Page 106 of Long Live the King

“Aye, it seems likely.”

“This is horrible. Does Lochie know she was never seen again? He’s probably freaking.”

“Aye, he heard.”

“Damn.” I lay my head back, then raised it again. “If he’s a king in the thirteenth century then he used a Trailblazer to open a path past 1557, right? That’s probably why you are remembering your throne so well now.”

“Aye, I daena ken for certain, but that seems likely.” He rolled off me and lay on the side, looking down on me. “He is also mentioned as one of the most important Scottish kings, tis outrageous.”

“Most important? Who voted? I don’t remember being asked my opinion. He’s a kidnapper, a thief, a possible murderer? The more I hear about him the more he sounds like an arse. Is he a cousin, or some other horrible relation?”

“Nae, it daena sound like it. This is a good thing, cousins are complicated. He has nae claim tae this throne, so at least he winna challenge me. But I also daena ken what his plan is... What game is he playin’?”

He exhaled. “But whatever is comin’, we must begin looking for Ash.”

“At least you won’t have to do much Trailblazing.”

“Aye, tis the one good thing. He has likely blazed a trail tae at least 1296. We will carry one just in case, but I doubt we will need it if we must go tae his kingdom. But we might not need tae go so far back, he might hae Ash any number of places. We might be searching for a long time.”

He ran his hand down my chest, trailing his fingers along my skin, watching me tremble under his fingers. I wriggled closer.

“I remember the feelin’ of havin’ lost ye, and the desperation tae get tae ye as soon as ye were taken, afore anything terrible had happened tae ye. Och nae, Lochinvar will be frantic. I am surprised he haena left already.”

“He has grown up a lot, and he loves her.”

Magnus nodded. “Aye, he will need that maturity and strength tae find her, and then he will need anger and violence tae make Asgall pay.”

“...And you’re sure it’s Asgall? It isn’t coincidence? Of course, as I say that, I remember your great aunt, it must be him.”

“I am certain, he’s got his sticky fingers all over it.”

I stared at our ceiling, the filigree and crown molding, the intricate carving and details to make our room beautiful, a safe haven for us. “But what is his motive? Why did he steal Ash?”

Magnus raised his brow. “Ye daena see it yet?”

“No, what...?”

“Tis Lochinvar’s son.”

“Oh. How do you think...?”

“This is the only explanation for why they would take the woman who Lochinvar has a relationship with — they arna holdin’ her hostage or they would hae sent me demands already. I think he chose m’great aunt for the same reason, he wants bairn who are descendants of the throne of Riaghalbane, ye ken, tis clear."”

I said, “Oh.The baby would be Donnan’s grandson. And on and on. He’s stolen a possible prince of Riaghalbane? So Ash isn’t even necessary, she’s just a vessel?” I thought for a moment more. Then I said, “Ohhhh, is that why she died so young? Because she wasn’t necessary once the child is born?”

Magnus pressed his finger to my lips. “Wheesht, mo reul-iuil, some things are better left unsaid. First we must rescue the maiden, afore any of that happens.”

“I take it we shouldn’t tell Lochie about this?”

“Nae, I need his senses homed on the task at hand, tae tell him of our speculations will only add tae his anger and grief, we will keep him focused — he wants tae rescue the maiden. This is enough.”

“I agree.”

Then I said, “So you’re going with him?”

“I must. I am certain Fraoch is already packin’. Lochie will need his brothers.”

I nodded again. “This all sounds like a plan, but I don’t... I really don’t want you to go again.”

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