Page 13 of Kingdom of Chains

His sister had passed soon after, and then the man she would never get to marry.

Alveye waved a hand in front of Blackmane’s face. ‘I think we’ve lost him.’

Blinking away the dark memories, the defender pushed Alveye’s hand out of his face and slid his plate away before rising. ‘Thanks for the meal. It’s time for me to retire.’

‘Will you not sample some of the wine, defender?’ Hodge said. ‘It came from Italy by ship.’

‘I don’t drink on duty.’

Hodge’s eyebrows lifted. ‘But you are not on duty, defender. You are a guest in my home.’

A defender was never off duty outside of Chadora’s walls. ‘Maybe another time. Excuse me.’ He made a point of not looking at Isabel as he turned to leave, but he felt her eyes on him all the way to the door.

CHAPTER 5

‘Could you have run away from dinner any faster?’ Tatum said upon entering their sleeping quarters.

Blackmane reached for his boots and tugged them on. ‘I don’t trust him.’

‘Who? And where are you going?’

‘Lord Hodge. Perimeter check.’

Tatum watched him get to his feet. ‘I know he’s a little arrogant, but show me a wealthy man who isn’t.’

‘It’s not that.’

Tatum leaned against the doorframe, blocking his exit. ‘You don’t need to do perimeter checks in someone else’s home.’

‘But I canchooseto.’

Tatum did not move. ‘I’ll let you pass if you answer one question.’

He let out a tired breath. ‘What question’s that?’

‘Is it possible that you resent Lord Hodge a little more than your average lord because he’s engaged to Lady Isabel?’

He was not expecting that one. ‘What in Belenus’s name are you talking about?’

‘You could barely look at her during dinner.’

‘I barely look at anyone.’

‘Then you bit Hodge’s head off when he insulted her choice of reading.’ A smile spread across his face. ‘I think you’ve taken a shine to the young lady.’

‘Ashine? Are you drunk?’

He poked Blackmane’s chest with his finger. ‘That was her atop the wall when we arrived, wasn’t it?’

Blackmane released a tired sigh. ‘So?’

‘So she made youpause, and you never pause for anyone.’

Blackmane shoved him aside. ‘I thought she was about to jump.’

Tatum caught hold of the frame to stop from falling. ‘Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me.’

Alveye and Hadewaye appeared, blocking the only exit.