‘What the hell are you playing at?’
Her eyes snapped open at the sound of her uncle’s voice. ‘Uncle.’
He grabbed her arm tightly and brought his face close to hers. ‘You are lucky we are in a public place, or I would knock that smug expression off your face, you little harlot.’
‘What?’ She tried to pull free of his grip, and he tightened his hold on her.
‘Do you really think he is going to let a little half-breed like you in his bed?’
Her arm began to throb. ‘I assure you I’ve no intention of getting into anyone’s bed.’
‘You are amerchant.’ He hissed the last word at her. ‘A thief by nature. I just never thought you would steal your own cousin’s future—a future she has worked her whole life for.’
His words lit a fire in her stomach. ‘I’ve stolen nothing. And I suggest you let go of me before Queen Fayre happens to glance in our direction. She has a low tolerance for this kind of behaviour.’
His fingers tightened like a clamp, making her gasp.
Before he could get a word out, Astin stepped into view, two storm cloud eyes narrowed at Thomas.
‘Either you remove your hand orIremove it. You have one second to decide.’ His tone was pure ice.
Thomas released Lyndal’s arm and turned to the defender. ‘This is a private family conversation. I suggest you go watch my daughter.’
Astin did not move. ‘The private conversation is over.’
Lyndal released a shaky breath and backed away. ‘I’m going to find Kendra.’
‘We’re not done here,’ Thomas said through his teeth.
Astin stepped between them. ‘Yes you are.’ He gestured for Lyndal to start walking. ‘Go.’
She did not have to be told twice. She fled with her head pounding and vision blurring.
‘Where is she?’ she asked Astin when he fell into step with her.
‘In the carriage. She’s not feeling well. I’ve informed Queen Fayre that I’m taking you both back to Eldon Castle.’
Lyndal’s eyes close with relief. ‘You shouldn’t have intervened.’ She looked up at him. ‘He’s not an enemy you want, and I can handle him.’
‘Was that you handling him?’
Her hand went to the tender spot on her arm. ‘Suttone women are not made of glass.’
‘I’m your bodyguard. I’m not about to stand idle while he breaks your arm. And I don’t care what you’re made of. It doesn’t change the job.’
Up ahead, Kendra waited in the carriage looking close to tears. She turned her head in the other direction when she spotted them. The damage done by one dance was unthinkable.
Astin offered his hand, and Lyndal took it. So much strength in such a gentle grip. So much warmth.
Her eyes met his. ‘Thank you.’ Not only for the gesture but for everything that had come before it.
He kept hold of her hand until she took her seat, then rapped his knuckles on the side of the carriage to signal the driver to go. The carriage lurched forwards, leaving Astin behind and Lyndal to face the fallout alone.
‘Queen Fayre wishes to speak with me upon her return,’ Kendra said, not looking at her.
Lyndal watched her cousin for a moment. ‘That’s good news.’ She tried to make her tone upbeat.
Kendra finally dragged her eyes to Lyndal. ‘How is that good news when she has done her best to avoid me all day?’
