He and his men hadn’t reached them in time, and Balor and Liam were now prisoners.
We’ll find them, her father had sworn.Stay with your aunt Aileen until I send word.
And at last, he had.
He’d asked them to travel to the fortress of Blarnan where Liam and Balor were both being held hostage by King John.
Although Mairead kept her head held high as they rode, behaving like the king’s daughter she was, it felt as if her life no longer belonged to her.If she made the wrong decision or behaved in the wrong way, the man she loved might suffer the consequences.
Her heartbeat stuttered at the thought of what lay ahead.She could feel the invisible chains tightening around what was left of her freedom.This was a battle she didn’t know how to fight—or even if she could.
The journey to Blarnan had lasted all morning, but they never stopped once.Her cousin Finn escorted her through the gates, and as Mairead rode past, she noted their surroundings.Both Irish and Norman soldiers guarded the space while stonemasons worked to build the large square tower within the fortress.A soldier stepped forward to take her horse as she dismounted, and she was shocked to see her cousin Alanna standing nearby, wearing a green silk gown.
Mairead didn’t truly understand why Alanna had traveled such a far distance, but when she saw her father standing beside the Earl of Lowell at the top of the stairs, her heart sank.
Had Lord Lowell come for the reason she suspected?Was this about fulfiling the betrothal King John wanted?
The earl met her gaze, and a faint smile reached his mouth, one that appeared to be relief.He wore a blue silk tunic with darker trews, clothing that befitted a king’s audience.
Mairead couldn’t smile in return.The thought of a forced marriage tightened every part of her body in silent rebellion.For this man wasn’t Balor.He wasn’t the man who had worshipped her with his hands and mouth, only a few nights ago.He wasn’t the man who had fought against all odds to save her and then, to save her brother.
And by God, she would not stand aside and be a pawn in a royal game of political power.She walked closer, and when she reached Alanna, the woman embraced her warmly.
‘What are you doing here?’Mairead breathed.
‘I came because you need me here,’ her cousin answered.‘My father sent his men, and I accompanied them.’
Mairead didn’t understand.Why would Alanna believe she needed her?
‘Are you all right?’her cousin murmured.
‘I don’t know,’ Mairead answered honestly.She had travelled here to plead for Balor’s life—and now it was starting to feel like a trap closing in around her.
Alanna took her hand and led her up the stairs.‘The king is waiting inside.You will be presented to him before you have a formal…audience with him in the morning.’
She didn’t quite understand why her cousin had phrased it that way, but when she reached her father, Patrick reached out to cup her cheek.Relief flooded through his features.‘I am glad you’ve come,a iníon.’
‘Where are they?’she whispered.
‘Chained below ground,’ her father answered.‘By the order of King John.’His voice held a cool tightness, and she understood that he could not speak freely here.
But she would help in whatever way she could, as long as Balor and her brother escaped.
The earl took her hand and greeted her, kissing her wrist.Though it was a courtesy, she fought the urge to pull away.There were too many of the king’s entourage surrounding them, so she veiled her emotions.
‘Lord Lowell,’ she greeted him softly.
‘I am glad to see you are unharmed, Lady Mairead.’His features remained stoic, but she didn’t miss his own strained demeanour.He was likely angry with her for leaving Rionallís with Balor.But despite the king’s wishes for a betrothal, the earl was not her husband yet—and she would not wed him if she could find a way around it.
She needed to see Balor with her own eyes to know thathe was safe—and yet, she didn’t know if her father had plans for their escape.And if that meant pretending to be obedient while they freed the men, so be it.
‘Thank you,’ she answered Lord Lowell.He offered his arm, and she took it while accepting her father as another escort.
As they walked inside the Great Chamber, servants were busy hanging up greenery and summer flowers.Bright yellow gorse and heather adorned the space, and when she glanced at her father, he said only, ‘For the wedding.’
Her skin turned icy, even as blood rushed to her face.‘Whosewedding?’
Her father didn’t answer, and Lord Lowell’s hand tightened upon hers.King John was seated on a dais at the far end of the Great Chamber, and his gaze fixed upon her as she walked with her father and the earl.
