Blessing The Highlander (32 page)

 
           Lokai spoke first. “Your Majesty, Seonaid is well… as is her husband. He asks to speak with you before you pronounce a decree on Diedre.”

 
           “He will have his say in the matter. For now, I want answers from her lips.” He turned his gaze to her and waited.

 
           She licked her lips glancing at Lokai. He crossed his arms and lifted his chin, refusing to return the look.

 
           Diedre trembled as she recognized the significance of this audience with the king. He was not her father this day. He was King of the Fae...and her… a subject.

 
           Deep regret filled her as she grasped that she had doubtless lost her betrothed...and perhaps, her father with her cleverness. It was not worth it.

 
           She had nothing left to lose so, stoically, she began cataloging all of her transgressions that she had committed since she was a small girl. After more than an hour of confession, the king held up his hand, halting her.

 
           Under tremendous strain not to smile, or burst out laughing, he said, “Do us a kindness and circumvent your middle years. Get to your trespasses regarding Garrick and your sister.”

 
           Once again, she glanced toward Lokai. He had insisted on a full admission but she must obey her father. She was disheartened to see that he had turned his back to her as his body quavered with rage. Tears spilled over as she appreciated that he no longer sought a monster such as she for a bride.

 
           She turned back to her father, tears rolling down her cheeks as she spent the next two hours confessing what he had asked of her.

 
           “...and that is why I transported her to the meadow.”

 
           King Alred grunted. With a tight voice he asked, “Is that everything?”

 
           She tapped her teeth with her nail as she focused...then nodded. “Yes Father, I believe it is.”

 
           He was silent for several minutes as he studied his lovely daughter. “You will go to your chambers in the palace and stay there until I summon you.” He leaned toward her giving his most regal stare. “On this you will obey me! Only your chambers! Not one toe out of it...understood?”

 
           She lowered her head. “Yes, Father. I will do as you command.” Then she was away.

 
           Lokai doubled over and fell to his knees the instant she was gone, tears of laughter streaming down his cheeks. The king’s laughter joined his own.

 
           “How... did you... manage it... my lord? You kept a straight face... as she... watched... you! I could not do it! It was more strenuous... than... my worst battle!” He said amid his mirth.

 
           “It was not easy. At the rate she was going...we could...we could have...been here for...days! Mayhap...weeks!” He wiped tears from his eyes. Another round of laughter circled the room. “Are you sure that you desire to take on this affliction called ‘Diedre’?”

 
           Lokai sobered quickly. “Oh yes, Sire, I am certain. She will learn with time that actions have costs. The struggle will be worth the reward!”

 
           “Very well. Plan your wedding speedily. I will speak with Garrick on the morrow then pronounce her punishment.”

            Diedre held herself tightly as she curled up on her bed. Quiet tears cascaded down her cheeks.
I have lost him. He could not even stand the sight of me.
She recognized then that she loved him...probably always had. It was her selfishness and self-centered outlook that had blinded her to her feelings. Well, it was too late now. She had pushed him too far and now he was lost to her. She waited resolutely for her father’s punishment. She warranted whatever he did to her. She sighed slipping off into a troubled sleep.

 
           Unknown to her, Lokai scrutinized her from the shadows.
This time...this time she has learned her lesson. I feel her regret. Good! She needs to stop interfering in people’s lives. Bad things can happen...even with the best of intentions. I think she has finally learned this.
He gave a curt nod and left to finish his bridal plans.

            Seonaid awakened cradled in the warmth of Garrick’s embrace. “Good morrow, mo cridhe.” he murmured in her ear.

 
           She beamed up at his handsome face. “I was fearful that it was all a delusion.”

 
           “If it was I will gladly stay trapped in it with ye.” He nuzzled her ear, flicking it with his tongue. “Do ye feel strong enough ta greet the world, wife? Your father is anxious ta see ye.”

 
           “Aye, husband. With you by my side I can face anything.”

 
           He smiled down into her eyes. “Good. This day we give him our say concerning Diedre. I ken he would hear your thoughts as well as mine.” He rose from the bed. “Come, me love, your bath awaits.”

 
           She squealed with delight as she saw the tub and fresh clothing waiting for her.

 
           A short while later, all fresh and donning courtly clothes, they exited their tent and were immediately accosted by their clansmen.

 
           “M’lady!” Liam cried out as he ran to them. “Ye be well?”

 
           “Yes, Liam. I am much improved.”

 
           His eyes shone in adulation. Garrick scowled. He should have equipped himself. He had forgotten.

 
           “M’laird has promised me a Cadence foal for assisting with your rescue.” He beamed.

 
           She turned quizzical eyes to Garrick. “He kenned the place where ye were held captive. I could do nae less.”

 
           She nodded in agreement.

 
           Angus, Robbie and Henry all greeted her in kind. She glanced across the camp to see William hanging back avoiding her eyes.

 
           “What is wrong with William, m’laird?”

 
           He glanced over and back to her. “He blames himself for your injury. Ye stepped in front of him as he fired his weapon.”

 
           “Surely you do nae-.”

 
           “Nay. I have spoken ta him but twas nae use. He faults himself. Perhaps if ye speak ta him...”

 
           “Of course I will.” Garrick beckoned him over to them.

 
           “M’laird...m’lady. Ye have need of something?”

 
           “Yes William, I have need.” Seonaid looked at him intently. “I need you to forgive me.”

 
           William was taken aback! It was not what he had expected to hear. “M’lady! Why do ye ask my forgiveness? Twas I who injured ye!”

 
           “Nay! Twas my fault for stepping between you and your target. Naught more.”

 
           He stared at her silently, judging her comment. “Ye may have the right of it, M’lady. Ye have my pardon.”

 
           “Good! Now I expect you to absolve yourself. Twas an accident...naught more.”

 
           William grinned at her. “Very well, m’lady. Twill be as ye wish.”

 
           Garrick cleared his throat. “Your father awaits, lass. We must be off.” As she took his arm he leaned in close, whispering, “That was well done of ye, wife. Ye make me proud.”

 
           She flashed him a brilliant smile as they made for the king’s pavilion.

 
           Seonaid hesitated when she first entered. The chamber was filled with elegantly clad Fae. King Alred had beckoned his court to witness the proceedings.

 
           Garrick led her to the dais. He bowed as she curtsied before her father, displaying to him the respect of his station. He acknowledged them and invited them to sit at his table. As they were settled, Seonaid perceived that a silence had filled the room. She glanced up to see why and found the Fae staring at them openly. She turned to the king uncertainly.

 
           “What is wrong, Da?”

 
           He squeezed her hand. “They but wonder why you sit at my table. It is nothing I cannot fix.”

 
           Alred stood and looked down at his people. “You all know my daughter, Diedre.”

 
           Several people nodded their blonde heads.

 
           “I would present my other daughter, Seonaid and my son by marriage, Garrick Brodie, Earl of Elgin. I will have you recollect your courtly comportments!” He stared at them until, one by one, they bowed to the couple.

 
           He sat back down and ordered the food to be served. As they ate he allowed Seonaid and Garrick to plead Diedre’s case to him.

 
           “I appreciate you requesting clemency for your sister but she has broken several of our laws. Her punishment should be to make her a mortal...”

 
           Seonaid gasped! “Tis severe!”

 
           “I agree. But she must remember this lesson.” He shook his head. “It does not matter. Her fate is no longer in my hands.”

 
           She was stunned. She could not believe that her father was so cold toward his children. “What do you mean, Father?”

 
           “Watch and learn.”

 
           He clapped his hands to quiet the room. “Bring her!” He commanded.

 
           Moments later, Diedre appeared before them standing between two Fae warriors. She curtsied low keeping her eyes downcast in obeisance.

 
           The king’s heart pained him over what he must do but he realized it was for the best. She needed to grow up.

 
           “Princess Diedre, you are here before me for crimes against the Realm. Should I have them read aloud before I pass judgment?”

 
           She shook her head. “Nay, Sire. I am aware of the crimes.”

 
           He grunted to himself in agreement.

 
           “Then be aware that your reprimand is two-fold. I dole out the first half...”

 
           A deep voice sounded behind her. “And I will execute the second!”

 
           She spun about, coming nose-to-chest with Lokai. Her eyes journeyed upwards to meet his but she saw no gentleness there. She turned back around as her father continued.

 
           “You are hereby stripped of your magic...leaving only your immortality in place! You are to wed Lokai straightaway and then he will decide the rest of your fate.”

 
           Everyone present let out a loud gasp! No one believed that he would deal so harshly with the princess. The king beckoned for his magistrate to come forward as Lokai took her hand in a steel grip.

 
           As they stood before the magistrate, reciting their vows, she quivered. What sort of cruelty would Lokai put her through? She could not imagine.

 
           At the end of the ceremony, he held out her hand as the man pulled a small dirk and cut her finger, drawing blood. He repeated the process with Lokai then joined their fingers together to mix the blood.

 
           “With the mingling of your blood you two convert into one. No one can break this bond.” He handed the knife with their blood on it to the king who wiped it with a white silk cloth to seal the bond. “So be it!” He handed the cloth and knife back to the Magistrate to store in the Fae records.

 
           Lokai’s icy blue eyes penetrated her own for a moment then he turned to King Alred.

 
           “The second half of her penalty will be thus! She is exiled to the Isle of Remembrance! She will be provided for but no one is to visit her. She will contemplate her transgressions and learn true remorse.”

 
           Diedre shrank away from her new husband as she cried out. “I will go mad!”

 
           He turned stony eyes on her. “Perhaps...or you might learn how to conform to your betters.”

 
           “Tis cruel!” she cried.

 
           “No. Interfering in mortals’ lives is cruel when they cannot defend themselves against the magic! What I do to you is just!” He did not tell her that he would be visiting her...watching her...seeing to her safety. She would learn soon enough.

 
           She turned horrified eyes on him. “Then why did you wed me? Where is the reasoning for that if I am to be banished?”