Destiny of the Heart (Viking Destiny) (37 page)

"It's all right my old friend. That is a fair question. I do
not condone what my father has done. I was but a small boy
when my father set out to conquer the royal family and I have
never agreed with his actions, nor have other members of our
family. My grandfather tried to persuade him to give up this
fool dream of overthrowing the rightful king and my father
killed him for it. I loved my grandfather, and his death was a
huge loss for me. Being son to a man like Sander is not a
privilege, it's a curse. My grandfather was the only salvation I
had as a child, and the day he ripped that away from me was
the day I swore I would thwart his plans in any way I could."
"That's a nice story, but how do we know you're telling
the truth?" Tristan insisted.
"Because, the day my father attacked the castle, I was
supposed to be in the camps with my mother. I was only
seven years old at the time. Instead, I snuck inside the palace
and came upon Finn trying to get his family out. But, he was
fighting off several of my father's men and trying to protect
them at the same time. He was overwhelmed. I drew my
sword and stabbed one of my father's soldiers. Another turned
on me, giving Finn the leverage he needed to finish them off. I
helped Finn get his family out of the palace and to a waiting
boat to take them to England. When they captured Finn, it was
by my doing that he wasn't killed, but was made to serve as
Master of the Guard so that one day he could help his
daughter do what she was meant to do."
Kristen was surprised. Nikolas had never told her any
of that. Of course, neither had her mother.
"I don't understand why my mother never told me any
of this."
"It is likely that she did not want to worry you
unnecessarily." Finn added.
"She led me to believe you were a pirate, and that's
why you stayed. Not because you were protecting our people,
but because you couldn't leave the life you had known."
"What utter nonsense! A pirate?!" Finn said indignantly.
"I'd watch that tone if I were you." Tristan added, his
arms crossed over his chest.
Finn glanced at him, not at all concerned with the threat
in his tone, and returned his attention to his daughter. He was
beginning to dislike the English and their haughty tones. If the
twin of his daughter's husband was a pirate, he was likely the
worst pirate Finn had ever associated with.
"Are all Englishmen as arrogant and foolish as that
one?" He asked Kristen.
Kristen smiled, but Derrick cleared his throat. "Finn, I
have great respect for you, but that is my brother you're
speaking about and I'll not stand for it."
"Nor will I." Oliver added a little hotly.
Finn wasn't the least bit concerned, but Kristen was just
plain annoyed.
"Knock it off, all of you! This isn't the least bit helpful."
She glared at all of them in turn until each of them looked
away under her hard stare.
"Yes, I'd very much like to get back to Nikolas and his
involvement with this. I find it hard to believe that you're simply
willing to give up the right to rule." Guy added.
"It was never my right. I was not born into nobility, and it
was not honorably won."
Tristan frowned. "See, the problem I have with this
whole scenario is that it's your father. If it came down to it, I
don't think you could kill him."
"You are correct. Despite the horrible atrocities he has
committed and the hell he has put me through, I could not kill
him. But, I will not stop someone else from doing so, either."
Nikolas looked pointedly at Kristen.
"Nikolas has suffered a lot to help us over the years.
You should not question his loyalty in this." Finn added.
Tristan's eyes never left Nikolas'. For whatever reason,
Tristan didn't trust him. He didn't really trust Finn for that
matter. Or the other fellow Adrian. Tristan didn't really like
outsiders in general.
"I question everything. That's why I'm still alive." He
added.
Derrick cleared his throat. "I don't like that you're all
willing to let Kristen do the dirty work. I mean, she could be
killed."
Finn frowned. "It's not a matter of letting her do
anything, Derrick. Kristen is a Viking. Taking action is part of
her heritage, but reclaiming the throne is part of her destiny.
Besides, you were all too keen to let her run the show in the
dungeons."
Derrick's nostrils flared angrily. He didn't like what Finn
had implied. Kristen, sensing the two would come to blows
before long, stepped between them and put her hands up.
"First of all, I'm standing right here and I'm perfectly
capable of speaking for myself. Derrick, it's not a matter of
them leaving the dirty work for me, I have to do this. These are
my people and they need my help. I couldn't live with myself if
I didn't at least try. Father do not speak to my husband like
that again. He is not a coward, you will not treat him as such."
Finn bowed to Derrick. "My apologies. I was out of line."
Derrick nodded. "Thank you. I accept." He pulled
Kristen into a hug and held her close, resting his cheek on her
head. "Kristen, I - "
"I know." She whispered.
He sighed. He looked at his brothers and friend for
help, but they were silent. No one liked it, but Kristen was the
only hope Norway had of being free from Sander's tyranny.
Derrick knew the moment he laid eyes on her she was special,
he just didn't realize that special meant he would be up all
night worrying about her.
Chapter 40

The trip back to London took about a month, and
Kristen was ready to be home for a little while before the
madness ensued. The first place they stopped was Guy's
house. Mel was absolutely beside herself with worry over
Kristen and Guy. She hugged Kristen so tight that Kristen
couldn't breathe and had to pry her friend's arms off of her.
That being said, she had certainly missed her friend, even if
her detour was because of Mel's meddling. And Mel was
thrilled that Kristen and Derrick were married and promised to
throw them a ball in honor of their nuptials, though neither
Derrick nor Kristen were keen on the idea.

She was not, however, pleased to see Alice. She quite
rudely asked Kristen what she was thinking to associate with
such a blood-thirsty monster, and freely telling Kristen what
the woman had done. When Kristen told Mel that she already
knew all about it, Mel was quite surprised.

"Mel, you didn't meet Sander. Alice didn't have a choice
in her actions."
"Did she tell you what she did to me? She kidnapped
me and hung me upside down for two days with no food or
water. I nearly lost the baby!" Mel fairly screeched.
Guy and Derrick rounded on Alice, and she took a step
back into Adrian's protective arms. Tears glimmered in her
eyes as she looked at everyone. Kristen tried to protect Alice,
but the Lady Atchkinson had made that impossible now. Finn
and Nikolas looked at her as though she were a monster, and
when the truth of Lady Atckinson's words sunk in, Finn
stormed out of the study and went to wait outside. Kristen
sighed.
"Mel, I can't begin to imagine what that must have been
like for you, and I'm sorry. But, I'd like to point out that she
didn't kill you when she found out you were pregnant, and she
returned you home. She is a great many things, but she is not
a complete monster. She has suffered a lot, more so than you
and I could imagine."
Alice couldn't believe her ears. She knew Kristen was a
kind soul, but to completely forgive Alice her actions, after
Alice had killed her entire family, well that just endeared
Kristen to her all the more. She swore then and there and that
she would do whatever it took to protect Kristen and ensure
she resumed her rightful place on the throne. In the meantime,
she glanced at the Lady Atchkinson. She saw some of the
heat slip from her features as Kristen pointed out the good that
Alice had done.
"Very well. I shall endure her presence when necessary
as it relates to you, but only because you're asking me to. I
don't want that bitch anywhere near me otherwise."
Kristen grimaced but nodded. She looked at Alice
sadly, but knew it would take some time for Mel to come to
grips with Alice's place in all of this. She also knew that her
father was going to have a hard time with her presence, as
well.
For the time being, Kristen tried to keep the peace
where she could. She hugged Chelsea, glad to see that she
was alright and still in England. Tristan was equally relieved
and rushed to her side the moment he got through the door.
She seemed surprised by his eagerness, and when he told
her he was worried she might have gone home, she tsked and
kissed him soundly on the mouth, in front of his friends and
family. The display of emotion, especially coming from Tristan,
had his brothers ribbing him; although that died down pretty
quickly when Tristan promised them a pirate's beating if they
didn't put a lid on it.
In all of the commotion, Kristen had forgotten to ask if
everyone made it out of the house the night of the explosion.
Chelsea broke the news that Jack and the rest of Derrick's
crew had died, and Derrick's eyes lit up as he looked furiously
at Alice. Kristen tried to comfort Derrick, but he wasn't ready to
talk about it yet. Alice stayed behind Adrian and tried to keep
the guilt at bay. Technically, the explosions had been Virgil, so
those deaths were not on her hands. But, she had done plenty
as it was, so they might as well be.
After packing her clothes and few belongings, Kristen
and Derrick said their goodbyes. Tristan and Chelsea would
stay with Guy and Mel until Tristan found a house that wasn't
one of his brothers' estates. Since he and Scott hadn't
properly cleared the air, and Tristan was independent and
stubborn, he refused to listen to Derrick on the matter. Guy
and Mel were happy to have them as their house was large
enough, so Derrick didn't push the issue. At least Tristan was
staying in London, and that was something.
Alice and Adrian would stay at Alice's home off
Piccadilly. When Derrick had refused to pay the rent once they
had ended their arrangement, Alice had the paperwork drawn
up and presented to his solicitor for her to purchase it from
him. To her surprise, he had agreed, though looking back she
supposed it made perfect sense given his association with
Kristen. He had no intention of having another mistress.
Adrian was less than pleased to be staying in a house where
Alice had been with Derrick, but she pointed out that it was
only temporary since they would be going back to Norway
soon, and that seemed to pacify him somewhat.
Kristen and Derrick thought it would be best if they
stayed at Hollingsworth manor where they intended Finn and
Nikolas to stay, as well. Derrick hadn't discussed it with Scott
yet, but he knew his brother would be willing to help them out.
As Derrick, Kristen, Finn, Nikolas, and Oliver rode to
Hollingsworth, Kristen knew that for better or worse, her life
was forever changed by getting involved with this. There was
no going back, and she was scared. Scared she would lose
everything she loved, but most of all, she was scared that she
would let down those who were depending on her. She curled
up against Derrick's side and stared out the window, not really
listening to the conversation in the carriage.
When they all arrived at Hollingsworth manor, Derrick
led the way, holding Kristen's hand. Harrington opened the
door, proper as ever. He didn't even flinch at the sight of the
two giants standing on the doorstep.
"Good afternoon, Lord Derrick."
"Harrington. Is Scott in?"
"Yes m'lord. He's in the study."
"Anyone fired yet today?" Derrick asked with a small
smile.
Harrington's lips twitched from the old family joke, but
he maintained his composure. "Not today, m'lord. Shall I
announce you?"
Derrick shook his head. "No need."
"Yes, sir." Harrington bowed and left them to their
business.
Derrick led them to Scott's study. He knocked on the
door and entered to find Scott behind his desk poring over
records, but looked up and grinned.
"Well, what do we have here?"
Derrick made the introductions. "Scott, you remember
Kristen?" She curtsied formally and Scott inclined his head.
"This is Finn, her father." The large Viking inclined his head,
Scott did the same. "And this is Nikolas, crowned prince of
Norway." Nikolas inclined his head, and Scott rose from his
chair to give a proper bow to royalty.
When he straightened, he looked at Derrick askance.
Derrick sighed.
"We've got a lot to talk about."
"I'll ring for tea." He looked at Finn and Nikolas. "And
perhaps lunch."
Kristen smiled as she saw Scott in an entirely new light.
She still didn't think Scott should have kicked Tristan out of the
family, but she now understood the pressure he had on him to
ensure the safety and well-being of his family. After Scott
pulled the bell, he sat down and gestured for everyone else to
do the same. There weren't enough seats, so Finn offered to
stand.
"My apologies, I'll have another chair brought in with
lunch, Mr. Finn."
"Just Finn. And, I thank you for your hospitality."
Derrick looked at Scott. "I hope you don't mind, but until
this is all sorted out, I think it best if we all stay here. Two
Vikings would attract attention in London, and we sort of had
to leave Norway in a hurry."
Scott's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "I see. Well, in
that case, I agree. I'll have rooms made up for all of you.
You're welcome to stay as long as you would like."
They accepted the invitation gratefully, and Scott
listened as Derrick filled him in on what had transpired. Other
than a few surprised faces, Scott didn't interrupt with questions
or thoughts. He waited until the end. When Derrick finished,
he waited for the lecture he was sure was coming. Derrick
hadn't meant to embroil his family in this kind of thing, but
Kristen had accepted his past, so he thought it only fair that he
accept hers. He grabbed Kristen's hand and held it, firm
against whatever censure Scott had planned. But, Derrick was
to be surprised.
"I do believe Marie's decision to marry our two families
was perhaps the best thing to happen to us all." Scott said at
length.
"I beg your pardon?" Derrick asked.
"You knew Marie?" Finn asked.
"Yes, she was quite lovely. I met her several years ago
at the king's behest. He was good friends with her father, you
see, and he thought I might be able to help her in some way. I
wasn't really sure how, but when I met her she promptly
informed me of how I could be of assistance." He chuckled.
"What did she say?" Kristen asked, curious to know
why her mother had instigated the marriage contract between
Kristen and Derrick.
"She said that her husband was a scoundrel and the
worst sort of man imaginable, and she was afraid that if
something happened to her, Kristen would be left defenseless.
Ashby had already threatened to impugn Kristen's honor if
Marie did not pay his debts. She was afraid he would try to
force himself on Kristen for marriage if something ever
happened to her."
"But, why did she choose me?" Derrick asked.
"Well, that part was my doing. It's just that I couldn't get
you to settle down. Marie wanted the connection to our family,
and she liked the idea of you not being overly titled, so when
Kristen went back to Norway, you would be free to go with
her."
"Wait, you knew who I was?"
"Of course, my dear." Scott smiled. "There isn't much
that I am not aware of when it involves my family and their
doings."
Derrick rolled his eyes, and Kristen smiled.
"Well, so far, the king will not be able to help us. Have
you spoken to him yet?" Derrick asked.
"Not yet. I suspected he would be hesitant to become
involved without some assurances. Things were much
different when it was Flanagan who would be ruling. I believe
a lot will depend on you, my dear." He looked at Kristen.
Nikolas frowned. "I fear your king may not have a
choice."
"What do you mean?" Scott asked.
"Part of my father's plan in bringing Kristen back to
Norway was to incite the king of England's ire and perhaps
start a war. He plans to invade next winter if her
disappearance went unchallenged."
Scott's face went slack. "My God." He whispered.
Finn frowned. "We should speak to your king soon, and
tell him of this development."
"Yes, I agree," said Scott.
Derrick sighed. "Then Kristen and I will be returning
with the others to formulate a plan in the meantime. Even if
the king decides to invade first, from what I saw of the Viking
army, they're not to be trifled with."
"Tristan and I will be coming along, as well." Oliver said
from the corner.
It was clear that Scott didn't like all of his brothers out in
harm's way, but he refrained from saying so. He looked at
Kristen.
"Do you have a plan?"
"Not yet. We're here to rest and gather supplies. With
my father and Nikolas, I'm confident we can come up with
something."
"Young lady, you are talking about taking five men plus
yourself against an entire Viking army, and no assurance of
assistance from our own king. I just don't see how you are
confident about anything."
His words weren't harsh, but they didn't sit well with
Derrick. He glared at his brother, but Kristen wasn't
intimidated.
"With all due respect to your station, sir, I've faced the
king personally and I know what his weakness is. My father
and Nikolas tell me that not all of the guards are loyal to the
king, they are merely biding their time until my return to claim
the throne. I'm not suggesting this will be easy, but nothing
worth having ever is. I'm merely suggesting that with a little
time, I can come up with a plan that will minimize the damage
we take and perhaps save my people from an unjust king."
Kristen maintained eye contact with Scott, and Derrick
grinned. She didn't know it, but she had just wrapped the Duke
of Hollingsworth around her little finger. Scott looked at Derrick
and blinked.
"Well, you've certainly met your match, haven't you?"
Scott asked, a little in awe of Kristen. Derrick chuckled and
kissed Kristen's hand. "Finn, I think you've got a fine daughter,
indeed. I'll help in any way I can. I can't go with you, but I can
provide money and resources."
Finn nodded. "Thank you. As she said, there are
guards loyal to her, especially after telling the king he hits like
a girl. I think once we get there with a plan, we'll be fine."
Scott and Derrick looked at Kristen. Derrick laughed.
"You told the Viking king who invaded your palace and
overthrew your family that he hits like a girl?" Derrick asked,
incredulous.
Kristen shrugged. "His first hit was like a girl. Though,
I'll give him that second hit was pretty impressive. It knocked
me unconscious."
Derrick shook his head and turned back to Scott but
stopped. He tried really hard not to laugh at his brother. He
had forgotten that Scott didn't truly know Kristen yet.
Scott blinked several times in disbelief, trying to discern
if she were joking or not. "She's kidding, right?"
Derrick and Oliver burst out laughing. Kristen blushed.
"No, she's quite serious, Scott."
"Well, seems you will be keeping things rather
interesting around her, m'dear." Scott said, still stunned.
A knock sounded at the door and several servants
entered carrying tea, food, and an extra chair. Scott informed
them to have three rooms made up in the guest wing. When
the servants left, Finn and Nikolas regaled them with details of
Norway, and possible options that would make their venture
successful.
Chapter 41