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again reminding her of who they were… The kidnappers! They were the kidnappers! “You son of a bitch,” she hissed.
    “Before ye get all angry as a seafarin’ witch, allow me to introduce yer men.”
    Did he seriously just call her a witch? Fine. She would keep her mouth shut for now, but he would pay for that later. Crossing her arms over her chest she waited for him to continue. She would find a way to kill him later.
     

 
    Chapter 9
     
    Jacob knew he was in trouble. Her eyes said it all. The blue-green depths had swirls of copper that seemed to leap out as if fire burned from her eyes. Her arms were crossed over her chest, head tilted slightly down, as if asking was he really so stupid as to do what he had done. One foot lightly tapped out an impatient rhythm. She was angry enough to be contemplating his excruciatingly painful demise. If she had Brandir’s spirit then she could do it too. Strength was not necessary when your spirit was of a phoenix rising from the ashes. Determined to burn those that would harm the ones you loved.
    He would have to do some fast talking to get her to understand exactly what was at stake. Maybe then he would let him train her. Show her how to protect herself. A storm was coming and it was imperative that she be prepared for it. The news would be out. That Scotland had voted for freedom and now had a queen. A vulnerable, angry, and beautiful queen.
    “Lass, yer father Brandir asked us to watch after ye. We are to protect ye from any and all dangers. All of the men in this room have pledged their loyalty to ye. Each will give their life to protect ye. Dinnae take this lightly and dinnae forget this. T’will be a time when t’will be needed.” The men lined up against the wall as they had done many times before. Each waiting their turn to be introduced to their queen.
    Jacob walked up to the first one on the far left and placed his hand upon his shoulder. “’Tis Tim, our resident computer expert.”
    Walking up to the next one he turned to her. “’Tis Deacon, our weapons expert.”
    Moving further down the line. “’Tis Darren, our spy.”
    “Spy?”
    Stifling a laugh, Jacob casually said, “Aye, he can move into the enemies own forces an’ give him a hug before he realizes it.”
    “Queen, dinnae fash. Tis only used fer good.”
    She did not seem assured by Darren’s words, so Jacob moved on down the line. It was vastly important that she see them all as good. Amelia needed to have it drilled into her that these men, his brothers, were there to help her. They were there to protect her.
    “Will here was among us that brought you here. This lad excels at marksmanship and hand to hand.”
    “Dear God… What have I gotten myself into?” Her breathless tone brought him to a halt. She sounded scared; however, the tone struck him. Underneath the fear was anticipation. Strength. Even a hint of excitement…
    It was a tone he had longed to hear from her, from the very moment he first saw the woman she had become. From the very first moment he stole Brandir’s wallet as a child. This was the little girl that had stolen his heart. Here she was all grown up. He just wished the reason was for him, and him alone.
    “Do ye have any questions for us?”
    “One,” she said with a tinge of fire. “What in the Hell did you fools think you were doing by scaring me half to death the other night in my house?”
    A cough from Darren caused her to turn back towards him. Jacob tracked all of their movements. She was angry, and if she was like Brandir then anything could happen.
    “Queen, we were doing our job. Protectin’ ye is what we were asked to do.”
    “Since when has protecting become attempted murder?” She flared back around to Jacob and he knew what was coming next before the words were even out of her mouth. “What are you protecting me from?” Her eyes narrowed and he held his breath. “Or should I ask, from whom are you protecting me?”
    “Damn.” It was too