Page 34 of Kingdom of Chains

Isabel’s chest pinched as she realised she was missing vital pieces to this story. ‘I will go alone. He will not know.’

Yvaine looked torn, then gave a resigned nod. ‘Head southeast for fifteen miles, sticking close to the creek. When they come for you, raise your hands immediately and tell them you are unarmed. You have a very short window of time to convince them you are no threat. They will shoot you without hesitation if they are at all suspicious.’

Isabel’s bravery was diminishing, but her need to lay eyes on a living and breathing Ita had her nodding. ‘All right. I understand.’

The tent opened suddenly, and Hodge stepped inside. Yvaine turned her face from him and walked over to the tray, fiddling unnecessarily with the cutlery.

Hodge looked from Yvaine to Isabel’s open dress. ‘Oh. You are changing. I shall wait outside.’

Isabel closed the front of her dress. ‘I will be out in a moment.’

Thankfully, he left without another word. The second he was gone, she rushed over to Yvaine. ‘I will figure out a way to get you out.’

Yvaine reached up and touched her cheek. ‘I am too old to run from soldiers. I will wait for the day they open the gates and walk out of here free—alongside everyone else.’

Isabel brought Yvaine’s hand to her mouth and kissed it, praying that day would come. Her friend went to fetch a clean dress from Isabel’s bag, and as she was helping her into it, she whispered, ‘Do not trust that man.’ She tugged the hood of her cloak up and fled before Isabel had a chance to respond.

Isabel stared after her, taking a moment to compose herself before going outside to face Hodge.

When she exited, he turned, looking her up and down, no doubt assessing her dress choice, which she had paid no attention to at all.

‘I am pleased you got some food,’ he said.

It was not really surprising that he had forgotten Yvaine’s face. He was not the kind of man who paid attention to the help. ‘One of the women in the kitchen brought me some soup and was kind enough to help me change.’

‘Good. How are you feeling?’

Isabel glanced at Webb, who was pretending he was not listening to every word. ‘Is it really necessary to post a guard outside my tent?’

He took hold of both her hands. ‘You know how protective I am of you. What if something should happen when I am not around?’

She would need to lose Webb if she stood any chance of getting out—or at the very least make it clear to him that she was in charge. ‘You are so caring.’

‘I love you. You know this.’

She placed a hand on his chest. ‘So Webb is here for my protection only?’

‘Yes.’

‘And I am free to come and go as I please?’

He placed a hand over hers, moving it to her wrist when he felt her scar. ‘Of course. My beloved, you are my guest, not my prisoner. Let there be no confusion about that.’

She smiled sweetly at him. ‘And when it comes time for me to leave, he will remain here inside the camp—like a good soldier.’

‘Of course.’

She looked over at the guard, who was barely holding back a glare. ‘And Webb will open the gate and wish me a safe journey home.’

Hodge touched the tip of her nose with his finger, like one did a child. ‘It is always a safe journey when I am at your side.’

How her smile remained intact she had no idea. ‘I should eat my soup before it goes cold. Then I shall get some much-needed sleep.’ She stepped back from him.

‘I think more rest is a good idea. I can see your mood is much improved already.’

She bit her lip to stop her tongue.

‘Perhaps tomorrow you will come see the holding cells,’ he said, preparing to leave. ‘The gallows out front are worth your time also.’