Marti Talbotts Highlander Series 1 - Anna Rachel u Charlet

clearing for two days. Surely, the king would come soon. She wanted to be back in Kevin’s arms and she was worried Rachel would have her baby while she was away. There was nothing she could do but wait however, so she resigned herself to it.
    Her guard constantly kept watch. Anna was their mistress, they loved her and they were not about to let anything happen. They were much too close to the border with England and anything was possible. So when they heard horses coming, they quickly hid Anna in the forest, drew their swords and got ready to fight.
    They waited, watched the King of England boldly walk into the clearing alone and at length, let Anna go out to greet him. She curtsied to show her respect.
    “Rise.”
    She did as he commanded and smiled. “I am Lady Anna Stoneham.”
    “Your husband is named Stoneham?”
    “Nay, Stoneham was my father. Perhaps you remember my mother. You once said she had a smile that could make the birds sing.”
    “I only recall one woman I said that about. She was a lovely woman by the name of...good grief, you are Catherin’s daughter. And you husband is...”
    “Perhaps it would be unwise to speak his name.”
    “You are quite right, quite right indeed. ” He took off his crown and set it on the ground. “ Blasted heavy, bothersome thing! Come closer, Anna, let me look at you. You keep your m other’s beauty well. Tell me, is she...”
    “She died a year ago this week. But because of you, she had the love of a good man and lived in peace. I thank you, my King.”
    “Do you also thank me for killing your father?”
    “He was a cruel man who deserved to die. Will it shock you if I say I preferred to kill him myself?”
    The king grinned and wrapped her hand around his arm. “Where is your guard?”
    “Right behind you.”
    He turned around, saw the giants and turned back to Anna. “My guard is, no doubt, cowering in the woods.”
    She patted his arm and returned his grin. “They are very wise lads.”
    He walked her to a log on the far side of the clearing, waited for her to sit and then joined her. “I want to know all about your life in the Highlands. Is your husband well?”
    “Very well indeed. He sends his regards.”
    “And your sister? A dreadful thing finding her in the closet that way.”
    “She too is well.” Anna sighed, “You did not happen to bring any English wine, did you? The highlanders make it, but not as well as the English. Pray do not tell my husband I said so.”
    The king smiled. “I left in such a hurry, the thought did not cross my mind. Your sister is well? I think of her often. What happened to her was my fault, you know. If I had listened to your plea...”
    “She is happy, married and with child. ‘Tis all in the past and just as well forgotten , b ut I do have a question.” She watched his expression carefully. “Sixteen years ago, an Englishman gave my husband a gift. Do you know what the gift was?”
    The king closed his eyes and bowed his head. “Tell me she is not dead.”
    “She is not dead.”
    “Thank God. You cannot know how often I have wanted to go get her and bring her home. But it is not yet safe. She is my sister’s child and she is first in line to my throne. Once I am dead, she will become the Queen of England if she so chooses. Tell me about her?”
    Anna smiled. “She is a wonderful young woman and so handsome, men walk into walls staring at her. Her hair is red, her eyes are green and her laughter is glorious. She is also quite determined to have her own way, temperamental at times and not easily persuaded to do anything she does not want to do.”
    The king chuckled. “She sounds just like my beloved sister. My Victoria was slain, you know. She and her husband were put upon by blackhearts who confessed to receiving payment for their deed. In my rage, I cut them down and neglected to discover who paid them. But I have my suspicions. The one I suspect most sits at my right hand where I can keep a keen eye on him. He is my nephew and second in line.”
    “How did the baby survive?”
    “Victoria’s maid rescued the child. She was but three days old.”
    “Does your nephew know about her?”
    “I am afraid so. He does not know where she is, however. When I am dead, a guard will go get her.”
    “I will tell her what a good lad you are, but she will miss never knowing you.”
    “I miss not knowing her. I wi sh there were another way, but ‘ tis just not safe,” said the king.
    “Might you meet