Conquer the Night by Heather Graham Read Free Book Online Page A

uncle of the Maiden of Norway. Negotiations were under way for her to marry King Edward’s son and heir. He did feel obligated to Scotland—”
    â€œObligated!” Arryn roared the word in such a fury that she had to fight to keep from falling back when he pressed toward her. “Obligated to wrest Scotsmen from their legal positions and thrust the English in upon us?”
    She was shaking, but there were a few matters she had to set straight. “My father was here when Alexander was still alive; he was an Englishman, but he was chosen lord here under King Alexander—”
    â€œBecause of your mother. Because of the Scottish blood that flows in your veins—which you seem to have forgotten in your quest to help your intended rise to power in a land he would destroy to conquer, for a king who desires nothing but to destroy and subjugate a people as well.”
    â€œAye, that’s the truth of it; you’ve said it as well. I have forgotten nothing! This land is mine through my mother. Mine! And you—”
    â€œSo the land is yours, and not Darrow’s! It matters little. By Scottish law then—this land is seized from you, my lady, and from your master, the wretched king of England who would style himself king and overlord here. You have but one function left, lady, and that is to suffer what insult comes your way.”
    She picked up the tankard he had earlier attempted to thrust her way and slammed it on the table, staring at him, so infuriated by his speech that she was ready to fight again. “At my father’s death, I was claimed lady here through the king of Scotland—John Balliol—rightfully chosen king, whom you say you honor, a direct descendent of the ancient kings through his mother’s line—”
    â€œAye, John Balliol had the right and legal claim!” Arryn agreed. “But though he was legal heir, he rots in prison in England, and even his most ardent supporters here”—he paused, glancing at the man Roger—“realize that he tried to be a good king, but hadn’t the strength to stand up to Edward.”
    â€œYou are outlaws, nothing more!” Kyra shouted. “What you don’t seem to understand, sir, is that the king of Scotland had agreed that he owed feudal duty and homage to the king of England—”
    â€œThe king of Scotland was forced to pay homage—as were all the Scottish lords and magnates who so foolishly tried to hold on to their titles and their wealth!”
    She stepped away from the table. Arryn seemed both angered and amused, and not in the least afraid that she might take flight.
    How could she? She realized that his friends had risen, that they formed a circle around her. Jay MacDonald guarded the rear, toward the steps that led up the tower. Ragnor Grant, another heavily built, very tall man, veered to her right. Thane MacFadden, darker, leaner, stood to her left.
    She had no intention of running—and letting them toss her about like a sack of dirty laundry. She held her ground, her eyes steady on Arryn Graham. “If only John had chosen to continue to pay homage—”
    Arryn moved in on her, just a shade closer. His companions were at the ready, like hounds eager to make a kill. “But what you don’t seem to realize, my blinded lass, is that John paid homage and paid homage and paid homage—and finally refused when Edward demanded that we give him men and finances for his war against France! That was when the blood began to spill, when Balliol at last stood up against the king of England! And why? Because we are not England; we are Scotland—and he has no real right other than his own determination to be lord over us. We will not submit!”
    â€œYou will remember that when the bloodshed began, the Scots raided England first,” she reminded him.
    His sharp blue eyes were narrowed hard on her “Oh, aye, King John, for once a king of his