Page 58 of The Thief
Scarlett was sure that he would have it one day though, but not until he was older.
“We cannot have our new queen in any more danger than her title would normally bring her.” His father spoke up from the back of the room, bringing everyone’s eyes to him.
Scarlett opened her mouth to reply but was interrupted by her father.
“She is not the queen. Catriona is the queen. My niece is the rightful queen until she is found dead. Only then will the crown pass on. However, I have no doubt that Catriona will be returned to us, safe.”
Scarlett almost couldn’t contain her pride in her father.
She knew how much he wanted her to be queen, but he had proven to her that family was more important.
He knew she had no interest in being queen, regardless of the circumstances. Especially those they now found themselves in.
“No, Scarlett is not the queen, but Art wants everyone to think she is. This keeps the focus on Scarlett as he campaigns to get the law overturned by the Counsel and he becomes king once again,” Alastair growled, Graham’s concerned look turning into a scowl.
“Art is trying to become king again? Why would he do that so soon after he gave up the throne?”
“Darling, you are not so naïve,” Babette admonished softly.
Graham’s face took on a ruddy hue in his anger. “He did all this because he KNEW of the kidnapping plot?”
All Alastair could do was nod in the face of her father’s anger.
He was just thankful it was not directed at him.
“I am fairly certain that Art learned of the plot against him and abdicated to keep himself safe. Catriona was next in line, and if she were to be captured or killed, the throne would be Scarlett’s in her absence. They passed you both after Catriona was named queen because it moved to the next generation.”
Babette scooted closer to Scarlett and wrapped her arm around her, her mother’s face as angry as that of her father’s.
“What do we do? Should we take Scarlett back to Ciomodors Garden with us? Would that keep her safe?” Babette asked, looking at her daughter.
Scarlett could barely contain the apprehension that filled her body, her breath caught in her lungs.
He looked at her with a reassuring glance. “Not at this time. If you take her off this island, she will most likely be in more danger. We have not told Art about the poisoning and I do not intend to. If he were to learn of it, it would be more fuel for his campaign fire.”
He looked at Scarlett with the smile that always calmed her.
“It is best that she stays here where we can take care of her. I am a doctor and I have been caring for her. Making sure this stays a secret is of utmost importance to me. The only way to ensure that is for Scarlett to stay here, on Elfyre Hollow. That way she is sure to remain healthy.”
“Then, sir, you will want to make yourself ready for more permanent houseguests; we are not leaving our daughter’s side.”
Alastair looked at the father of the woman he was going to marry.
“I can assure you, sir, that we are more than adequately suited to have you and my parents as our guests.”
“My dearest,” Antoinette murmured, motioning for Alastair to come to her, “Might we request an extension beyond your original invitation? I have so long wanted to get to know the Kensingtons and to spend extra time with you as well, my son.”
“I would be delighted to have you and Father stay for a while longer than originally expected. Then I can show him what we have been working on here at the Hollow.”
He kissed her cheek and stood.
Antoinette made no show of trying to hide her excitement.
“Lovely, my darling. It will be so delightful to have us all here on an extended holiday, will it not?”
“Absolutely, Mother. It makes me happy to know that I will be able to spend some time with you, without having to worry about you needing to leave so soon.”
She beamed at him and he couldn’t help but chuckle.
