All Her Men (The Queen's Men Book 1) (2 page)

Chapter 3

The voices. They were so loud. If only they would hush, maybe then her head wouldn’t hurt so much. Arguing. That’s what it sounded like. They were arguing… about her? Slowly her eyes opened, the light was everywhere. A groan escaped her. The light seared pain into her skull, frying the nerve endings in her eyes. The pain made her stomach roll. Slamming them shut again, she vaguely wondered what she had done to deserve such pain.

“She’s awake!” Suddenly hands were on her, shaking her. Not bruising, but insistent. “Lass wake up. Open those bonnie eyes.”

Bonnie? Despite the pain in her head and the ache in her chest, she recognized it as a strange word choice.

An oxygen mask was removed from around her face. Another voice whispered, “Ms. MacRory, please open yer eyes fer us.”

“Too bright,” she whispered. Her voice raspy. The wheezing sound still echoing with each short breath. Her lungs still burned for air.

She felt the light disappear.

“There, ‘tis that better?” A calm voice whispered.

Sighing, she opened her eyes again. A man was sitting beside her. He seemed to be in his late sixties. Her vision was blurred, but his eyes seemed kind. “Better,” she whispered hoarsely.

“Good. Unfortunately, Edinburgh dinnae make us aware of yer asthma. Jacob and Darren offer their sincerest apologies for scaring ye.”

“Who…?”

He smiled softly at her, reminding her of an elderly grandfather trying to placate a small sick child. “Lass, ye need yer rest. Yer safe.”

“Where am I?”

“Tis plenty of time to discuss that later. Rest fer now.”

As she slipped back into sleep she heard him say, “She will nae be accepting of what will come. Have ye phoned Edinburgh to make them aware of the situation?”

****

Jacob looked at the elderly doctor, thankful that they had brought him along. “Aye, they have decided to announce that the lass is ill from travels.”

The doctor nodded. “Good. She will need time to rest and get well.”

Jacob shook his head. Edinburgh had no plans to allow that. “They fear the people will revolt against their plans. Their plans that they still have not shared… They plan to coronate the lass anyway.”

“Have they gone daft? We nearly killed her from fright!”

Darren had a point, one Jacob expressed as well. They would not be deterred though. Jacob feared that if pushed too hard, the danger to her would intensify before they knew the threat… “They feel that she will be more accepting of what they propose if she is indisposed. They mean to force ‘er, the bloody fools.” They had no idea what they were doing. They had no idea just how much danger they were bringing to her. In order to keep to the plan though, they had to go along. Sacrifices were being made by all parties in this deal.

“Jacob, Brandir…”

“Aye, Brandir would say to be suspicious. We will nae let any harm come to the lass. No matter what Edinburgh tries. Keep a watchful eye on ‘er at all times.”

The doctor sighed a deep, old, bone weary sigh. He still sat beside Amelia. “Ye boys… Brandir would be grateful to all ye have done. Never ferget that. Things will nae turn out as easy as ye believe. The world is much different from Brandir and my’s time. Verra different indeed.”

“What do ye recommend?”

“Make the lass believe she is truly needed. Show ‘er what ye fight fer. Lasses are strange creatures an’ if this one is any like ‘er mum… then the world will burn if she desires it.”

Such a strange phrase from an old man. Brandir had warned him that Amelia’s mother had a temper to rival an ancient volcano, but that it was only when one she loved was threatened that her temper came out. Looking at Amelia, he just couldn’t reconcile the frumpy woman with a woman of fire… The image just didn’t mesh.

Meeting Darren’s gray eyes, he nodded. They would be alert. The players were still unknown. Danger could come from anywhere. Even the old doctor could be hiding a trick or two. There was no telling what awaited them when they landed. Would people rejoice? Would war erupt? Would the traitor Brandir had spoken of be waiting? So many unknowns. How would they ever be able to do their duty when danger could come from all sides…

“Darren, get Daniel on the line.” Daniel would be able to tell him what Edinburgh was up to, what the plans for Amelia would be. That would give him a way to fight what was to come. A way to prepare for the danger ahead.

Looking back down at Amelia, he could only hope that Amelia shared her mother’s spirit. They would need her to fight. It was time that he began making plans of his own. The promise to Brandir was so much more than the others believed. That promise would cost Amelia her life if not kept. Would Jacob be able to keep it?

Just how much of the future had Brandir seen when he made him swear what he had? Would he know that Amelia would be so beautiful? She was. Beautiful. Even as a frumpy mess, she was still beautiful. A red tint to her brunette hair, hazel eyes with flecks of brown, and the lines on her face revealed that despite a past filled with loss, she laughed. Would she ever smile again when she learned what they had done? Would she ever laugh again when she realized she had been betrayed?

Chapter 4

Such a weird dream, she thought as she opened her eyes. However, the sight that greeted her caused her to go completely still. The room was massive. Her own room was a mere closet in comparison. The bed she was lying in was a wooden monstrosity with curtains latched to each of the posters of the headboard and footboard, allowing her to look around. Underneath her fingers, the bedspread felt like a heavy cotton one. Its lilac color contrasted perfectly with the gray stone walls. A fire was burning in the fireplace on the other side of the room. “Where in the world am I?”

A slight knock to the heavy wooden door caused her to jump. As she realized that she was in a nightgown, she pulled the covers tightly around her. Looking around, she saw that she had no place to hide. The door began to slowly creak open, the sound echoing upon the walls. A young woman wearing a pants suit entered. “Ah, the ma’am is finally awake. How do you feel?”

“Where am I?”

“You are in Balmour Castle.”

Balmour Castle? Was this lady crazy? There was no way she could be at Balmour Castle. No way. “Um… I very highly doubt that. That’s the Queen of England’s summer retreat. I was in Birmingham, Alabama. Not Birmingham, United Kingdom, so there’s no way I could be in Balmour Castle. You see, there’s a whole ocean between us.”

Standing by the door, the woman said, “Ma’am, my name is Edith.” While keeping her voice quiet, as if she was speaking to a wounded animal that might turn on her, she didn’t move from her spot. “I’ve been hired by the Scottish Nationalist Party to be your publicist. They figured that you would like an American. That you might better relate to an American, while you’re transitioning.”

Transitioning? What did she mean by that? What in the world was going on? Looking around once more, Amelia frowned. “I do not understand. Why would I need a publicist?” Wait
…
“The SNP?” That
’
s in Scotland. “Why am I in Scotland!?!” A round of coughing erupted from her as she tried to move too quickly.

Edith took a quick step forward, holding her hands up. “Please keep calm. There’s no need to upset your lungs. The doctor finally took you off oxygen a few hours ago when it was for certain that you would wake without any further trouble.”

“You need to either explain why I’m here or let me go immediately.” She lowered her voice and narrowed her eyes. This had to be a joke. A sick joke, but a joke nonetheless.

“I think it’s better if I show you. You are at Balmour Castle. It was purchased two days ago, by Scotland. Please stand, slowly now, and wrap yourself up in the blanket. It is very cold outside.” She did as she was told. Slowly because the dizziness was still upon her. “Now, walk towards those doors. It’s a balcony. Go on, look outside.”

As she walked to the door, she realized that the woman wasn’t following her. Edith was trusting that she would see what she wanted her to see. Amelia’s stomach dropped, and reaching out, she took a deep breath. Things weren’t right. They weren’t right at all. Grasping the ornate door handle, she opened the door and stepped out into the morning sun.

The frigid air seemed to seep into her bones, blistering her skin. Yet the sun shone and the sky was bright. Not a hint of gray in sight, other than the stone of the balcony. It was a beautiful balcony too, with a light spattering of snowflakes on it. Lions had been etched within the stone itself. They appeared so lifelike that she half expected the stone creatures to jump up and begin prancing about, tossing their manes in regal fashion.

Sounds of people drew her closer to the side. Voices hushed, but excited stirred curiosity within her. Closing her eyes to prepare herself for what she might encounter, she took a step forward. Cautiously she grasped the balcony railing with one hand, tightening the blanket around her. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes. Looking over the edge of the balcony, she stopped in shock, her eyes went wide.

So many people milling about. A sea of people melted together, colors blending, but one thing was for certain. Each person held a blue and white flag. The flag of Scotland.

They were talking amongst themselves. So many… Then they saw her. The sea of faces turned towards her, several people began pointing. Cheers rang out. Not knowing what to do she smiled and waved. Shouts of ‘Long live the queen
’
rang out. She wrapped herself tighter in the blanket and stepped back inside.

Something was indeed wrong. The question would be just how wrong though. Fear still filled her. The intruders in her home had wanted something after all. They had wanted her. She didn’t understand. What did she have that Scotland wanted? Why were people shouting and chanting ‘Long live the queen
’
? Who was the queen? Had they mistaken her for someone else?

Turning, she noticed that Edith stood there calmly, waiting for her to speak. After a minute, with the cheers still ringing out, she frowned. Amelia took a moment to consider her words carefully. “Edith, please tell me what’s going on here. I’m feeling a little lost.” That was the understatement of the year… A little lost didn’t begin to describe what she was feeling. She was feeling confused, angry, and even a little snotty. Lost was just the tip of the iceberg.

“I tried to tell them that they needed to explain things to you, but they thought they needed to get you here first. They thought it best… Men, they always think they know what will be best…Amelia MacRory, I am truly sorry that I am the one that must break this to you. I wish there was someone else that could do it. Someone that could make this less scary for you… You see, you are the last surviving member of the line of Mary Queen of Scots.” Amelia watched as she struggled to find the words to continue. Of course she was the last of the line. It was a rumor that her father had told her as a child. Once she had lost her mother she did some genealogy and sure enough… the rumor had been true. She had known it for years though. What did this have to do with any of this? She watched as Edith took a deep breath, averting her eyes, “This afternoon you will be crowned Queen Amelia, the first, of Scotland.”

“I’m sorry, but did you say queen? As in ruler kind of queen.” There had to be some mistake. She couldn’t be queen of anything, much less of Scotland. She had to be at work in the morning. She had to meet Gen. They had plans to see a movie this weekend. Heck, she had a date Friday night. There was no way he would believe that she had to re-schedule because she was being crowned Queen of Scotland…

Edith took a small step towards her, still calm. “Yes, ma’am. Scotland is now free. They have decided to institute a constitutional monarchy to calm some of the pensioner’s fears. However, you will have more power than the Parliament. This is to ensure that the people are the most protected. You are the last of the line of Scottish monarchs from Mary. I wish they would have gone about this differently, but they have already told the people that you have accepted.”

They told a country that she had accepted? A country? Without even asking her first? What kind of people were they? Wait, when had they told the people she had accepted? “How long have I been out?”

“The guards brought you in via private plane from the United States late yesterday afternoon. The doctor saw to you right away. They told the people that you were ill from the flight and might be indisposed for a few days.”

“Yet, they scheduled a crowning?”

Edith smiled. “It is a coronation ceremony, not a crowning. They scheduled it for this afternoon in hopes that you would be too weak to resist.”

“Well, they were smart on that account.” She was too weak to resist. Tired and weak. However, she was not tired enough to keep from trying to flee. “Unfortunately, I’m a little busy today. Things to do and all.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Got to find my way back to the States. So I best be going.”

Her guard went up as Edith stepped between her and the path to the door. Was she going to try to stop her? If Edith did, how would she be able to fight? She couldn’t fight. Not really. Her temper had been hidden long ago. Releasing it had harmed someone she loved, so she had buried it deep within. It was in a place so deep that nothing could bring it out. Not even someone trying to harm her. It was safer to keep it bottled up in a shatter proof container and buried at the bottom of the sea than to let it fester at the surface. However, there were still days that she could feel it, bubbling beneath the surface…

Edith quickly threw her hands up, as if trying to appear non-threatening. “I’m sorry, ma’am, but there’s no going back. The people need you. There’s no one else. Scotland is now an independent country. Really, there is no one else. If you do not accept, if you are not coronated, then war will erupt. Scotland is in a weakened state right now. They need a monarchy to negotiate with England. To show strength… The country will fail if you do not accept.”

Amelia went back to the bed and sat upon it. What little strength she had, seemed to be rapidly disappearing. “I cannot be queen. I have a date Friday. I didn’t really want to go cause it’s a blind date, but Gen says I have to. Says I’m getting too old. He won’t believe me if I tell him that I can’t make it because I’m now the queen of a different country… Hell, I don’t believe it.”

“I offer my sincerest apologies ma’am, but I do not think you’re going to make your date.” Amelia nodded as Edith sat beside her. “There will be many changes over the next few months, but for now it is time to get dressed. Then you must meet officially meet your guards and your entourage. We will also have to discuss the ceremony for later today.”

Entourage? Seriously, they were giving her an entourage? “Did they happen to raid my closet while they were kidnapping me from my home?” Anger still burned at that. “Otherwise, I do not have any clothes here.”

Edith stood and called out, “Bring them in.” The door opened and four maids entered carrying clothes on cedar wooden hangers. Two had dresses and one had a pantsuit. The last one had a skirt and jacket type suit. They were all dreary colors. Gray, black, and dark blue. All dark. Maybe it was meant to coordinate with her mood… “Unfortunately, the guards didn’t have time to pack your belongings.”

Guards? “Those guys were the guards?”

Edith ignored her interruption and continued, “We have procured a few things in the meantime; however, I have had your secretary schedule shopping time for tomorrow morning. It will allow you to get to know your people and it will show them that despite being an American you are willing to support your Scottish roots.”

She giggled at the absurdity of having a secretary. “I do not know what to do. I don’t know much about Scotland. I mean I know it’s history, but I don’t know much about modern events. I can’t be a good leader if I don’t know what they need.” She couldn’t be a leader at all. Much less a leader of Scotland. Its history was full of bloodshed, love, and loss. The people had fought for everything they had and had never been given anything. Had much changed? Or were they going to continue down that path…?

“Ma’am?” The maid holding the pantsuit stepped forward. “Beg yer pardon, ma’am… Tis what we need. Yer one of us now. We need ye. Please stay.”

“What is your name?”

“Fiona, ma’am.”

“Fiona, I may not be able to save Scotland, but I will try. At least until they get fed up with me and decide to send me home. You should know though, I’m not the kind of person to keep my mouth shut… I’ll more than likely cause at least one international incident in the first twelve hours…” She took a deep breath and put her head up. She would make sure they got fed up with her too. There was more than one way to skin a cat. If she had survived being chased by drug runners because of Gen’s guy, then she could survive until they came for her. Just have to be a pain in the ass, make it uncomfortable for her guards. She grinned, that she could do. “I like the pantsuit.”