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

with a blanket.
    Bella glanced at her and the entire story tumbled out of her. “My sire wishes to send me away when my sister marries—” her breath hitched, “—and I wish to stay here and wait for Loki. I love him.” Her sobbing increased no matter how she tried to stop it. Still, it felt good to confide in Celestina, who was the most kind-hearted woman she’d ever met. Celestina and Maddie, the laird’s wife, were much alike, and the entire clan adored them both.
    She noticed Celestina and Brodie exchange a glance, and then he left his chair to sit beside her.
    “Arabella, if you do not wish to go, I’ll speak to your laird and see if we cannot insist you stay to help us in the kitchens. I know Loki would not want you to leave, and it heartens me that you are staying true to him. Celestina and I believe he is confused right now, but he needs to sort out who he is on his own. None of us can begin to understand how his early life was or how it feels to not know your true parents. We must let him deal with this in his own way. We are comforted by the fact that he is still with family members, but we will need a great deal of patience.”
    She hiccupped three times before she managed to speak. “You would speak to our laird for me?”
    “Aye, we do not wish to lose you to your sister’s new clan. Rest assured, I’ll speak to our laird on the morrow. You may sleep in the bed with the lassies this eve and we’ll settle this matter later. How does that sound?”
    Arabella nodded, trying to catch her breath and stop her tears. “My thanks.”
    Celestina hugged her and whispered in her ear, “I know our son loves you. He’s just a bit confused right now.”
    Bella hugged her tight, not wanting to ever let go.
    ***
    Loki rode his horse next to Logan, and their guards followed directly behind them. At the king’s request, Logan had left Torrian with Alexander for the day. The king understood the importance of getting to know all of his vassals and chieftains-to-be.
    Together, Loki and Logan approached the small castle where the Earl of Cliffnock resided.
    “Are you sure you wish to do this?” Logan asked.
    “Aye.” He glanced at Logan. “As we discussed, if this proves I’m of noble blood, Bella’s sire will have little excuse not to accept me as her husband. Morna is marrying one of noble blood so he would have to allow Arabella the same.”
    “You do not think you’ll wish to stay here, mayhap live your life here? If you are his first born son, you could inherit all that is here, including the title.”
    “Aye, possibly, but is it not more likely that I will prove to be a bastard? ‘Twas not the friendliest way to greet his son, either way.”
    Logan shook his head. “I shall have to speak to King Alexander about this. Why weren’t we told long ago?”
    “Mayhap Cliffnock kept it to himself for whatever reason.” Loki slowed his horse to give him the chance to take in everything about the land and the castle. It was not a large building, and there were only parapets on the gates, not on the walls. The cottages in the village outside were sparse and not well kept. A few clan members came out of their huts to stare, but none offered greetings. There was an odd feeling to the area.
    Logan said, “My hunch is that Hamilton is right, and the something that is off centers around the earl, but I know how important this is to you, lad. Keep that clever mind of yours open at all times. I’d thought to leave you here for a fortnight to get to know your sire better, but mayhap not that long. My gut tells me nay. We’ll see if he offers us a place to stay for a night or two.”
    Loki nodded, then brought his horse to a canter. They arrived at the gate when it was near dusk. A strange feeling of anticipation fluttered through Loki. This could answer so many questions. The first one he would ask was why the earl had allowed his son to live in a crate behind an inn.
    The guard at the gate said, “Your