Page 69 of The Mercenary

Guy ran to her, reaching his wife in four strides. He engulfed her in an embrace so tight he couldn’t be sure if the sound she made was from joy or pain.

“I was so worried.”

She pulled away, her cheeks streaked with tears.

“You were worried? What happened? What took you so long?”

Clearing his throat but unwilling to let her go, Guy forced back tears.

Conrad had not moved. Nor had Guy’s reunion with his wife softened his expression.

“We thought you dead. Or worse.”

Guy chuckled at the utter ridiculousness of his friend’s statement.

He noticed, for the first time, they were not exactly alone. In fact, the hall was brimming with people who did not hide their interest in the scene before them.

“My solar,” Conrad demanded.

Still, Guy couldn’t bring himself to let her go. He wrapped his fingers through hers and squeezed.

She was safe.

Following Conrad into his private chambers, he chose a bench rather than his typical chair. And pulled his wife nearly onto his lap.

“I’m not sure why I continue to be surprised by your antics,” Conrad said, brows raised.

Guy ignored him.

Reaching up to grasp a lock of Sabine’s hair, he twirled it through his fingers. She had to forgive him for acting like a stubborn arse before they were separated. He’d talk to Conrad later about the idea he’d had on the way to Licheford. But first . . . he had something to tell them.

“Bande de Valeur have returned to France.”

Chapter 34

Sabine was sure her expression of shock matched Conrad’s.

It was difficult to think with Guy sitting next to her, touching her. Even if it was just her hair. The gesture brought her as much comfort as she knew it brought him. And though she was still contemplating killing him for making her worry, she sensed something had changed between them.

But for now, she needed an explanation. They’d both been so sure de Chabannes wouldn’t bend. What could have changed?

Eyes sparkling, Guy said, “Noreham is with us.”

She thought of the young lord whose father had served the king. “Impossible.”

He’d come off as so devout. So loyal.

When Guy’s eyes met hers, all thoughts of Noreham flew from her head for a moment. So much promise in his eyes . . .

“Ahem.”

She spun her head, looking guiltily at Conrad.

“I thought the same,” Guy said, responding to her remark. “Thankfully, I did not attempt to kill the man before he explained.”

“Kill him? Did he not disarm you at the inn?” Sabine thought back, attempting to remember exactly what had transpired.

“He did not. By the time I was within his walls, alone, part of me knew something was amiss.” He shrugged. “The other part of me thought to kill him before being tossed in Noreham’s dungeon.”