Page 88 of The Guardian's Bride

“I have not decided yet.”

“If I do see Edward, I will tell him all I know about you,” Rowena told Malise.

“He might like to see you and dispense justice in person.” Hugo spoke now, moving toward her. “The king was furious when he heard what you tried to do. He would never listen to you now.”

“Hugo! You know I did not poison him. You watched everything I did when I was there, yet I was accused. I wonder if you know something about it!” She glared at him.

“Do you accuse me instead?” He shook his head. “Get them to the ship, Comyn.”

“Are you in charge here?” Malise snapped. “How in hell are we to do that? Go outside and see if anyone is about. No one will notice another monk. Go!”

Scowling, Hugo went to the door and pushed his way out.

“Colban, listen. All will be well,” Rowena said, seeing the fright in the boy’s eyes. He nodded, glancing again at the door. She knew he feared and yet hoped, as she did, that his father might arrive with friends at his back.

“If you want to spare that child, tell me where MacDuff is,” Malise said in her ear.

“If you want to be spared, leave Dunfermline now,” she retorted.

“A threat?” He laughed, then drew a dagger from his belt sheath and pressed it against her throat. “Tell me where he is, or you and the boy will suffer.”

“Stop this.” She angled away from the steel point. “Malise Comyn, I know you better than you think. I saw you at your weakest—you were not a bad man then. Not then, when you were suffering and in need. You said you owed me. What of that now?”

He stared down at her, nostrils flaring. “I paid my debt to you when I arranged for you to go to Yester. The order was for Berwick. You were to suffer the same fate as Bruce’s kinswomen.” He laughed, flat and bitter. “I intended to take you out of Yester myself, but you had escaped with MacDuff! I owe you naught, lady.”

“What was your plan at Yester?”

“I was concerned about your welfare. In fact, I returned to Yester with a priest, intending to find you. Why do you think that wretch Hugo is with me?” He leaned closer. “He agreed to marry us according to Edward’s wishes. But we can still do that.”

“I would never marry you. I told you that already,” she said, writhing in his grip.

“Think! If you were my wife, I could plead for mercy. Otherwise, I must follow Edward’s writ. Marriage would solve your problem. Henry said you were betrothed, but there is still hope for you.”

She lifted her right hand. The ring glinted in the low light.

“What is that?” His eyes narrowed.

“My betrothed gave it to me. He was my father’s choice for me years ago. Thomas the Rhymer’s choice for me too.” Heart pounding, she hoped the sanction of her father and the Rhymer would give him pause. “The banns have been posted.” She hoped so.

“Who is the man,” he growled.

“My da gave her that ring,” Colban said. “I heard them talking this morning.” Rowena blinked, not knowing that.

“MacDuff?” Malise snapped.

She lifted her chin. “My hand was promised to Aedan MacDuff years ago.”

“What! When Edward hears that, you will lose any hope of his favor.”

“Sir Malise, we do not need to follow his orders or his laws. Scots are not his subjects,” she said. “Release us and go your way. Remember I helped you. Please, for the boy’s sake—”

“You do not understand Edward’s temper. What the devil!” This as Hugo burst into the church, bumping into Abernethy and Colban, who cried out.

“People are coming this way! Men, ladies, and monks will come for prayers soon.”

“Did you see MacDuff? Big fellow. Brown and brawny as an ox.”

“I did not see him. But if they enter the church—we have to get out!”