Maiden of Inverness by Arnette Lamb Read Free Book Online Page B

heart.”
    â€œThen you worship him!”
    â€œA score of women want him,” Ana taunted.
    â€œSo he’s a Highland rogue. I’m delighted to know that there’s enough of him to please a mere twenty women.”
    â€œHe wants only you. The English have swayed you otherwise.”
    â€œThe English saved me. The Maiden is no more.”
    â€œBut you belong to us.”
    Meridene gave up the fight; Ana would never understand. “Farewell.”
    Tears filled her eyes. “You don’t deserve to be the Maiden of Inverness.”
    â€œI couldn’t agree with you more. Perhaps you will take up the burden?”
    â€œBurden?” Ana sighed and turned to leave. “You’re selfish and cruel, Meridene.”
    Meridene had thought herself immune to verbal blows, but Ana’s parting words stung. Had her life unfolded as it should, Meridene would have gladly fulfilled her duties. She would have wed her father’s choice of husband and ruled as her mother and her kinswomen before her. Politics, not her own wants and needs, had determined the course of her life.
    How could people hold one female responsible for the acts of the powerful king of England? She had been a child when the king forced her to wed. She couldn’t pick up her life now—as if she’d simply been away on holiday for thirteen years. The politics of Scotland was a dangerous web of intrigue, spun by men. Legends like that of the Maiden were romantic tales, completely out of tune with the social climate of the day. Men ruled. And that, as Sister Margaret liked to say, was that.
    On the heels of that thought, another doubt crept into Meridene’s mind. Had Sister Margaret known of Revas’s plan to kidnap Meridene? No, for the kind nun had been more like a mother than a spiritual advisor. She would not condone such villainy, even if a lawful husband had committed it.
    Feeling better, Meridene gathered the brush and comb and other personal items Revas had provided. Just as she donned the beautiful new cloak, he came to fetch her.
    *  *  *
    Once on deck, she scanned the scenery. Patches of snow glistened in the shadows, and the hearty bushes near the waterline were still winter-naked. Dozens of fishing boats bobbed at their moorings in the shallow water; others were upended on the beach, their hulls in various stages of repair. Wattle-and-daub houses dotted the shore, and fishing nets were strung between the dwellings, effectively connecting the residents with the commerce of the village.
    Ugly memories of another arrival years ago at this place intruded, but Meridene pushed them back; she must not let that dreadful occasion dull her spirit. She would stand up for herself. Someone here would help her.
    Behind her, she heard Revas saying his farewells to Ana and her father. As soon as the cargo of iron and salt was unloaded, the ship would take the Sutherlands home to Drumcardle in the Western Highlands.
    Eager to disembark and find the church, Meridene made her way down the gangplank. Moments later, Revas followed.
    Watching him stroll toward her, she understood why twenty women wanted him. Not that she cared a sour apple. But she was honest enough to admit that he cut a fine figure, especially dressed as he was in a rust-colored tunic and tight-fitting hose. The tooled boots made his legs look inordinately long and perfectly suited his easy gait.
    Arms swinging, the wind ruffling his golden hair, he surveyed his kingdom with the eyes of a man accustomed to rule. When his gaze rested on Meridene, she couldn’t stifle a burst of pride for the butcher’s son who’d risen to glory.
    â€œHave I dirt on my face?” he asked.
    Flippantly she said, “I hadn’t noticed. I was too busy thinking that you have deceit in your heart.”
    His eyebrows flared wickedly. “To be sure, I am beset with wickedness, but it lies in my mind. One night soon I’ll share it with