Page 11 of The Knight’s Reward

“Is he—”

“Handsome as the devil?”

Kathryn nodded before she realized she’d been utterly and completely trapped.

“Ha! Come down an’ see for yerself.” Mary threw her a saucy wink and flounced out of the room, shutting the door behind her.

Though she wanted nothing more than to follow her, Kathryn didn’t move. The man was too perceptive, by far. As much as the famed knight intrigued her, nothing was more important than remaining unseen. Unnoticed.

Unidentified.

Instead, she remained where she was, staring at the blank parchment on her desk. Still, there was no denying the thought of him being just belowstairs made her restless. Standing, Kathryn moved to the window and opened the wooden shutters. Nothing to see except for the very same stables where he’d found her the night before.

After a few moments, Kathryn actually realized she was waiting for him to appear down below. If indeed it was the famed tourney knight. But if so, why was he still here?

Another knock.

Despite what Mary had said, Kathryn would not go—

“Magge!”

The innkeeper opened the door and stood in the opening, staring at her.

“Is something amiss?”

Magge looked as if she were about to cry. And Magge never, ever, ever cried. Railed against cheaters, swatted men twice her size for their boldness, yelled out orders with as much confidence as the king.

But cry?

Nay.

“This is your chance.” The innkeeper pushed into her room and shut the door behind her.

“What do you mean?” Kathryn asked, disconcerted and out of sorts.

“I overheard young Waryn . . .”

Her heart leapt. So he was still here. The man she’d dreamed about last night was right below her.

“I hear he’s headed to Brockburg Castle, in Scotland.” Magge planted her hands firmly on her large hips. “And you’re going with him.”

Going with him? Had Magge bumped her head?

“Pardon?”

“There’s to be a council meeting. All of the Scottish wardens will be present, along with one of the English wardens and some of the more important border lords from both sides.”

“Magge, I fail to see—”

“The Earl of Bothwell will be there.”

She immediately understood. This time, her heart lurched for a very different reason. This was the chance she’d hoped for. She needed access to Bothwell, the last man who’d seen her father alive.

“I do worry if you leave you may never return.”

Kathryn grabbed the older woman’s hands, knowing Magge was right. She had to take this chance. “I will come back.”

The older woman did not look convinced.