Page 101 of The Guardian's Bride
“This needs thought.” Edward cleared his throat, then began to cough. A fit began as he gasped for air. Rowena stepped forward.
Aedan saw a monk in black move forward too. “Sire, let me give you something.”
Edward waved the monk away. “Before this guardian came rudely into our presence, Lady Rowena was about to give up the Rhymer’s charm stone. You know about that, MacDuff?”
“I do. And I know it does not belong to the Crown of England.”
“If you want your terms met, it will. That is my price.”
Rowena gasped. “Not the stone!”
As she took a step, Aedan moved to hold her back, but she slipped past.
Reaching Edward, Rowenaclasped her hands and shook her head. “Please, your Grace, the healing stone must never be in the hands—of others. That was Thomas the Rhymer’s request.”
“I want it. You can bargain that stone for the comfort of those women to fulfill MacDuff’s request. Surely you would approve that.”
She looked over her shoulder at Aedan—and for a moment could not look away. Standing among other men, he was magnificent, taller than most, shoulders wide and proud, eyes keen, his whole being radiating strength, capableness, confidence, kindness, too. She felt the love that warmed his eyes as he gazed at her. It did not matter that his plaid and tunic were plain and shabby compared to some here, or that his hair was curling and unkempt, or his jaw shaded dark with days of beard. He was beautiful, a greater man in his quiet power than many. He always would be so in her eyes.
Those eyes crinkled with a small, private smile for her. She melted, and suddenly the strength he lent her filled her with resolve. He would not ask or expect anything from her. Whatever she decided, he would accept.
She turned back. “Sire, if trading the stone means the ladies who are suffering will be released to better comfort, I—” She paused. Tears came to her eyes. She felt compassion for the women and loss for herself, yet knew she had little choice.
“Sire, she has the stone even now. Just take it!” Malise said.
Before she could react, Malise grabbed her shoulder, snatched the silver necklace and yanked it away from her. The chain snapped and the crystal pendant flew free. Malise caught it, holding it up triumphantly.
“Here! My king, I give it to you freely, no bargain! I give it to you!”
He went down on one knee, pulling Rowena with him as he tossed the silver chain and shining pendant to the king, buthis weak legs gave way, so that he fell forward in clumsy haste—directly on the king. Edward fell too, his chair cracking and collapsing. Rowena tumbled as one of Malise’s feet swept her ankle.
All around were shouts and tumult as guards moved forward to protect the king.
Then Rowena saw Aedan throw himself at Malise, tackling him to yank him off Edward, who writhed on the floor.
Even with his wrists tied, Aedan reached down to pull Malise off the king. He surged to his feet, holding Malise by the scruff of his tunic as if he were a deerskin. Then he tossed the man aside, reaching down to offer his joined hands to Edward.
“Sire, may I?” Bending, he carefully assisted the old man to stand.
Edward rose, wobbly, as Brother Hugo and one of the guards rushed to help the king. An attendant brought another chair and Edward sat heavily.
“Guards! Get him out of here!” Edward pointed at Malise. A guard pulled him to his feet and began to shove him toward the curtained doorway.
Brushing at his clothing, Edward held up his hand, cupping the stone in his fingers, its surface gleaming in the light.
“So this is it? The Rhymer’s charm stone?”
Her heart nearly broke to see it in Edward’s hand. Rowena got to her feet, silent.
“Does not look like much,” Edward went on. “What does it do? Is it worn like a jewel, or dropped in wine?”
“Sire, I put stones like this in water, then you would drink the—oh! Queen Margaret’s healing water! Sire, may I have the goblet?”
“Go on,” he drawled. She heard disappointment. He expected more and saw just a pretty crystal banded in silver. Given his temper, she wondered what he would do next.
Taking the wax plug from the little green bottle, she poured the rest of the water into the goblet. Edward plunked the crystal into the cup.
She reached out to swirl the flat of her palm over the top of the goblet.
