Page 87 of The Scot

She looked as if she wanted to say more.

He stopped just before the stairwell that led to the first floor.

“You’ve spoken to Cait,” he guessed, remembering her remaining in the corridor. She must have seen Roysa as well.

Idalia’s look of mock surprise confirmed it.

“My sister has never been subtle,” he said.

Idalia was not very adept at keeping her emotions private.

“Do you wish to say something, my lady? Ask a question, perhaps?”

She shook her head vigorously. “No, there are more important matters that require your attention. Go.” Idalia waved her hand for him to move on.

He did have important matters to attend to, but none as important as Roysa.

“She is in my bedchamber, as you already know. Still sleeping.”

Idalia seemed nervous. He had not seen her this way before. “If you worry for Roysa, I assure you, my intentions are honorable. We will be married as soon as it can be arranged. Under the circumstances, of course, it might take a little longer than if we were not currently under siege.”

To his surprise, that did not appear to be her concern.

“I believed as much. At least, Cait assured me of it.”

Of course she had.

“What concerns you, then?”

“My father,” she said, her expression tight with worry. “Lance tells me not to worry, but I cannot seem to stop doing so. He should have returned by now.”

He could not deny it. The same thought had occurred to him.

“Lance said ’tis possible he was delayed.”

“Or he may have learned of Ulster’s arrival. ’Tis possible he is waiting to send word, to ask for guidance. He might not know we’re under siege.”

“Lance said as much.”

“But still you worry.”

She nodded.

“If I receive any word from him, you and Roysa will be notified immediately.”

“Thank you.”

A new wave of guards clamored up the stairwell.

“You are most welcome,” he said, slapping each man on the shoulder as they passed him, their greetings—“my lord”—hanging in the air. When the last one left, he smiled at Idalia, trying to ease her worry and the shiver of apprehension he himself felt. “Good day, sister.”

When she smiled back, her approval earned, Terric felt ready to face the hell that awaited him. Or so he thought.