Page 76 of The Rogue’s Redemption

It was phrased as a question, to which Allie responded, “And I should be grateful for it.”

Smiling, the girl moved to the bed and began to pound the pillows. Allie eagerly made her way to the washbowl and used the rag on her face and neck, eventually washing just about every spot of bare skin until the water grew cold.

“My lady says you may request a tub whenever you like,” Elise said. “But she thought you might care to join her in breaking your fast this morn.”

And so Allie dressed in one of three gowns she brought, much to the chagrin of Aidan, who’d carried nothing except his own person, his sword, and a few provisions Cook had provided for them. Elise braided her hair and then led her down the spiral staircase and out into the courtyard, which was brimming with activity. She glanced at the stable, unable to help herself, and Elise said, “They are long gone, my lady.”

Allie would have asked how the girl knew her thoughts, but there were few secrets at estates like Brockburg. The servants oft knew as much, and sometimes more, as anyone. Her arrival had not gone unnoticed, if the quick stares and whispers as they walked toward the keep were any indication.

“’Tis not often we receive such lovely visitors,” Elise said.

“’Tis kind of you to say so.”

The maid held her head high as she led the way through the doorway of the great keep. When they turned the corner, a vision in royal blue greeted them.

“There you are.”

Lady Juliette’s long blond hair lay in waves around her shoulders, a single gold circlet around her head the only adornment Allie could see.

“Thank you, Elise,” she said by way of a dismissal.

The young maid curtsied and walked past them, moving into the hall. Allie was about to follow her when Juliette reached out a hand to stop her.

“A word before we break our fast?”

“Of course,” Allie murmured, following her into a small, windowless alcove. She perched on the intricately carved bench with velvet pillows and folded her hands on her lap.

“So,” Juliette said. “Did you sleep well?”

Allie tried to stop the flush that crept up her neck to her cheeks. “I did, my lady. Thank y—”

“Juliette. Or Jules. If we are to be related, there should be no formalities between us.” She paused, then added, “May I speak plainly?”

Allie did not think her answer would matter much. She nodded.

“I fear I must warn you,” Juliette said. “You may hear some things about your intended that will test the bond that has developed between you.”

“Test?” Allie didn’t understand.

Juliette shrugged. “Mayhap not. But please remember what I said. I have never seen Reid this way before. You are good for him, and I know he will be good for you as well.”

When Juliette dropped her hands and stood, Allie did the same.

“And unfortunately, you are about to learn the truth of my words this morn.”

25

If Reid did not get himself killed on his mission, Allie was going to kill him herself.

Juliette was not shy in telling everyone they met that Allie was to be Reid’s wife, and for three days she had endured the whispers and stares of nearly every beautiful woman at Brockburg. Nay, she chided herself, not nearly. Every one. Allie was sure there was not one knight’s wife or servant who had not either looked at her as if they thought her mad or as if they wished to take a knife to her throat for taking what was theirs. She’d even had a very embarrassing conversation with one of Reid’s past conquests.

The situation would no doubt have brought Aidan to laughter, but her brother-in-law had already returned to Highgate, satisfied that she was safe and had been made welcome. He had promised to return for her after apprising Graeme of the latest attacks, but she’d insisted it would not be necessary. She planned to return with Reid and Juliette to make one last appeal to her sister.

Of course, that had all happened before she was exposed to the evidence of Reid’s promiscuousness. Feeling the desperate need to hit something, she’d begged Juliette to find her a private place to train, and although she’d not brought her own sword, the lady of the keep had introduced her to Ansley, the armorer, who’d provided one that would serve her purposes. Now Allie stood before a poor, innocent tree making swing after swing. She’d thought it would help to take out her frustrations in such a way, but it did not. As she swung the sword, she cursed herself for being here, cursed herself for considering leaving, and most of all, cursed herself for being so indecisive.

She paused long enough to ensure the guard was still there, and sure enough, the man leaned against a distant tree, one that had not yet suffered the abuse of her sword. Juliette had insisted the man could be trusted to keep quiet, and since he was not even looking at her, Allie was inclined to agree with that assessment.

Raising the sword once again, she positioned her feet properly and made more measured movements—only the very act of using the sword reminded her of him. The slow, controlled swings came harder and faster until she was panting with the effort of keeping the sword in the air for so long.