Page 61 of The Guardian's Witch

“We’re only a half day ahead of the king.” chimed in Damian.

“His Majesty sent us on ahead to get us out of his hair.” Edwin came forward and took Lisbeth’s hand. “I am pleased to welcome you to the family.” He brushed her knuckles with his lips.

Edwin’s advance appeared to be a signal for the others to crowd around her for the more casual family greeting. She looked at each one’s face and registered the sincerity.

“You’ll scare her off,” insisted Celeste. “Come with me and greet your father.”

“Scare her off? Not likely, Mother. After all, she’s Alex’s wife. He wouldn’t let her get far,” said Bennett.

The men and their wives, all talking at once, followed a very proud Celeste into the Great Hall and left Alex with Lisbeth standing by themselves.

She couldn’t read the expression on her husband’s face but thought it cold and forbidding. Neither of them moved. Her head turned toward the Great Hall at the sound of laughter. It was Alex’s hall now. She was an outsider in her own home. Over the past few days, smiles lit up people’s faces. If happiness was lost to her at least the others would not suffer.

He held out his arm to escort her in.

Tentatively she placed her hand on his, straightened up and entered the Great Hall. The king would arrive this afternoon. Now that the marriage had been consummated, annulment was not an option. Perhaps they could live separately. She could return to the lodge or, if Alex claimed it, perhaps Jamie and Laura would take her in. She walked in on his arm and faced her husband’s family, relieved with the thought she had alternatives.

* * *

By midday Lisbeth stood on the steps with Alex. His hand rested possessively on her shoulder. They waited for the king, who had already entered the lower village gate.

His Majesty rode his white stallion in front of the royal carriage. The rest of his entourage followed some distance behind. He came through the bailey and halted in front of his host and hostess. Cheers for His Highness rang out through the throng. His delight at his subjects’ adoration was visible on his face. Finally, he dismounted and climbed the steps. When he reached the porch, a hushed silence overtook the crowd. The crush of people in the bailey bowed like a great tidal wave.

“Sire, welcome to Glen Kirk. I hope your trip was uneventful.”

“It was. Thank goodness for your family or I would have died of boredom. They kept me entertained most of the way.”

Alex motioned Lisbeth to come forward. “Sire, may I present my wife, Lady Lisbeth Stelton, daughter of the late Lord and Lady Reynolds.”

Lisbeth looked at the ground and gave an elegant curtsy. Her mother’s words,the king must never know, echoed in her head.

Alex held her elbow and raised her up. The king took her hand. “Well, well, Lisbeth. You’ve grown into a beauty. If I wasn’t in love with my queen I would have saved you for myself.”

She felt Alex’s hand tighten on her elbow. “You jest, sire,” she said with a nervous smile.

The king whispered in her ear. “Only to see the scowl on Alex’s face. How I enjoy tormenting him.”

“Come, sire, refreshments and Lord and Lady Stelton await you inside,” she said.

Lisbeth stepped away but Edward snagged her hand. “I will escort you, m’lady.” As he led her inside, he bent his head toward her. “Does he stand there with his mouth gaping like a big fish?”

She stole a glance at her husband. “Sire, surely you don’t want him to suffer the entire time you’re here?” She felt the tug of a smile at her lips.

“No, certainly not.” He straightened with an angelic look on his face. “He’s so, so rigid.” He gave her hand a squeeze. She turned to face him. “But I’ve given you to the best man I’ve got. I didn’t send you a protector when I sent you Alex. I sent you a true guardian. Your parents would be pleased.”

Her step faltered and she stared at the king in shock.

“Don’t look so surprised. It was something long in the making. I had hoped that Wesley had told you. After your brother’s death your father and mother knew that Glen Kirk needed to be secure. Your parents were quite insistent on Alex, and I agreed.

“Neither of them said anything to me, sire.”

“It appears they didn’t say anything to Alex either,” said the king.

“Sire.” Lady Celeste bowed deeply before the king.

“Ah, Lady Celeste.” He dropped Lisbeth’s hand. “You will excuse me.” He gave Celeste his full attention. “Walk with me, madam.” They moved on to greet the others.

Lisbeth stood there, unable to move.

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