Without delay, as his father had done before him and every king, prince, duke, governor or noble in history did with their mate, he sat on the throne and pulled her into his lap.
Instantly, she made a surprised noise and tried to jerk away.
His arms tightened around her, he gave her a warning shake and her alarmed gaze flashed to his. Whatever she saw there made her stare then her eyes went blank and her body settled into his.
“Rise,” he commanded, the assemblage took their feet and all eyes turned to the throne.
He knew what they saw.
If he’d not claimed her, she’d be standing at the right side of his throne.
But, claimed and bound, now their queen, she was in his lap.
He felt another thrill of elation, understanding the overwhelming importance of the occasion as did everyone in the room. Everyone except, he didn’t think to note, Sonia.
Watching their eyes scan Sonia, he allowed himself a moment to glory in it, knowing what they saw. Even if it had nothing to do with him and everything to do with fate, he was still exceedingly proud of it.
Then he commenced business.
Not looking at Mona, his eyes searched the room and focused on Mona’s Lieutenant Governor.
“Saint,” he called and the tall warrior walked toward the dais.
Callum knew Saint well. Saint had fought alongside Callum. He was a strong, crafty warrior and a good friend. Thirty-one years ago, Mac had installed Saint at Mona’s side to make certain she didn’t discover Sonia’s existence and to keep an eye on Mona.
He’d done both.
As was standard practice, Saint had also been interrogated but, not surprisingly, he had no connection to the plot nor, until recently, any idea the rebellion had chosen the Western Territories to assemble.
He had no idea because Mona didn’t.
However, it had been Saint who’d cottoned on something was happening. He’d uncovered the plot against Sonia and revealed it to Callum.
Over the years, Saint had been reporting with growing frequency that working with Mona was becoming more and more of a chore.
Callum, unfortunately, knew everything about Mona was a chore and hadn’t thought much of it.
This was his mistake.
He was about to rectify it.
When Saint stopped at the foot of the dais, Callum spoke. “By the end of the day, I’ll want a shortlist of names of those you feel would best replace Desdemona as Governor of this Territory.” Callum heard Mona’s angry gasp and felt Sonia go still in his arms but he continued, “If you’re interested, put your name at the top of that list.”
“Yes, your grace,” Saint replied, relief in his eyes and a small smile tugging at his lips.
Callum’s gaze went to Mona. “Desdemona, I’m removing you as Governor, effective immediately.”
She leaned forward and started, “But, your grace –”
“Under your nose, a rebellion amassed in your Territory,” he announced, cutting her off. “You’re well aware that one of the most important parts of your duty is to be my eyes and ears in this region and to inform me if there’s news of an insurrection. Nevertheless, you’ve flagrantly ignored missives from Scotland as to how to oversee your people to make certain that didn’t happen. This meant they knew your region was weak and targeted it. There were even two amongst your personal guard who were involved. Further, because of your personal failings, for thirty-one years you put my father and me in a disadvantageous position because we couldn’t trust you and your guard to protect my queen. Now we have a situation where, if you were doing your job, you would have sorted it and it would not have required my attention or I would have been aware of it long before now. But it’s far worse. It’s a situation where known rebels have accumulated in your region, they’ve conspired to break the treaty and all of this has placed my queen at risk.”
“King Callum –” Mona began.
Callum interrupted her tersely, “Mona, you best not speak. We both know your rule of this province has been a joke since it started.”
Her beautiful face twisted and, unwisely, she ignored his command and stated, “Your father never complained.”
“That wasn’t my father’s way,” Callum returned.
“My father –” she began, her tone turning threatening.
“Your father has no choice but to accept this decision,” Callum retorted. “You’re released,” he declared with finality. He watched her body jolt and her temper flair but continued, “For placing my queen in jeopardy, you should be punished. But with respect to your father, instead, I’m giving you a year to find your mate and settle. After that year, if you don’t, you’ll be sequestered.”