Page 23 of War King's Treasure

“How are you feeling this morning?” he asked and watched her turn red as she flicked her gaze toward Theo, who stood near them, making no attempt to pretend he wasn’t listening.

“Fine.” The word was whispered so softly Gavin might have missed it if he wasn’t looking at her.

“Would you like a bath? It might soothe—”

She smacked her hand over his mouth and glanced at Theo again.

“Would you excuse us for a moment?” She might have phrased it as a question, but Gavin knew it wasn’t.

“Should I meet you outside?” Theo asked Gavin.

Gavin kissed his wife’s palm and removed her hand from his mouth. “I need to go, Nori. Stay here with Rory and Jo. Don’t go anywhere by yourself.”

She gave him a curious look. “Are you worried Robert might try something? He won’t. He’s stupid, but even he wouldn’t risk your wrath, Gavin.”

“He already has. He threatened you.”

“It was only words,” she argued. “I’m sure he’ll think better when he leaves.”

“When left unchecked, words lead to actions,” Gavin warned her. “Buckingham made a choice when he threatened you. I’ll make sure he understands the consequences of that choice.”

“I’ll walk out with you,” Phillip said as he joined them. There was pain in his gaze when he looked at his granddaughter. “I mean to send another messenger to see how far out Rowan and his men are. I should also check on Buckingham.”

“I told you I’d deal with him,” Gavin warned.

“He’s young and impulsive, still. I ask that you not kill him. He’s his father’s only remaining son. I’ll see he brings no harm to my granddaughter,” Phillip vowed. “I’ll send word to his father immediately. He’ll make any amends you wish for the threats Robert uttered today. To you and me.”

“I don’t want amends,” Gavin growled. There was nothing the other man could offer that would appease the need to protect Nori from any threat. Especially one offered by the man given the honor of being father to Nori. A role he’d failed abysmally at. Phillip had made the mistake of trusting the Buckingham family with Nori’s safety. Gavin wouldn’t. Blood would spill.

“You’re looking unwell, grandfather,” Nori commented, stepping from Gavin’s side to Phillip’s. “Maybe, you should rest. I’m sure Gavin can see that your messages are sent.”

Phillip brushed the backs of his fingers down Nori’s check. “Thank you for worrying about me. Maybe, I haven’t lost you completely.”

“I’m not an object that can be lost,” Nori told him. “I’m your granddaughter, and I love you. That hasn’t changed. I have. I’m not a girl who’ll easily be set aside any longer. I ask questions now, and I want answers. I never got to know my mother or father because they were gone. Not knowing you was your choice. I’d like to think we can change that.”

“I’d like that,” Phillip whispered, pulling in Nori for a hug. Though Gavin hated seeing her in another man’s arms, he held in his growl. “Your father wasn’t merely a soldier. He was a noble-born knight. He and Rosamund were married by proxy much the way you were. When they were together, your mother’s smile shone brighter than the sun.”

“She loved him?” Nori asked, and Gavin heard the plea in her voice. Phillip must have, as well.

“Yes, much to my dismay. I didn’t feel he was worthy of her. Rosamund was a princess. She deserved marriage to a future king, but I couldn’t deny her. Though I never heard your father speak of his love for her, he showed it in the way he spoke of her, the way he treated her. It nearly broke her when he was killed in a border skirmish. This was before your war king and his fellow kings conquered the Dread Lands.” Phillip’s gaze seemed far away for a moment. He shook away whatever memory he’d summoned and with his arm still around Nori, began walking toward the front entry to Kingsley Keep. “I feared I’d lose her then, but Rosamund held strong for the child she carried. For you, Nori.”

“Only to die giving birth to me.” Nori’s whispered words were rife with turmoil. Gavin hated it and stepped forward, tugging her from Phillip as the door opened. Phillip turned then gasped, eyes flaring wide.

Gavin took it all in quickly, pushing Nori behind him and noting the way Theo moved his large body in front of her, as well. Then Gavin tugged Phillip down, careful of the arrow through his shoulder.

“Grandfather!” Nori screamed while soldiers and warriors swarmed around them.

“Stay back!” Gavin bellowed. He turned to two of Phillip’s men. “Get your king inside. You, get the healer, quickly.” His gaze landed on his men. “Find whoever shot that arrow and bring them to me.” Gavin knew one thing. That arrow had been intended for Nori. She’d only been saved by Gavin pulling her to him and Phillip turning.

“Nori,” Phillip whispered through clenched teeth as he was lifted.

“No one will touch her,” Gavin swore.

“Grandfather!” Nori called again as she pushed her way through Phillip’s soldiers and took his hand. She glanced back at Gavin. “I’ll stay with him.”

Gavin nodded, fighting the urge to pull her close, to run his hands over her body until his heartbeat slowed and he accepted she was unharmed. Instead, he sent five of his warriors with them with strict order that she wasn’t to leave their sight.

“There’s Con,” Theo said, nudging Gavin out the door and onto the steps of the keep.

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