by Eliza Knight
“Sir Liam, ye’ve returned much quicker than expected.”
“We have Ughtred, Your Grace.” Liam bowed before his king, summoned quite a bit faster than he would have expected to his majesty’s presence chamber where he held court and received courtiers.
“How did ye find him so quickly?” King Robert bent over a long table, staring down at a map marked with small wooden replicas of ships and horses. The chamber was well-lit with flaming sconces on the walls and at least fifty candles in a chandelier that hung from the rafters.
The answer to the king’s question was harder to explain, though Liam did his best. He explained about the messenger upon the road and then told his sovereign the hardest part—about Cora.
“Your wife?” The king’s gaze jerked upward.
By some miracle, Liam was able to keep his face straight, even as he cringed on the inside. This was it. The moment of truth. “Aye, my lord.”
King Robert stopped what he was doing with the map and approached, coming within a foot of Liam. His jaw was tight, lips thinned, and his hands were fisted at his sides. In spite of his body language giving away his fury, his eyes held something different, and confusing to Liam—and a decided lack of surprise. What the bloody hell did that mean?
“Ye kept her a secret all these years? And unprotected?” King Robert’s voice was thin.
Liam cleared his throat. “Aye.” There was nothing else to say. Shame filled him at the truth of his king’s accusations. He’d left her there unprotected and look what happened.
King Robert shook his head, muttered something under his breath and walked back to the table.
Well, he’d already tossed half his body over the proverbial cliff, might as well get the rest tossed, too. “There’s more, Your Grace.”
The king’s mouth twisted with anger as he whirled around to face him. “Good God, Liam, what more could there be? All of ye, get out,” he said to the few guards in the room who’d been quiet, pretending to not pay attention. They discreetly left, and the king returned his attention to Liam.
This time, the lack of surprise was replaced by just that emotion. As if the news of his wife was not enough, his king was in for more of a surprise.
Liam drew in a steadying breath. He’d been an idiot to keep this from his king for so long, and now it was time to pay the consequences for that idiocy. “I’ve been hunting the men who attacked her castle all these years. They were dressed as Scots. But I’m not entirely sold on whether they were impersonating a band of outlaws or not. Their colors were indiscernible, and their faces washed out in woad. Their leader continues to escape me. I believe him to be…someone with power in Scotland. Maybe even a Sassenach ally. Even someone close to ye, my king.”
King Robert bared his teeth. “I should lock ye in the dungeon with Ina and Ughtred. If ye believed there to be someone close to me who posed a danger to me, to our country, to our cause, ye should have told me sooner. I expect that from a bairn, but ye’re a grown man, a warrior, a leader.”
“I would deserve no less than to rot.” Liam dropped to his knees, feeling the shame of his king’s disappointment and knowing he deserved no less. The only thing that would make this moment any worse was if his father were standing there watching. “But I beg of ye, allow me to make it right. I didna want to burden ye with the news of a band of outlaws, and ‘tis only recently that I discovered their leader might be a titled man in your company.”
“Get up, ye fool.” The king shook his head. “I’ll not be having ye grovel at my feet.”
Liam stood, prepared to take his punishment, whether it might be lashings or a night in the dungeon. From the king’s tone and expression, it would appear he would not require Liam’s life. Thank God for small favors. “I beg ye to give your protection to my wife, Lady Cora. She is…innocent of any crimes against Scotland.”
King Robert’s eyes narrowed. “And yet ye hesitate to claim her innocence.”
Bloody hell. “At first, I had wondered if she was trying to lure me into a trap for Ughtred, until I learned the truth of all that happened.” Liam ran a hand through his hair. “She could not have.”
The king lifted one of the wooden horse statues from on the table, picked at a splinter then set it back down. “How so?”
“My men and I were already headed to the border where we’d heard rumors of an attack by Ughtred and his men. She could not have known I was on the road. And she was badly injured.” He explained about finding her in the dungeon and the state of her hands. How after Ughtred had killed her father, Baron Segrave, she’d hidden for days in a small secret alcove in her father’s study, and that when the fire broke out, she’d escaped, only to be tossed into what would have been her tomb.
“This Baron Segrave. I’ve heard his name before. Are ye certain he was killed?”
“Aye. Ughtred admitted to having done the deed, and both Cora and her mother corroborated that admission.”
The king nodded. “I’d like to question Lady Segrave. Bring her to me.”
With relief, Liam agreed. “Aye, my lord.” Though his king may be irritated at him for having kept a few secrets, it was clear he trusted him enough to go and get Lady Segrave.
Liam left his king’s presence chamber in search of where the ladies had been housed. He found them easily enough—mostly from the sound of Lady Segrave’s perturbed voice.
The former was in her daughter’s chamber, fussing about the hearth when he entered.
“Sir, you must knock,” Lady Segrave lamented, hands on her hips, and glower turned toward him.
“The door was open, my lady.” He bowed to Cora and then turned to her mother. “The king wishes to speak with ye.”
Lady Segrave looked alarmed but quickly straightened her features. “Come, Cora. You’ll meet the King of Scotland with me.” She put out a hand for her daughter, wiggling her fingers.
“Nay,” Liam said with a slight shake of his head. He braced his feet, preparing for the storm that was sure to come. “I’m afraid not this time.”
Cora didn’t move from where she sat on a cushioned bench near a narrow, arrow-slitted window. “I’d like to rest anyway,” she murmured, flicking her gaze away from his in disinterest.
Liam cocked his head. Huh. What had gotten into her?
Lady Segrave started to bluster again, drawing his attention momentarily away from his wife. “My lady, if ye would come with me now, the king has much to do today.” Then he turned to his wife. “I’ll join ye for supper.”
Cora nodded and then stared at her wrapped hands settled in her lap. He willed her to look up so that he could give her a reassuring smile, but she did not.
“Well, are we going, or are you going to doddle?” Lady Segrave said sharply at his side.
Liam frowned and left the room with Lady Segrave in tow. The sooner they got this handled, the sooner he could return to Cora. They had much to discuss after their ride here and the admissions neither of them had wanted to make, both to each other and the world.
In the king’s presence chamber, Robert sat on his throne upon the dais, looking every bit the royal. In Liam’s absence, King Robert had donned his golden crown and a fur mantle connected with a thick gold bejeweled clasp. The effort did not go unnoticed by Lady Segrave, who stood staring at Robert’s impressive figure.
From atop his perch, the king motioned them forward.
Liam pressed a hand to the lady’s elbow, encouraging her to move forward. They shuffled closer, for it wasn’t walking. If he were to tug any harder at the lady’s arm, he would be dragging her across the floor.
Lady Segrave curtsied before the Scottish king, which surprised Liam. He’d half expected her to order the king to bow to her.
“Lady Segrave, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your husband.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” The lady’s jaw was tight, her hands pinched together in front of her.
King Robert did not seem to notice her cross stance. “I had the pleasure of mee
ting your husband at a gathering of border lords some months ago.”
Liam stiffened, remembering the occasion but not seeing Lord Segrave himself. It’d had been a few years since Liam had been to the border, and he’d argued with himself the entire way there about going to see Cora. Checking on her. In the end, he’d decided to leave well enough alone. Another reason he should have himself flogged.
But why hadn’t he noticed Lord Segrave at the gathering of lords? For if he had, that would have been enough of a catalyst to push him in the right direction. He would have asked the man’s permission to take his daughter—nay, he would never have asked permission to take his own wife. Instead, he would have informed the man to prepare Cora to travel home with him. Alas, that would have likely started a brawl, so perhaps it was a good thing he’d not seen the man.
“Aye, I recall,” Lady Segrave said stiffly.
“Do ye recall what he took from me?” The king sat forward, looking almost as if he were about to leap from the chair.
At this, Liam straightened, his eyes burning into the back of the lady’s head. This was what Cora and her mother had been discussing in the tavern. This was what Cora claimed not to know. Liam gritted his teeth as an image of Cora’s disinterested gaze flashed before his eyes.
“Yes.” Lady Segrave’s back stretched taut, her shoulders squared. “But my daughter does not know anything about it.”
Liar.
“Where is it?” The king gripped the right arm of his chair, squeezing as though it were the neck of his enemy.
What is it? Liam wanted to shout. What had she taken? Why was it important enough to take in the first place?
Lady Segrave’s chin tilted higher, if possible. “It is lost now.”
The king’s knuckles grew white as the snowcaps on the Highland mountains. “Because your castle was destroyed.”
She shook her head. “Surely Lord Ughtred found what he was looking for?”
What game was she playing? The king glanced at Liam, who stepped forward.
“The man was thoroughly searched,” Liam said, “and none of his men escaped us. He does not have it.” Bloody hell, he wanted to know what it was!
“Perhaps ye’d like to try again, Lady Segrave?” the king said, his voice soothing, belying the anger Liam could see rippling beneath his skin.
“If Ughtred could not find it, then certainly I shall be no different.” There was such obstinance in her voice, Liam would not be surprised if the king ordered her death that moment.
“Nay, not certainly,” the king said through gritted teeth, losing some of his composure. “Ye were his wife. Mistress of the castle. Ye would know where it is.”
The lady shook her head but said nothing.
“Would ye care to join our friends in the dungeon?” the king asked, shifting to the very edge of his seat. “I will make certain ye’re verra…comfortable.”
The threat of discomfort was very obvious in that statement, designed to make an enemy concede, and yet Lady Segrave remained silent.
Liam cringed. If Cora’s mother was tossed into the dungeon and tortured, Cora would never forgive him for not trying to put a stop to it. But how was he supposed to go against his king—again—especially when it was painfully obvious the woman knew something?
“If I may, Your Grace?” Liam offered, an idea striking him—one he was going to have to bold-face lie through.
The king waved at him, brows raised.
“My lady,” Liam stepped closer to her, gaining her full attention. “What if I were to say I’d honor your request for an annulment from your daughter if ye give the king what he requests?”
Her eyes widened as she took in what he said. Several moments passed as she mulled over his words. “I would say ye dinna value my daughter as much as ye should.”
Liam held in his laughter. What did he expect her to say? “It is quite the contrary, my lady. I value her enough to trade her for information.”
“Trade her…” The lady scoffed, about to say something in anger when the king cut her off.
“Will ye agree?”
She kept her gaze on Liam. “Nay.”
And with that single word, Liam came to realize that whatever it was that Lady Segrave was hiding, it was prized at more than what she valued her daughter to be worth. More than getting her wish for the annulment. And that meant it was dangerous.
“To the dungeon,” the king ordered, and several guards came forward to take Lady Segrave by the arms.
“My daughter will never forgive ye for this,” Lady Segrave hissed at Liam, straining against their hold.
Anger roared in Liam’s veins, for he knew it to be true, no matter how unfair such blame may be placed. Liam had to think fast. “Tell my king what he needs to know, or I will send men out this very night to take your sons from their protector.”
At that, the lady blanched. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I would.” He frowned down at her, daring her to call his bluff.
“You’re a bastard.” Tears welled in her eyes.
“Tell him.” Liam enunciated the two syllables harshly.
Lady Segrave gave a slight nod, then turned her gaze toward the king, still held tightly by a guard on each arm. “I will tell you what I know if you promise to keep my sons safe and do not put me in the dungeon. Keep me under lock and key in the chamber, but I beg you, not the dungeon.”
Liam gazed at their king, who assessed them both.
“We will agree to your terms.” King Robert waved for his men to release her.
As soon as they did, the lady rubbed at the sore spots on her arm. The guards had treated her roughly, much more roughly than Liam would have.
“Cora has it—only she does not know it,” the lady hurried to add when the king came furiously up out of his chair at the same time Liam fisted his hands at his side about to shout. “My husband gave it to her as a gift.”
Were they supposed to actually believe that?
“Lies,” Liam muttered.
“I swear it. On the lives of my sons.” Her face was full of conviction, but it mattered not, for her words were enough to cause Liam to pause. The lives of her sons had caused her to spill the truth when Liam threatened them.
He believed her. Liam turned toward his king, giving a subtle nod of his head. The king still scowled but acknowledged Liam with a nod of his own.
“Ye’ll be housed in a chamber, but ye will have no contact with your daughter. Your husband was my enemy. Ye’re only lucky, that by the Grace of God, Sir Liam married your daughter all those years ago. Else I’d toss ye both into the dungeon.” The king waved his hand and the guards took Lady Segrave away.
She was crying softly but did not comment. Perhaps for the first time since Liam had met her, it appeared her bluster was gone.
With the room now empty, the king motioned to Liam. “Allow the lass to keep the item for now. She doesna know it is important.”
“May I ask what it is, Your Grace? So I am able to make certain she retains it.”
“’Tis a jewel I took from Comyn upon his death, given to him by the English King.”
Liam was only a bairn when Robert attacked and killed his rival, Red Comyn, for the throne of Scotland. Red Comyn had been the English king’s choice. But the people of Scotland wanted Robert the Bruce. In order to form a truce to fight for their country and share in the glory, Robert had invited Comyn to speak with him at Greyfriars Church. But Comyn had not agreed. He’d claimed Bruce to be a traitor. Angry and believing it was for the good of his people, Robert the Bruce had killed his enemy on the altar.
And here they were today, with the king of the people’s choice still fighting against the bastards who wanted to take the throne, their country, from them. The Scots king wasn’t going to give up, and neither were his people. It was for honor and freedom they fought, two things Liam believed in wholeheartedly.
So, it would seem the jewel he’d taken was of great significance. And for an English b
aron to take it back… Well, that was an invitation to war, was it not?
“Will anyone be able to recognize it?” Liam asked.
“’Tis unlikely anyone Lady Cora comes across will know its meaning, unless they were close with Comyn.”
“May I ask how the baron came into possession of the jewel?” Liam knew he was pushing his luck with so many questions, but he had to ask.
“Bloody bastard stole it during our negotiations at the border meeting a few months ago. Recognized it as he was cousin to Comyn’s wife. As part of our border treaty, I was offering the jewel. He broke the treaty and stole the jewel.”
Bloody hell… No wonder the king believed Lady Segrave would have an idea where it was. Her husband had been in negotiations with Scots, and he’d likely garnered many enemies within his own country because of it. Then he’d abandoned the Scots for a family vendetta. Could Cora truly be oblivious to all this?
“What can I do?”
“Ye’ll continue with your mission. Ride for Ross country come first light. Now that we’ve captured both their leaders, it is only a matter of time before they appoint a new one. And ye need to be there to put a stop to it. I want that castle.”
“And my wife, I have your word she will be protected while I’m gone?”
“Aye.”
Liam bowed before his king and backed from the room. He had a few questions for his wife. Besides, he’d promised her he’d return for supper.
Chapter 12
Cora paced her chamber, worried over what was taking her mother so long. She’d heard her mother walk past, arguing with the guards, what had to have been a half hour before. Her words had been too muffled for Cora to hear, and when she’d opened the door, her mother was nowhere to be seen, and the guards were standing stoically in position. Her mother had not come out since.
Every muscle ached in her body. She had to quit this pacing. Rest mayhap. But her mind was a storm of questions. What had happened when her mother spoke with the king? Did it have anything to do with Liam not acknowledging her as his wife?
