Page 81 of Ensnaring the Dove

Alone in the courtyard, as a pale dawn crept over the fort, father and daughter eyed each other cautiously.

“Moira tells me you know about us?” he said after a pause.

Tension coiled within Colombia. She was surprised he’d bring that up, especially now. Warily, she nodded. “I thought you had no time for the people of this land?” She couldn’t help it; resentment welled up within her. “But I suppose you made an exception for your pretty Brigante slave.”

A nerve jumped in his cheek. “Colombia … I—”

“Yes, I know” —she cut him off with a wave of her hand— “You’re a man … and men have needs.”

Severus raked a hand through his damp hair before murmuring an oath under his breath. “I don’t admit when I’m wrong easily,” he ground out, “but I must do so now.”

Colombia stilled. What was this? Was her proud father about to deliver an apology?

“Too long have I held … inflexible views,” he continued. “Yet no longer. People can indeed surprise you.”

Colombia took a step forward. His words confused her. “Pater… what happened?”

“Your man fought alongside us upon the walls.”

Colombia’s brow furrowed.Your man?

For a moment, she wondered whom he was referring to before realization dawned. “Aedan? He fought with you?”

Her father’s mouth quirked. “He saved my life.”

Colombia’s breathing hitched. “He did?” She paused then. “Is he hurt?”

Severus shook his head. “He’s tough … as are you, daughter. I must admit the pair of you are well suited.”

Colombia stared at him, her lips parting.

“I haven’t thanked you properly for what you did the other evening.” His voice lowered. “Your mother would have been proud … as am I.”

Colombia swallowed. “Thank you,” she whispered. “That means a lot to me.”

Her father cocked a dark eyebrow. “I know you think me harsh … but I’m not completely heartless. I can see you and Aedan are devoted to each other.”

“We are,” she whispered.

Her father’s features softened further, and then he gestured toward the atrium. There were no guards there now; the exit was clear. “If Aedan is whom you want, I’ll no longer bar your way … go to him.”

XXXIV. IN THIS LIFE AND BEYOND

COLOMBIA MADE HER way out of the compound, glancing up at the grisly spectacle as she passed under the gate into the vicus.

Her father had warned her the two Brigantes who’d set fire to the fort had been strung up there.

Nonetheless, the sight of the two bodies, swinging above her, made bile sting the back of her throat.

She was no stranger to violence and death—not anymore—yet it sickened her. She never wanted to witness it again.

Hurrying on, she cut across the soot-covered square.

Now her father had given her leave to go, she couldn’t reach Aedan fast enough. Even so, it was impossible not to stare at the devastation the blaze had left in its wake. The buildings lining the square, including the magistrate’s residence, were nothing but blackened, smoking shells. Ash fluttered down over the vicus like snow.

The acrid tang of burning caught in the back of her throat, and she coughed.

Gods, she hoped Keir’s workshop had been spared.