Page 29 of The Knight’s Reward

As usual, her hair was tied back in a braid. Her well-worn though serviceable riding gown would not attract attention on its own, but he did not doubt she would be noticed. No ragged gown could conceal she had the face of an angel.

They rode into the courtyard, already a flurry of activity with the council beginning in two days. Word of his arrival must have reached the castle, for the one man he most wanted to see strode toward him now.

His brother Bryce strode toward him, an unapologetic grin on his face. He waited until Neill dismounted before pulling him into an embrace.

He’d not seen his brother in years, the travel time and instability along the border keeping him “where you belong for now,” according to Geoffrey. He’d missed weddings, births.

Neill had missed his siblings.

And although he was a man full-grown, he felt more like a boy in the presence of his older brothers.

“Thor’s teeth,” Bryce said, pushing back. “You are a man.”

Neill laughed as the others fell in around them. “And you are . . . older.”

In truth, he looked much the same. Maybe a bit thicker in the chest and arms.

“Not so old to challenge you, youngling. What say you, brother?”

“We’ve much to discuss. And the training yard seems a perfect place to do it. But—” He turned toward Kathryn, intending to see to her well-being.

She was . . . gone.

He looked at Aylmer, who held the reins of the horse she’d abandoned, and his friend nodded to the main keep. Had she truly left without a proper farewell?

The man she came to meet. She’s gone off to find him. Your purpose for her has ended.

“Neill?”

He shook off the unease that had crept up his back. Bryce was here. He could not continue to distract himself with thoughts of Lady Kathryn. Their time together was apparently at an end.

“’Tis nothing,” he said.

Bryce peered behind them.

“Where’s Geoffrey?”

“He sent word to The Wild Boar, where we were to meet, that I should continue on without him. Something has held him at Kenshire.”

Bryce frowned. “Hmmm.”

“The young pup returns.”

Toren Kerr, chief of Clan Kerr and Brockburg Castle, approached him.

The man looked as ferocious as he remembered. But by the look Toren and Bryce exchanged, their bitter enemy truly had become an ally.

“Chief.” He extended his hand, but Toren took his forearm instead, a more intimate gesture signaling they were more than simply allies.

They were family. Bryce had seen to that.

Speaking of which . . .

“I hear we all have news to celebrate,” Neill said, pulling his arm back. “I am remiss in my congratulations, Bryce. I had hoped to stop at Bristol Manor to see your son, but I was delayed.”

This time, it was he who initiated the embrace. It had been far too long since he’d seen his family, and although Neill already missed Adam and Cora, he could not deny he was glad to be back in the north. Back where he belonged.

With luck, Lady Alina will have no qualms living in Northumbria. As long as the border was secure . . . he pushed aside the vision of a future with Kathryn. It was not to be, for many reasons.