Page 55 of Bold Angel
“You are returned home early, my lord. You are not injured?”
Ral stopped squarely in front of her, his gray eyes steely, anger seething from every pore. “How could I possibly be injured? The Ferret’s men were well in hand by the time we reached the camp.”
She thought of Stephen, realized her plan had worked, and felt a moment of relief. “Then you and the others are safe.”
“Aye, we are safe.” Iron gray eyes bored into her. “You do not ask how that might be. How it was that Lord Stephen’s men arrived at the Ferret’s camp first.”
“I… was just so glad to hear all is well. Of course, I would know how it happened.”
A cold smile curved his lips, pulling the muscles taut across his cheekbones. “It seems Lord Stephen also discovered the brigands’ location. He sent word ahead to his knights at Malvern.”
“That is good, is it not? Travelers on our roads at last will be safe.”
“You do not ask how it is Lord Stephen found out.”
“I-I presume he has informants just as you do.”
“Aye, that he does. Men who are loyal to him. And people who would betray me.”
“Betray you?” An uneasy feeling swept down her spine. “I cannot see how something that has helped you get rid of the Ferret can possibly be seen as a betrayal.”
Around them, men and servants grew silent as a tension settled over the hall. “Is that what you did, Caryn? Helped me?”
“I-I do not know what you mean.”
He gripped the top of her arms and hauled her close. “I am tired of playing games. We both know you told Malvern about the Ferret’s camp. We both know you have once more betrayed me!”
Caryn gasped. “That is not so!”
“’Tis the God’s truth, Caryn. What I cannot understand is why you would aid a man like Stephen.”
“I did not do it to aid him!”
His fingers dug into her shoulders. “By Christ, you are my wife! Your loyalty belongs to me!”
“I amnotyour wife—you said so yourself! Lynette is more wife to you than I am.” She hadn’t meant to say the words, yet in truth she discovered she meant them.
For the first time, Ral fell silent. Then a bitter smile twisted his lips. “In this you are correct. Speaking the vows does not make a marriage. ’Tis the joining that countsand that has not yet been done. This night that will change.”
“But I don’t—”
He released his hold on her arms. “Return upstairs to your chamber. Prepare yourself to receive me in your bed.”
“What!”
“You heard me. Do as I command.”
“But you made a promise.”
“Only a fool does nothing to correct his mistakes.”
“But—”
“Go, damn you!”
Lifting her skirts up out of the way, Caryn raced across the hall to the stairs, then ran down the passage to her chamber. Slamming the door behind her, she sagged against the thick rough wood, desperate for its support.
Sweet Mary, Mother of God.She glanced at the bed, her limbs quaking, then listened for the sound of Ral’s footsteps coming up the stairs. Her chest heaved, her palms felt damp, and her heart slammed so hard against her ribs she could barely hear herself think.
