by K. Young
"That is not my life. I have a life, in England." She looked at Derrick, her concern for leaving England being him. "With Derrick."
Derrick smiled and kissed her hand. "While I'm touched you considered me in the decision, my dear, the fact remains that I am not an overly important lord to the king of England. My stewards can run the properties I do own, and I am free to be with you, where ever you decide to go."
"Well, we can clearly see who wears the pants in this relationship." Tristan said sardonically.
"You know what? I will punch you again." Kristen said, deadpan.
Derrick laughed. "Pay him no mind, he's just irritated because Chelsea's not here."
Tristan crossed his arms defensively and glared at his brother. He had been more on edge with her not near him. Part of his fear was that they had been gone long enough for Chelsea to have booked passage home. He originally agreed to let her stay with Mel in hopes that she would leave and he could feel as if he had done the right thing, even though he hadn't. But, now that they were heading home, he was hoping she stayed.
"I'm still not convinced that I'm the one to lead our people once Sander is removed, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there. The bigger issue is taking him down from his high and mighty pedestal in the first place." Kristen said.
"Well, what about the other royals?" Finn asked. "There were plenty who left with you and your mother, surely they could assist you in this matter?"
Alice straightened her spine. She had a feeling that things were about to be particularly uncomfortable for her, but she would not hide from her responsibility in this matter. However, Kristen continued to surprise her, and Alice's jaw nearly hit the deck.
"I am the only one left. I think being married to Ashby was bad luck for my mother and our family because every one of them died in strange accidents."
Derrick frowned at her, knowing full well that the rest of her family had died under suspicious circumstances. He caught her glance at Alice and suddenly the pieces started falling together. Derrick knew when he met Alice that she wasn't British, but she served her purpose and that suited him just fine. She had her moments when her gaze was always predatory, and Derrick often wondered what she had done before she came to England. Then, after he broke it off with Alice, Ashby ended up dead, and Kristen was abducted and put into a fighting ring where it was intended she die in an "accident" based on her lifestyle, just like the rest of her family. Kristen said it was a woman, and that she recognized the voice, though she couldn't place it. He ground his teeth at the realization that Alice had tried to kill Kristen.
Kristen saw Derrick's eyes light up like a beacon at sea. She squeezed his hand, hoping that he wouldn't give Alice away. Kristen accepted that Alice had a colorful past which she wasn't entirely in control of, and Sander was a formidable man. When he wanted something done, those tasked with it either did it or faced the consequences. Kristen knew Alice didn't want to hurt anyone, but she had orders to follow and people watching her every move. She deserved to start over just like the rest of them, and Kristen was of the opinion that Adrian would be just what she needed.
Derrick looked at Kristen, and for reasons he couldn't fathom, she didn't want Alice's cover blown in front of the others. He reined in his anger, but he wasn't going to just let it go either. Alice had killed Kristen's entire family, and for someone who was so fiercely loyal to those she cared for, he didn't understand why she was so willing to let Alice live.
"My God." Finn said sadly.
Alice opened her mouth to admit the truth, but Kristen began talking before she could.
"It is a tragedy, but we need to focus on moving forward. If the king decides not to help us, we'll need a plan. Because, one way or another, Sander's reign as king of Norway has come to an end."
"What do you propose to do if the king isn't inclined to help, Kristen?" Oliver asked.
Kristen pursed her lips and thought for a moment. "I'll go back and kill him myself."
Everyone stared at her in shock. Derrick frowned.
"Kristen, I only just found you. I'm not going to lose you again."
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "You're not going to lose me, I promise. But, I can't sit in England and do nothing. That man is responsible for a lot of death and suffering, to include my family. I will make sure he meets justice for what he has done."
"What I want to know is why the crowned prince, son to this man, is on this boat. Seems to me he's a spy." Tristan said suspiciously.
Finn tensed and took a step in front of Nikolas, but Nikolas rested a hand on Finn's shoulder.
"It's all right my old friend. That is a fair question. I do not condone what my father has done. I was but a small boy when my father set out to conquer the royal family and I have never agreed with his actions, nor have other members of our family. My grandfather tried to persuade him to give up this fool dream of overthrowing the rightful king and my father killed him for it. I loved my grandfather, and his death was a huge loss for me. Being son to a man like Sander is not a privilege, it's a curse. My grandfather was the only salvation I had as a child, and the day he ripped that away from me was the day I swore I would thwart his plans in any way I could."
"That's a nice story, but how do we know you're telling the truth?" Tristan insisted.
"Because, the day my father attacked the castle, I was supposed to be in the camps with my mother. I was only seven years old at the time. Instead, I snuck inside the palace and came upon Finn trying to get his family out. But, he was fighting off several of my father's men and trying to protect them at the same time. He was overwhelmed. I drew my sword and stabbed one of my father's soldiers. Another turned on me, giving Finn the leverage he needed to finish them off. I helped Finn get his family out of the palace and to a waiting boat to take them to England. When they captured Finn, it was by my doing that he wasn't killed, but was made to serve as Master of the Guard so that one day he could help his daughter do what she was meant to do."
Kristen was surprised. Nikolas had never told her any of that. Of course, neither had her mother.
"I don't understand why my mother never told me any of this."
"It is likely that she did not want to worry you unnecessarily." Finn added.
"She led me to believe you were a pirate, and that's why you stayed. Not because you were protecting our people, but because you couldn't leave the life you had known."
"What utter nonsense! A pirate?!" Finn said indignantly.
"I'd watch that tone if I were you." Tristan added, his arms crossed over his chest.
Finn glanced at him, not at all concerned with the threat in his tone, and returned his attention to his daughter. He was beginning to dislike the English and their haughty tones. If the twin of his daughter's husband was a pirate, he was likely the worst pirate Finn had ever associated with.
"Are all Englishmen as arrogant and foolish as that one?" He asked Kristen.
Kristen smiled, but Derrick cleared his throat. "Finn, I have great respect for you, but that is my brother you're speaking about and I'll not stand for it."
"Nor will I." Oliver added a little hotly.
Finn wasn't the least bit concerned, but Kristen was just plain annoyed.
"Knock it off, all of you! This isn't the least bit helpful." She glared at all of them in turn until each of them looked away under her hard stare.
"Yes, I'd very much like to get back to Nikolas and his involvement with this. I find it hard to believe that you're simply willing to give up the right to rule." Guy added.
"It was never my right. I was not born into nobility, and it was not honorably won."
Tristan frowned. "See, the problem I have with this whole scenario is that it's your father. If it came down to it, I don't think you could kill him."
"You are correct. Despite the horrible atrocities he has committed and the hell he has put me through, I could not kill him. But, I will not stop someone else from doing so, either." Nikolas looked pointedly
at Kristen.
"Nikolas has suffered a lot to help us over the years. You should not question his loyalty in this." Finn added.
Tristan's eyes never left Nikolas'. For whatever reason, Tristan didn't trust him. He didn't really trust Finn for that matter. Or the other fellow Adrian. Tristan didn't really like outsiders in general.
"I question everything. That's why I'm still alive." He added.
Derrick cleared his throat. "I don't like that you're all willing to let Kristen do the dirty work. I mean, she could be killed."
Finn frowned. "It's not a matter of letting her do anything, Derrick. Kristen is a Viking. Taking action is part of her heritage, but reclaiming the throne is part of her destiny. Besides, you were all too keen to let her run the show in the dungeons."
Derrick's nostrils flared angrily. He didn't like what Finn had implied. Kristen, sensing the two would come to blows before long, stepped between them and put her hands up.
"First of all, I'm standing right here and I'm perfectly capable of speaking for myself. Derrick, it's not a matter of them leaving the dirty work for me, I have to do this. These are my people and they need my help. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't at least try. Father do not speak to my husband like that again. He is not a coward, you will not treat him as such."
Finn bowed to Derrick. "My apologies. I was out of line."
Derrick nodded. "Thank you. I accept." He pulled Kristen into a hug and held her close, resting his cheek on her head. "Kristen, I - "
"I know." She whispered.
He sighed. He looked at his brothers and friend for help, but they were silent. No one liked it, but Kristen was the only hope Norway had of being free from Sander's tyranny. Derrick knew the moment he laid eyes on her she was special, he just didn't realize that special meant he would be up all night worrying about her.
Chapter 40
The trip back to London took about a month, and Kristen was ready to be home for a little while before the madness ensued. The first place they stopped was Guy's house. Mel was absolutely beside herself with worry over Kristen and Guy. She hugged Kristen so tight that Kristen couldn't breathe and had to pry her friend's arms off of her. That being said, she had certainly missed her friend, even if her detour was because of Mel's meddling. And Mel was thrilled that Kristen and Derrick were married and promised to throw them a ball in honor of their nuptials, though neither Derrick nor Kristen were keen on the idea.
She was not, however, pleased to see Alice. She quite rudely asked Kristen what she was thinking to associate with such a blood-thirsty monster, and freely telling Kristen what the woman had done. When Kristen told Mel that she already knew all about it, Mel was quite surprised.
"Have you lost your mind?" She demanded.
"Mel, you didn't meet Sander. Alice didn't have a choice in her actions."
"Did she tell you what she did to me? She kidnapped me and hung me upside down for two days with no food or water. I nearly lost the baby!" Mel fairly screeched.
Guy and Derrick rounded on Alice, and she took a step back into Adrian's protective arms. Tears glimmered in her eyes as she looked at everyone. Kristen tried to protect Alice, but the Lady Atchkinson had made that impossible now. Finn and Nikolas looked at her as though she were a monster, and when the truth of Lady Atckinson's words sunk in, Finn stormed out of the study and went to wait outside. Kristen sighed.
"Mel, I can't begin to imagine what that must have been like for you, and I'm sorry. But, I'd like to point out that she didn't kill you when she found out you were pregnant, and she returned you home. She is a great many things, but she is not a complete monster. She has suffered a lot, more so than you and I could imagine."
Alice couldn't believe her ears. She knew Kristen was a kind soul, but to completely forgive Alice her actions, after Alice had killed her entire family, well that just endeared Kristen to her all the more. She swore then and there and that she would do whatever it took to protect Kristen and ensure she resumed her rightful place on the throne. In the meantime, she glanced at the Lady Atchkinson. She saw some of the heat slip from her features as Kristen pointed out the good that Alice had done.
"Very well. I shall endure her presence when necessary as it relates to you, but only because you're asking me to. I don't want that bitch anywhere near me otherwise."
Kristen grimaced but nodded. She looked at Alice sadly, but knew it would take some time for Mel to come to grips with Alice's place in all of this. She also knew that her father was going to have a hard time with her presence, as well.
For the time being, Kristen tried to keep the peace where she could. She hugged Chelsea, glad to see that she was alright and still in England. Tristan was equally relieved and rushed to her side the moment he got through the door. She seemed surprised by his eagerness, and when he told her he was worried she might have gone home, she tsked and kissed him soundly on the mouth, in front of his friends and family. The display of emotion, especially coming from Tristan, had his brothers ribbing him; although that died down pretty quickly when Tristan promised them a pirate's beating if they didn't put a lid on it.
In all of the commotion, Kristen had forgotten to ask if everyone made it out of the house the night of the explosion. Chelsea broke the news that Jack and the rest of Derrick's crew had died, and Derrick's eyes lit up as he looked furiously at Alice. Kristen tried to comfort Derrick, but he wasn't ready to talk about it yet. Alice stayed behind Adrian and tried to keep the guilt at bay. Technically, the explosions had been Virgil, so those deaths were not on her hands. But, she had done plenty as it was, so they might as well be.
After packing her clothes and few belongings, Kristen and Derrick said their goodbyes. Tristan and Chelsea would stay with Guy and Mel until Tristan found a house that wasn't one of his brothers' estates. Since he and Scott hadn't properly cleared the air, and Tristan was independent and stubborn, he refused to listen to Derrick on the matter. Guy and Mel were happy to have them as their house was large enough, so Derrick didn't push the issue. At least Tristan was staying in London, and that was something.
Alice and Adrian would stay at Alice's home off Piccadilly. When Derrick had refused to pay the rent once they had ended their arrangement, Alice had the paperwork drawn up and presented to his solicitor for her to purchase it from him. To her surprise, he had agreed, though looking back she supposed it made perfect sense given his association with Kristen. He had no intention of having another mistress. Adrian was less than pleased to be staying in a house where Alice had been with Derrick, but she pointed out that it was only temporary since they would be going back to Norway soon, and that seemed to pacify him somewhat.
Kristen and Derrick thought it would be best if they stayed at Hollingsworth manor where they intended Finn and Nikolas to stay, as well. Derrick hadn't discussed it with Scott yet, but he knew his brother would be willing to help them out. As Derrick, Kristen, Finn, Nikolas, and Oliver rode to Hollingsworth, Kristen knew that for better or worse, her life was forever changed by getting involved with this. There was no going back, and she was scared. Scared she would lose everything she loved, but most of all, she was scared that she would let down those who were depending on her. She curled up against Derrick's side and stared out the window, not really listening to the conversation in the carriage.
When they all arrived at Hollingsworth manor, Derrick led the way, holding Kristen's hand. Harrington opened the door, proper as ever. He didn't even flinch at the sight of the two giants standing on the doorstep.
"Good afternoon, Lord Derrick."
"Harrington. Is Scott in?"
"Yes m'lord. He's in the study."
"Anyone fired yet today?" Derrick asked with a small smile.
Harrington's lips twitched from the old family joke, but he maintained his composure. "Not today, m'lord. Shall I announce you?"
Derrick shook his head. "No need."
"Yes, sir." Harrington bowed and left them to their business.
Derric
k led them to Scott's study. He knocked on the door and entered to find Scott behind his desk poring over records, but looked up and grinned.
"Well, what do we have here?"
Derrick made the introductions. "Scott, you remember Kristen?" She curtsied formally and Scott inclined his head. "This is Finn, her father." The large Viking inclined his head, Scott did the same. "And this is Nikolas, crowned prince of Norway." Nikolas inclined his head, and Scott rose from his chair to give a proper bow to royalty.
When he straightened, he looked at Derrick askance. Derrick sighed.
"We've got a lot to talk about."
"I'll ring for tea." He looked at Finn and Nikolas. "And perhaps lunch."
Kristen smiled as she saw Scott in an entirely new light. She still didn't think Scott should have kicked Tristan out of the family, but she now understood the pressure he had on him to ensure the safety and well-being of his family. After Scott pulled the bell, he sat down and gestured for everyone else to do the same. There weren't enough seats, so Finn offered to stand.
"My apologies, I'll have another chair brought in with lunch, Mr. Finn."
"Just Finn. And, I thank you for your hospitality."
Derrick looked at Scott. "I hope you don't mind, but until this is all sorted out, I think it best if we all stay here. Two Vikings would attract attention in London, and we sort of had to leave Norway in a hurry."
Scott's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "I see. Well, in that case, I agree. I'll have rooms made up for all of you. You're welcome to stay as long as you would like."
They accepted the invitation gratefully, and Scott listened as Derrick filled him in on what had transpired. Other than a few surprised faces, Scott didn't interrupt with questions or thoughts. He waited until the end. When Derrick finished, he waited for the lecture he was sure was coming. Derrick hadn't meant to embroil his family in this kind of thing, but Kristen had accepted his past, so he thought it only fair that he accept hers. He grabbed Kristen's hand and held it, firm against whatever censure Scott had planned. But, Derrick was to be surprised.