Page 69 of The Guardian's Witch
“Yes, sire. I prefer to not leave either of you vulnerable. I will remain.” Bryce bowed to his king. He turned and glared at Lisbeth, his face colored in rage as he walked away.
The king took her hand and spoke softly only for her ears. “Well done, Lady Stelton. Well done. As many times as Bryce has asked to be Glen Kirk’s protector and yours I’ve said no. When I wouldn’t respond to him he had the audacity to request a private audience. He didn’t like my response then either. I will not change my mind now if I can help it.”
“Sire?” She heard the sound of surprise in her voice. “He petitioned Father for Laura’s hand, not mine.”
“Did he now? Interesting. Over the last two years several have petitioned to be your protector. You were much sought after, Lisbeth. But I did what your parents wanted. They picked Alex for you themselves. It was all to be finalized when you came to court with them. Well.” Edward patted her hand. “We will see what happens. Be certain, Lisbeth, Alex still has my full trust. It is my advisors and Ramon we need to worry about. But there is more to this. I will see what the Mitchells are up to. I think your father had suspicions.” He turned, a mask of disinterest on his face, and left the room.
Lisbeth could only stare after him.
* * *
Gareth and Robby met her in the bailey. “M’lady, we’ve come to report.”
“Do either of you know how Lord Alex got out of the dungeon?”
The men looked at each other. “M’lady,” said Gareth. “We were as surprised as everyone else.”
“We were already putting our own plans together when we heard the news,” offered Robby.
“He couldn’t get out by himself. Do you have any idea who may have helped him?” she asked.
“As soon as Lord Alex was taken away we stationed a man to watch the entrance to the dungeon. He reported that the only people that passed were the king’s men and Lord Bryce. Robby and I thought that suspicious. We have a man watching Lord Bryce.”
She nodded her understanding and pulled her shawl tightly around her. “Gareth, Lord Alex’s escape makes him a fugitive.”
“Yes, m’lady.”
She watched the man struggle. She knew he was trying to keep something from her.
“That’s alright, Gareth.” She put her hand on his arm. “I know the implication. He is a target for all who hunt him. That doesn’t necessarily mean they are to bring him back alive.”
“Yes,” said Gareth. The silence hung heavy.
“I came to find you to tell you His Majesty is sending...” Her voice trailed off when she saw the king’s men standing guard along with her Glen Kirk soldiers.
“Yes, Lady Lisbeth. He sent his guards. We were just coming to tell you.”
“I’ve assured His Majesty our men are loyal to the crown. I was concerned when Lord Bryce suggested he replace his men for ours.”
“Lady Lisbeth, your castle is well guarded. We’ve taken extra precautions with His Majesty visiting. Lord Alex gave his instructions. You have nothing to fear.”
“I see.” She let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding. “What about inside the castle?”
“M’lady, there are sentries and soldiers placed strategically. Everything’s in hand.”
“Good.” She took several steps but turned back to the men. “You will report any happenings to me directly.”
“Yes, m’lady.” The two men bowed.
She marched away. The castle secure and the king safe, Alex was her next mission.
* * *
Lisbeth spent the afternoon in Alex’s room surrounded by her mother’s things, touching her mother’s brooch, smelling the stopper on her fragrance. Snippets of happier times drifted past her. She was back running in the fields with Laura, kissing her father goodbye before he left on a trip for the king, and finally they were at Laura’s. She and her parents ready to return to Glen Kirk.
“Wesley?”
“Now,Darla,you know I don’t believe in such nonsense.We’ll be fine in the carriage.Where’s Beth?”
