The Beast of Renald (The Northern Knights) Read Online Free

with light gray receded far back from his broad forehead, his thin face mottled with anger and those sharp eyes like a hawk shot over her for a brief second.  Though he did not stand as tall as the leader and had a slight protruding belly, he was broad and big arms hung at his side.  In one hand he carried a heavy and bloody blade that still dripped blood. He was quite a majestic sight to behold. A dominating and formidable force that struck more fear inside her. Caroline found herself fisting her hands even tighter into the folds of her gown so hard that her fingers felt numb. She trembled anew when the king's loud and raspy voice filled the soiled hall. 
    He spoke to the leader without another glance in her direction. ‘Have they given up the Lady yet, lieutenant? Does she yet live?’
    Caroline stopped breathing and waited with her knees quaking in horror at his words.
    The leader did not look at her again when he addressed his king. ‘Seems the people of Halvard Castle are loyal to their beloved mistress.’  Caroline let out a sigh of relief only for it to be short-lived when he added, ‘But it is all for nothing.  Aye, she still lives. For I have discovered the Lady, Sire.’
    He turned his cold blue eyes on her and Caroline wanted to slap the smug look from his scarred face.
    ‘As I knew you would. Nothing escapes you, lieutenant.’
    The king turned a hard look upon her just as the leader reached out and grabbed her elbow roughly and drew her forward.
    ‘Bow before your king, Lady.’  He commanded.
    Caroline could not help herself and wrenched free with a jerk and shoved away from him. He moved not an inch and instead laughed softly near her ear. If she had a blade she would add a scar to his cheek to match the other one.
    Caroline dropped hastily into a deep curtsy and prayed she did not choke on her words. ‘Your Majesty.’ Her jaw hurt, she held her teeth so tight.
    ‘Ah, Lady Caroline. Rise. Feisty one, are you then?’  The king addressed her with a hasty, almost dismissive wave. No amusement laced his tone.
    She met his dangerous gaze and wanted to turn away just as quickly.  But she could not for she was frozen. 
    A quiet hush fell over the jammed room. Weapons being unsheathed and the clang of steel were the only sounds she heard in the quiet, that and her heart which thudded loudly against her ribs, but even that dulled compared to the king’s booming voice.
    ‘I showed your husband mercy for his part with Hereward in their failed stand at Ely. However, he failed to abide by it.  Neither did he learn from it and give up his pursuits. An arrogant man.  Would have been wise of him to leave go, but…well, a stubborn and most vile burr cannot remove itself.  He erred most grievously in believing there would be no judgment against him for his attack on the Earl of Kent’s lands and it has cost him dearly.’
    The king made a gesture with his hand over his shoulder and a soldier rushed forth carrying a blood-soaked sack.  ‘Your husband has paid the true price of his crimes, Lady Caroline.’  
    Cold fear gripped Caroline and she wanted to back away from the icy glare the king was bestowing upon her as he continued.  ‘Let it be known to the rest of you here. Mercy will not be shown to any foolish enough to rise up against me. Only the weak have flown to the borders and any who assist those in exile, you shall face swift justice as well. Your heroic savior Hereward is gone. Ely mine. Rid yourself of any radical ideals now. Show them.’ He instructed the soldier he’d called forward with a flick of his wrist.
    The soldier dug into the bag and pulled something large out.  Caroline swallowed the bile back, her throat convulsed when the bloody severed head of Lord Halvard was held up to the screams of his remaining loyal people in the crowded room.
    ‘Silence!’ the king shouted.
    The hall instantly fell quiet. 
    Caroline knew she was going to be sick from the dizziness and loathing