Beguiled (The Fairest Maidens #2) - Jody Hedlund Page 0,53
queen. “You cannot go before her now that your brother is her enemy.”
“I’m willing to take the risk for Ruby’s sake.”
I shook my head even though the darkness concealed the motion. “No. If the queen realizes you have any connection either to me or Vilmar, she will most definitely hold you as her prisoner.”
“I’m not planning to tell her you are my wife. Only that you have sought refuge in Scania and that you request sanctuary for Ruby as well.”
“Even if you say nothing about our union, she will hold you for ransom on account of Vilmar.”
“In exchange for Ruby, I will offer her the one thing she has longed for that my father denied her. The chance to forge an alliance with Scania once I become king.”
I paused. Would the queen accept such an offer? “’Tis no secret she wishes to gain the friendship of other nations so that when she attempts to reclaim Mercia, no one will protest or come to Mercia’s aid.”
“She also knows that an alliance with Scania can provide valuable resources she may need during times of war, especially ships.”
The queen had talked of reuniting Mercia and Warwick for many years but lacked the resources to do so. Mikkel’s offer of Scania’s friendship and the prospect of gaining well-crafted vessels would entice her. But would it be enough?
The plodding hooves of our horses filled the air around us along with the soft trill of crickets. I released a tense breath. No matter what we chose to do, the way would be fraught with peril. “I believe the wisest course of action is to remain steadfast with what I have planned all along, and that is to sneak into the castle, kidnap Ruby, and steal her away before anyone can report it.”
“If any kidnapping is to be done, Gregor and I shall be the ones to do it, not you.”
“I know the castle better than anyone—”
“I shall attempt to negotiate for Ruby’s release first, and if that fails, Gregor and I will steal her away.” From the stubborn ring of his tone and after what had happened in Fife, I knew Mikkel intended to sacrifice his own safety and well-being once more. But this time, I couldn’t let him.
Whether he liked it or not, I would be the one going in to do the rescuing. Hopefully, by the time he realized my plans, I’d already be in and out of the castle with Ruby in tow.
Chapter
17
Mikkel
From the top of the winding mountain road that led to the royal palace, I gazed down onto Kensington, which spread out a league or more from the foothills into the fertile plains beyond. Like the area we’d traversed, it, too, showed signs of the rampaging and pillaging we’d witnessed in the countryside.
Even though the final two nights of traveling yielded no further encounters with rogue criminals, every step that drew us closer to the capital increased my eagerness to confront the queen. If she could so callously free her worst criminals in order to vilify Vilmar, she clearly cared nothing for her people.
My gut cinched again, as it had since I’d learned of his plight. I could only pray he was unharmed and had found a safe place away from the queen’s clutches.
I still didn’t understand why he’d decided to leave his Testing to fight Grendel. It was noble of him. Maybe he’d made plans like mine, hoping to return to his Testing, but circumstances hadn’t turned out the way he expected.
I shoved aside the unease such thoughts brought me. I was different than Vilmar. I operated with more logic and strategic planning. Like now. I wouldn’t fail in my mission.
With a glance toward the setting sun, I pushed away from the half stone wall that overlooked the city.
“What do you suggest next, Your Highness?” Gregor whispered, glancing up the last stretch of road to the gatehouse. Except for a few beggars along the way and some travelers descending from the palace, the cobbled road had been mostly deserted during our climb.
“I suggest we continue as planned.” I knew Gregor worried that people we met would shun him for his scars and his eye patch, but his face was hidden in his hood. And when we approached the guards on duty, I would do most of the talking. They likely wouldn’t even notice him. And if they decided not to allow him to enter, then I would have to proceed alone.
“Maybe we should wait for morn to approach the queen.”