The young man shook his head. “Trahern went to fetch her earlier today. I don’t know when he’ll bring her back.”
“When did he leave?” Killian asked.
“A few hours ago. I suppose he’ll be back by morning.” He sent another devilish smile toward Taryn, and from the sudden interest in Ewan’s face, Killian could tell that the young man was quite taken with her. The lady nodded to him in acknowledgment, and Ewan proceeded to talk once again without ceasing, as they walked toward the castle gates.
The cat poked his gray head from the basket, and Killian rubbed the animal’s ears. Harold looked as if he wanted to jump down from the horse, and he lifted the cat from the basket, tucking him under one arm.
When they reached the castle, he saw soldiers surrounding the battlements of Laochre. It was a heavily defended fortress, particularly since they had been attacked and invaded byNormans in the past. Patrick had married a Norman bride to keep the peace, and there had been few battles since that time.
As Killian led the horse beneath the portcullis, he saw Taryn glance upward at the murder hole that Ewan was gleefully pointing out. She exchanged a silent glance of amusement with him, as if the boy’s adolescent behavior reminded her of a younger brother.
Inside the gates, another wall surrounded the inner bailey. The grounds were immaculate, and Killian helped Taryn dismount so one of the stable boys could take the horse.
Considering how afraid of horses she’d been, Taryn had voiced no complaint for the remainder of the journey. When it was clear that Francis was not going to throw her again, she had seemed to relax. It had allowed Killian to keep the pace swift, and he was glad they had arrived before it was too dark to travel any farther.
But when he’d ridden behind her, it had been impossible for him to find any sort of peace. With her body held close, he was all too aware of her curves and her scent. His imagination had tormented him with stolen visions of touching this woman. He never should have kissed her. It had been meant as a warning, as a means of frightening her into keeping her distance. But instead, the physical frustration had become his own.
It was only during the last mile that Killian had dismounted, leaving her to ride alone. She had tensed, but when she saw how close they were, she’d put aside her fears.
They walked inside another gate leading toward the main castle. He shadowed Taryn as Ewan escorted her inside. Though he had spent a summer training among the MacEgan warriors and he knew the men well, Killian felt apprehensive about standing in their Great Chamber as a visitor.
At the far end of the room, he saw Queen Isabel speaking with her husband, Patrick. The King was leaning toward his wife, andtheir shared look held an intimacy as if they were alone with no one looking on.
Oblivious to their moment, Ewan hurried toward them and began introducing Taryn. “This is Lady Taryn of Ossoria, and she’s come to stay with us.”
Taryn lowered her head, still keeping her face as hidden as she could. “I am pleased to meet you both. And I would be grateful for your hospitality for a night or two, if I may.”
Killian bowed to the King and dropped to one knee. “The Lady intends to journey to Tara and is seeking men to accompany her. I was also hoping you might have word about my sister, Carice.”
The King beckoned for him to rise. “Your sister has not arrived yet.” His gaze shifted over to Taryn and he greeted her, saying, “Both of you may remain at Laochre as long as you have the need.” He gave orders to a servant to bring them both food and drink.
Queen Isabel approached Taryn with a soft smile. “I am glad to meet you, Taryn.” She introduced herself and took Taryn’s hand, linking it in her arm. “Come, and we will talk awhile.”
She nodded, keeping her face hidden and drawing up the hood of her cloak as if she were chilled. It was the only way she could hide her scars from the view of everyone else.
Patrick stood until the women had left, and his expression held wariness. When he turned back to Killian, he asked, “Is she aware that her father is being held for treason?”
“Aye. She means to plead for his life.” He said nothing about Taryn’s hope to free the man from imprisonment, sensing that the King would disagree with her decision. But the dark expression upon Patrick’s face suggested he knew more about Devlin’s capture—and that it involved treachery.
The King of Laochre paused a moment, then added, “Devlin allied with the Normans in an attempt to overthrow the High King. They will execute him at Imbolc.”
“Lady Taryn wants me to save him,” he admitted to the King. Undoubtedly, her loyalty was a daughter’s unconditional love—but given the stories, it was probable that Devlin had indeed attempted an uprising. And Killian knew that, if he became involved in a rescue attempt, his own life would be at risk.
“No one can save him now,” Patrick countered. He sat down upon a carved wooden throne once more, gesturing for Killian to join him. “Her only hope is to plead for a swift, merciful death.”
“And what will happen to Ossoria?”
The King shook his head. “Likely Rory Ó Connor will seize command of the territory and give it to one of his allies to govern.”
“Would you be one of them?” he asked, uncertain of where Patrick’s sympathies lay.
In answer, the King lifted his silver cup, a smile playing upon his lips. “I am loyal to my tribe and to my people. I have no wish to take another kingdom for my own. But one of my brothers might agree to rule over the province on Rory’s behalf.”
Killian didn’t miss the subtle hint that, aye, Patrick might indeed be willing to use his brothers to gain command of Ossoria. Though it shouldn’t bother him at all, he wondered if that meant one of them would want to wed Taryn. A sudden tightness took hold of his mood at the thought. He had no right to be jealous—none at all. Taryn was meant to marry a nobleman, and she had no choice in that arrangement. The sooner he separated himself from her, the better.
“Would you be willing to send men to escort the Lady to Tara?” It would be far safer for Taryn to travel with their warriors, instead of just the two of them alone. Regardless of the King’s intentions, Killian wanted additional soldiers to protect her on this journey.
“I could,” King Patrick answered. “The High King demanded fighters from all across Éireann to help protect us from theforeigners. I promised to send my own soldiers to Tara, and they could guard the Lady.” He stood again and motioned for Killian to follow him. They walked along the trestle tables, toward the back of the Great Chamber. “But how is it you came to escort the Lady Taryn here alone? You have no ties to Ossoria.”
