His mind racing, he searched for a quick lie. What could he tell her…?
An idea struck him. With any luck, she wouldn’t know construction of the castle had stopped for the winter.
’Twas at least worth trying. “The builder needs assistance with his work. I’m taking some men to see if we can help.”
“Should I wait supper on you?” Her ready acceptance of his lie brought guilt to his heart.
It was for her own good.
Valteri shook his head. “Nay. If I’m not back, eat without me.”
She nodded. “Then take care, milord. I’ll see you anon.” She stood up on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek.
Valteri watched her walk away, his face tingling.
Damn it, he’d much rather take her to bed than deal with this. Clenching his teeth, he forced his mind to the coming task and promised himself that on his return, he’d carry out what he’d originally intended.
Bedding his wife.
After the midday meal and after Thorn and Shadow had ridden off to join her husband, Ariel decided to take the men a bite of food while they worked. She didn’t know what kind of provisions they had up on the hill, but they probably were not enough for all the extra men Valteri had summoned.
Not to mention, Shadow, alone, could eat a horse.
The cook wrapped leftovers in plain pieces of cloth and packed her saddlebags, while the groom saddled a palfrey.
The groom helped her into her seat.
With a smile, she thanked him.
Whispering to the mare to take care and not frighten or throw her, Ariel urged the small horse across the yard and out the gate.
The weather was pleasant and crisp, and she decided she couldn’t wait to see the coming spring and what new beauty it would bring to the land.
She hummed to herself as she rode toward the new site.
It didn’t take long to reach the hill.
Yet as she drew closer, her stomach shrank at the last thing she expected.
The sounds of battle.
Of men dying in war.
The wind blew an acrid black smoke around her that choked her and burned her eyes. The scent of burning flesh was unmistakable and it brought tears to her eyes.
Just as the sound of clashing steel and moans of the dying.
Terrified and filled with disbelief, Ariel dismounted so that she could stare at the horror. ’Twas no honest work they were about!
Fierce battle raged all around her.
Though her mind screamed at her to run, she couldn’t move, couldn’t take her eyes off the horrifying sight before her as the men tried to kill each other.
“Milady, why do you come?”
Valteri froze at the familiar voice, a voice he hadn’t heard since the day his angel had been carried into his hall and laid at his feet.
His heart pounding, he turned in his saddle and saw Ariel rising out of the billowing smoke and standing in the center of the Saxon men. Wind whipped her cloak and pale hair around her body.
