Page 10 of The Darkest Knight

“That guy is way too cheerful. Its creepy,” Padriag grumbled.

From his position on bended knee, Niall looked up at the two princesses. Their breathtaking beauty did not distract from their distant royal demeanor. The sisters waited for them to plead their case although they were already aware of why they were there.

“Your Highnesses, Sir Padriag Clarre, Sir Liam Murray and I, Niall McTavish, Duke of Lennox humbly request asylum from you and your people. In exchange for our swords which we pledge to you.”

“Please rise,” Rubiana, the princess robed in red, told them. The three knights stood, hands on the hilts of their swords signaling fidelity to the crown.

“You come at a good time.” The other princess’ gaze fell on him. Esmeralda’s ice blue gaze shone unnaturally, and he wondered what kind of entity the princesses were, and if they also were able to shift as well. “Our villages on the valley side have been attacked by Meliot’s minions. They have defended themselves valiantly, but it’s time for us to put a stop to this.”

Rubiana addressed them next. “In two days we will dispatch guards to Middlesex for protection and to ensure that when Meliot’s fighters appear, they learn our people are not without protection.”

She looked over to where Argo stood to the side of the thrones. “These noblemen will travel with you to Middlesex.”

“If I may be so bold to ask another favor,” Niall asked before they were dismissed.

“Speak, knight,” Esmeralda said, curiosity evident as she leaned forward.

“I request permission for us to go to another realm from within the castle walls. We have business to attend to there that is important in our fight against Meliot.”

The princesses looked at one another, both silent. Niall suspected by their cocked heads that they communicated telepathically. Finally, Rubiana looked at him. “Permission is granted, but you must wait until after returning from Middlesex.”

That was not an acceptable option. Niall went to speak but Liam cleared his throat, and he hesitated.

“Your Highnesses, if I may be so bold as to request that at least one of us be able to return to the other world if only to advise our allies about what happens.”

Again the Princesses were silent. Neither seemed too perturbed at Liam’s request. One thing about the Brit, his demeanor always seemed to smooth the way for easier negotiations of any kind.

“Permission is granted. Send the young one,” Rubiana told them.

Niall ground his teeth. He’d given his word to Tamara. A knight did not break his word.

Wolves approached.

They’d been dismissed.