Exile's Return (Book 1) Read Online Free PDF

through the crowd and stared distastefully at the bloodied corpse. ‘His name is Gellatly, Sire, and I have no idea what he intended.’
    ‘Well, it’s damned obvious what he intended,’ Eachern snapped, bending down to take the knife from the dead man’s hand. ‘He intended to assassinate his King! Are you going to tell us you knew nothing about this?’
    Vaughn opened his mouth but no words came out. He shut it again, took a deep breath then said, ‘I do not like your tone, my lord. Are you accusing me of treason? If so,may I remind you that it was also one of my own men who saved His Majesty’s life – while you stood idle. Perhaps this is some scheme of yours.’
    ‘Enough!’ Selar blasted at them both. With a thunderous frown, he glared at the faces of those gathered around, finally landing on a man who stood silently beside Governor Osbert – the man who had saved his life. ‘You. What’s your name?’
    The man bowed deeply, ‘Nash, Sire. Samdon Nash.’
    Selar’s gaze narrowed, ‘Well, Samdon Nash, it seems I owe you my life.’
    ‘No, Sire. I did nothing more than my duty.’ Nash was the picture of calm, his eyes downcast before his sovereign.
    ‘More than these other incompetents,’ Selar jerked his head. ‘Do you know this man?’
    ‘Yes, Sire.’
    ‘You do?’ Selar took a step forward, his eyes level with Nash. ‘Then you knew he was going to do this? Come, speak up, man.’
    Nash raised his eyes and held Selar’s gaze. ‘No, Sire, I did not know what Gellatly intended. However, I cannot say I was surprised when I saw him move. I suppose that’s why I was able to react so quickly.’
    ‘And why were you not surprised?’
    At this, Nash glanced first at Vaughn and then at Osbert. When Osbert nodded, he replied, ‘It was no secret that Gellatly did not hold the greatest love for you, Sire. Only a few days ago, when he was speaking to His Grace the Duke of Quels, Gellatly repeated that he would love to see you lose your throne. I’m sorry, Sire, but I had no idea he was that serious. I would have said something otherwise.’
    ‘Yes, I’m sure you would,’ Selar hissed. He turned very slowly until his eyes landed on his brother’s envoy. Ogiers’ smooth composure was noticeably shaken and his eyes widened as they read the unspoken question in Selar’s eyes.
    With great dignity, Ogiers drew himself up, ‘If you wish to involve me in your domestic squabbles, Your Majesty,then I suggest you say so openly. Otherwise, with your leave, I shall withdraw.’
    ‘Oh, believe me,’ Selar intoned menacingly, his eyes glinting in the candlelight, ‘you have our leave. And you can tell my brother that he will have to try much harder next time.’
    Ogiers stiffened, his jaw jutting out in defiance. Without a word, he turned and stalked out of the hall, his retinue trailing behind.
    Forgotten in the argument, Godfrey now rose to his feet. Selar glanced at him then jerked his hand towards the body. ‘Get that thing out of here – and clear this room!’
    With a final bellow to Vaughn and his council, Selar strode away. The crowd around the body began to break up and soon Godfrey was one of the last remaining. Hilderic joined him, his face pale and ashen, but it was the Queen who drew Godfrey’s attention. Cursing himself, he moved quickly to her side.
    ‘Your Grace, please allow your ladies to take you away. You should not have seen this.’
    The Queen tore her gaze away from the body. She looked shocked but her voice was steady as she said in a whisper, ‘Father … I can’t help it. Why did he do it? What would make him … he must have known he would be stopped.’
    Godfrey took her hands in his, dropping his voice until it was audible only to her. ‘Who knows what makes a crazy man act? But you, daughter,’ he added pointedly, ‘must not be sorry he failed.’
    She met his gaze for a moment then nodded slowly, the briefest hint of a smile gracing her sweet face. ‘Oh, Father,