Read Online Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) by Keira Montclair - Free Book Online Page A

protests told her exactly how angry he was, giving her an inkling of how she would suffer on the morrow, regardless of whatever promises he made the king. The baron’s treatment of her did not constitute abuse in his eyes, so nothing would change. And Brodie Grant, her savior, still had three swords at his throat because he’d tried to defend her. Her betrothed’s actions were completely out of control, too. He had seemed delighted at the possibility that death might be meted out as just punishment, and in the corridor, no less. What did that obvious violent streak indicate for their marriage?
    “ Fine,” the baron rubbed his throat, “you have my promise, my king. Now in exchange, I expect you to hang that animal.”
    “’Tis a bit extreme, don’t you think, Baron?” The king clasped his hands behind his back.
    The baron straightened his neckwear. “No, I want him dead. He almost killed me in a completely unprovoked attack.” Clearly agitated, his eyes darted around the room, searching for support among the others.
    “ Your Grace, the swords,” Brodie asked. “I have released the baron, I ask for release in turn.”
    The man Celestina had been promised to marry stepped in closer, still not venturing anywhere near Brodie—so he was not only cruel, but a coward. “Kill him, my king. If you want our continued support in your endeavor to gain back the Isles, you will kill him for his actions. He is a savage Highlander who knows not how to act properly and respectfully.” His voice rose as he spoke. “Kill him, I say. Kill him now for his insult to our station.”
    “Yes, ” bellowed the baron. “Kill him now.”
    “Kill him, King Alexander ,” Ivarsson repeated. “Kill him and make an example of anyone who wishes to go against your reign. Kill him now to guarantee your win.” He would not back down.
    Celestina stared at the two men who held her future in their hands, unable to believe the cruelty and unveiled hatred bouncing between them. How could they condone the death of an innocent man? Brodie Grant had stood up for her honor, and the two men who should honor her most wanted him dead. This was all so wrong!
    “N ay, please nay.” She turned to King Alexander. “Please do not do it, my king. He was only trying to protect me.” She had to sway his mind.
    Ivarsson barked, “Celestina, close your mouth. A woman’s opinion is of no value. We do not wish to hear your thoughts.”
    Her betrothed’s insult neither surprised nor hurt her. He was only speaking to her in the manner her own father had done for years.
    “Kill him ,” her father screamed, his voice so loud in the contained hallway that she had to cover her ears. “He is an insult to all of the Scottish. I say kill him.”
    “Stop, stop, all of you, please stop .” Celestina moved in front of Brodie, as if to protect him. “Please do not do this. He does not deserve to die because of me.”
    “When will you learn your place, girl?” The baron reached for her but he pulled his hand back when he saw the look on the king’s face.
    Her betrothed grabbed her around the waist, yanking her away from Brodie. “Get away, you foolish beasom. You have caused enough trouble, and this is not your affair. Leave immediately as this is no place for a female.” He twisted her arm.
    The king said, “Ivarsson, control yourself.” Her betrothed, obviously shocked to have been so corrected, jerked toward the king.
    The swishing sound of cold steel filled the air as the pointed end of a sword fell against Ivarsson’s neck. Laird Alexander Grant had just joined the ruckus.
    The Grant pressed his weapon forward just enough to prevent the man from moving. “And I say take your hands off the lady.”
    Her betrothed dropped his grip on her and turned a sad shade of green. “King, kindly call off this ruffian.”
    “ Your Grace, if anyone moves but you or the lady, Ivarsson is a dead man. Believe me, naught would please me more than to spear this