek. “You have the blood of the High King within your veins. You are destined to rule over your own lands.”
While he wanted to believe that, he didn’t know if he would ever overcome his low birth. Men respected his fighting skills and his strategies, but he needed far more than that to win a place for himself.
“I am a bastard,” he pointed out, “and theArd-Righwill never acknowledge me as his son.“ It was well known that the High King had sired dozens of bastard children, and he had little interest in them. Brodie had traveled to visit Rory, hoping to receive compensation for Killian’s fostering, but the King had been away, and his retainers had refused to grant anything. During those years, Rory had been King of Connacht, before he became High King of Éireann.
“That could change,” she argued. “And I know you will fight for the life you want. Just as I will fight for the death I want.”
The words were chilling, for Carice was the one good part of his life. Her quiet spirit and kindness had helped him to push back his hatred of Brodie. Without her, there was no one to fight for.
“Carice, don’t,” he said, not wanting to speak of it. “You cannot give up.”
She ignored him and continued. “I have asked the MacEgan tribe for help. Someone will come and take me to our holdings in the west. I ask that you help me to leave. Do not let Father’s men stop me.” Though her face remained strong, he caught the rise of tears in her eyes. “If I stay, I will have to marry the High King. And I do not wish to endure that wedding night.”
She took a slow breath, her hands trembling. “Help me escape, Killian. You’re strong enough to fight this battle.”
He bowed his head, knowing that it was peace she wanted. And so he gave a vow he knew he could keep. “I swear, on my life, that I will never let you wed King Rory.”
Her shoulders lowered with relief, and she touched his hair, resting her forehead against his. “Thank you. I cannot say when I will leave, but one day soon, I will be gone. I know Father’s men will search for me, but keep them searching to the north instead. Tell them I went to visit friends, if you wish. The MacEgans will protect me with other false stories, if needed.”
“So be it.”
She leaned against the wall, and he suspected she had not the strength to return to her bed. “You are the brother of my heart, Killian, no matter what my father says. I pray that one day you realize how worthy you are.”
He reached out to lift her into his arms. “I’m taking you back to your chamber. Rest and trust that I will keep you safe.”
Taryn Connelly had never rescued a captive before.
She knew nothing at all about how to infiltrate the High King’s fortress at Tara and steal a prisoner away, but her father’s timewas running out. If she didn’t organize soldiers to save him, his life would be forfeit. But finding warriors was proving to be a problem.
Her father, King Devlin, had been a good man and a strong ruler. But the last group of men who had gone to rescue her father had all been returned to Ossoria—without their heads. She shuddered at the memory. King Rory had made it clear that he was not going to release his prisoner.
Her mother, Queen Maeve, had insisted that the remaining soldiers stay behind to guard their province, and they were all too glad to obey.
But Taryn refused to leave Devlin there to die. It wasn’t fair and it wasn’t right. Someone had to save him. And though she wasn’t strong enough to lead men into battle, she could find a warrior who was.
A sudden rise of nerves caught in her stomach, for she had never left Ossoria before. For so many years, she had remained hidden away so that no one would look upon her scarred face. Her father had warned that others would scorn her for the physical imperfections if she dared to leave. But now she had no alternative. Given the choice between facing a jeering crowd and saving his life, she would set aside her fear and risk everything.
Her mother opened the door to Taryn’s chamber, staring at the open trunk of Taryn’s belongings. Inside lay not only fine gowns, but a box filled with gold pieces, silver chalices, and a small bag of pearls.
“You cannot save him, Taryn,” Maeve said. “You saw what happened to the last group of soldiers who went to the High King.”
“If you were in his place, would you want us to go about our lives, not even trying to bring you home?” she countered. “He’s my father, not a traitor.”
She was certain of that. Devlin had answered a summons, only to be taken by the King’s men and bound in chains. And whatever the reason, Taryn intended to bring him home. “I will not turn my back on him.”
Her mother was silent, her expression tight. Around her throat she wore a gold torque set with rubies, while her long red hair fell to her waist. “I know you believe Devlin was a good father. He tried very hard to make you think well of him.” Her voice was calm, but it held the unmistakable edge of loathing.
Taryn tensed, for she’d known that her parents’ marriage had never been a happy one. Her mother had miscarried many children over the years, and it shadowed her moods at all times. She controlled every moment of each day and kept the servants at her beck and call. Those who disobeyed were punished for any infraction.
Maeve sighed and paced across the room. “I am sorry, but you cannot go to Tara. And you may not send any more of my soldiers on Devlin’s behalf.”
My soldiers? Taryn bristled at that, as if Maeve had already given up on her husband.
“They are still Father’s men, too,” Taryn corrected.
But her mother’s face turned cool. She walked to stand at the window and said, “I have not, nor will I, give permission for you to take soldiers against King Rory. Every last man of them would be killed, including yourself. And I am not a woman who sends others to die needlessly.”
