Page 31 of Forbidden Allianc
Cailin bit back a host of protests, recognizing the need to focus on the greater good of their mission. However much he wanted her to remain here, taking her along made sense. “She will go with me, but we willna travel until her injury has recovered. Time I will use to go through the documents in the chest and discuss the details of the plan.”
Thepriest nodded.
* * * *
Elspet noted the slide of clouds in the purple-orange sky as the sun set. Two days had passed, and between the priest’s herbs and rest, thankfully, her ankle wasalmost healed.
She tightened her cape as she walked to the stable, the whip of wind harsh across her face. Though she struggled with grief, the time with Father Lamond had allowed her to begin to improve.
With one last look at the fading sunset, she walked inside. The scent of horse and hay greeted her as she tuggedthe door shut.
With the stealth of a predator, Cailin stepped from the side, his red hair secured behind his back in a leather tie,his face taut.
Heart pounding, she jumped. “Ididna see you.”
His brows slanted. “I told you to remain in the hut. ’Tis dangerous.”
“If I stay inside another moment without seeing the sun, breathing fresh air,I will go mad.”
“You should have waited until I returned.”
She scowled and walked past him to his horse. “I am far from a helpless lass.”
Steps crunched on hay behind her as she stroked the horse’s soft muzzle. With any issues of trust between them erased, too often these past two days her eyes had strayedto his mouth.
“Howis your ankle?”
“The pain isall but gone.”
He gave a rough exhale. “Still, I dinna like your placing yourself in danger.”
She scoffed. “With your uncle’s men trying to find me, I am already in danger.”
For a long moment he watched her, the displeasure on his face easy to read. “Once we leave here, you will follow all my commands without hesitation.”
“Iam not a fool.”
The hard look on his face eased and he rubbed the back of his neck. “Nay, you are not. Iwant you safe.”
“I know.” Moved by his concern, she stepped toward him. He was a knight sworn to protect. It was understandable that he struggled with her taking risks. Still, she couldna help but wonder if there was something more personal in his concern. “But you need me, and Iwill be there.”
He blew out a rough breath. “My uncle is an evil man. He must be stopped.”
“He will be.”
Silence fell between them, the slap of wind on the wooden building echoing with amournful sound.
She looked around the stable, and an ache built in her chest. “The last time I was here, ’twas with my stepfather. ’Tis hard tobelieve that.”
A strong hand gently touched her hand.
She didn’t move, didn’t dare. Emotions storming her, if she spoke, turned, she’d break down. She wanted him to leave her alone, allow her to regain her dignity.
“Elspet?”
The empathy in his voice cracked the fragile hold on her emotions. “Go…please.”
Cailin drew her against his chest and wrapped her within his arms. “I amhere for you.”
