The Apprehension (Unexpected Circumstances 6)

“Seacrest has only agreed to protection, not to go to war.” Sir Rylan’s deep voice reminded my husband.

“I know,” Branford said with a sigh. “Rylan, if you would just give me a hundred and fifty men—”

“Just a hundred and fifty, King Branford?” Rylan scoffed. “How large an army do you think I command? I have to protect my own lands as well, you know. Considering our alliance with Silverhelm, we are now also potentially a target for Hadebrand.”

“They would not make a move against you,” Branford said.

“Agreed,” said Parnell. “Your presence will keep them from our borders indefinitely.”

“How long do you think we will be needed?” Rylan asked.

“Until my heir is born,” Branford replied. “Alexandra will not be safe until then.”

“It is amazing what the love of a woman will do to you, is it not?” Rylan said quietly. Both Branford and Parnell chuckled in response.

“I would go to war for her in a heartbeat,” Branford finally said, “irrespective of the odds. I would take on all of Hadebr

and’s army myself if they stood between Alexandra and me.”

“I would do the same for Suzette,” Rylan replied.

“And I for Ida.”

All three of them chuckled again, and I decided to make my wakefulness known. Branford ushered the men out of the morning room so he could help me dress.

“You could have gone to the great hall to meet,” I said as Branford tied the last of my laces.

“I did not want to wake you.”

“I could have stayed here.

“Not alone.” I could feel him shake his head behind me. “Not without me at your side.”

His lips pressed against the side of my neck.

“There are all these preparations we must make for the child,” he said, reminding me. He gestured to the area not far from our bed where we had planned to make room for the baby. “I would not leave you to do those alone.”

“Samantha and Sunniva are both planning to come here to assist,” I said.

“Nevertheless”—he breathed into my ear—“I will not leave your presence. Before we begin such things, do you…do you wish to go to the castle wall?”

His hesitancy clued me in to the meaning of his words. The castle wall was, without a doubt, where the head of Lady Kimberly was now on display, and he wished to go validate the deed had been done. Not that he would question that his orders had been carried out, but he would still wish to see the outcome for himself.

“You do not have to look,” Branford said quietly as he turned me around to face him. “Just keep your eyes to the ground.”

“I wish to see her,” I replied.

Branford inhaled deeply before exhaling in a huff through his nose.

“As you wish,” he said.

Branford led me slowly into the courtyard of the castle and past the nearly empty marketplace. As we left through the gates, I could see why the shops were so empty, for everyone seemed to be in the field just outside the castle walls.

All eyes peered upwards.

Jutting out from the castle wall, stuck onto the end of a long pike, was the head of Lady Kimberly of Sterling, her long, golden-blonde hair cascading out and around her ashen cheeks.

I felt myself stumble slightly, and Branford’s arms pulled me up against his chest. I pushed his hands from me and stared up into her lifeless eyes.