All Her Men (The Queen's Men Book 1) Read Online Free Page B

clear that the SNP Leader was a man used to getting his own way. Something about him screamed at her. Reminded her of what her father once told her. A story from long ago about a demon that ravaged the land of his birth. The story ended with a princess coming to smite the demon… The demon even had a scar in the shape of a cross on his hand, just like the SNP Leader’s. It was just coincidence, it had to be, but it would be better to steer clear of this man.
    “Alright, Maggie, let’s go.”
    “What did you call me?” His hand curled into a fist, revealing that he was quick to anger.
    “I meant, let’s begin, Mr. SNP Leader.” His hand relaxed at her change in words, and she wondered if he realized that he had done it or if it was completely subconscious.
    “Of course. First, we need to begin by having you pledge your allegiance to Scotland. Then, then you will need to sign the Declaration.”
    “The Declaration?” It sounded so final, like giving her life away.
    “You will be declaring that you will uphold the rights of the Scottish people before all others, that you will give your life to protect the people of this country, and that you will forever pledge your allegiance to Scotland and her people.”
    Give her life? Was she really prepared to do that? “Do I have to say it?”
    “What?”
    “If I have to say it then you’re going to need to say all of that again. I can’t remember all of that.”
    “You do not have to say any of it. You just have to sign. You do not even need to speak.” The look he gave her screamed that he would prefer it if she didn’t speak. It was a look filled with barely concealed malevolent desire.
    “Then let’s get on with it, Mr. SNP Leader.” She watched intently for any reaction he might display and her shoulders tensed when his hand did. She was in trouble and the only way out was by playing a game — a game that could apparently get her killed.
    “Fine. Here,” he flatly said as he held the Bible out to her. They were apparently past all pretenses. “You need to sign within it.”
    Looking at the Bible, taking it in her own slightly shaking hands, she realized that it was not actually a Bible. It was a really old dark gray leather bound book. The pages within were bound to it, but it looked as if they were older than the book’s cover. Some of the pages couldn’t even be read anymore, but those that could were in a language that Amelia didn’t understand. “What is this?”
    “It is the history of our people. A hundred years ago, the important documents pertaining to Scottish rule were copied and placed within this book. These aren’t the true documents; however, yours will be the true copy. Flip through it carefully to the most recent page. There you will find the articles. There you will sign.”
    Amelia did as she was told and she came to a page that had been penned rather quickly. The ink had smeared on the pages. There were five articles detailing how she would reign. They could be summed up by three words: no power whatsoever. That was fine with her. She wouldn’t be here long enough to need to make changes. She grabbed the pen he produced and signed above her printed name.
    “Very good,” he said as he grabbed the book and pen back from her. “Now, we must have your royal guards pledge their allegiance to you. Then we will be done.” The door opened once again and several men began walking in. As they filed into a line in front of her, recognition flared to life. These were the men that had invaded her house. These were the men that took her — that stole her in the dead of night.
    The men that had invaded her house knelt in front of her. Not a single one looked her in the eye. They all stared at the ground in front of them.
    Anger should fill her veins at the sight of them, but she could not bring herself to be mad. They were probably all used to doing what they had been directed to do. They looked like men that followed orders quite well.