Child of the Loch (Child of the Loch Series) by Elizabeth Delana Rosa
Authors: Elizabeth Delana Rosa
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he was a mere oafling . I know that he will defend her to death and perhaps someday love her.
Chian and I have spoken of this union many times and Jacoh did pledge them, but she must make her own choices and her own pledges. The pledge of Jacoh is annulled by order of King Misha McDonnell the Second.
As for my kingdom, my son will be acting steward with all the powers and rights of the McDonnell name, so that he may guide the Princess as she learns what it means to be Queen.”
The scroll ended with the true seal and signature of my grandfather. I caressed the scroll. It was the only thing I had from my grandfather, besides a crown I had yet to wear.
My father was shaking with anger, sparks flew from his fingers. He finally knew the true last will of the King. He had been deceived and robbed of his father. James had tried to steal everything my father held dear including his father, his birthright and his child.
He turned to me, poured water on his glowing hands and stroked my cheek, but said nothing. I knew he was cursing James, his line and his father for putting me in this situation. He hated James and the McCuens with a renewed passion for betraying us all and killing Misha McDonnell the Second. Each of the men seemed to share my father’s reaction. I sobbed for them all and hated the mess that I had stepped into.
Kane held out the other scroll in his large paw. His nails were retracted… I knew it was because as bearer of the seals he couldn’t scratch me or damage the scroll, which bore the seal of Chian , King of the Ogres of the Eastern Wood. It read:
“Take my men, Sheen, Kane and Tine as a gift to you. They will protect you on your journey and serve you from hereafter. Sean will be with you until you no longer have need of him then he can return home. Know that my sword and my council belong to you as it belonged to the Grand King of the Loch, Misha McDonnell II. ”
It was nice to see that I was not targeted by the whole of the Loch and I smiled in spite of myself. I could tell that I was going to like Chian , King of the Ogres.
With the news of the scrolls I turned to the three large men, who were to be my protectors. Surprised at my boldness, I placed one hand on Sean’s heart without permission. His broad chest was glistening in the sunlight and his heart beat faster. I placed my other hand on each of the men’s hearts. Sheen and Kane looked on with interest, wondering about my familiarity with the Prince and the touch of my hand but Tine simply looked at me with some boredom. Each man had a gift that would serve me well in the future and they were fiercely loyal.
Sheen and Kane seemed to be identical in every way except for their gifts. Sheen’s gift was fortune; he could see some of the future which changed with the decisions made and could be changed with the tide. It was unreliable at times but at others would be the difference between life and death. Kane’s gift was a warrior’s gift; he had an almost infallible sense for strategy in battle. Tine, the third of their trio, could share memories and invoke mercy and sympathy; he would be the voice of reason when tempers flared.
“Sheen, Kane, and Tine do you and your wives accept me as your sovereign? I will not force you to follow me. Will you be my men? People of my inner circle, my brothers. Will you follow me as you followed Chian , Sovereign of the Ogres of the Western Wood?” I asked.
Each of the men bowed to their knees again and exposed their necks. I ordered each one to rise and said, “Brothers, when I call for you, you will hear me. Your gifts will be used in my court alone. There will be few above you in my kingdom.” The words were not my own but something ancient and deep inside my blood uttered them.
Sheen, Kane spoke in side by side, velvety voices saying, “Grand Queen, my sword and gifts are yours. Ask what you will of me and it will be done. We have no mates but when we do they will swear oaths unto
Chian and I have spoken of this union many times and Jacoh did pledge them, but she must make her own choices and her own pledges. The pledge of Jacoh is annulled by order of King Misha McDonnell the Second.
As for my kingdom, my son will be acting steward with all the powers and rights of the McDonnell name, so that he may guide the Princess as she learns what it means to be Queen.”
The scroll ended with the true seal and signature of my grandfather. I caressed the scroll. It was the only thing I had from my grandfather, besides a crown I had yet to wear.
My father was shaking with anger, sparks flew from his fingers. He finally knew the true last will of the King. He had been deceived and robbed of his father. James had tried to steal everything my father held dear including his father, his birthright and his child.
He turned to me, poured water on his glowing hands and stroked my cheek, but said nothing. I knew he was cursing James, his line and his father for putting me in this situation. He hated James and the McCuens with a renewed passion for betraying us all and killing Misha McDonnell the Second. Each of the men seemed to share my father’s reaction. I sobbed for them all and hated the mess that I had stepped into.
Kane held out the other scroll in his large paw. His nails were retracted… I knew it was because as bearer of the seals he couldn’t scratch me or damage the scroll, which bore the seal of Chian , King of the Ogres of the Eastern Wood. It read:
“Take my men, Sheen, Kane and Tine as a gift to you. They will protect you on your journey and serve you from hereafter. Sean will be with you until you no longer have need of him then he can return home. Know that my sword and my council belong to you as it belonged to the Grand King of the Loch, Misha McDonnell II. ”
It was nice to see that I was not targeted by the whole of the Loch and I smiled in spite of myself. I could tell that I was going to like Chian , King of the Ogres.
With the news of the scrolls I turned to the three large men, who were to be my protectors. Surprised at my boldness, I placed one hand on Sean’s heart without permission. His broad chest was glistening in the sunlight and his heart beat faster. I placed my other hand on each of the men’s hearts. Sheen and Kane looked on with interest, wondering about my familiarity with the Prince and the touch of my hand but Tine simply looked at me with some boredom. Each man had a gift that would serve me well in the future and they were fiercely loyal.
Sheen and Kane seemed to be identical in every way except for their gifts. Sheen’s gift was fortune; he could see some of the future which changed with the decisions made and could be changed with the tide. It was unreliable at times but at others would be the difference between life and death. Kane’s gift was a warrior’s gift; he had an almost infallible sense for strategy in battle. Tine, the third of their trio, could share memories and invoke mercy and sympathy; he would be the voice of reason when tempers flared.
“Sheen, Kane, and Tine do you and your wives accept me as your sovereign? I will not force you to follow me. Will you be my men? People of my inner circle, my brothers. Will you follow me as you followed Chian , Sovereign of the Ogres of the Western Wood?” I asked.
Each of the men bowed to their knees again and exposed their necks. I ordered each one to rise and said, “Brothers, when I call for you, you will hear me. Your gifts will be used in my court alone. There will be few above you in my kingdom.” The words were not my own but something ancient and deep inside my blood uttered them.
Sheen, Kane spoke in side by side, velvety voices saying, “Grand Queen, my sword and gifts are yours. Ask what you will of me and it will be done. We have no mates but when we do they will swear oaths unto
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