Page 64 of My Highland Bride

“One of many, many rumors you will hear circulating here at court. But aye, that one is true enough. And by Father Aiken’s own words, the Prima was involved at Saitford and this attack as well. Which means Father Silvester is as complicit as anyone.”

How did we get so far astray from more important matters? I’d prefer to turn the discussion back to us, to our marriage, and I also do not want Reyne to worry. “We will stop the attack, expose both Whitley and Rawlins, and reopen the path to peace.”

“What will happen to them?”

The Curia discussed that as well.

“Both will be arrested, and likely hung, as traitors.”

“Whitley too?”

I nod. “Aye, Whitley too. Cettina is hoping to discover her sister’s whereabouts before the fighting.”

Reyne noticeably tenses. “Cettina?”

“She is coming to Craighcebor. We tried to dissuade her, but knowing Lady Hilla travels with her husband, she insists on being there. Which is one of the reasons we chose Carwell Castle. It is as fortified as any castle, more so after so often being ravaged by Borderers.”

I stop, seeing her expression.

Reyne is no longer looking at me with appreciation, as if she would very much like to remain in this chamber, as I would, until dawn. She’s tense suddenly. Withdrawn.

“You met her,” I say. “Surely you know now there is nothing more between Cettina and I than respect and mutual admiration. She trusts me, as she always has. I just ask that you do the same for me.”

Reyne says nothing. I stand, frustrated at this turn of events.

“Why do you think so poorly of me, Reyne? Have I given you cause to do so?”

She makes a face nearly identical to one I’ve seen before. On her father.

“I was thrust upon you, Erik. And she is . . .” She purses her lips together and does not finish the thought. “I shall go with you.”

“No.”

Not the right answer.

“It is too dangerous. We go there to fight a battle, Reyne. Mayhap one we are not as prepared for as we believe. I would not see harm come to you. Nay, you will remain here.”

I’ve been looking for the fire in her eyes.

I see it now . . . directed at me.

“But it is safe enough for Cettina?”

“I’d not have her come either, but she is the queen and wills it so.”

“And I am naught but your wife, so you may tell me what to do.” She stands and mutters, “Just like my father.”

My only thought is to keep my wife safe from harm. And she is angry because of it?

Stalking back to my shirt, I lift it over my head, then pull the surcoat on top of it. Running my hands through my hair, I wonder how a night that began with such promise could fall apart so swiftly.

“Shall we go to supper?” I say, my words clipped.

Without answering, Reyne walks toward the door and swings it open, waiting for me.

Aye, she and Cettina will get along quite well.

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