Highland Barbarian Part 72

The crowd leaned forward, their murmured words nearly drowning out her voice.

In the back of the gallery, Brice tensed, wis.h.i.+ng he could inch his way through the crowd and get closer to Meredith. MacKenzie had many men here with him. Backed into a corner , he would be like a vicious dog.

"Why would you declare her alive. Majesty?" Gareth's voice rose in anger.

"Your queen has seen her."

"That--that is splendid news," Gareth said in halting tones, trying vainly to salvage his image.

"Aye. Splendid." Meredith was beginning to enjoy herself.

"In fact, the la.s.s visited your queen here in Holy- rood house this very day."

"She is here?" Gareth's eyes narrowed. Without realizing it, his hand went to the sword at his waist.

"She had me spellbound with her stories." Meredith paused for dramatic effect, then said in a voice that carried through the hall, "Meredith MacAlpin overheard you plotting her murder."

For a moment the crowd fell silent, then many stood and began craning their necks for a better view of this unexpected confrontation.

"The woman lies. Majesty."

"Why would she lie about this, my lord?"

"Perhaps she took a blow to the head during her abduction by the Barbarian." Gareth was now sweating profusely, and he wiped a hand across his brow.

"I would ask to be allowed to confront the woman who spreads such lies about me."

"You are confronting the woman..." Meredith began, then caught herself. How could she have forgotten who she was supposed to be?

"Who speaks for her." She prayed her attempt at a regal tone would cover her lapse.

"This day I declare that all lands now held by you, Gareth MacKenzie, shall be equally divided among those clans who have suffered the loss of loved ones by your hands. You will be stripped of all t.i.tles. And you shall be banished forever from Scotland. If you return, you will face imprisonment in Tolbooth."

The crowd came to its feet in a frenzy of excitement. How could they have known that an audience this day with the queen would offer such an adventure?

Gareth, standing in front of the queen's throne, appeared stricken.

Then, taking advantage of the confusion, he darted past the throne and disappeared through an open doorway.

"Seize him," Meredith shouted to the guards who stood on either side of the throne.

Before the guards took a single step, Brice had vaulted over the railing that separated the gallery from the throne. Sword in hand he followed Gareth in hot pursuit.

Still wearing the queen's gown, Meredith sat in the guest chambers with her two sisters and Mary Fleming.

The crowds of spectators had been disbursed. Soldiers were busy combing every inch of the palace. Angus had gone off in search of Brice.

"We are safe here," Fleming said softly.

"That horrid man will soon be found and punished."

"I fear for Brice." Meredith paced, unable to sit.

"Brice Campbell is the most dangerous warrior in all of Scotland. Why should you fear for his safety?"

"He is weary from his long journey. He may grow careless."

"Aye. And he is drained, having suffered a wound at the hands of a Highland enemy, Hblden Mackay." Brenna's soft voice trembled.

"Mackay?" Meredith whirled on her sister.

"What are you saying?"

"Brice told us that he and his men attacked Mackay's fortress searching for you. But you had already escaped in disguise."

"G.o.d in heaven." Meredith slumped into a chair.

"And what of Mackay?"

"Mackay is dead. But in the battle, Brice was wounded."

Meredith pressed her fingers to her temples to ease the terrible throbbing that had been building throughout the day.

"You should rest," Fleming said softly.

"I will rest when this is over."

They looked up expectantly at the sound of hurried foot 7 steps. At the sight of the queen, Meredith could hardly hide her disappointment.

She had hoped it would be Brice.

"Oh, my darlings, you must gather around me and hear about my wonderful day." Mary gave Meredith a quick appraisal, and noting her obvious distress, murmured,

"So now you have had a taste of what it is like to be ruler. Was she a good queen, Flem?"

"She was most fair, Majesty. And very quick of mind. You will be receiving congratulations on your wise decisions of today for many weeks to come."

"Ah. That only adds to an already perfect adventure."

"You were happy with your--abductor?"

The queen blushed.

"The Earl of Bothwell is an exciting suitor. And a wicked rogue, much like your Brice Camp- bell," she said to Meredith.

"Will you tell us everything?" Flem asked.

Mary laughed.