Page 43 of Ruthless, But for Her

That admission was hard won, Ashton was certain. The vacant stare behind her eyes was one he would eradicate if he could.

“Lady Cassia…”

She laughed, but it was a bitter harsh sound. “Lady. What people do for titles. They bring no comfort, and certainly we are familiar enough for you to discard it.”

He agreed, but it was the agreement of someone who’d never wished for such a moniker. Who had seen the trappings of power and the evil it could bring.

“Cassia,” he tried it again. “We should speak of practical matters.”

He reached for the ale and drank. It was watered and flat, the way he took it before a hard ride.

He waited for her to acknowledge the conversation. Ashton understood it was a weighty topic. They needed to discuss Cassia’s future—one she’d had no hand in creating.

“My father is very likely looking for me even now,” she said finally.

Ashton had already considered as much. “He’s likely to get himself killed attempting to find you. Shall I have a message sent that you are safe and will send word?”

She looked at him then, the blank stare coming slightly into focus.

“I… I would not have him harmed. If you were able to do so, I would very much appreciate the effort. He can pay…”

“We took you, and I’ll admit, if we hadn’t, your husband would still be alive. There would be no need to send word to your father. So there will be no talk of coin. Consider it done.”

She nodded, turning the cup between her hands without drinking.

“Of course, instead of a messenger, we can provide an escort for you to return immediately to Grantchester.” Unwilling to see her go just yet, Ashton quickly added, “But if you desire more time to think…to grieve… As Margot said, you are welcome here as our guest.”

Her expression showed Ashton clearly that that was not something she considered desirable. And that was why he was prepared with a third proposal.

“Or, if you wish it, you can accompany me on a short journey to the Wild Boar Inn, where I will gather information about de Grey’s potential retaliation.”

Cassia’s eyes widened as she stared at him.

No god had ever been kind to him, but Ashton prayed now despite it, that Margot was wrong. That divulging this information would frighten Cassia less than it would empower her.

“We know not what Roland’s men will tell the warden. You could be in danger,” he rushed to add. “I’m sure your father could protect you against it, if you wish to return home immediately. But…”

He wanted to make his next point clear.

“…if you stay with us—with me—I vow you will come to no harm. Once we know what tale Roland’s men are telling, we can better decide what comes next. That’s what I intend to do at the Wild Boar.”

He waited.

Ashton might not participate in societal conventions, but he was aware of their trappings. Aware of what her presence at the Daisy meant for her reputation. What traveling with him unescorted would imply. It was a decision Cassia could not take lightly.

One he could see her struggling with.

“I would bid you take your time in deciding, but I mean to be on the road before midday. If de Grey hasn’t learned about last eve’s events, he will soon.”

Whether the men had gone straight back to the warden or somewhere else to spread word of Roland’s death, they had no idea. Still, it was clear they had little time to tarry.

“The decision is yours, Cassia. Stay here, return to Grantchester, or come with me. Whatever you decide, we will protect you. I will protect you.”

She pressed her hands flat against her skirts, then raised her chin.

Cassia had obviously decided.

She swallowed, hard enough that he could see the movement in her throat. Whatever her decision was, it had not come easily.