Part 29 (1/2)
And while scanning the group, Lochlan's gaze was held transfixed by the executioner who accompanied the group. Dressed all in black, he even wore a black hood that obscured his face.
Obviously the king wasn't here to negotiate.
”Who is the lord of this place?” the king demanded.
Raziel entered the hall on the king's left and bowed before the king. ”My lord is abed, Your Majesty. He regrets that he is unable to join you.”
The king arched a disdainful brow. ”Unable?”
”He is a war hero, sire,” Lochlan said aloud from his place on the landing.
The king's dark gaze swung up to him and it narrowed dangerously.
Lochlan forced himself to bow down to Philip.
”And who are you?”
”Laird Lochlan MacAllister, Your Majesty.”
”You!” he snarled, as if Lochlan were the vilest of creatures. ”You dare to show yourself to us?”
Lochlan knew it was dangerous to taunt the king, but still he couldn't resist playing ignorant.
”Your Majesty has issue with me?”
”Of course we do. You took our daughter--”
”He protected me, Father. Those men you sent had beaten me and threatened me. Lord Lochlan should be commended for keeping me safe while the very ones you sent were out to do me harm.”
Lochlan cut a sharp glare at Catarina, who had silently joined him. She was dressed in her pale gown with her hair left to tumble in curls around her shoulders.
”What are you doing?” he asked her in a low tone.
”What you've taught me to do, Lochlan. Stand my ground.”
”Catarina...” he said from between clenched teeth.
She touched him gently on the face. ”You were right. For better or worse, he is my father. I can't run from him for the rest of my life. 'Tis time I faced him as his daughter.”
She left him to descend the stairs to where her father waited. ”I'm not a fox to be run to ground by your hounds, Father. And I tire of this game we play with one another.”
”Then you've come to your senses?”
”If by that you mean I'm willing to marry your prince, nay. Never. I will not have him for husband and I will not be used as a p.a.w.n in your political games.”
”You willful--”
”Stubborn, obnoxious child,” she finished for him. ”I know, Father. I am your bane. Your curse.”
”But above all, she is your child, sire.”
Cat turned to find Lochlan standing just behind her.
”Your insolence is not endearing you to us, boy.”
Lochlan inclined his head to her father. ”Forgive me, Majesty. But I'm not sworn to protect France. I'm sworn to protect Catarina from any who would do her harm.”
Her father's face hardened instantly. ”Do you understand the line you are crossing?”
Lochlan nodded. ”Aye, Majesty.”
”And you are willing to give your life for hers?”
She exchanged a scowl with Lochlan. ”What say you?”
He jerked his chin toward his daughter. ”Does her freedom mean more to you than your own life?”
Lochlan frowned at his question. Was he asking what he thought?
”Answer me, boy. Will you die for her freedom?”
Aye, he was indeed.
”Nay!” Cat shouted.
But Lochlan knew the truth and he didn't hesitate with the answer. ”Aye, Majesty.”
The king scoffed. ”Words are ever easy to come by. 'Tis actions we respect.” He snapped his fingers and the executioner came forward with his sword. ”If you mean what you say, then kneel before us and let us sever your head from your body. The moment you die, her freedom from our will is granted.”
Cat shrieked and would have clawed her father had one of his guards not seized her. ”You rotten b.a.s.t.a.r.d! d.a.m.n you for this! d.a.m.n you!”
But there was no mercy on Philip's face.
Lochlan took a deep breath as he considered all he was giving up for her. But in the end, he knew it would be worth it. ”I have your word that she will be free to roam as she pleases?”
”Absolutely. Bought and paid for in your blood.”
Lochlan nodded before he turned to where Cat was fighting the guard with everything she had.
”May I have a final moment with her, Majesty?”
He let out a disgusted breath. ”We suppose a last request would not be unseemly given the circ.u.mstances.”
Lochlan approached her slowly. ”Catarina!” he snapped.
She stopped her fighting to look at him. Tears were streaming down her face as sobs racked her body. ”Don't you do this, Lochlan. Don't you dare!”
His own eyes were misty as he used the sleeve of his tunic to wipe the tears from her face. She was so beautiful. So wonderful. ”I told you, la.s.s. One hour or a million. 'Tis enough for me.”
”I can't lose you. Do you understand?”