by Brina Cary
“So you didn’t get ostracized?”
The smile he gave her seemed slimy, seedy. It was as if he resented her. It was as if he hated her. Maybe even hated that she had found his weak spot within seconds of meeting.
“My dear, there is something that you must understand… You will be queen. You will be essentially a mere figurehead. Parliament will make decisions for Scotland. You are just a stand in, someone to do what they are told. Learn that quickly and we will get along famously.”
She felt her temper flare. This man had secrets that he held dear, but that didn’t mean she would let him harass her. “And if I don’t?”
“My dear, I believe it is time to begin.”
As Amelia gazed on him from the side, it became clear that the SNP Leader was a man used to getting his own way. Something about him screamed at her. Reminded her of what her father once told her. A story from long ago about a demon that ravaged the land of his birth. The story ended with a princess coming to smite the demon… The demon even had a scar in the shape of a cross on his hand, just like the SNP Leader’s. It was just coincidence, it had to be, but it would be better to steer clear of this man.
“Alright, Maggie, let’s go.”
“What did you call me?” His hand curled into a fist, revealing that he was quick to anger.
“I meant, let’s begin, Mr. SNP Leader.” His hand relaxed at her change in words, and she wondered if he realized that he had done it or if it was completely subconscious.
“Of course. First, we need to begin by having you pledge your allegiance to Scotland. Then, then you will need to sign the Declaration.”
“The Declaration?” It sounded so final, like giving her life away.
“You will be declaring that you will uphold the rights of the Scottish people before all others, that you will give your life to protect the people of this country, and that you will forever pledge your allegiance to Scotland and her people.”
Give her life? Was she really prepared to do that? “Do I have to say it?”
“What?”
“If I have to say it then you’re going to need to say all of that again. I can’t remember all of that.”
“You do not have to say any of it. You just have to sign. You do not even need to speak.” The look he gave her screamed that he would prefer it if she didn’t speak. It was a look filled with barely concealed malevolent desire.
“Then let’s get on with it, Mr. SNP Leader.” She watched intently for any reaction he might display and her shoulders tensed when his hand did. She was in trouble and the only way out was by playing a game — a game that could apparently get her killed.
“Fine. Here,” he flatly said as he held the Bible out to her. They were apparently past all pretenses. “You need to sign within it.”
Looking at the Bible, taking it in her own slightly shaking hands, she realized that it was not actually a Bible. It was a really old dark gray leather bound book. The pages within were bound to it, but it looked as if they were older than the book’s cover. Some of the pages couldn’t even be read anymore, but those that could were in a language that Amelia didn’t understand. “What is this?”
“It is the history of our people. A hundred years ago, the important documents pertaining to Scottish rule were copied and placed within this book. These aren’t the true documents; however, yours will be the true copy. Flip through it carefully to the most recent page. There you will find the articles. There you will sign.”
Amelia did as she was told and she came to a page that had been penned rather quickly. The ink had smeared on the pages. There were five articles detailing how she would reign. They could be summed up by three words: no power whatsoever. That was fine with her. She wouldn’t be here long enough to need to make changes. She grabbed the pen he produced and signed above her printed name.
“Very good,” he said as he grabbed the book and pen back from her. “Now, we must have your royal guards pledge their allegiance to you. Then we will be done.” The door opened once again and several men began walking in. As they filed into a line in front of her, recognition flared to life. These were the men that had invaded her house. These were the men that took her — that stole her in the dead of night.
The men that had invaded her house knelt in front of her. Not a single one looked her in the eye. They all stared at the ground in front of them.
Anger should fill her veins at the sight of them, but she could not bring herself to be mad. They were probably all used to doing what they had been directed to do. They looked like men that followed orders quite well. Strong, domineering men, that could snap her neck like a twig… Any hope she had to get away from them, began to sink. Could she really escape them? They didn’t look like guards. They wore suits, but didn’t look like businessmen either. They looked more like soldiers in business suits — soldiers for hire.
Hell, she hadn’t even been able to break loose from the one that held her in her house. Her sanctuary. The place she knew like the back of her hand… If she couldn’t get away there, what made her think she could escape in their territory?
“Do you swear to live only for your queen?” Thomas’ voice caused her to jump as his voice boomed throughout the room. “To protect her as you would your own flesh and blood? To give your very life for her if it shall come to it? Do you swear to uphold the laws of the crown in times of trouble and heartache? Do you swear to uphold the laws of Rowan?”
Each lifted his head and repeated, “Aye.” Only one word. Such a simple word. Yet, Amelia knew it was a powerful word. One that changed each man’s life, should he choose to keep his vow. One that changed her life as well.
Realization spread throughout her very soul. She could never go back to her little home in the woods or to the semi-boring little life that she had crafted for herself. Her job, while boring, was gone. Her little house, while still there, was gone too. This was her future, whether she wanted it or not. Her lineage demanded it, and these men would do whatever necessary to protect her, even if from herself.
Chapter 7
Jacob held her hand tightly as he guided them through the throng of people. The parliament was full, every one of its members wanted to catch a glimpse of the new queen. Her breath caught slightly at the various smells that assaulted her. Colognes, perfumes, etcetera, all flowed throughout the small building. There was no air flowing. There were no open doors, no fans… nothing to get the scents cleared from the area. The weakness in her lungs made itself known. Squeezing his hand, she hoped he would know that something was wrong. Why had they not thought to warn her that there would be so many people?
It was clear that his guard was up, but he was looking for the wrong threats. The slight wheeze began as her lungs worked harder for air. Quickly he weaved them in and out around the crowd, speaking not one word to anyone. Deacon and Tim began pushing back on the crowd as they walked faster. Her fingers and mouth were going numb. Her lungs were still too sensitive. She should have been paying more attention. At last they rounded the corner, out of sight. Jacob turned towards her. Gently he pushed her up against the wall. “Lass, I have it. Here.”
Looking down she saw that he pulled an inhaler from his pocket. He carried one for her. The very thought that he was determined to protect her made her eyes water. Such a small thing, but one that spoke volumes.
“We shall not have a repeat of our first meeting, aye?” His eyes were tinged with worry as his lips curled up in a smile. It was true, he would protect her. Even if it was from her own traitorous body. He would protect her.
She watched his eyes, a gorgeous blue, as he pressed it into her hands. “Thank you…”
“Go on. No one shall see. The boys will ensure it.”
Glancing away from him she realized that he knew. He knew that her asthma scared her. It was a weakness that she tried to ignore. A defect in her lungs that kept her from being able to do all of the things she wanted to do. It made life full of terrors that would otherwise not exist.
He took her inhaler from her and used his hand to raise her head. “Never think yer weak just because yer different. Being different makes ye who ye are. Nothing wrong with that.” Lightly he placed the inhaler to her lips and pressed the actuator. The sterile taste was comforting as she took a deep breath. “We are all a wee bit different,” he whispered. “’Tis nothing wrong in that.”
Releasing the breath she held while letting the albuterol work, she whispered, “What’s so different about you?”
“Ah, lass, ‘tis so much different about me. The question is where to start? First, let us get ye to yer speech. Then we shall have some words. Ye must be introduced to us all properly.”
Chapter 8
As they exited the room from where she gave her speech, Amelia sighed deeply. All of the members had looked at her so expectantly, some even judgmentally. She felt like a child playing dress up, although she had never played the part of a queen… until now.
Jacob motioned her to him and whispered, “Come. We must go to the tunnels.”
“Tunnels?”
“Aye, the tunnels are safest. They have extra fortifications. Ye must learn to escape should it be necessary.”
“Through the tunnels?” Was he serious? “Tunnels, as in underground, with rats?” His lilting laughter greeted her in response. There was no recrimination for her. His face simply reflected mirth, as if he wasn’t sure what to make of her, but found humor in her words. “No, I’m not afraid of rats.”
“Of course.” He still grinned at her.
“Whatever.” She turned away from him. Her face hot from embarrassment and shame. “A flea on a rat caused the Black Death. I just don’t like being around them.”
“Ye think we would let ye succumb to the Plague?”
“The little slimy man might.” At his questioning look she clarified, “Your nasty little SNP Leader.”
His body tensed and he began looking her over from head to toe. She began looking at herself too. Amelia had been extremely careful not to drop her breakfast on her, but maybe she had missed something. Upon not finding anything she looked back at him. His words sounded gravely and dangerous to her ears as he asked, “Did he hurt ye?”
“Oh! No! He didn’t do anything… He’s just slimy… He makes my skin crawl.”
“Ye will nae be alone with him again, I swear it.” His warm hand grabbed hers. He leaned forward, his breath hot on her neck, “I dinnae break my promises, Amelia MacRory. The world will end first.”
She watched his face as he leaned back. The lines around his eyes were mired with anger, his jaw was taunt. No, this was not a man to break his promises. It seemed that she was stuck with a resolute protector and no way to get free. There was definitely no going back now. Of course, it didn’t mean that she wouldn’t try. “Are all Scots as stubborn as you?”
“Nay, I am special. Now, come. We must meet the others.”
****
He led her to a closet in the basement of Parliament. Upon opening the door, she knew something was different. It was empty; however, the dimensions seemed off. It was too wide to be so shallow. “Amelia, do ye ken what ye see?”
“I’m not sure. It looks odd.”
He grinned at her. “Of course tis. Tis the opening to another world — a world beneath the city.” He pressed a button on the wall and it moved.
She jumped from terror! Was the building caving in? Were they going to be squished!?!
“Relax, ‘tis opening.”
Opening? Sure enough, the wall was moving outward and sliding open. Just enough room for a person to pass through. “What is this?”
“’Tis a secret passage. Be careful, ye’ll find steps just beneath the edge.”
True to his word, there were steps just on the other side of the edge. The wall was an older stone wall, the steps wound their way around and down. “What is this?”
“’Tis an old escape route from Parliament. Learn the routes and ye’ll stay safe.”
“Oh my God! It’s a secret tunnel! You brought me to a secret tunnel!”
“Lass, keep yer voice down. Tis a secret and yer shouting it to the masses.”
“Sorry…” she whispered. “I’ve always wanted to go in a secret tunnel. All the superheroes have them…” Amelia was a geek at heart. She had plans to build secret tunnels and passageways in her house, but hadn’t yet gotten around to it. Now she was queen of a country that had them in spades. “Amazing, absolutely amazing.” She ran her hands along the cool stone as they descended.
The steps ran two floors beneath the Parliament building. Amelia took her time, surveying every inch that she could see. The light within was getting further away from above, and flickered below. “I can’t see.”
A light flared to life behind her. It was a small LED light, but served them well in the enclosed space. There was a slick feel to some of the steps. With the light, she realized it was a light slimy moss that made some of the steps so slick.
“There, ‘tis the last step.” The light from Jacob’s flashlight lit upon it and she was grateful they were done. She wasn’t afraid of enclosed spaces, but there wasn’t anywhere to go should danger appear while in the stairwell.
As they stepped into an open area Jacob pointed to an old torch holder against the stone wall. “That ‘tis the entrance to the entrance. Ye must place something of weight in the holder to get to the opening.” She watched as he picked a small pouch up from the ground. It was shaped just like a small rock, a broken piece of stone. “’Tis a simple trick that none have looked for all these years.”
They missed a stone for years? “What do you do with it?”
“Ye place it in the torch just so.” He lightly dropped it within the center. Amelia watched as it lowered slightly. A slight scratching noise could be heard off to their left. “’Tis the sound of the second entrance. Come.”
He switched off the flashlight.
“What are you doing? We need that to see,” she hissed.
A short laugh and he retorted, “See with yer eyes. Ye must learn to see even when nothing is there.”
Her eyes took a moment to adjust, tracking him as he began walking away from her. She followed as he walked down the darkened corridor. A tiny sliver of light flickered off the stones under their feet. “Where is this light coming from?”
“’Tis just ahead. Long ago lairds of the land got together and decided to appoint certain families as protectors. Throughout time the protectors were lost as they were not needed. Then a man decided the protectors were needed once again. We are what is left of those first protectors. We are yer men. We shall protect ye with our verra lives. The tunnels we are in are what is left of the ancient formations from long ago. They were once used to get people out of the city and to safety. Should ye ever need it, the tunnels are yers to use.”
As he stopped in front of a small stone that stood slightly out of place Amelia couldn’t help but wonder at the history that the tunnels had seen. If what Jacob was saying was true, then rulers had used these tunnels for various purposes over the years. Centuries even. Yet, here she stood. One of the few privileged enough to see them. If only her friends could see her. If only they could know just how important she was now, even if she did not want to be important.
“Jacob?”
“Aye?”
“Will I ever be able to go home?”
He turned towards her and lightly cupped her cheek. “Lass, ye are home.” As he turned away from her to press the stone in to the wall, Amelia felt her heart break. Even without the words, he had told her that she would never leave Scotland. She had chosen to be their queen. There was no going back. Only forward. She would have to make a new life here in Scotland and forget that her old life had ever existed.
The wall slid silently over to reveal a hidden passageway. Jacob reached in, against the wall, and light flared to life revealing a massive room with intricate detail. “’Tis where we awaited the chance to prove ourselves to Brandir. He’s the o
ne that hired us to protect ye.”
“Brandir? That’s my father…”
“Aye, yer father.”
“My father’s dead.”
“Aye, that he is. Does not mean that he dinnae look out for ye though. He was the last. Even if the SNP had not voted to make ye queen, Brandir would have wanted us to protect ye.”
“My father’s been dead for years. I… I don’t understand.”
“Come. All will be explained in due time.”
As they entered the room, Amelia felt as if her chest was being crushed. There was so much that she didn’t know, so much hidden from her. Her father had been a secretive man, but had he really hired these men to protect her? She couldn’t remember much about him except that he loved her mother very much. Her mother loved him too. They just couldn’t be together. His leaving for Scotland had about killed her mother. Had there been more to it?
“Ye must know that yer father dinnae tell ye everything. He kept many secrets.”
“What else was he keeping secret?”
“Nothing nefarious. Brandir knew the day would come where ye would need us. He had hoped that t’would be many years away. However, he left the means for us to protect ye now.”
“Did he know that Scotland would be my home?”
“Yer father designed it.”
Designed it? Why was he making it sound as if her father had been a mastermind? “Jacob, you’ve lost me.”
“Yer father planted the seed within the SNP when ye were still verra young. He left America to return to his Scottish home many years ago. Did ye not wonder why?”
“I knew why. He was a victim of wanderlust. Never could sit still. Not even after Mom died did he return.” The anger in her words startled her. It was something that she had struggled to hide for so many years.
“Yer father was much more powerful than ye can imagine. We have sworn two oaths. The first to yer father. The second to ye.”