“I will not,” he answered. “Not without her agreement. And not unless it is necessary for your safety.”
“And you swear you will protect her?” Augusta demanded.
“And you?” Matilda added, stepping forward.
Duncan looked between them.
“I swear,” he said simply.
Something shifted then, and the terror in their eyes dulled into an uncertain acceptance. Augusta drew a slow breath.
“…We should go back,” she said at last. Matilda nodded vigorously. Duncan could only bask in the triumph.
Had he tried to convince them right away, it would only have prolonged the whole thing. But now he had achieved what he wanted, and they turned toward the castle. This time, they did not walk ahead of him as though fleeing a monster.
They walked beside him.
Halfway back, Matilda’s hand slipped into his free one, and he nearly dropped the lantern.
“Um,” Augusta said, and it was the first time her voice had sounded uncertain rather than sharp, “are you going to… lie for us? She will be very angry if she finds out that we tried to escape.”
Duncan slowed, then stopped altogether. The lantern hung at his side, its light pooling on the path and catching the damp hems of their skirts. He looked at Augusta properly and then considered it for a moment.
Ahead, Blackstone rose dark and broad against the sky, where a few windows held faint light. Someone was awake and searching.
Charity.
Duncan’s gaze flicked toward the castle, then returned to Augusta.
“If I tell her the truth the moment we step inside,” he said, “she’ll worry twice as much. First over what you did, then over what she thinks it means about her.”
“Sheshouldworry, as she should have told us what was happening,” Augusta’s eyes narrowed.
“Aye,” Duncan said, and the agreement came out plain, “but I do not wish to burden her, tonight at the very least.”
Augusta’s throat worked as she glanced down at Matilda, who had gone quiet from exhaustion.
“So, you will cover for us?” Augusta said, slower now.
“I’ll say we went for a walk.” Duncan nodded once.
Augusta blinked, relieved.
“Oh,” she said, and her voice came out smaller. “All right.”
Duncan started walking again, and Augusta followed, keeping Matilda close, the sack thumping lightly against her side with each step. The cold air pushed at them, insistent. The path back to the castle felt longer now that the rush was gone.
Matilda shivered hard, and Duncan noticed it immediately and stopped without meaning to.
Augusta looked back, instantly wary. “What now?”
Duncan didn’t answer her and offered his coat to the little girl. Matilda stared at the coat as if it were a miracle. “For me?”
“For you.”
Matilda didn’t hesitate as she took it with both hands and wrapped it around herself so eagerly that she nearly tangled in it.
Finally.He did not want the young child to be cold.
