Read Online Come the Morning by Heather Graham - Free Book Online Page A

continued to work on her tapestry, her demeanor calm, her fingers not missing a beat in their steady rhythm.
    â€œI thought you were quite fond of the king, dear,” Jillian said. “And you were so confident in seeing him.”
    For a moment, Mellyora wished fervently that she could be more like Jillian. Nothing seemed to disturb her. Jillian had been her mother’s best friend and maid as well, so she had lived through some turbulent times and apparently weathered them well. Such peace with the world must be pleasant. Despite her perhaps forty years or so of life, Jillian’s heart-shaped face remained serene, unlined, and lovely. Her hair had gone to a gentle silver, which complemented her soft ivory coloring and light slate eyes.
    Yet when Jillian turned those light gray eyes to hers at last, Mellyora saw the glitter of amusement within them. Jillian had known the outcome of Mellyora’s meeting with the king. She—along with all of Mellyora’s advisors—had warned her it would be so. Even Ewan had said so. When she arrived in Stirling, the king would not let her remain lady in her own right of the isle, and he would have plans for an immediate wedding.
    â€œMy feelings for the man do not change the fact that he is a tyrant. And you apparently know exactly what happened when I went in to see him.”
    â€œAye, the servants in the castle are all talking about it. Everyone thinks the union will be perfect. And you must remember, David believes he has a right to make such arrangements. He is a king.”
    â€œThat may be, but must the word be synonymous with tyrant?”
    â€œMellyora, if you think about this rationally, I know that you’ll agree David is a king with a kingdom he governs wisely. He has earned the love and loyalty of his people. He seeks to avoid any more bloodshed than he must endure to keep his kingdom together. Remember, there were tremendous battles when he took the throne in 1124. He fought again just a few years ago when insurrection among the clans began again. He must have the strongholds and castles of Scotland peopled with men he trusts. Especially with the current problems among the English royalty.”
    Mellyora listened to Jillian’s words, knowing there was truth to them, but resentful nonetheless. “Indeed, the English problems. Trust me, the king will use the English problems to his advantage. He says he must stand strong against the border lords when we know he will push the borders. The king trusts only certain men, does not trust women at all,” she said.
    â€œMellyora—”
    Mellyora moved swiftly across the room, sinking to the floor in front of Jillian’s chair. “Why can’t he understand that I will be loyal?”
    Jillian shifted her work on her lap, then sighed, stared at Mellyora, and answered flatly and truthfully. “Because you are a Viking’s daughter.”
    â€œMy father was loyal.”
    â€œYour father, my lady,” Jillian said more gently, “is dead. And being king is not easy, and ruling such a rugged land of wild, proud chieftains and nobles from ancient tribes as well as those from more recent invasions and immigrations is a dangerous task, at best.”
    â€œAye, my father is dead, and we are a wild land. But my father did not fret to leave his beloved homeland to me.”
    â€œHe acquired his beloved homeland through your mother.”
    Mellyora sat back, irritated. “Are you going to argue with me as well? The land came through my mother, all the more reason it should be mine. Argue that!”
    â€œMe? Argue with you? To what point? You heed nothing that I say, though I do continue to do my best to instruct you in what is fact—and must be seen, construed, and accepted as simple fact. The land came to your mother by tradition, you’ll remember it was your father who held it in a powerful grasp!”
    Mellyora rose, pacing the chamber as restlessly as