The Bastard Prince Read Online Free PDF Page B

continued.
    â€œIf the Haldane would dispute the giving of Culliecairn to this heir of Prince Marek, let him present himself before the city gates within ten days, no later than Saint John’s Eve, prepared to show legal proofs why Culliecairn should not become the birthright of Prince Imre of Festil.”
    â€œBy God, he goes too far!” Manfred muttered dangerously.
    â€œHe has some cheek!” Tammaron declared.
    â€œThis is an outrage not to be borne!” Rhun roared.
    Though in total agreement for once, Rhys Michael kept his anger in check, staying further uproar of his great lords with an upraised hand which, somewhat to his surprise, was heeded.
    â€œPeace, gentlemen. We must not confuse the messenger with the message. What is your name, sir herald?”
    â€œEugen von Rostov, my lord,” the man replied, with a curt inclination of his head.
    â€œEugen von Rostov.” Rhys Michael repeated the name, giving its pronunciation the same accent as its owner did. “Pray, forgive me if I appear to have missed something, but is it Prince Miklos or Prince Marek who affronts my sovereignty by laying claim to my property?”
    Smiling faintly, the herald favored Rhys Michael with a graceful inclination of his dark head. “Why, ’tis not intended to affront Gwynedd’s sovereignty, my lord, but to ameliorate a slight, no doubt unintentional, incurred when Gwynedd neglected to invite a representative of Torenth to your Highness’ coronation. No doubt the precipitous timing of that event contributed to the oversight, following hardly a year after your predecessor’s coronation. Nonetheless, my lord’s advisors felt certain that your Highness would wish to make amends by attending a similarly auspicious royal event in Torenth.”
    â€œThe christening of my rival’s heir in Culliecairn, sir herald?” Rhys Michael replied. “Surely you jest. Not only that, your geography is faulty. Culliecairn is in Gwynedd.”
    The herald spread his hands in a dismissive gesture. “No longer, my lord. Furthermore, its giving to my Lord Marek’s heir satisfies the social obligation of presenting suitable gifts at the christening of a royal heir. Having designated the castle and town of Culliecairn as a sufficiently princely endowment for his royal nephew, my lord Prince Miklos took possession last week, thus sparing you the effort of bringing a gift along.”
    â€œI prefer to make my own decisions regarding the giving of gifts,” Rhys Michael said quietly, “and while I understand a father’s pride in the birth of a son, you will excuse me, I hope, if I do not share your enthusiasm regarding a further pretender to my throne.
    â€œFurthermore”—he gestured toward the messengers—“I am informed by these good gentlemen that your master’s seizure of my property has cost the lives of many good men, including my loyal Earl of Eastmarch, to whom Culliecairn’s security had been entrusted.”
    â€œNo loss of life was intended,” the herald said smoothly, “but alas, some men did die.”
    â€œIndeed, the death of the Earl of Eastmarch is the only thing that would have permitted your master’s entry into Culliecairn,” Rhys Michael retorted. He drew a deep breath before going on.
    â€œI therefore must regard the action of your master as an act of unwarranted hostility on the part of a foreign prince. If Miklos does this as a private individual, then I shall appeal to his brother the King of Torenth, who is his overlord, for King Arion surely will not wish his vassal to threaten the borders of a neighbor with whom Arion himself is at peace. If it is done as a prince of Torenth, with King Arion’s knowledge, then Miklos risks war between our two kingdoms. And if he does it in behalf of Marek of Festil, then he supports a rebellious and illegitimate claimant against my throne—which, again, could be