Read Online Kept by the Highlander by Joanna Davis - Free Book Online Page B

veil.
                  Malcolm stood there waiting for her. His eyes flared in warm approval for her appearance but it was lacking its usual spark.
                  "You did not tell me of this chill Scotsman."
                  She waited for Malcolm to tell her that he would keep her warm but he did not. Instead he looked preoccupied and angry. Kalila felt a sudden premonition of doom.
                  He guided her off the boat to a waiting carriage drawn by four beautiful chestnuts geldings. Once inside, he knocked once on the ceiling and they were off. Instead of looking out the windows at the foreign city, she found herself glancing at Malcolm surreptitiously. He was lost in his own thoughts. She stared out the window without any of the excitement she had anticipated at seeing a new culture.
                  "I want you to pretend that your English is poor."
                  "What?"
                  "Listen to me Kalila. I don't know what Richard intends, but you can be sure it will benefit him and not you or I. I am this close to driving this carriage straight to Scotland, my Grandfather be damned."
                  "This would cause you trouble?"
                  "Yes, great trouble. But-"
                  "But what?"
                  He shook his head.
                  "Nothing. Just remember, you do not speak French at all and your English is rudimentary at best. Richard's English is also rusty so it will slow the conversation down, and hopefully allow me to figure out what his intentions are. Do not be fooled though, he is sharp as they come."
                  She stared at her folded hands.
                  "Alright Mal-colm."
     
     
     
     
    **********
     
     
     
                  Malcolm helped Kalila out of the carriage into the courtyard inside the King's Palace. His Grandfather was waiting on the stairs with a ferocious scowl. For the umpteenth time since they had left the docks, Malcolm wondered why he hadn't just high tailed it home with the Princess in tow. The Highlands were notoriously difficult to breach, even for the King of England.
                  He glanced at Kalila's pale face, only her luminous eyes visible above her veil. She looked calm, but there was a sadness there he had never seen before. She, too, sensed that things were amiss.
                  They were escorted through the court, bustling with activity. Richard the Lionheart was rarely in England. They had the great fortune, or misfortune in this case, of being summoned during one of his infrequent visits.
                  The King of England was more interested in funneling funds to his concerns in France and extending his reach. Malcolm prayed that he simply wanted to extend Kalila a hand of welcome. He had a terrible feeling that the King would want more than that.
                  He lay his hand on her slender back as they walked into the King's antechamber. Kalila's eyes searched his out and he nodded, trying to convey both his protection and his claim on her. He would not let them manipulate her without a fight.
                  Richard was bent over a table covered in maps, surrounded by his trusted council. The King looked up and smiled when he saw the Princess. Malcolm and his Grandfather bowed but Kalila stood tall. He had to suppress a smile at her audacity. She was making it clear that she also was Royalty and expected to be treated as such.
                  Richard acknowledged this by graciously lifted her hand and pressing a kiss to it. He spoke in rapid fire French, with a translator repeating his words in flowery English.
                  "Your Highness, it is my great pleasure to meet you. I apologize for the urgency."
                  Kalila regally bowed her head ever