Shaken, Honora rose to her feet, still clutching her wrist. With her other hand, she reached down to pick up the fallen knife.
Aye, she had made a mistake in cutting John. And now, she had no doubt he would retaliate. As she returned to the donjon, she felt her anger building even higher.
She needed to train harder. She needed to anticipate his moves, never letting herself become his victim.
And next time, she would win.
Chapter Ten
“Whathappenedtoyourwrist?” Katherine asked when Honora returned to their shared chamber.
Honora couldn’t hide the reddened skin, and she didn’t know whether to confess the truth to Katherine or not. A lie would be easy, but then again, she didn’t want Katherine to trust John.
“The Baron of Ceredys and I had a disagreement in the garden,” she admitted. “He did not take kindly to it.”
“He hurt you.” Katherine’s tone sharpened. “And Father needs to know about it.”
“I will tell him,” Honora replied, though she had no intention of doing so. Her father would hardly believe her, and even if he did, John could claim that he’d defended himself when she’d tried to stab him. Which was the truth.
No, the earl would only take John’s side and order her to be punished for the injury. Best to say nothing.
“You still treat me as though I am a child,” Katherine said softly. “I know something terrible happened to you when you dwelled at Ceredys. But you never speak of it.”
“If I speak of it, it is like living it all over again,” Honora admitted.
“Don’t return there,” Katherine cautioned her. “If John did this to you, I don’t think it would be wise to live with him.”
Her sister took her uninjured hand, squeezing it lightly. “You worry about me so often, but this time, it’s different. Father gave you a choice, and you should think of yourself. Marry the man you want.”
“I can’t,” Honora said softly. At her sister’s questioning look, she added, “I don’t want to wed any man at all. Not after my first marriage.” She drew Katherine into a soft embrace. “But don’t worry. I’ll find a way to change our father’s mind. He’ll let you wed MacEgan without forcing me to remarry.”
“I think you’re giving up too soon,” her sister said. “Sir Ademar offered for you. He would be glad to have you as his bride.”
Honora shook her head. There was no man who would ever accept her for who she was. Not her father, not Ranulf. Both of them wanted her to be a meek, subservient woman who obeyed their commands. But she was a warrior at heart, even if she could never reveal it to anyone.
“Go and have the healer look at your wrist,” Katherine pushed her toward the door. “I’ll speak to our father about the baron.”
“No, it’s not necessary.” Honora didn’t want Katherine tangled up in her war with John. “Right now, I’m going out for a ride near the river. I want some time to think.” And time to make her plans.
In the past few days, there had been no sign of the chapel thief. Possibly the man had found what he sought, or he’d given up.
“Don’t go alone,” her sister warned. “Take a guard with you.”
Honora nodded, though she had no wish for an escort. Right now she wanted to be alone, away from everyone else, while she practiced with a sword. Though it was dangerous, she felt the need for solitude.
Katherine embraced her again, her expression wary. “Be back by sundown.”
Honora sent her sister an exasperated smile. “Yes, Mother.”
Therivercutthroughthe Ardennes lands, narrowing to a stream that fed the castle’s water supply. From the past few days of rain, it had swollen above the banks, spilling into the grasses.
Ewan studied the horizon, searching for any hidden threats to the lone figure resting beside the river. It seemed that Honora was still alone.
Katherine had come to him, warning of her sister’s intent to go riding. “She says she’ll take a guard, but I know she won’t. And after what John did to her wrist—“
She explained the rest, and Ewan’s temper flared. Knowing that the bastard had hurt her again, only moments after he’d left Honora’s side, made him want to ensure that Ceredys never raised a hand against a woman ever again.
Katherine had pleaded with him to follow Honora and to protect her. “I trust you to take care of her,” she’d said.
