Page 68 of The Guardian's Witch

“With Lord Wesley and Lady Darla gone, he thought the king would give him Glen Kirk and Lady Lisbeth.”

“Many thanks, Tom.”

“There’s more. He has the king’s protectors.”

Alex and Jamie stopped in their tracks.

“He’s imprisoned them in a dungeon in the old part of Ravencroft. He told them he’s negotiating their ransom on behalf of the king. I overheard him plotting. He plans to make a big show of freeing them and blaming us.”

“The bastard.” Jamie punched at a nearby tree trunk.

“He intends to lead them on a march into Scotland,” said Tom.

Jamie and Alex looked at each other in disbelief.

“It could work if the men believed they were held captive by my people. It’s a pretty elaborate scheme,” said Jamie.

“We must get to the protectors. There must be something else we’re not seeing. But we can’t wait.” Alex turned to Tom. “Can you lead us to the dungeon?”

“Yes.”

“Here, Alex.” Jamie took the sword from his belt. “You’ll need a weapon.”

Alex slipped the sword into his belt, mounted up, and followed Jamie and his men.

* * *

He cannot die.Lisbeth stood at the door and watched Alex’s brothers gather by the stables and rush out the gate. His parents were in conference with the king. She couldn’t sit by and do nothing. She wouldn’t let another person she loved die. She would find a way to save him.

“Lisbeth.” Bryce demanded her attention. “I will be your protector and if necessary, Glen Kirk’s as well.”

She could not hide her astonishment at the audacity of his statement. “I think not, Bryce.”

“You dare to...” His anger sparked. She matched his controlled fury with her own.

“I am well protected by my soldiers, and so is Glen Kirk. In addition, if I need any further protection I will call upon my brothers-in-law.”

“I choose not to bother His Majesty with the details. Alex has escaped his own dungeon. He must have had some help. His men cannot be trusted.” He turned a cold eye toward her. “I suspect neither can you.”

Lisbeth turned at the sound of someone approaching. She dropped a deep curtsy to the king.

“Lisbeth.” Edward held out his hand and helped her rise.

“Sire, Lord Bryce was assuring me that you are in agreement with him taking control of Glen Kirk and me. He doesn’t think my Glen Kirk men can be trusted, and questions my own loyalty to you, sire.” She had to make her case for Alex. “He’s already tried Alex and found him guilty.” She waited a heartbeat and watched the vein on Bryce’s forehead pulse. “Your Majesty, if I may be so bold. While I understand the Mitchells think they have a case against my husband, they’re not judge and jury. We both know a very different man than the picture they paint. By your own edicts he’s entitled to a fair hearing.”

“You can’t leave the castle in the hands of Glen Kirk men. Not only are they sympathetic to their lord but also to the Scots. Sire, the Scots will come in and pick things clean in an instant.”

“Enough, Bryce.”

Bryce bowed deeply at the reprimand.

“Thank you for offering your men but they will not be needed. My men have secured Glen Kirk. As for Lisbeth, her loyalty is not in question, and if she needs protection I will see to it.”

“Of course, sire. I only offer my services in preparation for the inevitable.”

“Sire, Glen Kirk is not forfeited until Alex is proven a traitor or until... Until his death.” The very thought made her stomach lurch.

Edward nodded. “Bryce, if you’re concerned about your safety, by all means go. But I wish Lisbeth to stay here with me, under my protection.”

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