’Twas Liam. Katherine cried out, her hand clasped to her breast.
“’Tis the earl of Leicester,” Gerald said.
Katherine started. And when she did finally understand, she understood completely. He had chased her all the way to southern Ireland, to Askeaton, to collect what he was owed.Oh, God. Dread overwhelmed her and she could not move.
Gerald’s stare was hard. “Leicester is one of the most powerful men in England. Do not anger him, Katherine. Do not oppose him.”
“Father,” she began weakly.
“No!” he cut her off. “Do not fail me now. Do what you must do.” He turned and strode from the room.
Katherine stared after him, her chest tight, unable to move.Do what you must do.
Leicester was waiting for her downstairs, in the great hall, alone. He stood when she entered, his dark gaze sweeping over her thoroughly. His mouth was set in a firm, serious line.
Katherine’s heart thundered in her ears. She felt weak. Faint. She halted before she came too close to him, wondering with real panic if he intended to take her then and there, in the hall.
“Did you think to deny me my due?” he asked.
Katherine could not speak. She wet her lips.
“Let us walk in the garden,” he said abruptly. And he moved to her, taking her arm firmly in his.
The garden. He intended to take her in the garden. Katherine said not a word as he led her outside, into the courtyard, and then into one of the castle gardens. By the time they paused beneath a blossoming apple tree, Katherine had managed to get a grip on some of her panic and fear. Leicester released her. Katherine faced him cautiously.
“You ran away from me,” he said, his gaze sliding over her features, her mouth.
“Yes.”
“So you think to cheat me?” Anger flared in his eyes in spite of his mild tone.
Katherine lifted her head. “I do owe you. And if you insist, I will give you what you want. But…”
“I insist.”
She inhaled hard. “Please. Robin, do not do this.” She had never addressed him so familiarly before.
He cocked his head. “I have wanted you for a very long time, Katherine. You are mad if you think to convince me to desist. You may come to me willingly, tonight, or I will come to you, and take what I want—even if you think to resist me.”
She trembled. Closing her eyes. “You will not have to rape me.” She glanced at him. “But I love Liam.”
His jaw clenched. “I do not care.” He turned and strode away.
And Katherine watched him go, telling herself that she would survive the coming night. Yet she could not help but think of Liam, and wish for a miracle.
The afternoon was endless. Katherine stood at the window in her bedchamber, staring blindly out of it at the river and the surrounding countryside. Leicester sat with her father in the hall below, and their laughter rang out frequently. She could hear bits and pieces of their conversation, and knew that Gerald was getting thoroughly drunk. But Robin Dudley, unfortunately, seemed intent upon remaining sober.
The bright blue sky began to fade in hue. The sun began to gently lower itself.
Below, the men laughed uproariously, and a maid squealed.
Katherine clawed the stone windowsill. The sky was turning mauve now, the sun a flaming orange ball hanging over the thick forest.
She could not go through with this. Yet she would have to, because if she did not, he would rape her. Her mind was filled with panic. Perhaps she should poison him?
The sky was violet now, and a crescent moon, pale and incandescent, had appeared.
It was then that Katherine saw the ship. Black and sleek, its silver sails unfurled and proud, racing upriver toward her.
