“Now you may tell anyone honestly that I was held in chains.” He held out his wrists while Carice cut the ropes. “And when I return to the Normans, you have my word that no harm will come to any of the MacEgan men.”
At that, the king’s tension relaxed. “Lady Carice, what say you? Do you want to leave Laochre now or await your father?”
“I want to travel with Raine,” Carice insisted, “until I reach my mother’s family in the west.”
She went to stand at his side, and when she placed her hand upon his arm, he forced himself to think of his sisters instead of her. No one had shown mercy to Elise or Nicole. Despite Sir Darren’s promise that they were safe, he was uncertain about it. And whether or not they had been abused, he could not say.
If he killed the High King, they would be free. And although he didn’t relish the idea of murder, for his sisters he would pay any price.
Raine tried to ignore the warmth of Carice’s palm and the soft scent of her skin. He didn’t want to think of how hurt she would be when she learned that the man she trusted had betrayed her. He shut it all out, turning his thoughts to stone.
Queen Isabel reached out for her husband’s hand and regarded them. “We will grant you the time you need to escape. But you must go now.”
Patrick lifted a hand in dismissal. “So be it.”
One of the soldiers returned Carice’s cloak to her, and she leaned against Raine as she fastened it. He realized that, although she had masked her illness well enough, she was still weak.
To the king, she asked, “May we take one of your horses?” The king agreed and ordered a servant to guide them out to the stables. But Raine had his doubts about leaving during the daylight. “If we leave now, the soldiers will see you. Even if we wait until they’ve entered the gates, we will still be visible from the castle walls.”
Carice’s expression grew drawn. “You’re right.” She thought a moment and her gaze centered upon one of the soldiers. “I am too easily recognized if I am dressed like this. Perhaps instead, I should disguise myself in the armor of one of your guards. I could keep my hair hidden inside the cowl and then we could ride out past them.”
“They still might recognize you, if there are only two of us,” Raine said. But her idea had merit. Brodie Faoilin’s kinsmen were unlikely to find her if she wore armor.
“King Patrick, could several of your guards travel with us?” Carice pleaded. “Only for an hour or two?”
“She’s right,” Isabel agreed. “It would be safer. And they can accompany both of you far enough that no one will notice if two soldiers do not return.”
Raine gave a nod, but inwardly, he wondered if Carice had the strength to wear chainmail armor. Before he could voice the thought, she turned to him with a slight smile, “Will you help me find the smallest soldier here?”
The chainmail was heavier than she’d ever imagined. It was like having stones crushing her shoulders and torso. Carice was barely able to sit upright on the horse, but she forced herself to endure the weight. About a dozen men rode with her, and Raine remained at her side in the middle of the entourage. She kept her gaze averted while they departed and her father’s men entered the gates of Laochre. Though she knew there was no reason to fear, uncertainties closed over her. Only a few hours of daylight remained, and she knew not where they would find shelter this night. The king and queen had given them supplies, including a tent, blankets, and food. Yet, her fears did not diminish.
Thus far, no one seemed interested in the soldiers, and they continued to ride as a group toward the north. Raine had suggested it, and since her family lived near the Dingle Peninsula, they would have to travel in that direction regardless.
For many miles, they rode in silence. Her shoulders sank down, and she struggled to keep her seat on the horse. It was like trying to keep a stone pillar upon her shoulders, and she gripped the reins so hard, her knuckles whitened.
“Are you all right?” Raine asked.
She managed a nod. “How much farther will we ride?”
“Just to the edge of those trees.” He pointed toward the horizon, and she wanted to weep. He seemed to sense her dismay, and he brought his horse alongside hers. “When we reach the forest, you can remove the armor. I’ll send the soldiers away.”
“Where will we stop to sleep for the night?” She suspected they might have to make camp in the forest, but the idea made her worry. It was so difficult to stay warm, she dreaded the thought of sleeping within a tent.
“It depends on how swiftly we travel,” he answered. “We might reach the village of Casheldrum if we ride in haste. Possibly by later tonight.”
The idea of riding all day made her ache just to think of it. She didn’t know how she would manage it in the armor. Carice tried to tell herself that a few hours wouldn’t matter. But she knew how weak her body was, and she didn’t want Raine to hear her complain.
There was no question that he was right—her father was close by, and Brodie Faoilin might catch up to them if they didn’t continue riding. There was no choice but to keep on the journey.
“You’re tired, aren’t you?” His voice was cool, but beneath it, she sensed that he was aware of her fragility.
“I am. But I will do what I must.” She squared her shoulders, fighting back the pain of the chainmail. “I should probably warn you—I’m going to fall off this horse soon.”
“Then fall toward me.” He reached out for her glove hand. “I’ll catch you,chérie.”
He would, she knew. And the knowledge warmed her. She had come to depend on this man, and though she worried aboutthe consequences of him escorting her, she was glad of his presence.
His cheeks were bristled from not shaving the past few days, and his dark gold hair framed a strong face that captivated her. And his mouth captivated her with the memory of a forbidden kiss. Being this close to him only reminded her that they would be spending time together alone.
