Page 45 of The Knight’s Reward

She managed a shaky smile, her heart still feeling broken. That was the second time she’d told the tale, and Kathryn vowed it would be the last. Speaking of it felt like squeezing the wound.

“If your father did not trust Bothwell, and he was one of the last men to speak with him, I assume you’ve considered that he might be quite dangerous?”

She nodded. “I’ve considered it.”

“And yet you planned to march up to the man in the courtyard and demand to know what happened to your father?”

“Aye.” She’d hoped the surprise would work in her favor.

“You are a brave woman, Kathryn . . .”

“Wyld.”

“From Bondgate-in-Darlington?”

She shook her head. “Nay. Sherborne.”

Neill said nothing more, but he did pull her closer. She let herself lean her head against him, nestling closer yet, and they both fell silent.

So much to discuss, but for now, no words were necessary.

Chapter 14

When Neill awoke, it took him a moment to remember where he was.

Then it all came flooding back at once. Kathryn. Her story. Her father.

Kathryn.

He sprung up from his makeshift pallet on the floor and moved toward the bed. He watched her sleep, thankful that no worry lines marred the beautiful face that he ached to lean down and touch.

She’d insisted she’d sleep in the hall, but he’d fought her on it. Although her concerns were valid—what remained of her reputation would be ruined should they be caught—he feared for her safety too much to let her sleep alone. His insistence that he’d afford her the privacy she needed in the morning, paired with a gentle reminder that they had stayed together in tighter quarters, had finally served to convince her.

Last eve, he’d fetched a bowl of rosewater for her himself, then paced the corridors so she could wash and dress in peace. Thankfully, Bryce had been nowhere to be found.

He dressed quietly, unwilling to wake her. Neill rose before the sun most days, and today was no exception. After pausing one last time to glance at her, a surge of protectiveness mixing with a very real stirring that forced him away from the bed, Neill left his chamber as quietly as possible.

A soft knock on the door to his left, and it was opened a moment later.

“Another change,” Bryce said. “You were never awake this early in the morn as a lad.”

Bryce, on the other hand, had always risen early, something Neill had counted on.

“We need to talk.”

Bryce stepped to the side and Neill entered. With the exception of the alcove and window, his brother’s chamber was much the same as his own. Clean, well-appointed, fairly small. Having a private chamber was a rarity, so Neill was thankful.

Especially after last night.

Sitting in one of the two chairs at the small table, he didn’t waste time exchanging pleasantries with his brother. Instead, he told him everything.

Although Kathryn had not given him leave to share her secret, he did not feel overly guilty for doing so. He needed both advice and assistance, if he were going to help find Kathryn’s father’s killer.

And Neill planned to do just that. The man deserved justice.

Kathryn deserved peace.

The mere fact that she’d planned to question Bothwell herself, so brazenly, was reason enough for him to assist her. There was a real danger to her, and he’d not have her harmed.