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Jessamyn approached the gates of Ravensmere Castle with relief, although she did not know the baron. Distantly related to the man’s family, her father had not acknowledged the connection due to the Clarwyns’ murky past. However, the present baron had done some great feat for Edward in the past year and been rewarded with Edward’s cousin as his bride. Since Jessamyn was Edward’s goddaughter, she felt certain Baron Ravensmere could put her in a position to contact Margery—hopefully before that ill-considered missive was delivered.

However, once she got the gate guard’s attention, getting in to see the baron was not as simple as she expected.

“I tell you I am Lady Jessamyn Du Grace, a cousin of Baron Ravensmere, and he will be most upset if you do not grant me the shelter and courtesy due a noblewoman.”

The Ravensmere postern guard eyed her suspiciously. “I gots me orders, and I don’t open the gate to no one who ain’t expected. Since my captain ain’t told me to expect you, I can’t let you in.”

She could understand why the man regarded with suspicion a lone and rather bedraggled woman riding a smallish, dirty, white horse. Jessamyn couldn’t blame him for having doubts about her claim of noble status and connection to Baron Ravensmere. Neither could she let that stop her.

“Can you not see that I am exhausted? I’ve been riding for days in the rain to see your master about a most urgent matter. I am alone. I’ve no weapons. I’m starving and soaked to the bone. I could not harm a flea, especially with so dedicated a guard to watch my every move. Have pity, and at least let me shelter in the guardhouse while you send for your captain, so I may appeal to him. You would do as much for any beggar.”

“Would be my hide if I let Christ himself inside without orders from the baron or my captain.”

Jessamyn set her teeth. “Then by all means, send for your captain, so I may appeal to him.”

The guard stared at her long enough for her to wonder if he’d forgotten she was there. At long last he nodded. “Aye, I’ll get the captain.”

Then he turned on his heel and marched away.

“Could you at least let me shelter in the guardhouse while I wait?”

She raised her voice, but the departing guardsman either did not hear or chose to ignore her request.

Left shivering in the drizzle outside the castle walls, she couldn’t help but compare the present to the last time she’d stood in the rain and demanded entrance to a closed keep. Nothing could be like that tumultuous experience.

Where was Raeb now? Did he curse her for her broken promises? Or was he glad to be rid of her? Was he even now courting some well-born Scottish lady who could help him achieve his dreams? Or did he spend all his time preparing for a battle with Edward’s men? If Edward received her missive, more than a few men would be on those ships, and Raeb would find himself severely outnumbered.

The lifting of the portcullis drew Jessamyn from her thoughts. The gate guard waved her through, and she found herself in the bailey confronting a slim, good-looking man in leather armor with a chain mail surcoat. Under one arm he carried a short helmet with a nose guard. At his side hung a sheathed sword with a long, two-handed grip. A metal leopard crouched atop the pommel. The creature looked ready to leap and destroy any who might threaten the blade’s bearer.

Clearly this was no ordinary guardsman.

Brows raised haughtily, the fellow looked her over in a way that made her distinctly uncomfortable, as if he could see beneath her rain-dampened clothing. “Lady Jessamyn Du Grace?”

“Yes.”

She straightened and looked down her nose at him.

He bowed his head slightly. “I am Sir Felwick Dawson, Captain of Baron Ravensmere’s guard and castle steward in his absence. The baron and his wife are away on the king’s business. How may I serve you?”

As if her answer were of little import, the man’s eyes continued to peruse her. The way his gaze lingered on her breasts told her exactly how he’d like to serve her.

She resisted the temptation to chew on her lower lip. She’d counted on being able to speak with the baron directly. The fewer people who had any notion of her purpose here, the better. Much though she’d like to put the leering knight in his place, she needed his help, and therefore his goodwill. Cutting him down to size would have to wait for another time.

“I need shelter for a day or so. Long enough to get a message to my maid, who awaits my arrival near the king’s current lodging.”

“Edward sits a few leagues away at Castle Aln, a meager distance compared with that which you’ve obviously already traversed.”

Dawson indicated her garb with a sneer. “Why not continue your journey and find your maid where you expect her?”

Jessamyn put on her most lofty expression and indicated her sodden attire. “I would not appear before my godfather, the king, in this travel-worn state.”

Dawson curled a lip and nodded once. “Very wise. I see you are an astute woman.”

He ordered the guard to assist her to dismount and care for her horse.

“Thank you,”

she told the man-at-arms. “Her name is Persia. I’ll come to check on her before sunset.”

To the guard Dawson said, “Inform the housekeeper to prepare the east chamber, fresh raiment, and a bath for our guest with all possible speed. Then escort Lady Du Grace to the room and have quill, ink, and vellum brought to her immediately. You may wait for me outside her chamber door to see that she is not disturbed.”

The knight then turned to Jessamyn. “Follow this guard. You may pen your message to your maid while the bath is being heated. Then I will have the missive delivered. What is your maid’s name and direction?”

While he awaited her answer, he settled his helmet on his head and pulled on leather gauntlets.

“My maid awaits me at the sign of the Bull in—”

Before she could finish, a group of mounted men rode through the still open portcullis into the bailey. There were six horses, but only five had visible riders. The sixth, a chestnut destrier of enormous size, was surrounded by the other mounts.

Dawson turned aside to speak with the leader of the group.

Jessamyn craned her neck, as did everyone else within the bailey, to see what was so special about a horse guarded so carefully by five men.

“So you found this man lurking the forests near the stream that borders Clarwyn lands?”

“Yes, Sir Dawson. He was giving his horse a drink and looking at the ground as if treasure was to be found there.”

Knowing she was momentarily forgotten, Jessamyn moved slowly toward the mounted group.

“And did you confront him for an explanation of what he was doing?”

She angled her direction to bring her in line with a gap between the horses.

“No, sir. We had approached from downwind, and the noise of the stream running over the rocks must have masked the sound. We was on him before he knew we was there. He went for his blade, and Simpson here”—one of the mounted men nodded at Sir Dawson—“knocked the brute on the head with the pommel of his sword. That was all it took. Dropped like a stone he did—the Scot, not Simpson.”

A Scot? Raeb? No, he could not possibly have caught up to me. With his courser still recovering, he had no horse in his stable equal to the surrounded destrier.

“What makes you think your captive is a Scot?”

“His clothes, sir, that and the gibberish he was muttering to himself when we rode up.”

At that moment the men dismounted, and the circle of horses broke apart.

Jessamyn restrained a gasp. Slung across the huge steed’s saddle lay Raeb’s unconscious body. She couldn’t see his face, but that inky black hair and those broad shoulders were unmistakable. Blood stained his temple, and his clothing was torn. Oh, Raeb, what have they done to you? What have I gotten you into?

Dawson nodded and, removing his gauntlets, handed a ring of keys from his belt to the man. “Very well. Take the prisoner to the dungeon and put him in chains. As soon as I see to Lady Du Grace’s comfort, I’ll interrogate him and retrieve the keys. We can wait until tomorrow to hang him.”

The knight took off his helmet as he turned to Jessamyn and surveyed her body once more. “Not a pretty sight, my lady. These Scots are crude people at best. Now where did you say your maid could be reached?”

Jessamyn fluttered her lashes at him. Perhaps she could use Dawson’s prurient interests to gain enough information to help Raeb.

“My maid is at the Sign of the Bull in Alnwick, but now that I think of it, I’d best write to Baron Ravensmere as well.”

The man studied her before replying. “To what purpose?”

She laid a hand on Dawson’s arm. “Well, the baron may be able to get a message to King Edward that I need to meet with him privately. Instead of waiting several days, I could be with my godfather tomorrow. Since you know the baron far better than I, could you help me choose the right words to persuade him to lend his aid?”

Dawson grinned. His chest puffed out, and he laid a hand over hers. “I would be most happy to be of assistance, but I’m afraid I’ll be occupied until supper.”

He tilted his head toward the dungeon entrance through which men were dragging Raeb’s limp form.

Fear for Raeb clogged her throat. What if they hanged him while he was defenseless? She was his only recourse. She had to rescue him, but if she failed … She would not fail.

“Oh, ah, yes. I wouldn’t want to take you from important business. And I doubt I will feel up to dining in the main hall. Perhaps you will join me for supper in my chamber, and we can discuss how to phrase my plea while we eat. That way, my messages can be delivered tonight.”

The knight’s grin turned sly. “I would not wish to damage the reputation of so lovely a lady by being alone with her.”

Heat flooded her face. She cast her eyes down to appear modest and hide the loathing she was quickly developing for this man. “No one other than you, a few guards, and the servants here know me or my family. I doubt any of the servants will remember me or ever have an opportunity to speak of my presence here. You, of course, will control your guards.”

He nodded.

You walking dungheap. She tilted her head to the side and glanced up at him with all the maidenly coyness she could muster. “I’m certain I can trust your discretion, can I not?”

“Without doubt, my lady.”

The grin returned, and he lifted her hand to his lips, brushing his mouth in a lingering stroke across her knuckles. “I can be most, er, discreet, given proper motivation.”

His meaning was more than clear. Not for my hope of heaven would I lay with an ogre like you. But she wasn’t about to tell him that. For now she’d set her lure, and he seemed to be taking the bait. She smiled. If her plan worked, Dawson would get everything he deserved.

Jessamyn bowed her head and gave him that coy glance again. “Your generosity overwhelms me, Sir Dawson. I shall be ready to sup with you after compline.”

That should give her time enough to bathe and make all the necessary preparations to carry out her plan. She lifted her skirt and set off to follow the guard escorting her into the castle.

***

Once in a private chamber Jessamyn penned her messages as quickly as possible then hurried through her bath. When she finished, she dressed in the clean gown and surcoat provided for her.

“I would like to take a walk. Could you show me to the herb garden?”

She addressed the maid who assisted her to dress.

“Why yes, my lady, please follow me.”

In the garden, Jessamyn dismissed the maid then wandered the pathways until she found what she needed. Using the small eating knife sheathed at her waist, she cut a branch from the bottom of the soapwort plant. On her way back to her chamber, she’d have to borrow a mortar and pestle from the cook. She’d also make certain the castle’s heaviest ale was served for her supper with Dawson. But first she needed to check on Persia.

Sheathing her knife and placing the small branch carefully inside her belt pouch, she passed through the walled garden’s gate and strolled casually toward the stables.

The doors were closed, and no one was in sight. She entered the dim space then paused to get her bearings. As her eyes grew accustomed, the shapes of stalls, horses, tack, and tools emerged from the gloom. So, too, did a low sound, like someone crooning or moaning, she couldn’t be sure which. Keeping to the shadows and moving as quietly as she could, she eased down the wide center aisle. As she approached the far end she saw a boy patting Persia’s muzzle and crooning to the mare. Jessamyn could count on one hand the number of times Persia had easily tolerated anyone but her owner. What was more surprising was that the mare took no notice of Jess. Not a whinny or a toss of the head in greeting.

“Aye, ye’re a beauty, ye are,”

said the boy. “Them other lads say they can’t be bothered with such a small excuse for a horse, but I know better. Me ma taught me about all kinds of horses. The ones she talked about most was them from her homeland. Persia, she called it, an’ thas yer name, too. But I’d no need to know your name to know yer faster than the wind and love nothing more than t’ run all day.”

The horse butted the boy’s forehead gently.

“Is it oats ye’re wantin’?”

The mare’s head swung up then down twice.

“Well, then, I’ll have t’ get ye some.”

The lad stepped back, turned, and then froze in place before dropping to one knee and bowing his head. “Yer ladyship, I’m sorry. I din’t know ye was there. I was just talking to yer horse. I din’t mean anything by it. I wasn’ hurtin’ her or causin’ any harm. I would niver … ”

Jessamyn walked up to the boy and lifted his chin so he could see she meant what she was about to say. “I do not think anything of the kind. I thank you for taking care of Persia. She is very precious to me, and to have someone else recognize her worth is a delight. Please stand up and tell me how she fares.”

“Y—ye’re not angry?”

The boy stood.

“Not at all.”

She studied the youth. He was dark, with black hair and a slight build that already showed some muscle from hard work. He could be anywhere from eight to twelve years old. She suspected that like Persia, most people would underestimate this child.

“I checked her hooves an’ brushed her till her coat shines. I’ve given her plenty of water. I was about to feed her when ye surprised me.”

Jessamyn clasped her hands before her. “I’m very sorry if I startled you.”

The boy tugged the hair at his forehead, almost as if doffing a cap. “That ye did, yer ladyship, an’ no mistake. But I don’ mind, since ye was comin’ t’ check on Persia here. Not many men care so much for their horses as ye seem to.”

She bent bringing herself to eye level with him. “Hmm. What’s your name?”

“Gillam, my lady.”

“And your surname? I’d like to thank your family and tell them what a fine lad you are.”

The boy pressed his lips together and looked away. When he looked back he squared his shoulders then blurted, “Gillam’s the only name I got, yer ladyship, an’ I ain’t got no family. Me ma is dead.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that. Everyone needs family. Do you know who I am?”

“I heard the other stable lads sayin’ that ye was Lady Jassa … Jersa … Jessamyn Du Grace.”

How sad. The boy not only had no family but was not included in the circle of his fellow grooms. She couldn’t give him a family, but she could give him a friend.

“That’s right.”

She took a small, engraved silver ring from her right little finger and placed it in Gillam’s hand. “Put this on a string, tie it ’round your neck, and hide it beneath your shirt so the bigger boys don’t take it from you.”

He stared at the circlet in his palm then lifted his gaze to hers. “I will, my lady, er Lady Jessamyn. I’ll take good care of it for ye.”

She shook her head. “It’s not for me. I want you to keep it always.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

She placed her hand on his shoulder. “Now listen carefully. If you ever have need of a friend—someone to help when you are in trouble—bring that ring to Castle Blancmer in Lancastershire with a message that Lady Jessamyn’s friend Gillam has need of her. The markings on the ring are the oath of the house and guarantee that my family will help you.”

“Are ye sure ye want to give this to a stable boy?”

“No, I am giving it to a friend.”

“But I’ve done nothing to be your friend.”

“You’ve taken better care of Persia than any other lad I know. And if you want to do more, I could use some help tonight.”

“Anything, Lady Jessamyn, anything.”

Guilt pinched her conscience at his eagerness so easily won. She told him what she needed, asking if he thought anyone would try to stop him.

“Nah. Once supper starts no one comes to the stables unless a rider arrives, and since I sleep here I’m most like t’ be the one t’ take care of any new horses. The other lads want t’ drink and listen t’ the men-at-arms talk about battles and killing. I don’t care about that, so I stay here, and they leave me alone most of the time.”

“Very well.”

No need to dwell on the fact that her plan hinged on an untried boy and her own courage. “If something goes wrong and I don’t come tonight, I’ll find a way to tell you when next to be ready.”

“I understand, Lady Jessamyn.”

“The last thing I want is for you to be hurt. So please make sure if anyone asks to say you know nothing about what I want you to do.”

“I’ll keep mum. I promise.”

“Excellent.”

In the distance bells rang. She had to get back to her chamber before anyone noticed she was missing.

With a quick stop in the kitchen to request the strong ale and sneak away with mortar and pestle, she arrived at her room to put everything in readiness for her private supper with Sir Dawson. When he knocked, she bade him enter and filled a goblet with the heavy ale.

“You must be thirsty after all your hard work today. Come sit and warm yourself with some ale.”

“Thank you, Lady Jessamyn.”

He took the proffered goblet and drank deeply but did not sit.

He drained the cup and set it on the table, eyed the bed, then tilted his head toward it. “I’m right hungry for something other than food.”

Jessamyn lowered her gaze. How long would it take for the soapwort to do its work? “Oh, I must sup before we indulge in any sort of dalliance. And, please you, send these messages before we eat.”

She handed him the two rolled and sealed sheets of vellum.

Dawson frowned. “I thought you wished to consult me on the wording of your missive to Baron Ravensmere?”

“Yes.”

She toyed with the clasp at the neck of her gown. “However, I changed my mind. I feel that getting these messages to the baron with all possible speed is most important.”

“Hmph. And you say you must eat before … ”

He let the sentence lapse with another nod toward the bed.

“Ah, yes. ’Tis most important to me. Here, have some more ale.”

She filled his goblet again, handing it to him before she bent taking a poker to stir the coals in the braiser, presenting him with her backside.

He sighed, and she heard him drop into the chair nearby.

A sharp pain twinged in her left buttock. “Ow!”

She bolted upright and, still holding the poker, turned, rubbing one hand over the abused flesh to soothe it. “Sir Dawson! Did you just pinch me?”

He shrugged and sipped his ale. “I am here at your request, my lady. I’m a busy man, and you can’t expect me to wait all night.”

She drew herself up and spoke coldly. “I invited you to sup with me. Nothing more.”

“Now, now, Lady Jessamyn, don’t get yourself in a lather. We both know that you wanted a little slap and tickle, or you’d not have invited me at all.”

“Hmph.”

She stuck her nose in the air. “I am sorry if you misunderstood me, but I’m not in the habit of fornicating with every man I meet.”

His eyes narrowed and he stood, stalking her. “Oh, I understood you right enough. However, you only have to fornicate with me. I’m not in the mood to share.”

He’d placed himself between her and the door. Holding his gaze, she backed toward the bed, lifting the poker to threaten him. “And I am not in the mood to be your leman.”

She couldn’t let this happen, but she had to get those keys. She glanced toward his belt to be certain they were there.

He moved as if to leap at her but crumpled to the floor instead, arms clasping his gut. “Oooohh. What have you done to me, you bitch?”

A rank odor assailed her as the soapwort did its worst and he soiled his breeches.

Nose wrinkled, she looked down at him with disgust. “Nothing that you don’t deserve. Although I’m sorry, you probably don’t deserve this.”

She brought the poker down on his head, trying to hit him only so hard as to knock him out. She needed him to be incapable of raising the alarm. She didn’t need him dead.

He went limp, and she could only pray that she’d succeeded in not killing him. Quickly she removed the keys from his belt, then gathering the pitcher of ale, she headed for the dungeons. As she left the building, she saw Gillam nod at her from a corner then race away when she nodded back.

***

Raeb rolled his shoulders, giving temporary ease to the ache from having his hands manacled above his head for he knew not how long. He wished he could ease the pain in his head too.

Dawson had beaten him senseless, just for being a Scot. Of course when Raeb had tried to explain that he was a friend of Baron Ravensmere, Dawson had laughed.

“The idea that the Clarwyn family would befriend a dirty Scot is absurd. You’re a Scottish spy, and you’ll tell me everything about what you’re doing on Ravensmere lands.”

Then the beating had commenced. When the knight got bored with Raeb’s refusal to talk, he’d ordered his men to continue two at a time, proving that even if one of them might believe Raeb, they’d not go against their captain. Eventually, Raeb had lost consciousness, and his hosts must have abandoned him, for he came to his senses alone.

He’d done his best to check his body for broken bones and was pleased to find none. Then he’d shouted himself hoarse, asking for water to break his thirst.

No one came down the stairs that spiraled up the side of the circular dungeon as light faded from the single opening high in the wall. So he sat in the dark, plotting how best to escape and serve Dawson with equal courtesy.

He must have dozed; the sound of footsteps on the stairs woke him.

“Have you come to beat me some more, you cowards? For only cowards attack a chained man.”

“Shh.”

He lifted his head, studying the dark for any indication of motion. “I’ll no sush t’ please a filthy English bugger.”

Above on the stair, a glow grew in brightness. Eventually a skirt came in to view.

“If you think to tempt me with whores, I’ll tell you again that I’m no a spy.”

The feminine form that emerged from the stairwell was slim and tall. Almost as tall as … He shook his head and wished he hadn’t when the ache in his skull became a multitude of pains.

“I should turn around right now and leave you here. I am no whore, sirrah.”

“Jessamyn?”

“Shh.”

She placed the torch in the sconce nearest the bottom of the stairs.

He lowered his voice. “How? What? Where did you … ?”

She was on the floor now approaching him with a ring of keys in her hand. “Hush, we don’t want to draw any attention. I’ll explain everything, but we’ve got to get away first.”

“I agree with that. Do you have horses ready?”

He kept his voice low.

“Yes. Persia and the brute you were carried in on await us in the stables, and the postern gate has been left open for us.”

She unlocked the manacles then helped him stand and restore feeling to his arms.

“Are you ready?”

“Aye, but tell me why I should trust you. You’ve betrayed me more than once.”

“Because I just released you and am about to place a sword and dirk in your hands and leave myself weaponless.”

She wasn’t weaponless, but he knew that speaking eyes and a luring smile were of as little use in a pitched battle as knives of betrayal and darts of falsehood.

“Where did you get these?”

“I pilfered them from the armory.”

“And the keys?”

“Later. We’ve got to leave.”

“No, I do not think you will.”

The familiar voice came from the foot of the stairs.

“Let me handle this,”

Jessamyn said. She placed herself between him and the man holding a sword on them.

Foolish woman, does she think to protect me, or is it a ruse?

Raeb grasped her shoulder and moved her aside. “Robert Clarwyn, ’tis Raeb MacKai.”

“Raeb?”

The sword was sheathed in an instant, and the man crossed the floor to clasp him by the arms.

“Aye. Your man, Dawson, said you were away with your wife on Longshanks’ business. What brought you home at this time?”

“Several of my men were supposed to bring a small gift I had made for the king; it is necessary now and then to keep Edward believing I still love him. When my men didn’t arrive, I came to discover what delayed them. Now tell me what are you doing here in my dungeon and with such a lovely damsel?”

Ravensmere turned assessing blue eyes on Jessamyn.

“Dawson thought I was a spy, and the lady is my betrothed. So hands off,”

Raeb warned.

“Betrothed? Don’t tell me this is the beautiful Lady Jessamyn Du Grace, whom Edward sent to lure you into his trap.”

“Trap? What trap?”

“That’s right, I didn’t make this latest discovery until after your man Dougal began his journey north. Our good King Edward I is sending twice the number of men and ships as originally stated. Since his plans to take over Strathnaver failed, he intends to have his men subdue Dungarob keep so he can use it as a base of operations for conquering Scotland as he did Wales. You are to be imprisoned or put to the sword, if you do not die in battle, and Lady Jessamyn is to be returned to her father with a vastly increased dowry from her godfather, the king.”

Raeb clenched his teeth hard enough to nearly break his jaw.

“But how is this possible?”

Jessamyn asked. “Surely my maid has not been able to deliver my message to Edward yet?”

“As a matter of fact, she did. The ship she took met with very fair winds. She arrived several days ago. Edward had a good laugh when he read your missive.”

“A good laugh?”

“Missive?”

Raeb swung his head toward Jessamyn, and his eyes narrowed.

She pointed her chin in the air. “I overheard you plotting with Dougal and wrote a note telling all to my godfather.”

If she’d sent a note to Edward, why was she here? She was safe enough at Dungarob, especially if she knew her godfather sent troops to rescue her.

“Taking over Dungarob keep has been Edward’s plan all along,”

Clarwyn said. “Though he did not reveal it to most of his inner circle until that message arrived and he explained the cause of his laughter.”

“You’re a spy,”

she sneered.

“Not precisely. I simply see things differently than my king at the moment.”

“Aye.”

Raeb wanted to throttle her and kiss her at the same time. She’d hurt him, yet he could not seem to act with any sense when she was near. And she still kept something from him. Her presence here made no sense. Regardless, he’d be better off without her. Striding to her, he grasped both her wrists in one hand, taking the keys as he did. “Clarwyn has reason to dislike Edward, though we’ve been careful to cause England’s king to believe otherwise. But unlike my friend, you, Lady Du Grace, have made your last betrayal.”

“What are you going to do?”

Her voice wavered, and she looked at him with sorrow in her eyes.

“Yes, Raeb, exactly what do you plan?”

Ravensmere asked.

“I thought I’d leave the lying lady here, manacled in your dungeon where she can do nae more harm.”

He turned his head to look at his friend since he could no longer bear Jessamyn’s anguish.

Clarwyn rubbed his chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I don’t think you should do that.”

“Why?”

“Because my guards obviously think you are a spy, and if they even suspect that I let you go without a fight, I risk exposing my activities to Edward. What’s happened to my guard, by the way?”

Raeb watched a flush color Jess’s cheeks.

“I’m to blame for that.”

She hung her head. “I, ah, had to distract your captain from his duties long enough to release Raeb and get him away from here.”

Raeb blinked. That made even less sense than her leaving Dungarob. Why rescue him when his keep was more vulnerable without its baron?

“Ah,”

Clarwyn said, smiling. “And just how did you distract Sir Dawson?”

“Um, I put soapwort in his ale. I also made certain that the other guards had the same ale. They should all be discommoded for quite some time.”

Clarwyn tossed his head back and laughed. “So you are in the midst of engineering Raeb’s release. ’Tis best if he continue his escape, and you must go with him, Lady Du Grace.”

“Before I go anywhere, I must assure myself of my maid’s safety.”

Given that Raeb still manacled Jess’s wrists with an iron grip, her bravado should have surprised him. It didn’t; she had always spoken her mind and acted as if the world were hers to order to her liking. She might be kind and generous, but she was also willful and imperious. ’Twas that, he supposed, which allowed her to break her vow on a whim.

Clarwyn smiled. “I can tell you that your maid, having delivered her message, took passage on a ship bound for northern Scotland. She told the king’s man who took the message to Edward that she’d left you on your orders and must return to see you were safe with the, er, wild Scot to whom you were promised.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Jessamyn fluttered her eyelashes and smiled back at Clarwyn.

Raeb frowned at the exchange. Though why he should care if his friend fell for her lying smiles, he did not know.

“Then all is settled. You will return to Scotland with Baron MacKai.”

“I dinna want her.”

Unreasonably eager to stop their nattering, he nearly shouted the words. Immediately he felt a flush heat his neck. Was he was that close to losing control?

“Too bad my friend,”

Clarwyn said. “You’ll have to keep her until you can give her back to her father yourself. After you gather more men and defeat Edward’s troops, which are already on their way.”

With his hands still on Jess’s wrists, Raeb shook his head at what he knew he must do. “You’re right. I must return to Dungarob. And to keep Jessamyn from running to her godfather, she’ll have to come with me. But what of you?”

Clarwyn’s smile broadened. “You will lock me in those manacles you so recently wore, but not before you render me unconscious. When I recover, I’ll make sure the hounds are not used to track you.”

“You want him to hit you hard enough to knock you out?”

Astonishment colored his betrothed’s voice.

“Yes. And, Raeb, make it look good. I would not want my guards to think I let a Scot get the better of me too easily.”

“Verra well.”

Raeb let go of Jessamyn. He pulled his free arm back ready to deliver a blow.

Clarwyn held up his hand. “One more thing. I’ll remind you that when I arrived, Lady Du Grace was helping you escape. When you finally have time, promise you’ll listen carefully to her explanation before you judge her too harshly.”

“I dinna wish t’ promise. I know too well what kind of woman she is and what motivates her,”

he lied. Her actions were incomprehensible.

“Do it for sake of our friendship. I know whereof I speak, for I once failed to listen to Juliana. ’Tis a wonder she wed me anyway.”

Raeb cast a glance Jessamyn’s way to see her rubbing at her wrists. Her gaze met his, and in her eyes he recognized desolation like he’d felt when told his parents were dead.

“Jessamyn?”

She turned her head away.

Raeb shifted back to Clarwyn. “All right, I promise, but you owe me.”

One corner of the man’s mouth kicked up. “Somehow, I think it is you who will be owing me.”

“Gentlemen, the guard won’t be distracted forever. We need to leave now.”

Jessamyn glanced nervously at the stairs.

“Aye.”

Raeb frowned at her. “Can I trust you no to raise the alarm?

“Why would I do that when I’ve gone to so much trouble to disable the guard?”

Aye, why would she? Why incapacitate the guards? Why leave Dungarob at all? She had much to answer for.

“Then go to the top of the stairs and check to see if the way to the stables is still clear.”

Jessamyn nodded and left.

“She loves you, you know,”

Clarwyn said as he braced himself for the blow to come.

“I’m no so sure. But thank you for giving me this chance to vent my anger.”

With that he struck his friend, laying him out with one hit.