Her eyes darted about. “Callum,” she whispered, “if the king commanded it, we must take heed! Lad, halt your tongue and move at once.”
“Oh, the considerations I have beheld with you and my tongue, my lady.” He tugged her hand toward the solar as a bloom crashed onto her cheeks at his words and thumb stroking over her palm.
While they ventured through the maze, she asked, “Does our lord king know of my instinct in senses?”
“As you requested upon our ride here, aye, he has been made aware.”
Her step faltered. “Was he taken back that there are those who consider it an evil trait?”
“Not in the least. The only concern the king shall have is why you havenotgraced his court sooner.” Her fingers relaxed again in his – good.
Alec stood on the solar’s threshold beside Lord Kolson, who eyed their hands linked as one. Callum said inwardly,Aye, Northman, remember the lady is with me. And once I find the ring, on bended knee I shall be.
Sir Lesly walked past. “Captain, I am still gathering the knights as ordered.”
Callum nodded while Sir Nathrach was already at post next to Holger.
After rounding the doorway’s corner, the king’s council appeared with the king settled on his throne. Nella’s foot paused when she caught sight of the sovereign. Could he remember the first time he was in the king’s presence? Like it was the day before.
How could he have been so blind not knowing Lord MacBenrick was one of the traitors? The very same lord who stood in this solar before he had left for Thistle Glen Abbey.Andwho declared… what was the exact phrase? Oh aye – “Wealldetest Sir James returning unto his home soil after the traitorous acts toward our lord king’s crown.”Yeah right, MacBenrick sure sold that one.
Nella’s hand went to smooth her hair which had tumbled about her shoulders while she curtsied.Hehad placed her at risk by his witlessness regarding MacBenrick. Shite!
“Please do come in, Lady Fawnella MacHearin,” King Alexander decreed, “I have a great deal I wish to know more of.”
Callum watched as Nella’s hand abandoned smoothing her hair after she looked up and saw the king smiling at her. “There is a fresh turn we must convey, my lord king,” Nella began at once, her tone steady and clear as she darted her eyes at Callum. By all above, she was spirit and beauty personified.
Now. Hehadto find that ring now before the evening feast was done! Or he was the BIGGEST fool who ever lived!
***
Why was Callum looking at her so? It was an intensity she had never seen him wear before. Had she spoken out of turn toward the king?
He gave her fingers a tiny tug and the inner panic clawing her stomach paused. “Lords, take your leave of us. Sir Sean, close the door,” the king ordered the gathering. After a cluster in lords, like a herd of Highland wolves wearing embroidered finery stalked for the door, Sir Sean closed the oak gatekeeper. He remained outside with Sir Nathrach for standing guard. Only she, Callum, Holger, Alec, and two who had to be the most trusted in the council remained.
“Now, Lady Fawnella, tell me all,” the king, who appeared to command the prowess of a noble the likes she had never seen, stated. Was it his age? He was a score and five years old, the pinnacle of his reign. Appearances? A solid build reflected under the doublet. Gaze? Aye, the eyes had it; the strength lingering there was heavy as the stone holding up this keep. The kingdom needed him. She gave an inward shudder at the thought otherwise she was about to declare.
“The conversation led by Lord MacBenrick was regarding a sympathetic viewpoint toward all transpiring at Kenilworth.”
“The siege currently unfolding at Kenilworth Castle?” the stout-looking nobleman in flowing robes asked.
“Is that not where the siege is, Lord Chancellor?” the other councilman huffed, all but rolling his gaze.
“Sympathizers to the Simon de Montfort cause,” Lord Kolson sneered. “Commoners who are trying to capture King Henry’s power as holder of the throne from England.”
“Well,” Callum countered, “the siege is well underway. The castle’s strongholds are holding brilliantly. I would declare their efforts have not been made in vain.”
“Sir Callum.” Lord Chancellor gasped the words ridden by shock. “You sound almost a sympathizer to the cause yourself.”
Callum’s stance grew taller, but the king boomed. “Lord Chancellor, I believe the actions upon Sir Callum’s behalf the days past lays waste to any doubt regarding his loyalty.” The chancellor shrunk like a leaf shriveled by bitter winter’s first draft. “My lady.” Her chin raised. “What else have you to say upon the matter of them?”
“My lord king, one is still unaccounted for. There were three whispering among themselves at the passageway’s end.”
“Where were you, my lady?” Lord Chancellor chimed in.
“In my chamber.”
“Directly beside them?” Lord Chancellor waved his hand dismissively. “Perchance they knew you were listening.”
