Page 45 of Come the Morning
“The banns are cried; the wedding takes place in two weeks.”
“Do you wish to see her?”
“No. Where is she?”
“My chambers.”
“And she was not plotting treason?”
Waryk was surprised to realize that he didn’t want the king’s wrath against Mellyora rising to any greater extent. “She simply wanted her freedom, that is all.”
“Daro is here to negotiate Viking service, so he has said,” the king mused.
“I’ve fought with Daro in your service. He is a brave man, and a clever strategist. He is very much Adin’s brother,” Waryk said carefully.
“He’s a Viking. And I fear that he will be displeased if he discovers his niece’s intent to remain free. Surely, she was seeking his help. You mean to tell me that Mellyora was not hoping to plot insurrection along with her uncle?”
“I don’t think she would ever want to take up arms against you, no, sire.” Was that the truth? She was willing to go far to escape her fate.
The king made a snorting sound and swallowed more wine. “I’m tired, and weary of her. But I warn you, what I’ve heard is that there’s a young man from the coast land by the isle. And he has Viking in his blood.”
“David, I’ve been told that I have Viking in my blood.”
“I don’t hate men for being Vikings,” the king said. “I merely mistrust them. Well, my fair lass from the Blue Isle is back. You are apparently feeling more kindly toward her than I at this time.”
“What shall I do with her? I think that my quarters are more secure, a safer place for her—”
“Do with her what you will,” the king said. He shook his head. “I am disturbed by these attacks against the borders now, as you warned me I should be. I’m anxious to find out if Daro is as loyal as his brother. Attacks divide a kingdom. The border skirmishes keep me from watching the Nordic rulers to our north. Mellyora MacAdin had best take care …” He lifted his hands. “See to her;do what you will. If she causes much more trouble, she will simply be displaced.”
“Pardon?”
“She can remain my guest forever,” David said evenly. “In a dungeon, in a convent, wed to a Saracen with a dozen wives, I care not. I will not be defied, not even by my own godchild. If she commits treason, she will lose her head. I’m just, I’m merciful—but traitors die, and that is the law.”
“I don’t believe she means treason. The Vikings have been among us for centuries now, as enemies and friends. Your ancestors used the Vikings for their own aims, David. Malcolm II gave his daughter in marriage to Sigurd, the Norse earl of Orkney, and strengthened his influence in the north by so doing. Malcolm II extended many borders, if I may remind you, Scot land to the Tweed-Solway line, Lothian, the alliance of Strathclyde. It was through his daughter’s marriage, however, that his might, that of theScottishking, was felt across the land.”
“I am aware of history and strategy, Laird Lion. And I am seeking strength through marriage. When alliances and peaceful means do not suffice, there is nothing left but bloodshed.”
Strangely chilled, Waryk left the king soon after. He had scarcely left the king’s chambers when he heard footsteps coming quickly behind him. He turned.
It was Jillian, Mellyora’s woman.
She was anxious, drawn. “Laird Waryk …” she began, then paused. “Is she well?”
“She is tough as steel, as you know.”
“Aye, but …”
He arched a brow.
“May I go to her?”
“Soon enough.”
“Please don’t judge her too harshly. She never thought her father could die, that there could be a different life … she doesn’t so much despise you, but she has been in love, you see—”
“Aye.” He studied Jillian for a long moment. “How far has this love gone?”
“Why, they’ve been friends since childhood, close, you see …”
