He knew what he was feeling wasn’t normal. He cared about what she wanted. She didn’t want him to fight with her brother, and he hadn’t. He went back to the castle reluctantly—because he had to. He had a duty to Robert, King of Scots. He should be there now, preparing it for the Scot’s army. He knew where the weapons were stored. He should be there, destroying what he could. He’d begun his friendship with Bennett last eve, getting the warden to trust his advice and seek peace with the reivers. Because it was what she wanted.
He was pitiful.
And he was worried.
“I do notlike or trust him.” Galien pressed his palms on the kitchen table in his father’s house. “I do not believe his story about our lads. Something does not sit right with me.”
“Son, they tried to kill the guards. Rob Adams would not lie to me.” His father leaned back in his chair and looked up at him standing over him.
“You put so much trust in him then?”
“Aye, I do. I have known him long. He has entrusted me with many things. Things he has sealed away, barricaded behind an iron gate.” He sat forward and took a swig from his cup. He drew his hand over his bare head and closed his eyes for a moment. “He does not want them ever revealed. He would not lie to protect a stranger. Besides, I told you. I have made up my mind. I want peace. I do not want to lose any more children.”
Galien knew he would never get his father to move on this. It frustrated the hell out of him that his father could be as stubborn as a bull. But when Rowley Hetherington rubbed his head, it usually meant the topic was over.
“Very well, Father. You want peace. You trust Adams. Fine. But do you trust Gray with Braya? They are together all the time.” He didn’t realize he had raised his voice, or that he had swung his arms. “I just left them together yet again!”
His father stood up and rested his callused palms on the table and stared at him with smoky gray eyes that could compel an ancient Norseman to run himself through rather than face him.
“Your sister needs a man who will take her mind off fighting. You will leave her future up to me. As for Gray, I will have his apology. ’Tis the least we can give to the lads’ families. Do you understand, Galien? Do you understand!” he shouted when his son would have spoken.
Galien nodded. There was nothing to be done about Sir Torin Gray. But he was certain the man was lying.
