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“We will soon return to Branton Keep,” Gisela said, unable to stop her voice from catching. How she longed to take her little boy in her arms and hug him, to rejoice in knowing that at last, he was safe from Ryle. But, upon her return, she must accept her punishment from de Lanceau.

Dominic eased her away. “A word, milord.” Touching her sleeve, he said, “I will be only a moment.”

She watched him stride away, speaking in low tones to de Lanceau. She hugged herself, unable to stifle a chill. How handsome Dominic looked, despite his tattered garments and wounds. Naught could disguise his noble strength. Standing beside de Lanceau, he clearly belonged among the highborn. Far beyond her common reach.

Loneliness pressed down upon her, crushing her earlier bloom of relief. Whatever her fate, she would accept it.

De Lanceau nodded and grinned. Then, he clapped Dominic on the shoulder before they walked back to her.

“I have considered all that occurred today,” de Lanceau said, warmth in his compelling gray gaze. “Above all, the fact that you selflessly risked your own life to save Dominic’s. I have also taken into regard your earlier revelations at Branton Keep and at your home.”

Gisela bit down on her lip. “Aye, milord.”

I have sentenced you to my dungeon for the rest of your living days.

“While I cannot condone all of your decisions, I believe you did what was necessary to protect not only your own life, but that of your young son.” He paused. “Dominic’s child.”

Blinking hard, she nodded.

“Therefore—”

Please, God, let him be merciful. Please, do not take Ewan from me. Please, please…

“—since your decisions were made for the well-being of his son⁠—”

Please, please!

“I leave any punishment entirely up to Dominic.”

Exhaling a stunned breath, Gisela said, “Dominic?”

Slipping his arm around her waist, he kissed her cheek. “Since I am heartily glad Ryle is dead, you kept my son safe from his murderous rage, and all of Geoffrey’s silks were recovered”—he shrugged—“I see only one resolution, really.”

She gasped. “Oh!” Then she frowned. “What resolution?”

De Lanceau clapped his hands together. “’Tis settled, then.”

Confusion bubbled up inside Gisela. “Dominic?”

Mischief glinted in his eyes. “We will discuss it, Sweet Daisy, on our return to Branton Keep.”

CHAPTER 22

Seated behind Gisela on her horse, Dominic took her to the meadow close to Branton Keep. The castle, standing on the nearby hill, looked down over the expansive field brightened by poppies, daisies, and cornflowers.

Four times, she’d asked that he reveal her fate.

Four times, smothering a smile, he’d refused.

After drawing the horse to a halt in the middle of the meadow, he slid down, and then helped her dismount. Leaving the animal to graze, he caught Gisela’s hand. He led her farther into the wildflowers and grasses, rousing butterflies and bumblebees as he walked.

“Dominic, please! Will you tell me now?”

She sounded so frantic, he paused and faced her. How beautiful she was standing amid the flowers, her hair tangled from their ride. She looked even more lovely than years ago. He fought the desire to pull her into his arms, kiss her until her mouth was as red as poppies, and then draw her down among the grasses.

Instead, he slipped his hand from hers and picked a daisy.

“I cannot bear not knowing,” she said.