Leland placed his hand over hers for a moment and then gently lifted it to his lips. “God sent me to be your protector. I am uncertain when my sense of duty toward you turned into love. Perhaps I have cared deeply for you from the beginning, but my heart wasn’t ready.”
Tears filled her eyes but the smile remained on her lips. “I feel the same way…and I have continued loving you the entire two years we were apart.”
His heart soared as he lifted her in his arms and spun her in a circle as they laughed, before placing her feet back on the ground. He cupped her cheek in his palm and leaned down to kiss her before pausing as reality came crashing down on him again—the reality he could never escape. “Fiona, the only way we can be together is if I give up the search for my cousin and take the throne. How can I choose between two people I love?”
She shook her head. “You do not have to take the throne. My brother said I could choose my suitor…and ‘tis you Leland. I choose you.”
He let out a chuckle of disbelief motioning toward his quaint home. “You would choose to stay with me in this cottage when you have spent your life in the luxuries of a castle. If I choose not to be the King of Kiely, would you would give everything up for me?”
She smiled and kissed his cheek—a far different reaction than he received from Lady Sibeal. “What I am giving up is of far less importance than what I will gain in return. Where we live means very little to me, as long as I have you by my side. I would rather spend a simple life in this little cottage with you than spend a luxurious life in a castle alone.”
“I am so glad to hear you say that, Fiona.” Leland knelt in the grass and took her hand in his, pausing to kiss the top of it. “I thought for so long I would end up a bachelor for the rest of my life. ‘Tis clear to me now that you were the woman God had planned for me all along. Fiona, Princess of Brannagh, will you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
Fiona’s eyes filled with happy tears as she smiled down at him with a look of love that warmed his heart. “Aye, my love. There is nothing that would make me happier.”
Deep in the brush, tears dripped on the leaves before a delicate woman’s hand wiped the remaining moisture from her cheek. Sibeal had come to plead with Leland to reconsider her proposal and his claim to the Kielyan throne. Both depended upon each other, for in order to please her mother, she had to marry a king—not a lowly earl.
Sibeal stayed well hidden, waiting for Leland and Lady Meara to leave. Except now she knew the cold, bitter truth. The woman’s name was not Lady Meara at all. They had been deceiving her all along.
Watching Leland propose to the Princess of Brannagh had nearly torn her in two. Now watching them in each other’s embrace by his cottage, her sadness was replaced with an intense rage. He was supposed to be her betrothed. Yet, the very next morning after rejecting her, he proposed to another! She never would have predicted Leland would betray her in such a way and with the niece of King Malcolm who had attacked their homeland. How had she met Leland and why had he brought her to Kiely?
Many of the people in Órlaith still did not trust the royalty of Brannagh, even with the new king on the throne. Once the citizens discovered the true identity of his betrothed, they would rise up to oppose the marriage.
After the couple retreated in the direction of the creek, Lady Sibeal stood from the brush and dusted off her skirts. She took the back trail out of the woods to avoid Leland and Lady Fiona. It took longer that walking by the stream, but she felt grateful for the extra time to think.
By the time she reached the road, the solution came to her. There were only two obstacles in her way to wedding Leland—two obstacles that had to be dealt with as swiftly as possible.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
No Return
Lady Sibeal poked at her supper, only eating a few bites as her mother and father discussed her failure to secure Leland as her betrothed. She hadn’t wanted to come down to eat at all with her stomach in knots, but her mother insisted she join them.
“There is only one solution,” her mother insisted. “We must find a way to be rid of Princess Fiona and her little brat. How dare they come here in the first place under false pretenses? I should throw them both into the dungeon and don’t believe anyone would care after the heinous crimes her uncle committed against our people.”
“No, Kyna. I will not have it,” her father said from the other side of the table. “The poor young woman should not be punished for the past sins of her kin. I have heard she was a prisoner along with her brother, King Tiernay during Malcolm’s reign. There has to be some reason why she would keep her true identity a secret. Besides, Leland has the right to choose his bride, even if it does not work out in our favor.”
Sibeal looked up in shock. Had her father actually stood up to her mother? It would have been a great cause for celebration, if she agreed with him. However now her eyes stung with tears of betrayal. “I cannot believe you would take the side of a foreigner over your own daughter.”
Her father released a deep sigh, his green eyes clouded with sadness. “‘Tis not about taking sides, my dear one. ‘Tis about doing what is right. If you must cause harm to an innocent woman and her child to become queen, you are unworthy of the position. I believe you know in your heart the right thing to do. The question is…will you follow it?”
Her mother came out of her shocked silence and scoffed in disbelief. “I do believe old age has made you soft, Husband. If you will not look after the interests of our daughter, I will take matters into my own hands.”
He slammed his hand down on the table, eyes wild with rage. “You will do no such thing, Kyna! You have done enough. In my weakness I have allowed you to control things behind my back for far too long.” He coughed and started to wheeze, taking a sip from his goblet before going on in a gravelly voice. “Now I see how corrupt your reasoning has become. I shall step down, after electing a new regent. That will allow Leland time to make his decision.”
Her mother’s eyes shot fiery darts in his direction. “After how hard our family worked to gain this position? You wouldn’t dare!”
He stood from the table with a pained grown until he towered over her. Although his body trembled from the exertion, he still appeared intimidating and regal, like before his illness. “I’d like to see you try and stop me.” Her father paused and let out a sardonic chuckle. “I am the elected Regent of Órlaith…and as my last act…I will do what is right. I will…” He coughed and took a sip from his goblet before wheezing and trying again while tugging on his collar as if it choked him. “I will…” His face turned an unnatural shade of gray as he coughed again, and grasped the left side of his chest.
Sibeal watched in horror as he slumped over the edge of the table. She rushed to catch him and with her mother’s help they eased his twitching body to the floor. Her eyes scanned the room in a frantic manner until seeing a young servant nearby. “Fetch the physician…quickly!”
Lady Sibeal sat outside her parents’ chambers with her knees curled up to her chest, soaking her handkerchief with tears. It was her fault. If she had only been stronger—more convincing—Leland would have chosen her to be his betrothed. Her parents never would have quarreled and her father wouldn’t have collapsed.
As half an hour passed, waiting for the physician to come out, she had plenty of time to think about her situation. Her father was right. She could not force Leland to choose her. Or could she? The way her mother spoke, it seemed she could arrange anything. It only depended on how far they wished to go. Was it worth endangering innocent lives to win Leland’s hand in marriage? The question tormented her.
A few moments later, her mother came out with the physician and Sibeal scrambled to her feet. “How…how is he?”
The physician busied himself putting his instruments away in his medical bag. When he met her gaze, his expression was grim. “Your father’s heart is very weak. ‘Twill be a miracle if he survives the night. I’m very sorry to be the bearer of such
distressing news.”
Sibeal covered her mouth to stifle a sob and then managed to croak, “May I see him?”
“Aye, he is asking for you.”
She rushed into the room to her father’s side and rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m so sorry, Papa. This is my doing.”
“Do not blame yourself.” He coughed before kissing her forehead and she felt his mouth curve into a smile. When he spoke again his voice came out in a ragged whisper. “You haven’t called me Papa…since you were little. It does my heart good…to hear you say it again.”
She wrapped her arm around him and listened to his unsteady heartbeat in despair, but his words gave her a glimmer of hope. Perhaps if she believed enough—loved him enough—she could will his heart to keep beating and grow stronger. “Stay with me. I need you, Papa.”
“‘Tis my time, sweet daughter. I am at peace.”
She sat up and took his hand in both of hers, soaking it with her tears. “I’m not ready.”
“You are stronger…than you think, Sibeal. Follow God…and he will not…lead you astray.”
“No,” she cried. “I refuse to give up hope. Will you at least try to fight? For me?”
He let out a weary sigh and smiled. “Aye, since you wish it so, I will try.”
She hugged him and they talked for a little while longer. Sibeal took the opportunity to remind him of happy memories from her childhood in Aoife. Then when her father drifted off into a peaceful sleep she started to tiptoe out of the room.
“Sibeal,” he called when she had almost reached the doorway and she turned to listen. “Would you please have someone send for Leland? I need to speak with him. Forgive me, I know ‘twill be difficult for you.”
She curtsied, although her wounded heart ached at the sound of his name. “Aye father. I will do as you wish.” Sibeal left quickly before losing her composure, but halfway down the hall, she remembered something Leland had said about his friend, the physician. Perhaps there was still hope after all.
Leland and Niall arrived at the castle in haste after receiving the letter about Lord Dawley’s condition. Outside the earl’s chambers, he came face to face with Lady Sibeal. However, their awkward moment from the previous day seemed far from her mind as she rushed forward to greet them. “Thank you for coming. His condition is worsening quickly.”
When they walked into the royal chambers, Lady Kyna looked up from tending to her sleeping husband and gave Leland an icy glare. “How dare you show your face here in this castle! Have you come to humiliate our daughter again?”
“I invited him at Father’s request, Mother.” Sibeal said from behind.
Lady Kyna’s jaw dropped in surprise, but after a moment she clamped her mouth shut and shouldered past them out of the room.
In spite of her mother’s hostile reaction to them, Lady Sibeal didn’t skip a beat, rushing to Niall. “Please, you must examine my father. I have heard of your abilities to heal from those in the village. You are his last hope!”
Niall bowed before her with a gentle smile. “I will try my best, Milady.”
Sibeal stayed by her father’s side, holding his hand as the physician examined him. He took great care to not disturb Lord Dawley while he rested. When Niall stepped aside to retrieve some powders from his medical bag, the earl’s eyes fluttered open and he tried to sit up.
“Please try to relax, Papa.” Sibeal murmured in a calming voice, helping him to relax again. “Leland has brought a physician to help you.”
His eyes searched the room until locking eyes with Leland. “Oh, my friend! I’m so glad…you’re here.” He covered his mouth and sputtered out several ragged coughs, his face crimson from the effort.
Leland rushed to his side, placing one hand on his shoulder. “I’m here, Your Grace. Please try to rest.”
The earl released an exhausted sigh and rested his head against the pillows again. “I fear I may be beyond that now. I will be leaving this world soon…and our people will need you…to lead them into the future.” He groaned in anguish as his chest heaved in and out.
Niall returned with an herbal remedy and helped the earl drink it. “This should help with the pain.”
After Lord Dawley was settled again, Leland took his free hand. “I will protect our people, until my dying breath. You have my word.”
The earl smiled and peace washed over his face. “You are the king they deserve, Leland. Remember that.” With much effort, he turned his head toward Sibeal. “Daughter, I love you.”
She wiped the tears streaming down her face. “And I love you, Papa.”
“Beauty…such beauty and goodness God has placed in your heart…” he whispered before wheezing for another breath. “Don’t allow anyone or anything to snuff it out.” The Earl of Aoife closed his eyes and released a ragged sigh.
Leland watched Niall lean over to check Lord Dawley for signs of life. Then his friend stood up and placed his hand on Leland’s shoulder. The slow shake of his head revealed the bitter truth.
“Father?” Sibeal shook him gently—tears of shock dripping from her eyes. “Papa?”
Niall moved around the bed and knelt beside Sibeal, covering her hand with his own. “I’m sorry, Milady. There was nothing I could do besides relieve his pain. He is at peace now, with our Heavenly Father.”
She stared at him in denial at first and then buried her face in her father’s shirt. “No, Papa! No, no, no,” she cried until her voice dissolved into sobs. Niall’s hand rested on her shoulder for comfort.
When Lady Kyna rushed into the room, alerted by her daughter’s cries, Leland left the earl’s chambers in a dull haze. He had both lost a close friend and gained a heavy burden in an instant. How could he refuse the throne now, when his people needed him the most?
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Wise Counsel
Fiona had already put Clare to bed for the night when she heard Leland return. She slipped a robe over her nightgown and padded down the hall to the main living area. There she saw him sitting with Aunt Edna at the table. She had her hand on his back, providing comfort.
Fiona’s heart sunk. “What happened?”
The widow turned while dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief and met her at the end of the hall, speaking in a low voice. “Lord Dawley has passed on.”
She covered her mouth to muffle a gasp and shook her head. “Oh dear. It was so sudden. His family must be devastated.”
“Niall believes his heart gave out.” She dabbed her eyes again and motioned toward the table. “Go ahead and sit, dear lamb. I’ll prepare you both something hot to drink.”
Fiona nodded and quietly approached Leland at the table. He didn’t look up as she sat next to him, so she remained silent, hoping simply knowing she was there for him would bring a small measure of comfort.
After Aunt Edna brought them two steaming cups of cider and retired for the evening, Leland looked over at her for the first time with tears in his eyes. “There was nothing I could do. He spoke a few words to me and then he was gone.”
Fiona bit her lip to hold back her emotions and put her hand over his. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know Lord Dawley well, but I could tell he was an honorable man.”
He nodded before taking a sip of his cider. “Aye, one of the best men I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing. He will be missed.”
“I wish I could do something to help. Anything.”
Leland gave her a sad smile and kissed her hand. “You are doing enough already, my love.”
She shook her head. “But I haven’t done anything. I could go pay my respects…or bake a pie with the fresh apples from Aunt Edna’s trees. Plenty have already ripened.”
He kept hold of her hand and nuzzled it against his cheek. “Oh, Fiona. You are so sweet, generous and kind—always thinking of others before yourself. However, I think it best to keep your distance from the countess and her daughter for at least a few weeks. Lady Kyna was not pleased with my presence in the castle this evening
. ‘Twas only to honor her husband’s wishes I was permitted to stay.”
Her eyes widened. “Really? What has caused you to fall out of favor with her?”
Leland stared down at the table for a few moments and then proceeded to tell her of Lady Sibeal’s boldness a few nights before, kissing him and then his attempt to let her down gently.
When he finished, she avoided his gaze, trying to allow her mind to sort through all he’d told her. “I suppose it must have been difficult to refuse someone as beautiful as Lady Sibeal. I don’t understand why you would.”
He lifted her chin until their eyes met. “My heart had already chosen you, Fiona. No kiss could persuade me otherwise. I may have made enemies by turning Sibeal down, but it couldn’t be helped. You are the one I want by my side, for better or worse. I’ve written to your brother in a coded letter. If he responds with his blessing, we can have a private ceremony if you wish it.”
She smiled as he wiped a tear from her cheek. “I do wish it, with all my heart.”
He released a happy sigh, silently thanking God for how far they’d come in only a few short months. They shared a kiss before he cupped her cheek in his palm. “Fiona, our love is one of the few things I’m sure of right now. Thank you for being so strong, even with how unstable things seem.”
“God has brought us this far. I have to believe he will bring us through whatever happens in the future. Whether we live simple lives in your cottage or become the rulers of a kingdom.”
Leland lowered his hand and dropped his gaze to the table again. “Lord Dawley’s final request was that I watch over the citizens of Órlaith.”
Lady Fiona's Refuge (Ladies of Ardena Book 3) Page 11