Katherine? Honora gripped her shoulders, stunned that her sister had sent the knight to her. “Why didn’t you alert my father?”
He shrugged. “This way was ah . . . m-more interesting. Get you out without anyone kn-knowing about it.”
A hopeful smile perked upon her lips. “More interesting?”
He nodded. “Less trouble. And, n-no one gets hurt.” He flushed at his stammer, but she didn’t mind it at all.
He was right. If she could escape before John noticed it, she might gain as much as a few hours of riding. But then, a frightening prospect occurred to her. Was Ademar expecting to jump from here?
“How do you suggest I get down?”
He struggled with his words, speaking slowly. “I’ll help you . . . to the battlements. We need to move now.”
Honora winced at the thought of swinging the rope toward the stone walkway. It wasn’t directly below the window, and there was a very real possibility that she wouldn’t make the leap.
“I’d rather fight the guards outside the door.” She was about to suggest that they do exactly that, when the door started to open.
Sir Ademar threw himself against it, and ordered, “Go!”
With her stomach fighting to stay calm, Honora reached out for the rope. It wasn’t so very far, she told herself. Perhaps if she repeated it enough, she might begin to believe that.
“Swing toward the battlements,” Sir Ademar urged. “You’ll find what you need to g-get out of the castle.” He strained as a harsh pounding on the door rattled the frame. “MacEgan will b-be miles from here by now.”
Honora crawled through the window, balancing on the sill as she reached for the rope. Glancing back at him, she sent him a thankful smile. “You’re a true hero, Sir Ademar.”
And with her heart pounding, she lowered herself down.
Twilightdimmedthehorizon,and Ewan stopped by the river to drink. He’d followed the sun’s path west, his feet sore from all the walking.
The taste of failure was bitter upon his tongue. It would take a fortnight to reach the coast without a horse. He’d considered defying Lord Ardennes’s orders and stealing his mount back. But in the end, he’d decided to keep peace with the man, even if it meant abiding by a penalty he didn’t agree with.
The path he trod was as worn down as his spirits. He’d expected to come here and find a bride, fulfilling a destiny he’d dreamed of. Land. And a lovely woman at his side. It was meant to be the beginning of a new life for him, one in which he had his own kingdom instead of his brothers’ castoffs.
Instead, he was walking away empty-handed. Aye, his temper had gotten him tossed out of Ardennes without even a horse. But he didn’t regret defending Honora. He’d do it again, given the chance.
She had grown into a woman of strength. Though she had endured her share of hardship, not once had she indulged in self-pity.
Ewan admired her bravery. And whether he wanted to admit it or not, already he missed her. Honora had been his equal in all ways, both with her sword . . . and in her passionate spirit.
The night they’d shared together in the garden haunted him still. The scent of her hair, the sweetness of her mouth . . . the silk of her skin. He should have brought her with him, despite all the problems it would cause. At least then, he’d know she was protected.
The sky grew dark, the sun sinking below the horizon. Ewan built a fire and set up a pallet for the night. He had coerced the castle cook into packing provisions for the journey. While he was unloading the sack, he heard a single horse approaching.
Ewan reached for his sword, staring out into the distance. Chain mail glinted in the dying sunlight, and he hid himself within the tall grasses, waiting for the enemy soldier to approach.
Had Lord Ardennes sent the man? Or John of Ceredys? He wasn’t certain, but he wished he had a bow and arrows.
He crept to the far edge of the riverbank, his sword hilt in his hand. As he watched the rider approach, something was wrong. The soldier was not seated upright, but instead lay slumped across the saddle. He wore the Ardennes colors but carried no shield.
Was the man wounded? Or was this a ploy to lure him closer?
Cautiously, Ewan emerged from his hiding place when the rider drew to a stop. The soldier attempted to dismount but slid off the horse, falling to the ground.
Críost.It was Honora.
He sheathed his sword and ran to her, helping her to sit up. Her body folded against his, and he didn’t know how she’d managed to stay atop the saddle for the many hours she’d been riding.
He glanced around but saw no one else with her. “Are you all right?”
