him, proud of herself. She had spoken the truth. The shame was her brother’s to bear.
The king sat back, his expression pensive.
“It was much more than that, Yer Majesty! He struck her.” The Scot was still enraged. The tone of his voice sent a shiver down Helena’s back. She was suddenly very grateful that she had spoken truthfully. This was not a man to cross.
“Ridiculous. I am a gentleman. A descendant of one of the oldest noble houses.” Edmund sneered at the Scot.
“Is that a fact? I noticed ye didna simply say ye didna strike her. If ye’re innocent, speak it plainly.”
“Enough!” James Stuart’s voice cracked like a whip. He pointed at the Scot. “I’ll question you when I’m ready. Hold yer silence.” He pointed at the captain of his guard.
“Captain, ye will escort my queen’s maid of honor back to the queen’s chamber. And I mean every step of the way.”
There was a click of polished boot heels against each other, and a moment later Raelin was being ushered toward the doors. She didn’t release Helena’s hand but tried to pull her along.
“Lady Knyvett will remain.”
The king’s guard didn’t allow them any time to question the will of the king. Raelin was taken away without another word. The king glared at her brother.
“Edmund Knyvett, ye may be the only son of the Earl of Kenton but I’ll no have ye placing rough hands on maidens.” The king never raised his voice but there was no mistaking the authority in his tone. “Ye shall be in the great hall when I summon ye and yer sister will be in my queen’s chambers on the morrow. Dinnae make my chamberlain call yer name twice.”
“Your Majesty…”
“Begone.” James Stuart’s voice cracked like a whip. The guards standing next to him were lowering their pikes. Helena curtsied and backed toward the door. Her brother hesitated, earning him a scowl from the king.
“Do not test me, sir. Your name protects you thus far but ye dinnae have any more grace to impose upon. Best ye get out of me sight afore I recall some frozen country that needs an ambassador.”
Edmund offered the briefest of reverences before quitting the room. Helena followed him. His strides were long and fueled by a hot temper. There was no missing the fuming glance he raked her with when he passed her.
Oddly enough, she wasn’t frightened. A strange manner of contentment settled over her. She’d spoken truly even though so many around her used deception to maintain their family position. Deep in her heart, she realized that true friendship was a gift Raelin would not be granting to anyone who didn’t treat her with respect in return.
Her cheeks heated, and it had nothing to do with the pace she was forced to keep. Her conscience pricked her because defending her friend had not been her only motivation. Simply put, she hadn’t been willing to disappoint the Scot. He was a man of honor. He didn’t care for her brother’s impending inheritance or the political advantage that might have been his had he looked the other way. He was the first man that she had met at court who held his honor above his hunger for power and position.
James Stuart fingered his chin. Keir didn’t move. He’d expected his meeting with the king to be a tense one. But he was distracted by the knowledge of who his mystery lady was. He’d spent too many hours attempting to discover her identity. Not being able to reach her in time to beat her brother off her and Raelin McKorey had his temper white-hot. But his interest was even hotter, because she had stood up to her brother and spoken the truth. Now that was a woman he wanted to get to know better. The kind he might bring home to Red Stone and truthfully hear her called mistress by his clansmen. She was worthy of it.
But he would have to do what he came to London to do first: swear his fealty and restore his clan to good standing. He could nay offer for her before his name was worthy of her. Keir aimed his attention at the king. James Stuart studied him long and hard.
“Ye’re McQuade’s youngest son?”
“Aye, Yer Majesty, I am.”
The guards standing on either side of the king moved slightly closer, their fingers tightening on their short pikes. His father had been run through with one of the weapons when he tried to drive a dagger through Raelin McKorey