A rush of emotions clattered through her mind. Had he been here all along, disguised among the men? How had he done it without being discovered? In the darkness, she couldn’t see hisface, but she felt the blade cutting through her ropes; first her wrists, then her ankles.
His mouth returned to her ear. “Keep your hands and feet behind you for now. When you see the signal, I’ll grab you and take you to the entrance. We’ll make our escape then.”
Before she could ask what signal he meant, he predicted her question and whispered, “You’ll know.”
Though he’d freed her hands, she felt the tingling of blood flowing back through her skin. It hurt worse than she’d thought it would.
The prince remained behind her, and she felt his hands upon her ankles. At first, she winced at the sensation of him touching her bruises. A moment later, he left his hands in place, letting them warm her feet. She held herself motionless, not at all certain she should allow it. But his hands felt good, the barest touch sending heat through her cold skin. The futile wish, that he could take her into his arms and warm her body with his own, crossed her wayward mind.
He protected you, just as he’d said he would.
Something shifted inside her, for she’d not truly believed he’d keep his word. Despite their circumstances, he’d infiltrated the enemy and found a way to keep watch over her. Though they hadn’t yet made their escape, he’d given her a reason to hold on to faith.
Serena reached back to touch Karl’s hand with her own. In the darkness, no one saw them, and she held his hand with her own in a silent thanks. His presence brought her comfort, knowing that he hadn’t abandoned her. And though she couldn’t guess what sort of signal would provide the distraction they needed to get away, already she felt better with him here.
She squeezed his hand, and he returned the gesture.
It was then that she smelled smoke. With horror, she understood that someone had set the shelter on fire. Karlgrasped her hand and forced her to run while behind them, flames erupted.
Chapter Ten
The fierce heat consumed the small hut, and Karl suspected Father Durin had used oil to speed up the flames. He took Serena’s hand and ran outside with her, while the other men coughed and stumbled from the flames. All around them were armed men while the priest held his own weapon. As promised, he’d managed to recruit the forces they needed.
When they reached the circle of men, Serena kept close to his side. “Who are these men?”
“I sent Father Durin to hire men we could trust. I couldn’t have gotten you out without help.” She rubbed her arms, and Karl drew her cloak tighter around her.
“He hasn’t forgotten his days as a castle guard, has he?” she predicted in a low voice.
“No. And I trust him,” Karl admitted. The priest had once been a strong fighter, and his decision to take holy vows had not diminished his skills.
“What will happen to the men who tried to kidnap me?” Serena risked a glance at the men. Father Durin’s hired soldiers had surrounded them.
“Until the king’s men arrive, They’ll remain imprisoned. Bernard and Samuel will bring back forces from Lohenberg within another day or so, and They’ll stand trial for their crimes.”
“They needed the money,” she said quietly. “They were starving.” With a breath, she added, “Instead of punishing them, I think we should show mercy.”
He reached out and touched the dried blood on her forehead and his gaze grew rigid. “They hurt you.” Mercy wasn’t a word in his vocabulary, when it came to those who harmed someone under his protection. Taking a defenseless woman, for any amount of money, was unforgivable.
“Not that badly.” Her eyes met his, the fire reflected within the green. “For a while, I was afraid you wouldn’t find me.”
“I would always find you.” He reached out and took her hand in his. For a moment, her eyes stared into his, but her silence held a yearning that echoed his own.
Her palms were cold, her body shaking with exhaustion. She needed sleep and warmth right now. With her hand in his, he led her to his waiting horse. “I’m taking you back to the abbey, since it’s closest.”
“Alone?” She looked uneasy about the prospect. It was understandable, given the earlier attack.
“We’ll take a few men as escorts, and there will be additional guards within the hour,” he promised. “Durin will send them, once he’s handled the matter of your captors.”
When he boosted her up on the gelding, Karl swung up behind her. “The three days aren’t over yet, Princess.”
She didn’t meet his gaze when he held her close, trying to warm her. As they rode away, the air was heavy with smoke.
It was your fault they took her, his conscience taunted.You never should have left her alone.
He’d mistakenly believed they were well hidden from their enemies. It had been an error of pride, one he intended to correct with the men he’d hired. Tonight they would have a dozen men guarding the perimeter of the gates, and perhaps in the morning, Bernard would return with supplies from Lohenberg.
As he held on to Serena’s waist, his mind plagued him with thoughts of what might have happened to her. She’d been completely at their mercy, and he worried that she hadn’t shared everything that had happened.
