Forbidden Legacy Read Free

echoed from the turret.
    Torches seated in ornate wall scones illuminated the chamberlain as he reached the top step, then hurried his way. “Sir Stephan, the king requests your presence.”
    In silence Stephan kept pace at his side, worried the Templars would be forced to remain at Urquhart Castle until they’d seized a coastal stronghold. With the importance of the cargo onboard, ’twas imperative to reach a secluded location without delay.
    The king’s man halted before the throne room’s entry, moved aside. “You may go in.”
    â€œI thank you.” After a deep breath, Stephan stepped across the threshold. He paused, stunned to discover a beautiful woman with hair as gold as the desert sand standing rigid at the king’s side. Confused by her presence, more so at her unyielding stance, he closed the door.
    At the soft thud, the lass turned and her eyes met his, then flared with anger.
    Far from intimidated, Stephan held her unwelcoming gaze. His arrival displeased her. Whatever caused her upset wasna his concern. He had enough problems without adding hers.
    Paces from the throne, Stephan halted and then bowed. “Your Grace.”
    â€œSir Stephan.” The king nodded toward the woman. “May I introduce my goddaughter, Lady Katherine Calbraith.”
    â€œMy lady,” Stephan said, smothering the wash of irritation her surname wrought. ’Twas coincidence, surely, that her family name matched that of a man he loathed.
    â€œLady Katherine,” Robert Bruce said, “may I present Sir Stephan.”
    Sapphire-blue eyes narrowed as she gave a slight nod. “Sir Stephan.”
    Her cool tone prodded Stephan. Between the Crusades and years in service to the Grand Master in France, never had he and this woman met. Yet the lass behaved as if through sheer resolve she tolerated his presence.
    â€œâ€™Twould indeed seem a fortuitous day,” the king said into the thick silence, “as each of your requests to me will be fulfilled by the other.”
    Fulfilled by the other? God’s blade! “Your Grace, Lady Katherine is nae what I seek.” A fact the king bloody well knew!
    â€œNor I a knight, Your Majesty,” she said, ice carving her words.
    A smile touched the sovereign’s mouth. “Your petitions have been made, entreaties I shall grant.” He glanced at the woman. “Sir Stephan is a man of the highest caliber, a knight who has proven himself many times over on the battlefield and a warrior who will lead his knights to reclaim your home.”
    Her face paled. “But—”
    â€œNay,” the king interrupted. “Earlier this day you agreed to my terms. Now you will abide by them.”
    Her fingers clenched the elegant folds of her travel-worn gown. “Aye, Your Grace.”
    Robert Bruce’s gaze leveled on him. “And you seek a stronghold, one I will bestow upon you with your marriage to Lady Katherine.”
    Marriage? The word seared through Stephan’s mind, a union at odds with his vow of celibacy upon becoming a Knight Templar. A pledge that, with the Grand Master’s dissolution of the Order, was now terminated.
    Throat tight, Stephan dragged his gaze to the woman. Despite the grand master’s dictate allowing matrimony, he wasna interested in taking a wife.
    Aye the lass was attractive. Her slender figure and comely face would appeal to any man, but he’d sworn his life to serving God’s will and eradicating evil.
    Frustrated, he struggled to find a reason to avoid the entanglement of an unwanted marriage. “I am a knight without a title or wealth. I dinna wish to dishonor Lady Katherine by having her marry below her station. Nor is a union necessary. I need naught but a stronghold.”
    Determination shrouded the king’s eyes. “You will wed and your marriage will be done this night or neither request will be granted.”
    Fighting for calm, Stephan fisted his