Chapter 21
Adam rubbed his fingers again over the silky lock of hair he’d tucked into the top of his hauberk, against his heart.
He was miserable.
He trudged toward the Fergus stronghold, wondering if he’d done the right thing.
He may have ruined his chances to live happily ever after with the woman of his dreams.
She might never forgive him for betraying her.
Yet what other choice did he have?
What Eve didn’t understand, what her innocence wouldn’t allow her to believe, was that reporting the bad behavior of the royal soldiers would have fallen on deaf ears.Men-at-arms always committed horrific acts—rape, murder, destruction—in the course of war.And kings always looked the other way.Even kings like Malcolm who prided themselves on chivalry.
That was the real reason Adam devoted his life to keeping his warrior clan out of as many wars as he could.
The warriors of Rivenloch had always behaved honorably.To do otherwise would have earned them expulsion from the clan.That legacy had been passed down through generations.
But kings came and went.They varied in their sense of gallantry and were likely to waver once they sat on the throne and grew drunk with power.As for mercenaries and simple soldiers, they weren’t expected to possess a moral compass.Most presumed that waging war included taking spoils.
In truth, it impressed Adam that an outlaw like Eve possessed such a strong sense of justice.She was intent on seeking fair recompense for the alewife.He admired her for that.If it were possible, he would have fought for atonement as well.
But in this instance, in wartime, it wasn’t possible.Such actions would be perceived as giving aid to the enemy.Eve would be branded a traitor.
Still, he knew the lass couldn’t be convinced to let go of that expectation of justice.So he’d initially decided, if he wanted her to be safe from the fighting, he’d have to drag her, by force if necessary, to Darragh.
Of course, that was an ugly proposition and not a good way to start a marriage.If he brought his bride-to-be kicking and screaming to his sister’s castle, he’d never hear the end of it from his clan.And that was only if she didn’t manage to trick her wayoutof the keep.He could easily imagine her manipulating Feiyan’s men with her winsome ways and catapulting herself back into the midst of danger.
Which would draghimback to a place of turmoil as well.Worried about Eve’s safety.Concerned she would try to confront the king.Afraid that, left to fend for herself, the same fate that had befallen the alewife might await his precious bride.
The idea sickened him.
Nay, the only way to deal with the stubborn lass was to go along with her.To lull her into complacency and then close the shackles of safety around her wrists when she least expected it.Which was exactly what he’d done.
She’d been hurt.Ofcourseshe’d been hurt.
He couldn’t bear to look in her eyes and see the pain he’d inflicted upon her.But it was clear in the tremor of her voice.
Once she understood he’d tricked her and meant to imprison her, she’d gotten past the heartache, and her hurt had turned to anger.But he wondered if she would ever be able to forgive him.
His intentions, of course, were absolutely honorable.He meant to keep her out of harm’s way.And he could think of no safer place for her than as a royal hostage.
If Malcolm believed Eve was somehow valuable to Fergus, that he could use her as leverage, the king would ensure she was well protected by his best men.That protection would be backed by the full force of the royal army.And Adam couldn’t wish for more proficient guards.
Nonetheless, they were only men.They would be vulnerable to Eve’s machinations.The clever lass could mince and cajole, flirt and weep like a skilled player upon a stage.If they somehow let her persuade them into giving her an inch of freedom, she would take a yard, and he’d probably never see her again.
Which was why he recommended the shackles.
She despised him now.He was certain of that.But he would rather endure her hate than be tied up in knots over her safety.
As far as Fergus, Adam knew it was the man’s hunger for power that drove him.He ruled by strength and threat and cared little what consequences his people suffered, as long as he profited.
His own clanfolk weren’t interested in expanding their holding or destroying the homes of their neighboring clans.They didn’t care about allying with the English or rallying against Malcolm.That was why Fergus needed to hire mercenaries to do his fighting.
His clanfolk simply wanted to live their lives.Harvesting crops.Raising children.Falling in love.Dancing.Singing.Praying.Celebrating birth and marriage and holy days.
They were people like the alewife and her husband, living in peace and being good neighbors.
