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“You believe I condoned the attack.” This matter is so easily cleared. “And you took me to protect the queen.”

Why? The Prima has never been interested in helping my sister before. But that is a matter for a different time.

“I love my sister.” I lean forward. The Elderman’s steady gaze fumbles my words. “I would never, ever do anything to hurt her. My husband’s actions are his own.”

I smile. By tomorrow, I will be with Cettina once I convince him we are on the same side. Tis a relief to realize as much.

“Surely if you know me, then you know I did not choose him. My father betrothed me to the vile man. And since we left court, I’ve done nothing but attempt to help my sister, to feed her information, at great risk of being discovered. So you see,” I finish, “we are on the same side. You can return me to her tomorrow, and Cettina will vouch for all that I say.”

For the first time all day, I can breathe easily. Taking a bite of rabbit, I wait for him to respond. To declare that we will, in fact, turn back around. To acknowledge that this has all been a great misunderstanding.

His eyes narrow. This Elderman is, indeed, a good-looking man. The church should have a rule against such a thing. Tis unnatural.

Although he looks quite intimidating, I continue to smile at him. Elated to realize we are not at odds, after all.

“You, my lady, are a liar.”

4

Aiken

A beautiful liar. But a liar nonetheless.

I turn away from her look of shock. She is a good liar, to be sure. Cunning, this sister of the queen’s. Of course, what else could I expect from a woman who had an affair, was subsequently excommunicated from court because of it, and then traveled with her husband to lay witness to an abhorrent attack?

Whitley’s men would no doubt have killed innocents, just as they did in their first attack at Saitford.

“How dare you?”

I open my eyes to see my lovely captive jump from her seat, feigning indignation. She begins to pace, likely realizing her position. She is trapped.

But right on one account.

Taking her captive, even if done to protect her sister the queen, will do little to quell the tumultuous relationship between Edingham’s sovereign and the Prima. I’ve thought of many ways to explain the situation to Father Silvester and more than one possibility presents itself.

Though none do little to quiet the most pressing of concerns.

What do I do with Lady Hilla?

When I saw her at the smithy, preparing to escape, I did not hesitate. Whitley’s accomplice could not get away.

Aye, I could have taken her to the queen’s men. But, reluctant to reveal myself, my own mission partly hinging on stopping the attack on Craighcebor, I chose to carry her away from the fray. And now I'm intent on learning precisely how much of a threat she poses.

Overcome with emotion, Lady Hilla continues to pace around the campsite, muttering to herself. Finding myself staring boldly at her, I turn away quickly from the ample bosom I’ve no right to look upon. From her full lips, which God surely intended to be kissed.

A cunning, beautiful traitor.

How I wish there were time to let myself fall into a deep sleep, to make up for the little I’ve had these past few days, before attempting to interrogate this woman.

“Sit,” I say with the full expectation of being obeyed. My position within the church guarantees it. From the day I was sworn to protect the Prima, and the church, in that order, I’ve been both feared and respected in equal measure. Each day, as my colleagues kneel in prayer, my fellow soldiers and I train. All day, every day. Unless we are sent out on a mission.

Shadow Warrior.

Tis not a name we use for ourselves, but tis an accurate one nonetheless. We move without being seen. Which means none, with the exception of the Prima himself, truly knows where we are located, or who we serve, at any given time.

A fact Silvester has exploited more and more of late.

Unsurprisingly, the lady sits.