Page 34 of The Knight’s Reward

“I do.”

Kathryn bristled. She’d not expected that.

Clearing her throat, pretending they weren’t standing closer than two people in a conversation should be standing, she boldly repeated his question.

“What is she to you?”

“A mystery.”

A rush of air left her lips. Oh. He knew she’d spoken of him, and he’d returned the gesture in kind.

Did that mean . . . was there no other?

Kathryn should not care.

“I have to leave,” she whispered.

He’d stopped her before, and she expected him to do so again. But Neill didn’t attempt to reach out to her as she skirted around him. He didn’t even turn to look at her. As she rounded the stables, she allowed herself a quick glance back, and he was already walking in the other direction, toward the keep.

She stopped, allowing for her heartbeat to return to normal.

Had she misread his interest?

The sun had set while they were speaking. She could move through the courtyard a bit easier, blending in with the other visitors, avoiding notice until he came.

And then what?

The question she’d been avoiding would not relent. Depending on what the man said, Kathryn would have to decide on her next move. Back to The Wild Boar? Make her way to Edinburgh, where her father had been killed?

It seemed she’d find out sooner rather than later. A new riding party had arrived, and though she’d never met the man before, he fit the descriptions she’d heard precisely.

Flaming red hair. Long beard. A large man, though not muscled like Neill.

The Earl of Bothwell.

Lord Chancellor of Scotland and the king’s representative here at the council.

Most importantly, the man with whom her father had last dealt before his body was found along the bank of the Firth of Forth.

Chapter 11

Hungry, tired, and thoroughly confused, Neill strode toward the great hall with the intention of seeking out his chamber. Bryce had mentioned they were housed in the Armorer’s Tower, and by the sounds coming from the hall, he suspected supper was already being served.

Another sound reached his ears from the other end of the courtyard, near the stables. Neill stopped at the entrance to the keep. A riding party had arrived, though he couldn’t see their banners from this distance.

Fortunately, he didn’t need to see. The whispers around him identified the men just as easily.

“Lord chancellor . . .”

“The king’s man . . .”

Neill knew of the Earl of Bothwell, of course, but he’d never met him. According to his brothers, the man was not to be trusted. He changed sides as it suited him. Thankfully, on the matter they were here to discuss, the ousting of Caxton and reinstatement of the Day of Truce, Bothwell appeared to support the Scots king, the wardens, and the select group of Englishmen, like Neill and his brother, who had been invited to this gathering.

According to Geoffrey’s letter, word of Neill’s actions had reached the border before he’d even left the south. All of the guests at the council meeting anticipated the renewal of King Alexander’s oath of fealty to Edward. Once that occurred, Caxton would be removed.

And I will be wed.

Thoughts of Kathryn intruded, just as they did every time Neill considered his intended.