Then he was gone, striding from the room without a backward glance.
Bella sagged against the wall, her legs finally giving out.Abbess Bethóc rushed to her side, helping her into a chair.
"Lass, what on earth was that about?I take it ye ken him?"
Bella closed her eyes and nodded."Once.A lifetime ago.I thought I loved him.We were to marry."She opened her eyes, meeting the abbess's concerned gaze."And then he destroyed me."
"Then refuse.Claim sanctuary.Even though the king has decreed it, I am not without some power.'Tis a battle I'm willing to wage if ye truly believe this man is a danger to ye."
"No."Bella's voice was hollow."Ye cannot go against the king now.It will put everything ye've built here at risk.I am not worth it."She swallowed hard."Besides, this is my burden to bear."
"Lass, ye are worth far more.Let me see if I can reason with the king."
"No."Bella straightened her spine."I shall do what must be done."
Abbess Bethóc studied her for some time.Then she sighed and nodded."Come, let's get ye ready then."
As Bella followed her from the room, she couldn't shake the image of Boyd's face.The coldness in his eyes.The cruelty in his smile.
The man she'd loved once was truly dead.
And in his place stood a stranger.
***
Chapter 4
The small chamber adjacentto the chapel had been converted into a makeshift preparation room.Bella sat motionless while Sister Margaret helped her bathe and dress.
"Ye look beautiful, Bella," Sister Margaret whispered, fastening the last of the tiny buttons on the gown Abbess Bethóc had borrowed from one of the sisters.It was a simple but elegant cream-colored silk with delicate embroidery at the sleeves and bodice.
The irony was not lost on her.This was the second time in her life she donned a wedding gown in order to marry the same man.She wondered the outcome this time.
Her hair had been braided, a few loose tendrils framing her face.In the small mirror, Bella barely recognized herself.
"Bella?"Sister Margaret touched her shoulder gently."'Tis time."
