‘Why not?’
‘Because that would be dangerous for us, and I need that kept a secret. Swear you will not say anything.’
‘I will do anything that you need me to,’ said Cecily.
‘I am relying on that.’ He leaned over and kissed her.
Peyton kicked his horse forward with a curse. With no time to think, Cecily found herself riding over a bridge spanning a moat and through the dark gates of Kransmuir Fell. It was reputed to be one of the most impregnable strongholds in the West March, and as far as she knew, it was her sister’s prison.
When they announced themselves and entered the castle, it was far grander than Fellscarp, boasting oak-panelled walls, a hall three times the size of Peyton’s, and lavish tapestries everywhere. There was ample comfort, which Cecily had not expected. Part of her was happy that Rowenna had escaped the deprivations of Fallstairs. That part withered when Jasper Glendenning stormed in. The man was a study in belligerence, and he still looked like a vicious brute.
‘What are you doing in my keep?’ he snarled at Peyton and then froze when his gaze met Cecily’s. He looked her over from top to bottom. ‘Where did you find her?’ he said, with a good deal of suppressed rage.
‘She fell into my hands,’ said Peyton.
‘Your hands?’ snarled Jasper, giving her another filthy look.
‘Aye, and you are not very welcoming to someone who just saved your life,’ replied Peyton calmly.
Cecily looked from one to the other in confusion. The two men were staring each other down. Her hands clenched. What was going on?
‘You have my thanks for your warning,’ said Jasper. ‘You were true to your word, which is surprising for a Strachan. What do you want? Have you come to barter for this lass, holding your hand out for a reward?’
Cecil stepped forward. ‘I’ll not be bought by you or anyone.’
Jasper turned on her. ‘Your sister mourns your loss every day,’ he snapped. ‘Do you know how much strife you have caused, running away?’
‘I did not run away.’
‘Oh, aye, you did. You just upped and walked away, leaving all your troubles on Rowenna’s shoulders. And she paid a heavy price for your disloyalty.’
‘Aye, by having to marry you,’ snapped Cecily.
Peyton stepped between them. ‘Cecily did not run away. She was taken.’
‘By who?’ said Jasper.
‘By me.’
Jasper looked ready to explode with rage. A vein throbbed in his temple. ‘Explain yourself, Strachan,’ he growled.
‘All in good time,’ said Peyton. ‘We will talk alone, you and I. But first, I think you should tell your wife that her sister still breathes. You need to put an end to all her worry.’
Jasper shot Cecily another filthy look and then turned and left the hall.
Cecily grabbed Peyton’s arm. ‘What did you mean, you saved his life? Why would you do that? My sister could have been free of him if he died.’
‘From what I’ve seen, she does not want to be free of him.’
‘You’ve seen her? Why did you not tell me?’
He took her hand and squeezed it. ‘I will explain, but first, you must see Rowenna and tell her you are alright.’
‘If that monster lets me see her,’ cried Cecily. ‘He did not seem very keen on the idea. He is probably getting men and arms to cut us down where we stand.’
‘You are not best fond of Jasper, are you?’ said Peyton with a smirk.
‘No. And I am not best fond of you, either, keeping secrets from me,’ she said.
