Page 140 of Ironling
“Does this mean you’ll have me?” he asked softly in the little cave of breath they made between them.
“Fates yes, but only if you’ll have me in return. And tell me where you’ve been.”
“Gladly, but later, perhaps.”
“Yes, later.”
“They’re all watching us, aren’t they?”
“Very much so. We’ll be the talk of the castle for quite some time.” Leaning back, Aislinn regarded him seriously. “Are yousure?” she murmured.
He drew her hands down from his face to his heart. “With everything I am.”
Lit up brighter than a lantern, Aislinn smiled and stole one last kiss before regaining her feet. He followed her up, claiming her hand as they turned to face the shocked, whispering crowd.
Nearest them stood a chuckling Burgoyne, who’d long since gained his feet. He winked at Aislinn in good humor, relieving her that he didn’t take offense.
Bayard, on the other hand…
“Unhand me!” the baron yelped from near the main doors.
Aislinn took a few of the dais steps so she could see over the heads of the crowd. When she met Captain Aodhan’s gaze, she nodded.
Her knights moved as one, taking hold of all of Bayard’s guards and shutting the doors to the great hall to prevent any from escaping.
The crowd buzzed, their surprise giving way to nervousness. They moved in a rolling wave away from the doors, closer to the dais, as a struggling Bayard and his knights were brought forward.
“What is the meaning of this?” demanded Baron Morraugh, pushing his way to the front of the crowd. “Do you mean to take us hostage?”
“Of course not, Baron Morraugh. Please forgive the dramatics,” said Aislinn. Raising a hand, she called for calm. She didn’t receive it, but the crowd did direct their attention to her.
“Since arriving in Dundúran some time ago, Baron Bayard has threatened me and my townsfolk with violence should I not agree to wed him.”
Gasps and whispers met her accusation, and many eyes turned toward the baron, who stood squirming to try and get away from Captain Aodhan’s firm hand.
“His knights have harassed the people of Dundúran, and Bayard told me in no uncertain terms that if he didn’t get his way, he would set them on the commonfolk, as well as side with my brother.”
Aislinn turned to behold Bayard, an ugly sort of pleasure filling her to see his useless outrage. He was a rat caught in a trap who knew time was up.
“Calling this Choosing was an attempt to force my hand. I never intended to accept him, but we must stop word from reaching his company.”
Bayard sneered. “You reject me for a blacksmith?” He spat on the ground. “Orc-slut.”
Hakon lurched forward, but Aislinn staid him. The crowd grumbled unhappily at the insult.
Captain Aodhan’s grip on the baron’s shoulder tightened until the man squeaked and began to buckle. “What shall we do with the baron, my lady?” he asked.
“I think the dungeon would best suit his ambitions.”
“Indeed, my lady.”
“He is a peer of the realm,” argued Morraugh.
“And he will receive a fair trial when my father returns,” said Aislinn. “Until then, Baron Bayard is held under the charge of treason.” She nodded at Captain Aodhan. “Take him.”
Grinning a bit evilly, Captain Aodhan led his knights with their prisoners out of the great hall.
With them gone, Aislinn waved for the doors to be reopened in a show of trust.
