Page 31 of The Thief
Art’s scowl flushed red.
“Of course, she is worried, but she knows that Catriona is caught in the middle of a political war.”
Scarlett growled deep in her throat.
“Policies or not, she is caught alone somewhere, and she needs our help. She never would have been kidnapped if she had not been made queen and you had stayed king.”
For the first time in a long time, Scarlett saw her uncle with a shocked look on his face. If it was even possible, Art’s face got even redder, turning from a bright color to an almost ruddy hue.
He reached her in two steps and got in her face, grabbing her roughly by the arms.
His voice was low and harsh when he whispered, “You will put an end to your search for your cousin, or so help me God, I will stop it for you.”
Scarlett struggled against his hands, trying to get free.
“I will not,” she stated firmly, loud enough for Alastair to hear.
“Scarlett, is everything all right?” he asked through the door.
When she didn’t answer, Alastair pushed open the door, Ragan standing beside him, both men ready for a fight.
Art let her go and took a step back, composing himself once more.
“I will put your investigation to an end once and for all. I am already working on getting the Counsel of Electors to overturn the law so that I can be king once more.”
“Why do you want to be king again? You left the post eagerly once before. Is that because you knew something would happen to you if you did not? Is there not a threat to you now?” Alastair asked, drawing Art’s angry gaze to him.
Art’s calm demeanor slipped and he sneered at them both.
“I never heard anything about any trouble. I left the post so my daughter could learn to be a true leader of the people.” He stopped. “I don’t need to explain myself. I will become king again if the Counsel votes to overturn the law. I also have been able to gather support for my return to the throne.”
Alastair and Scarlett looked at one another and then asked, “Who would support your return to the throne?”
“Cyrus Gray, and his attendants fully support my bid to return to the throne.”
“I have to admit I am surprised by Cyrus’ support of you, as he did not always care for you,” Alastair said, arching his brow as he and Ragan came fully into the room.
Alastair came immediately to Scarlett’s side and Ragan taking a spot near to them as protection should they need it. Art had a multitude of guards scattered around the parlor, and it would be a hell of a fight to get out of.
Art shrugged his shoulders.
Instead of replying, he took a deep breath and a calm settled over his face.
“Mark my words, girl. I will not protect you anymore. If those death threats come to fruition, you will blame no one but yourself.”
Scarlett scowled again at him, clasping her hands together so tightly that her knuckles turned white.
Alastair put his arm around her waist and said, almost laughing at the surprised look on Art’s face, “I will protect her. Don’t worry about that. If someone tries to hurt Scarlett, they will have to get through me to do it.”
Art smiled. “I’m sure no one would mind.”
Scarlett gasped and Alastair scowled at him.
“Get out,” Alastair growled.
A scowl came to Art’s face and he opened his mouth to say something, but Alastair interrupted him.
“I said get out.”
