‘They weren’t men,’ Blake said. ‘They were just boys.’
Harlan wandered closer, eyes narrowing on Blake. ‘And how do you know that?’
‘We saw them flee.’ There were those sharp lying skills again.
Harlan turned to Thomas. ‘It seems we’re done here.’
‘You are still obligated to find them. They might be criminal boys today, but they will be criminal men in no time.’
Harlan blinked. ‘I’ll be sure to tell my men to keep a lookout for them.’
Visibly dissatisfied with that response, Thomas led his horse over to the cart and began reattaching it. Harlan gestured to the other defender to help him. When Thomas was out of earshot, Harlan turned his attention to Blake.
‘What really happened?’
Blake glanced at Eda. ‘Go on inside.’
Eda cast a wary look at Harlan, then signed to her sister,Stand tall and strong, warrior.
It was something their father used to say to them.
Blake sighed before turning her attention back to Harlan. ‘They were barely Eda’s age,’ she said when they were alone. ‘Impulsive boys who made a terrible choice in the moment.’
‘Why are you protecting them?’
She drew a breath. ‘Because I’ve seen what your men do to boys that age.’
‘So you what? Politely asked for the horse back?’
‘Something like that.’
He rubbed at his forehead. ‘I’m going back to the barracks. Do you think you can stay out of trouble for the rest of the day?’
She did not respond immediately. ‘Why did you tell me that my cousin sent that duckling?’
‘Because that’s where it came from.’
‘That might be where it came from, but it was given toyou.’
He sighed as if she were the most exhausting person in the world. ‘Well, you’re too proud to accept it from me.’
‘You could have sold it.’
‘I could have.’
She searched his eyes. ‘What am I to make of all these acts of kindness?’
‘Don’t overthink it.’
‘I simply wish to know what you expect in return.’
His brow creased. ‘I expect you to stay out of trouble.’
‘I do… most of the time.’
Amusement flashed in his eyes. ‘Let’s see if we can get you toallthe time, boor.’
Chapter 9
