Page 78 of The Guardian's Witch

“Lisbeth?” the king called out to her.

She felt Edward and Bryce search her face but they quickly looked back to the doorway. The guards closed rank around the king and pushed Bryce aside.

There was a hush in the packed room. Feet shuffled and people backed away from her until they could go no farther. Confused, they stood in silence, pushed against the far wall.

For once, she didn’t cower from the vision. She eagerly awaited the carriage exploding into the room, flying into the air, and crashing. She was ready to show everyone how Bryce had killed her father. And, if she must, with her last breath she would show how he had attacked Richard and Alex too. She would reveal the true traitor. She didn’t care who knew what she was. She cared less what became of her. All that mattered was Alex.

A great pounding noise echoed down the hall.

She watched as the phantom hooves of the wild team struck the floor outside the doorway, sending the misty ground it rode into chaos. Soon everything would be over. Soon everyone would know.

Every eye was fixed on the doorway. The crowd gave a collective gasp when the tendrils of shimmery mist pushed into the Great Hall. The coils tipped the top of the doorway and slowly reached for the floor. Every eye followed its descent. At the precise moment it was to strike the floor a leg broke through the mist. Alex ran into the room. The mist scattered before him in every direction.

Lisbeth’s eyes widened at the sight of him. She fought to control her swirling emotions. Alex leapt to her side and held her in his arms. The room exploded in an uproar. People ran for the door.

* * *

“Lisbeth.” She was ghostly white and chilled. If he hadn’t looked at her closely he might have missed it.

“Forever,” she whispered from her full lips. He felt her sink into his arms. Her breathing was shallow but steady.

Lady Celeste rushed to Lisbeth and threw her shawl around her. “She’s cold. We need to warm her.”

“Give her to me, son.” Alex looked up at his father who stood by him now. Concern was etched on the man’s face. “We’ll warm her by the hearth.”

Relieved, he put her in his family’s care. He would see to her later. When he turned to face the king, Jamie and Robby were at his side.

“How is it you’re here, Alex? You were supposed to be....” Bryce began.

“Dead. I made a detour. I stopped at Ravenscroft. Your guests didn’t find you very hospitable. As a matter of fact, they aren’t very happy with your accommodations.”

“Seize the Scots,” Bryce ordered. “Leave the traitor to me.” He drew his sword. “We never did determine who was better with a sword. Do you want to place a bet?” His smirk reeked self-confidence. He swaggered toward Alex.

Alex drew his sword. “That would depend on whether it was a fair fight—without poisoned blades.”

Bryce made no reply.

“No,” said Alex. “I’d bet on my victory either way. I told you a long time ago—I only bet when I’m certain of the outcome.”

“Don’t be foolish, Alex. I’ve seen you fight. You’ve always needed me at your back. You may not be an easy man to kill, but she won’t be able to help you this time.”

Alex knew Bryce’s movements well. He was vicious on the battlefield. Many times they had protected each other’s back. There was no doubt in his mind Bryce would be even more brutal now. He stole a glance at the door. Time, he needed more time.

“Expecting someone? There isn’t anyone who would help a traitor.”

Bryce’s footsteps echoed when he crossed to the far end of the room. Alex followed. Bryce whipped his blade from side to side and loosened up for the fight. He stopped a mere arm’s length from Alex and turned his gaze to Lisbeth and Alex’s family. He glared back at Alex. “I’ve gone to great lengths, Alex. You won’t stop me now. You should have chosen Wales,” he said only for Alex’s ears.

“So you’re responsible for Wesley and Darla’s deaths.” Alex kept Bryce talking.

“Some things can’t be helped.” Bryce advanced.

“Why? What did you expect to get?”

“You have no idea, do you? I’ll be King of Scotland. Once I have what I want from the witch then I’ll let everyone know what she is and let them have her. She should provide good entertainment.”

Alex’s anger became a scalding fury. He fought to keep his face blank. He knew Bryce’s battle tactics. He’d used the same ones countless times. Alex wouldn’t let his rage get out of control; instead he focused the energy to fight longer and harder. When the protectors arrived they would attest to Bryce’s treason. He could still protect Lisbeth’s secret. He had to.

The small clenching of Bryce’s jaw warned Alex of the initial strike. He parried it easily. Again and again the sound of steel hitting steel echoed through the room in a fast-paced rhythm. Hard and unyielding, Alex slashed with rapid precision on the downswing and again on the backswing. He kept advancing, not willing to give any opening. With each blow his blade pulsated with life that traveled up his arm and renewed his resolve.

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