Read Online Loki by Keira Montclair - Free Book Online Page A

could.” She had asked him to stay after telling Loki she would wait for him. She could not break that promise. Not for anyone.
    Her sire set his utensils down with a clatter and stared at her. “Arabella, I think it would be best if you went away for a short time. Why not travel with your sister, see her wedding, then return after another sennight? I think ‘twould be good for you. I’ll be going for the wedding as you must, but I’ll be returning immediately after the ceremony. I’d like you to stay for a while. ‘Twill help you get over that lad you pine for.”
    Morna said, “Bella, you may as well go with me since Loki is gone and he’s not returning. He’s working for the crown. ‘Tis time for you to find another. Think on it. I’ll be running my own keep. You can help me get started running the kitchens since you have much more experience than I do. Besides, I’ll need to focus on my husband. And the only other chores you’ll have is to help me with are dressing and bathing. I’ll see that you have your own chamber, something you’ve always wanted. Mayhap my betrothed will match you with someone. Then we could live there together.”
    Bella could not believe what her own sister had just said. “Morna, I do not wish to spend my life in the kitchens. I wish to marry and have bairns.” She pivoted toward her sire. “Papa, I do not wish to go with her. Besides, I thought you wished for me to marry a Grant lad. Is that not what you promised Mama?” Desperation took over as she searched her mind for anything she could use to reason with her father. She’d promised Loki she’d wait for him.
    “I believe it will be good for you to travel with your sister. When you return we’ll find another for you. Morna, she will marry a Grant so cease your matchmaking. You have less than a fortnight, Bella, and you will obey me.” Her father stood up and moved to the chair in front of the hearth. “Now, pick up the dishes and see that they’re cleaned while your sister and I warm ourselves in front of the hearth.”
    Bella spun on her heel and ran out the door. But then she tore back inside, ran over to her pallet, and packed a satchel before she took off again, slamming the door behind her, ignoring her sire’s comments yelled at her as she raced back out the door, tears blurring her vision. She loved her father, but she hated him for this, for refusing to accept the lad she loved and the life they deserved together. He was right, she had to get away, but from him, not the Grants.
    She did not care where she went—she just had to leave. Morna was not so bad, but her father acted like he hated her. Where would she go? She slowed her movements once she was far enough away to let her tears fall. The only place she belonged was in Loki Grant’s arms, but he was not here.
    She trudged through the courtyard and headed around the back to the kitchens, tears flowing freely down her cheeks. Her vision was so blurred, she almost walked straight into Lady Celestina.
    “Oh, my lady, please forgive me.” Her breath hitched as she tried to stop her tears.
    “Arabella, are you crying? What is it, my dear? Why are you so upset this eve?” Celestina carried a basket of fruit and walked with wee Alison.
    She tried to respond, but her chest hurt so much she couldn’t speak.
    “Oh, Arabella, why do you not come and sit by the fire with us?”
    Bella nodded and followed Celestina back toward the keep. Where else could she go?
    Once inside their tower chambers, she greeted Brodie, Braden, and Catriona. Brodie asked, “Is there aught I can do, Arabella?”
    Standing just inside the door, Bella swiped at her tears and shook her head.
    Celestina took her satchel from her, setting it aside, and led her to a chair in front of the hearth. The three bairns were staring at her, so Brodie ushered them over to the table in their quarters.
    “When you are ready, tell me what is wrong, Arabella,” Celestina said gently, covering her