Shock rushed through Brayden like an
avalanche at the announcement Quinlan had made to the people gathered. Was the man off his head? Bray didn’t
even have time to react as Quin gripped him by the back of the neck and slammed
their mouths together. He was sealing both their fates until the wedding
ceremony could be performed. Tonight’s ascension banquet was .sure going to be
something to behold.
“What have you done, you crazy fool?” Bray
whispered against Quin’s lips. His hands fisted in the man’s tunic unable to
let go—more so, he was scared to let go—he was afraid of losing Quinlan all
over again.
Quinlan leant back enough to grin. “Just
reclaiming what was always mine. You should never have been taken from me. Your
uncle had no right taking you away from your home and the people who loved you.”
Quinlan and Brayden broke apart as a
hush fell over the crowd. Turning Brayden grabbed a hold of Quinlan’s hand as his
cousin and uncle stepped onto the balcony and walked towards them. Hatred and
disgust filled Ormand’s eyes as they stopped in front of them. There was
something altogether present in his uncle’s gaze. Bray wasn’t sure if it was
pride, relief, or fear.
Brayden braced himself, he saw his cousin’s
fists were clenched so tight this knuckles were white. Stepping in front of
Quinlan, Bray braced himself for the blow he knew was coming. He’d been on the
receiving end of those punches too many times before. Even a blind man would be
able to tell just how angry his cousin truly was. The man had to be pissed
beyond belief at the realisation his plan had fallen apart. Even more so knowing
Brayden was now out from under his thumb. The sad part was he was leaving his
uncle behind to deal with the fall out of Ormand’s wrath. Brayden groaned when
Quinlan placed a hand against the small of his back in comfort.
**~*~**
“Lord Dalziel,” Quinlan bowed in the direction
of Brayden’s uncle while ignoring Ormand altogether. There weren’t enough words
to justly explain how much Quin hated Ormand the man had been a thorn in his
side for as long as he could remember. The man was constantly trying to gather
forces to overthrow the throne. Didn’t Ormand realise most people in the realm
thought he was a joke? “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, my lord?”
“This marriage will be but a sham,” Ormand
spat in anger before his father could even talk. “As our king you are meant to
produce an heir. How will you do that being married to my cousin?” Ormand
turned and addressed the crowd and Quin couldn’t help but notice how Lord
Dalziel took a step away from his son—something wasn’t right there. They listened
on as Ormand addressed the people gathered below. “I call for the vote of ‘challenge’
before this abomination of a marriage can be allowed to be formalised.” Ormand
appeared a mixture of shocked and angry when Quinlan started laughing.
This crap needed to end and it needed to
end now before all hell broke loose. Quinlan turned toward the castle doors and
motioned to the young man who stood there to step forward. “Lord Dalziel,
Ormand, I’m sure you recognise Cleric Saskia?”
There was something in Lord Dalziel’s
eyes that didn’t ring true with what Ormand was saying. Quin would need to
think on it. Because if the man was going to cop the brunt of his son’s anger
there was no way in good conscience Quin could abandon the man. He also noted
how Bray had inched closer to his uncle as if trying to offer comfort and
support.
Ormand on the other hand looked annoyed and
maybe a tad confused as Quinlan continued. “Cleric Saskia, can you please
explain to Ormand why that particular law is no longer required for my ruling.”
“As you wish, Highness,” Cleric Saskia
nodded. “King Rothwell knowing his son’s heart lay not with the young maidens,
decreed a law stating Prince Quinlan had to pick a woman to be surrogate for
his future children. The surrogate, Lady Arella was chosen and has since given
birth to two beautiful boys. Killian and Larkin Macallister have been recorded in
our records as the next in line for the throne after the rule of their father.”
All close enough to see noted how Cleric Saskia moved back out of Ormand’s way
as soon as he had finished speaking.
“So, you see, Ormand. There’s absolutely
no cause for the vote of challenge,” Quinlan smiled. “I think my sons are going
to love their new father as much as I have always done.”
“I still say the vote of challenge is a
just call. A kingdom cannot be ruled by the abomination that you are
suggesting.” Ormand yelled furiously. Quinlan saw the spittle fly from his
mouth as he ranted.
“ENOUGH!”
Quinlan threw his arms in the air and
roared. “You have no right telling me who I can and cannot love. There is no
law stating I must have a woman at my side to rule our people. The law is
written—I must choose the one person who will make me a stronger ruler.” Quinlan
looked out over the crowd watching in rapt attention to what was taking place.
“I have chosen Brayden Caldwell. There
are no, ifs, ands, or buts. You do not get to have a say about who I’ve chosen.
No one here does.” Quinlan shook his head sadly, “You may not agree with my
choice, but it is my choice. Cleric
Saskia has by now already recorded for our histories my choice in co-ruler.” Quinlan
placed his hands on the balustrade and leaned forward.
“As such, you will all treat Brayden
with the respect due his new position. If I find that anyone—and I truly mean
anyone—has disrespected my chosen consort in any way, they’ll be brought before
me for judgement.”
Stepping back from the edge he said to Ormand.
“If that is all you wanted, I have no further use for you. You may leave our
presence.” Quin made to turn away and stopped. “Oh, and before I forget, Lord
Dalziel I will have need of you to attend our marriage ceremony tonight. As you
well know a family member must formally present my consort to my bed chamber. I’d
prefer it if you took respite in a castle guest room until the needed hour
arrives for my marriage to be finalised—just so nothing untoward stops you from
making it back to the castle on time.” He wouldn’t put it past Ormand to lock
his father away.
“This is not over.” Ormand hissed in his
direction. His father only bowed in acknowledgement of what had been asked.
“Then you would be mistaken.” Quinlan
took a hold of Brayden’s hand and walked into the castle leaving behind their
unwanted guest standing on the now vacated balcony.
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