AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Flashing him a wink, Edwina strode away, offering not so much as a word of greeting to Kenney as she passed.
“What was it ye wanted to discuss?” Felix asked, furious with the wretch for disturbing such a glorious moment. Still, he kept his tone civil.
Kenney strutted forward. “It’s the matter of Edwina’s dowry that brings me to seek ye out.”
Felix tilted his head, utterly confused. “I thought ye said ye dinnae want to discuss this with yer cousin present. Is this nae somethin’ ye should speak with her about?”
“Why would I?”
Felix’s frown deepened. “A dowry has naught to do with the husband, Kenney. I trust I can call ye Kenney, now that we’re almost family?” It satisfied him to mimic the bastard. “I daenae much care if Edwina has one. It’s hers to do with as she pleases.”
“I meant the money that ye’re goin’ to give to me, as her guardian. With her faither gone, God rest him, I’ll be the one to receive that coin,” Kenney explained, his cheeks flushing red.
A short, sharp laugh escaped Felix’s lips. “There willnae be a bride price, Kenney.”
“Pardon?” Anger glinted in Kenney’s watery eyes.
“Ye heard me. Ye got yer reward already,” Felix replied evenly. “Gettin’ rid of yer cousin was what ye wanted, was it nae? It was a cowardly thing ye did at the Masquerade, Kenney. Ye could’ve kept yer mouth shut and thought of yer cousin’s wishes, but ye dinnae. Ye saw it wasnae anythin’ dishonorable, but ye yelled for all to hear. That’s all the reward ye’ll get.”
Kenney looked as if he might explode. “But… but… but I am—”
“Glad about how things turned out?” Felix retorted. “I’m pleased to hear it. Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I have to go and deal with some other brigands.”
He stormed off, incensed by the gall of the wretch, and not just because he had intruded on a wonderful kiss. How could someone be so eager to part with family? Moreover, how could someone show no remorse whatsoever, and expect coin on a silver platter? If Kenney was not careful, Felix would be forced to get rid of the man before the wedding took place.
For now, however, he had real dangers to deal with.
CHAPTER13
“Elspeth,Miriam, what do ye make of this one?” Edwina gazed into the mirror of the guest chamber that had been prepared for wedding business. She swished the long skirts of her potential wedding gown this way and that, smiling at the two girls. After the kiss in the garden, Edwina felt almost giddy about the wedding to come.
Elspeth, the older of the two, was Meredith’s only daughter, as Miriam was Melissa’s only daughter. They flanked Edwina on both sides, staring in admiration at the beautiful gown. The boys, on the other hand, had grown tired of wedding talk and ventured off to play in the gardens of Castle Millar with Angus.
“This must be it,” Elspeth said confidently, lightly stroking the green silk skirt. “Ye look like a queen in it.”
Miriam nodded, tracing her fingertips across the embroidered thistles that circled the waist of the bodice. “Uncle Felix’s Princess.”
“I’m neither a queen nor a princess, but Iama faerie,” Edwina whispered, putting her finger to her lips. “Ye mustnae tell a soul.”
Elspeth hid a smile, while Miriam gaped in astonishment.
“Ye’re a faerie?” the smaller girl gasped.
Edwina flashed a wink at Elspeth. “Aye. One day, I’ll show ye the gateway to the faerie realm.” She paused. “The trouble is, ye’ll have to help me find it. I’ve been away for so long that I cannae remember where I left it. I ken it’s in a mound somewhere, and I think there was a stream and an oak tree nearby, but that’s all I can recall. So, ye must promise ye’ll help me look for faerie rings. One of them is bound to be close to the faerie realm.”
Miriam’s eyes bulged in wonder. “Ye cannae go back!”
“I cannae?” Edwina smoothed her hands over the bodice, enjoying the feel of the cool silk. She wondered if Felix would, too, or perhaps he would relish the softness of her skin more.
“Nay, Edwina! Felix willnae be able to go with ye!” Miriam explained. “Daenae leave him behind. Hmm… and daenae take him away, either.”
Edwina chuckled. “I am too fond of the human realm, Miriam. I have nay intention of leavin’, but the faeries might want me back.” She made a thoughtful noise. “Perhaps, it would be best if we dinnae look for the gateway, then.”
“We can look,” Miriam argued, after a few moments, “but we shouldnae go near. Just in case.”
Edwina patted the little girl’s hair. “Very wise, Miriam.”
“Will ye tell us about the faerie realm?” Miriam peered up with hopeful eyes.
