“Go on, man—tell me what happened,” said the king.
“I was abducted and held for ransom.”
“How are you here?”
“Alex and his brothers came with the Scots and released us.”
The king looked at the protectors with a shrewd eye. “Go on, give me the details.”
“I and my man were separated from our hunting party and attacked by a pack of thieves. They took us to Scotland and held us there for ransom. At least that’s where I thought I was held, sire.” He paused until the king waved him to continue. “My captors gave me paper and ink to write to you of my plight, which I did.”
“And when I didn’t respond?”
“Oh, sire, but you did. You sent Ramon Mitchell. He explained you regretted the situation and you and your advisors were working to free us. You said negotiations were somewhat difficult since there was no monarch in Scotland.”
He leveled his eye at the other protector. “And you have a similar story?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” he replied. “I was out with my men on patrol when we were attacked. The end result was the same. Out of nowhere men appeared. We didn’t hear them approach—they were just there. They surprised and captured us. It was clear their intent was to take us hostage.”
“What was interesting sire, in each situation the men had gone out with Mitchell, who conveniently left them and went on his way,” offered Alex.
“Go on.”
Hubert continued. “Ramon visited us every month until recently, when he visited us more often. He told us negotiations were going better than you expected, and by the end of this month we would be free and there would be a new monarch on the throne of Scotland.”
The king stiffened at the mention of the throne. He leveled his stare at Bryce.
“Jamie. What news from your man?” asked the king.
Alex spun around and faced his brother-in-law. “Jamie?”
“Your Majesty.” Jamie bowed. “While he wasn’t privy to the abduction, he reported seeing the protectors. They were held by the Mitchells. He also found that Lord Ramon arranged the accident that killed Lord Wesley and Lady Darla.”
“Good work, Jamie. You are everything I was led to believe. Your debt to Wesley and Darla has been paid.” He looked admiringly at Jamie. “You are a loyal man, Jamie Collins. I wish you were one of mine.”
“That is a great compliment coming from the King of England. I will cherish it, sir.”
Jamie turned to Alex. “Gareth did not go to London alone to tell your king about Wesley and Darla. I went with him.”
“Yes, I thought you quite brazen,” said Edward. “You came to me with your assumptions and asked for a boon.” He turned to Alex. “He wanted to find the murderer. He was certain the accident was contrived.”
“Before you say anything, Alex, you must know that I was sworn to secrecy. Many times I wanted to tell you of my work with King Edward. You are as important to me as any brother. I hope you understand.” The sincerity of his words was not lost on Alex.
Edward faced his knight. “Why, Bryce?”
“Wesley was dealing with the Scots. He even married Laura to one of them rather than settle her on me.” Bryce waved his hand in disgust. “He was the traitor. What more evidence do you need?”
“You killed Wesley and Darla? Why?” asked Alex.
Ramon stood in the doorway, a guard on either side of him. He shrugged off their hands. “I killed them.”
Everyone’s attention shifted to the door.
“Yes, Father called Ramon a traitor right before Ramon killed him,” Lisbeth declared still in the care of Alex’s family.
“So, you did hear him. You were fortunate I didn’t know.” Ramon turned to the king.
Lisbeth shivered.He must never know.She drew her shawl close.