THE QUEEN’S daring infuriated the king now intent on formulating a plan of vengeance. Magnus was in a perilous mood, his stare distant and cold. He was
an imposing figure, standing tall, every muscle of his magnificent body taunt as Emmanuelle encircled him, assisting him to dress.
“What will you do sire? Will you send the queen away? Such a disgraceful act of defiance should be punished.” Emmanuelle questioned with a sly smile.
“I will break them—the queen and that cousin of hers. They will wish they had never committed such a folly. I warned her years ago that I would deal a bitter blow if ever she attempted to steal away with my sons, and now I intend to make good on that threat.”
“Banish them, my lord. Try them for treason. Kill Rosalind and Moireach! Be rid of them once and for all then you and I may reign side by side as the king and queen of Ellan Vannin. ‘Twould be justice.”
Her words stunned Magnus who pushed her away. She stumbled back unto the bed breaking into laughter. Undeterred, she rushed back into his arms.
“My primary concern is my sons.”
“I can give you sons--not the Irish runts the queen has spawned out of duty--proud sons who would rule after you as glorious kings and whose might all the world would fear.”
Magnus scoffed at her ambitions. “Disparage my sons again in my presence and I shall have you lashed for it. Indeed Emmanuelle, you promise me sons and yet you prove barren.”
“There is always hope. We made love during my fertile time. For all you know, your child may be stirred to life in me even now. I-I know we will be blessed.”
“Why would I not doubt the paternity of any child you conceived? You are a lovely liar and notorious flirt. I have not forgotten your disgraceful escapades with other men designed to bestir my envy. All you succeeded in accomplishing was making me distrust you.”
Emmanuelle countered his rebuke with a light laugh, followed by a sensuous kiss. “What of your meandering ways, Magnus? You claim to despise the queen one moment and then you beget another runt by her? I see the way you look at that cousin of hers. You know well enough they can never compare to me. No other woman can satisfy you as I can.”
Magnus responded by taking her into her arms, clutching her close with brute force. She gasped for air; a faint smile quivered on her lips, a combination of delight and pain.
“Disparage my sons in my presence again and I shall have you lashed for it. You are pathetic when you demean yourself by resorting to groveling. Beware my ghraih--although I do crave your love, your charms will go only so far with me. Now is not the time for us to discuss these matters. I am overwhelmed by recent events and what I must perforce do to correct these transgressions.”
“I want to be by your side, my lord, when you deal out justice to the queen and her bitch of a cousin. I want to see them bleat for their miserable lives.”
“Nay—vipress. You shall collect your things, hie thee back to your bedchamber, and await my return. I will handle this matter without you to gloat on the queen. Your presence would be most disturbing to my sons.”
“So again you put your sons before me! It seems to me Magnus, that all you do love in the world are your precious sons by that…haggard old prude.”
“Aye, my lads are my pride and joy and you had best never forget that.”
Emmanuelle struggled fiercely until it pleased Magnus to release her from his iron grip. “You swore to love me more than anyone in the world Magnus. Are you the one guilty of deception…lies?”
“I am the undisputed king of Ellan Vannin. No one is worthy to judge me and gods are but tales fabricated to fright the souls of the weak. Begone, Emmanuelle! There will be ample time for me to prove my passion for you when I am done settling this matter.”
Magnus threw his heavy cloak over his shoulders, indifferent to her uneven breathing and seething anger. She was unable to dissemble and glanced back in defiance.
“Think not to come to me at all repulsive creature! I shall find another to fill my bed knowing you will never find satisfaction elsewhere.”
“Ah, is that so?” Magnus responded with scornful laughter as he made for the door. “I will not be making haste back and methinks Emmanuelle, by that time you will change your tune. If I discover another has taken my place…you will watch him hang from the castle walls. When you hark his wails of torment—you will count yourself blessed I spared your life.”
| 
