Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy) by N. Gemini Sasson Read Free Book Online Page A

will never be mistaken for a monk. I have kept him from falling into the bed of every woman we came across – the married ones, at least – but the drink... it seems to find him. On any given night he would put dear Edward to shame. Edward is, at least, more discreet about his women and knows how to ration his ale. Thomas will destroy himself, if left on his own. He used to be lazy. Now he is reckless and lazy.”
    “Reckless, how so?”
    “I would not give him command of any army, Robert. Not today, not ten years from now. He doesn’t know whether to flail his sword at the first rustle he hears or run the other way. Thank the Almighty there are three of us between him and your throne. If he were next in line I’d say this kingdom was in dangerous straits.” He tore a small chunk from the loaf of bread before him to nibble at it.
    “Judgmental, Alexander. But if you are so sure to say it, I will take it to heart. Besides, this kingdom is already in danger... and it has been for twenty years.”
    “But not lost. Not yet lost.”
    “So I hope.” I lifted my cup to Angus Og, who was leaning back in his chair as he laughed raucously at the jokes being shared. “Tell me, any word from Ulster?”
    “Naught but silence,” Alexander said. “But no protests of revulsion at your actions, either, if you want to look at it that way.”
    “Ah, our misfortune.” I pointed to the end of the table. Boyd was standing on it. “He’s about to sing. The kingdom may collapse after all.”
    “Can you be serious a moment?”
    “Completely. You missed my performance at Perth. Very convincing.”
    “Pembroke was not convinced, I hear.”
    Even after swearing to meet us in battle the following morning, Pembroke had ridden out from Perth under cover of darkness with his army. We had nearly all been slaughtered while still in our blankets. What a fool I had been to trust him.
    “It wasn’t intended for Pembroke. His mind was already decided.” I pulled my cup to me, swished the last of its contents around, and drained it. “But I don’t want to talk about Perth. Not now.”
    My gaze drifted to Angus Og. A servant bent toward him and whispered in his ear. He left the room, purpose evident in his step.
    Alexander’s left brow arched. “You were the one who mentioned it.”
    “Forget I did. Shall we talk of something else then?”
    “Very well.” Alexander was now shredding the loaf. He tipped his head thoughtfully. “Christiana of the Isles has never hidden her attraction for you.”
     “Duncan of Mar’s widow?” Christiana of the Isles had been the wife of my Isabella’s brother Duncan. “What of her? She was far from faithful even when he was alive.”
    Alexander stroked his beard. “But very powerful. She has many islands in her possession: Uist, Eigg, Rum, Barra. Hundreds of galleys at her whim.”
    A silence gaped between us. Christiana was indeed the most powerful woman north of Carlisle and Berwick. And she had precisely what I was in need of. I found myself drumming my fingers on the table. If I fell in battle tomorrow, Alexander might have made an even finer king than me. A pity that Edward was born before him. “A foothold in the islands,” I said.
    “A stepping stone to the Highlands.” He smiled pleasantly. “Lands where Edward’s laws will never hold sway.”
    “And where loyalties change whenever the wind shifts.”
    Angus Og shoved his way behind the head table, his tankard of ale sloshing as he plunked it down. Golden ale splashed onto the shining rings on his wrist. He flicked the wetness from his arm. “Word from the mainland. English forces led by Sir John Menteith and the Prince of Wales will arrive here within the week. No rest for the weary and worn. Pack your gullets. Then up and away with you. You’re crowding my hall.” He dipped his head and added as an afterthought, “My lords.”
    “I expected a more lengthy welcome, Angus,” I teased. “Always memorable when we meet, but far