Page 62 of Kingdom of Chains

CHAPTER 19

‘Did I mention the camp has its own vicar?’ Hodge said when he returned to the tent a few hours later. ‘Father Digory.’

Isabel lifted her head off the pole, immediately wary of his demeanour. ‘No, you did not.’

He dropped down in front of her, face full of fresh hope. ‘Marry me.’

She blinked—several times. ‘What?’

He took hold of her hands, which were still bound, and said again, ‘Marry me.’

She barely knew how to respond. ‘Have you lost your mind?’

‘On the contrary. I have had a moment of clarity.’ He gave her a boyish grin. ‘We have delayed this for far too long. I truly believe the best way forwards is tomoveforwards—together. I love you. You love me. It is that simple.’

Except that she did not love him, and she was certain he knew that.

‘I have organised everything.’

He was deadly serious. He actually thought she would go along with the insane plan, even after everything that had transpired.

‘I just learned that you burned down my house and tried to kill my friend, that you manipulated me and my family so we had no choice but to come with you to Hampstead Keep.’ She searched his eyes. ‘And now you expect me tomarryyou?’

He let go of her hands. ‘What chance do we have if you refuse to let go of past mistakes and grievances?’

Isabel’s blood ran a little hotter after those words left his mouth. ‘Except that these are not past grievances. These are today’s grievances, and tomorrow’s grievances. I will likely carry these grievances to my grave.’

His face hardened. ‘You will feel differently when I am your husband—trust me.’

‘I doubt that.’

‘You will!’ He rose, then took a moment to compose himself. ‘You will,’ he repeated, quieter this time. ‘I will force joy and light into your heart if I have to.’

She stood also. ‘You have spent five years siphoning it from me—willingly.’

His hands went into his hair, and he turned in a circle. He went over to her bag, sifting through it until he found what he was looking for. Then he returned, holding up a dress. ‘You can wear this.’

She stared at the gown, feeling sicker with each passing second. ‘I do not want to.’

Before he had a chance to raise his voice and make a scene, the flap of the tent was drawn back, and Yvaine stepped inside.

Hodge rounded on her. ‘What?’

Yvaine dropped her gaze. ‘Father Digory sent me, my lord. He told me there is to be a wedding and thought I could assist the lady.’

Hodge pinched the bridge of his nose and took a calming breath. ‘Yes, good.’ He cleared his throat, hand falling to his side. ‘Help Lady Isabel change. Fix her hair. Let the guards knowwhen she is ready.’ He looked at Isabel. ‘I shall see you very soon.’ Then he left the tent.

Yvaine waited for his footsteps to fade before rushing over to Isabel and wrapping her arms around her. ‘Darling girl,’ she whispered. ‘What is he doing to you?’

Isabel felt herself begin to tremble but knew she needed to hold herself together. ‘We are getting married—tonight.’

Yvaine drew back and looked into her eyes. ‘Do youwantto marry him?’

‘No.’ The word was barely a whisper.

Yvaine glanced at the exit. ‘There is a way out of this place if you dare.’

‘The woodpile.’