He nodded. “Aye, we should.”
He took her hand, leading her back to the horses. He hated to leave the bodies behind, but it was best to return with a wagon to collect them.
He turned to Lilliana. “Are ye ready?”
She nodded resolutely.
“Alright then. Let’s go, Me Lady.”
25
The ride back to the castle was spent in relative silence. Lilliana was still shocked by everything that had occurred, and she was sure Kayden was in no better shape. Her lips still tingled from when he kissed her, but the whole experience was shrouded in an air of unreality.
Did all of that really just happen? Kayden’s sister was alive? He killed her… to save me?
She could hardly fathom it.
When she’d felt the cold iron at her throat and knew that for good or ill, she’d found the poisoner, her first thought had been regret that she and Kayden had not quite found harmony in their marriage. That was the only thing she wanted.
The realization that somehow, along the way, she’d fallen in love with her elusive Scottish husband hit her quite hard. Even asSorcha dragged her along, all she could think of was that she might never get to tell him that.
And now she was rescued, and they were together again.
The gates of Malgrave Castle appeared, and she took a deep breath, getting ready to face everyone after what had transpired.
Will they blame me? Will they take Sorcha’s side?
Her hands trembled on the reins as they rode on silently. It was not long before they were spotted. Moira, Fergus, and Jacob were waiting.
Moira came to her immediately. “Me Lady, are ye alright?”
Lilliana nodded once as she climbed off her horse and handed the reins to a groom. “I’m fine.”
Beside her, she could see Kayden alighting. Jacob came forward and embraced him, before bowing to her in greeting. “It is good to have ye back, Me Lady.”
Lilliana gave a wan smile. “Thank you,” she said quietly.
Fergus stepped forward, staring intently at them both. “What’s happened, then?” he asked.
Kayden took a deep breath. “We need to send a wagon. We found Nigel…”
A heavy silence ensued. Nobody needed to be told that Nigel was no longer alive.
Jacob nodded. “I’ll go and get him.” He made to move away, but Kayden caught him by the arm.
“There’s more.”
All three paused, looking at him expectantly.
Lilliana moved to his side, trying to support him by leaning into him.
Kayden took a deep, shuddering breath. “We found the poisoner,” he began.
“Where is she, then?” Fergus asked.
“Dead.” Kayden swallowed loudly, avoiding everyone’s eyes.
Jacob, Fergus, and Moira exchanged glances.
