Securing Aisling

by Andrea Boyd

  “This is so unfair. Do you mean to tell me that Coman will go unpunished for the murder of my father?”

  “Unless God intervenes.”

  This was more than I could wrap my mind around at the moment. I needed time to think and pray about how I should proceed, but Eamon was not done. “There is something more I must tell you. You already know that Coman is probably responsible for killing Dunbar and for planning the demise of Reagan as well. That part is true. Originally the plan was to eliminate those two making Garrett heir to both thrones which would automatically combine the two kingdoms, and as far as Coman knows, he has succeeded. Brianna, Reilly is positive that Coman is now holding Garrett prisoner. He believes Coman plans to force him into giving up control.”

  I had slumped lower and lower in my seat with each revelation, but that last one made me jump straight up to my feet. I grabbed Eamon’s hand. “Where is he hiding him?”

  “I did ask, but he has no clue. It makes sense that Coman did not confide everything to Reilly.”

  “I must find him, Eamon. I have to go there and confront Coman myself. I am leaving today. Do you hear me? Today.”

  “If that is what you wish, we will go, but first you have to take care of Reilly. I am positive that he has told us everything. You will not be able to use him against Coman. Once he finds out that Reilly has now confessed to everything, he will find a way to have him eliminated before his sentencing. Everyone in Aisling knows that Reilly has betrayed you and Garrett, but I am sure Coman would like to keep his name out of the official reading. They must see him hang. It will also send a message to any other traitors here.”

  I started pacing the floors. What Eamon said made plenty of sense, but I did not want to face this. “Can I not just sign the proclamation and have it carried out after I leave?”

  He walked over to me and placed his hands on my shoulders. I knew as soon as I looked into his eyes that I would not like the answer. “Brianna, you know how it has to be. His treachery went against your family and your kingdom. As queen, you have to see this through. I am sorry that all of this is on you right now, but you should know you are not alone. You have people here who love and support you.”

  He pulled me into one of his rare fatherly embraces. It was a moment of grieving for the loss of my own father all over again, a moment of thinking about what I was about to face, and most of all, it was a moment of longing for Garrett. Before Garrett, my life lacked affection and so much more that I never guessed I had been missing. I did not want to go on in a world where he did not exist. I could only pray that he was still alive and that he would be found.

  Eamon waited for me to pull out of the hug before we had a brief discussion about how to move forward. I decided that I wanted to try to talk to Reilly one more time, so we headed down to the dungeon once again. Hopefully he would be more cooperative this time. Foremost on my mind was my desire for more information about Garrett. Plus there was the wish that he would change his mind about testifying against Coman, but I did not see that happening.

  Reilly was sitting on the bunk in his cell when we entered. He looked over at me, but otherwise he never left his position.

  “You will stand and bow to your queen.” I did not have to see Eamon’s face to imagine the hard look he was giving our prisoner. Thinking back, Reilly had not bowed to me since entering this cell. I guess I had been too upset the previous times to notice.

  Reilly glanced lazily over at Eamon. “I think we all know that I do not recognize Brianna as my queen.”

  I held up a hand to stop any reply. “You may not honor your pledge to me or my kingdom, but you will still be held accountable this very day for breaking that pledge. That is, unless you can give me a reason to hold off on your punishment.”

  “My oath was to your father.”

  “And you helped to murder him.”

  There was no reply. He sat there studying my face as if he might find a way out of his dilemma there.

  “Tell me what you know about Garrett.”

  He sat up and turned his body toward me and Eamon. I stepped closer to the bars of his cell in anticipation of his answer. “I know it was King Coman’s plan to force Garrett to relinquish control of Aisling with the understanding that at the king’s death, his son would then have complete rule. I can guess that Garrett did not see the good sense of that plan, or he would have been released by now. Surely you can see that it is in the best interest of Kearnley to have one ruler like it was in ancient times.”

  Was he really trying to convince me of the merits of his and Coman’s plan now? I decided to ignore this distraction. “And what will he do if Garrett refuses?”

  “I have no idea, and to answer the next question that I know is coming, I also have no clue where he is being held. King Coman was smart not to tell me everything for this very reason.”

  His worship of Coman sickened to me. I had hoped against all odds for more information, but I could tell it would not be forthcoming. It was time to end this. “Reilly, is there anything I can say or do to get you to testify against Coman?”

  His face paled and it looked as if he were struggling just to take in a few short breaths. He actually looked afraid for the first time in this conversation. “Absolutely not. Not even if you pardoned me. And do not think to offer me alcohol again. I will not drink it. I know well what King Coman will do to me once he finds out what I have already told you. My life is forfeited anyway. You might as well go ahead and hang me today.”

  “It will be as you say.” He gasped and placed his hand around his neck as if he could already feel the rope there. How could my words have been such a shock to him? Was he still hoping for some miracle of a way out? I turned and walked from the room without saying another word. Eamon followed right behind me. We spoke of our plans for the day once more before parting ways.

  Now that the decision was made I wanted to get it over with as soon as possible so I would be free to go after Garrett, but first I needed to tell Reagan before castle rumor made its way to him. I found him just as he was coming in from the practice yard. I know he could tell by the look on my face that something was wrong. No one else was around, so I pulled him into a supply closet and told him everything straight out. I probably could have softened the blow, but I did not have time to waste. I almost felt that I was not going to be able to keep him from going to Gilvary with me. I was finally able to persuade him that his kingdom needed him to stay alive.

  When I entered my chambers, Agata and Gwen were both already there to assist me. As they readied their queen to go to court, I informed my friends of all I had been told and of what I was about to face. Oddly, I felt drained of all emotion by this time. I hardly recognized myself dressed in my official robe and crown. I suddenly found it odd that I would be expected to wear the same to a hanging as I would to a formal celebration.

  Normally the trial would be held in the throne room, and the execution would take place at the gallows that were set up outside of town. The last part would not usually require my presence. This was a trial for treason by one of my own advisors. As Eamon had said, this time I must witness the execution to show strong leadership. To save time I had given the instructions to have the trial at the gallows.

  Torin was waiting at the castle steps wearing an elaborate sidesaddle. I hated riding this way, but it was necessary considering what I was wearing. Eamon had instructed me to take my time and keep Torin at a walk all the way to the gallows. This would allow word to get out about the execution since we had not given the usual day’s notice. It seems these instructions were unnecessary. A large crowd was already gathered and waiting for me at the castle gate.

  They parted just before me and the warriors surrounding me. They followed as we slowly made our way through town. The crowd grew larger the closer we came to the gallows and merged with the group that was already there waiting. Owen came forward to help me down from my horse. He escorted me up the steps to the podium set up next to the gallows and sto
od behind me once we were there. I would rather have Eamon with me, but being over my military, his role was to stand with the prisoner.

  My stomach rolled, and I had to stiffen my body to keep from trembling. I was not sure I would make it through until the moment I was presented with Reilly. Standing between Eamon and a guard with his hands tied behind his back, his dark brown eyes still held defiance. It was hard to recognize him as one who had been a trusted advisor. He had betrayed me and my kingdom, but above all else, this was the man who helped to murder my father. Anger held me steady after remembering that.

  The proclamation was there waiting for me to read aloud and then sign, but for me this was too personal an account to be read. I looked right into Reilly’s eyes as if we were the only two in attendance. “You betrayed me, you betrayed your kingdom, and with the help of King Coman of Gilvary you murdered my father.”

  There were gasps and murmuring coming from the crowd. Clearly the part about my father had not been widely spread. “You have already confessed to all of this. Do you have anything to say in your own defense?”

  “I did it all for the good of the kingdom, for the good of Kearnley.”

  There was an uproar from the crowd. I could only stare at him in astonishment at these words. My father had been a good man. He had been an excellent king. How could his murder be considered for the good of the kingdom? I held my hand up, and several of the warriors started shouting for quiet. Once I was sure I would be heard, I made my announcement.

  “I sentence you, Reilly Aiden Cassidy, to be hanged by the neck until dead for treason to the kingdom of Aisling and for the murder of King Niall Reaner.”

  He dropped his chin and looked down at the ground. There was no further response from him.

  I watched as they led him to the gallows. The hangman covered his face and placed a rope around his neck. It would not do for me to look away, so I focused on the rope above his head. There was not so much as a murmur from the spectators around me. I heard the sound of the trap door opening from beneath his feet. From the edge of my vision, I could still see his body jerk a few times and then go still. I clinched my teeth together to keep from vomiting. Gilvary and Dermot used beheading as a means of execution. I had never thought about it before, but I was now glad I did not have to witness that act.

  In the past I would have had to see this through on my own, and that would have been all right, or as all right as giving out a death sentence to a traitor could be. I was married now, and I missed the support of my husband that I had never given thought to before. I needed Garrett here with me. Where was he?

  I felt numb as Owen led me off the podium and helped me back onto the saddle. He squeezed my hand in response to the trembling he must have felt there. All of the anger I had felt before had drained away. It was over. Reilly was dead. I prayed and gave it over to God as I made my way back to the castle. I was not sure if this counted as forgiveness or not. If my anger toward Reilly ever resurfaced, I would have to deal with it then.

  When I got back to the castle, my bag was already packed, and my battle gear was laid out for me to change. I dressed in a hurry, opting to leave my cumbersome overskirt behind. Fashion was the last thing on my mind for this trip. I half expected Agata to protest, but she never said a word as she helped to strap on my scabbard. She did try to urge me to eat, but I had no appetite.

  Eamon had argued that he should go with me, but with all of the turmoil surrounding the castle, and with Reagan still needing protection, I insisted that he stay behind. Gwen had also offered to accompany me, and as much of a comfort as that would have been, I declined her company as well. She was still my Named Heir. Garrett and I had never discussed changing it once we were married. With the two of us in danger, I needed to keep her safe. As twisted as Coman’s mind was, she could be just another part of his plan. It was also argued that it would make more sense for me to stay and Eamon to go, but there was absolutely no way I would stay behind when my husband could be hurt or worse. I had to find him. I just had to.

  Twenty-Three

  Garrett

  Dear Lord,

  I AM NOT SURE HOW MUCH more of this I can take. How many days have I been here? How many more must I endure? I made a vow to never give over power to him again, and I meant it, but I cannot do this alone. Please give me the strength to go on. If it is not in your will for me to survive this, then let it be over quickly. Thank you for the comfort of knowing that if my life ends here today, then I will wake up in Heaven with you. Please watch over my wife. I thank you for the time I have had with her thus far. Aside from your sacrifice on the cross, she is the best gift you have ever given me.

  There was never an ending to my prayer. I just picked up wherever I left off every time I regained consciousness. Communication with my Savior was the one thing that could never be taken away from me. It did help knowing that God was right there with me, but there was always pain and fear present as well.

  Oscar was in charge now. This was the same man Father had ordered to kill Reagan. He had obviously not given that same order for me, but I felt it was just a matter of time. I could not be sure just how long it had been, but Father had not been present for a while now. This could not be a good thing.

  I was getting weaker. Oscar was bolder with his punishments without supervision. Food and water had not been readily available since Father’s departure. I had spent most of my time here chained in a standing position. I was never allowed to rest properly or for very long. My body could not take much more of this torture. If Father did not give the order to have me killed soon, I would not last much longer anyway.

  During my times of consciousness, when I was not adding to my prayer, Brianna dominated my thoughts. I missed her so much. The mere thought of being reunited with my beloved wife was the only thing that had kept me going for this long. That, and the thought that if I died, he would go after her next. This made me consider giving in to protect her, to keep her from ever having to face this torture. But I knew she would never be happy living under my father’s rule. Then I would think about what she would do if she were in this same situation. I honestly believed she would hold out against him until her very last breath. So that is what I would do for her.

  Twenty-Four

  Brianna

  EAMON HAD HANDPICKED six warriors to go with me. We did not waste any time getting to Gilvary. We arrived a day earlier than usual. Our poor horses were worn out by the time we reached our destination. Torin was tossing his head when I dismounted to let me know how he felt. I patted his neck, and he pulled away. I would have to make it up to him later. For now, I ordered the stable hands to take extra care with them all.

  No more than two warriors per visitor were allowed inside the castle. I held back the two who appeared the least worn out and sent the rest of the men to the guest barracks. One sight stopped me in my tracks. Just as I was about to enter the back of the castle, Garrett’s black and white Pinto stepped up to the fence beside the stable drawing my attention like a flare in the dark. I had never had any interaction with Eoghan, but I would swear he was looking at me expectantly.

  My heart soared. Garrett had to be here if his horse was present. Maybe he had sent word, and I missed it in coming here. I ran through the back door of the castle with my two warriors racing in behind me. I was met with a startled doorman. I grabbed both of his hands in a too familiar way. I could feel his resistance, but right then, I did not care. All I could think of was seeing Garrett’s face again.

  “Where is he? Please just tell me where he is.”

  “I believe he is still in the dining hall, Your Highness.”

  I left him in mid bow as I raced through the castle toward the dining hall. When I entered I could tell that supper was nearly over. There was only a scattering of people left in the hall, a few picking over the last remains of their food. I had gathered everyone’s attention when I burst into the room. I eagerly searched every face, looking for the one I loved, but he was nowhere to
be seen. Coman was still at the head table at the rear of the room, but Finelle stood closer to me where she had been talking with some of their guests. I walked just past her and stopped a few feet away from the table where he sat.

  “Look Finelle, our beloved daughter-in-law has come for a visit.” Coman had called out into the quiet room louder than necessary.

  I wanted to knock the smug look from his face. I was acutely aware that I was more than likely outnumbered by his loyal subjects. Probably the only people here who would back me were the two soldiers I had brought in with me, and with the recent traitors found in my court, I was not even positive I could trust them. I realized that all of this was unimportant compared to my need for finding my husband.

  I ignored him and directed my gaze back to Finelle. “Where is Garrett?”

  A dumbfound look marred her beautiful features. “What do you mean? Did he not come here with you?”

  “He has been missing for almost two weeks now. Some of my warriors were sent here to look for him. How could you not know?” She looked past me toward her husband, and it dawned on me just to whom I was speaking. Of course Coman had kept this detail from his wife who liked to remain oblivious. I turned my own attention back toward the king.

  “What have you done with him?”

  He gave me his most innocent look with his brows raised. “Whatever could you mean?”

  “I saw his horse. I know he is here.”

  “I had been told that the animal just wandered up here. Odd, is it not?”

  “I know the truth about you, Coman. I know it was you who was responsible for the death of my father. You have been plotting to kill your own sons off one by one. Your own greed has led you in this insane scheme just so you will have control of Aisling. I am telling you now, I will never allow that to happen.”

  “I refuse to yell across the room. If you have something to say to me, you can join me in my chambers, and you will address me properly.”