Page 114 of The Rogue’s Embrace

Jake couldn't hold back his slight smile as he viewed his brother slumped over the table in his solar. The scarred oak had seen many important decisions made upon it by the Thornewall men but at present, it was Dominic's head rested upon it. The candles had burnt down to stubs, great messy pools of wax surrounding them, and some parchment was just visible under his face. Ink stained his fingers and it was obvious he had fallen asleep whilst attending to business.

The bright mid-morning sun highlighted the weariness in his face and Jake wished he could do more to ease the burdens his brother gladly bore. As it was, he would have to leave. His lands needed attending and he could not stay. Not while she was here.

Isabel's angry words had rattled him, shaking his firm belief in her wrongdoing. Aye, he had admitted he understood her need for secrecy, but it was her continuing lies that hurt the most. When he looked at her, all he was able to see was his wife.

Mayhap she was right, mayhap he was punishing himself. If he had been better husband, a better man, then his wife would never have felt the need to turn to another man and then she need never have died. But now, not only was he unable to see the woman he had loved beneath the lies, he also realized he was not good enough for her. His love had blinded him, making him believe that he could learn to be, but it was all clear to him. Jake would leave and, with that, he would leave his love for Isabel behind.

"Dominic,"

he called quietly.

Dominic mumbled, his eyes firmly shut and emitted a growling snore.

Jake shook his head with a sigh and went to his brother's side, giving his shoulder a rough shake.

He jumped up, coming awake unexpectedly, and moved as if to grab at his sword. Focusing on Jake, he grinned.

"Good morrow, Jake. Have you a reason why you should sneak up on me so?"

Jake frowned. "You were fast into your slumber. And I did not sneak. ‘Tis well past dawn and you have missed the morning meal already."

"Ha, I was not sleeping. Just resting my eyes."

Jake ignored his protests and pulled at a missive that was still adhered to Dominic's arm. "You were working late,"

he stated as he waved it at Dominic.

"Aye, my affairs have been neglected of late. Frankly, I blame Izzy. She is quite the distraction."

Jake's eyes narrowed, jealousy burning in his gut. It was not the first time his brother had alluded to the fact that he found her attractive and though he knew he had no reason to feel jealous, it did not stop the emotion from cloying in his heart.

"Have you need of aid? I need to be returning?—"

Jake paused as a breathless James burst in through the door. He bent over as he recovered his breath. "My lords."

"What is it, James?"

Dominic asked him curtly.

"‘Tis Lord Henry. He has come for his daughter."

Dominic snorted. "Mayhap he thinks we'll change our minds. James, tell him the Lady Isabel remains with us."

James straightened. "He brings at least a hundred men with him. He says he will lay siege to Thornewall if we do not return her."

Jake cursed. He had expected this, but as days of peace had gone by, he had wondered if he was wrong. It looked as though Lord Henry had gone for more men.

"Let him,"

Dominic stated confidently. "Thornewall is stronger than the might of many hundreds of men."

If he could but share in his brother's optimism. Aye, Thornewall's stone was strong but it was not prepared for siege. They had not stockpiled supplies and many families lived within its walls. How could they ask them to endure the threat of death and starvation?

Moving over to the window, he could clearly see the gathering of men outside the curtain wall and though they were not complete, he recognized the makings of siege machines. If they managed to defeat Lord Henry, people would still get hurt.

Jake motioned to James. "Leave us for a moment. You will receive orders shortly."

Dominic gave him a puzzled look as he watched James leave.

With the door safely shut, Jake turned to Dominic. "We cannot bring war to Thornewall."

"So you would ask Isabel to return? To endure beatings and God only knows what?"

"Nay, of course not but, Dominic, people will get hurt. Your people will get hurt."

"I am not entirely ignorant, Jake. I have fought wars before and am aware of the consequences. I would die to protect that woman. Or any other woman. My conscience would not allow me to do otherwise and I thought you the same."

He was not wrong. Jake would gladly lay his life down for Isabel if he thought it would help. Nevertheless, just because he and his brother were willing to didn't mean the people of Thornewall should have to do the same. They had witnessed enough horrors between the plague and the border reivers. They did not deserve further turmoil.

"You know I would."

"Well, then, war it is."

"There is another way…"

Jake started cautiously. He had spent time thinking on what they should do if Lord Henry returned and he had concocted a plan. It turned his stomach to think of it and he had prayed it would not come to this, but it seemed they had little choice.

The colored light that streamed in through the stained-glass window pooled onto the stone step in front of the altar and Isabel stared as it danced over her pale skin as she knelt at the altar. She let out a slow breath, the chapel's calming atmosphere working to soothe the turmoil that raged inside of her heart.

What was she to do? She could not remain in this half-life, pandered upon by people who owed her nothing. Without Jake, there seemed little point in remaining in Thornewall. Moreover, it seemed she would not regain his regard. Their heated argument had proved as much. He could not overcome his doubts and she could not live with him forever distrusting her. She lamented her lies, lamented the damage she had done, but she could not spend the rest of her days paying penitence for them.

Her original plan to head to Scotland and find work was beginning to gain appeal. It would be a far cry from the life of a noble woman, and it would certainly test her endurance, but it seemed easier than facing Jake day in day out. If she remained, she would always see him, even when he returned to his lands. His memory was engrained into every rock, every hill.

The tap of soft slippers on the stone floor drew her from her thoughts and she turned to see Winnie hurrying towards her. She stood abruptly as she noted the woman's fearful expression.

"What is it, Winnie?"

"Oh, milady, yer father is returned."

"Oh, God."

Why could he not just leave her be? Had she not suffered enough by his hand?

"He's brought ‘alf of England with him. He says he's will lay siege to the castle unless ye return with him."

Isabel stared at the kindly woman, tracing the line of her round cheeks with fondness. She was going to miss Winnie. She was fast becoming like a mother to her.

"Have you seen the lords, Winnie?"

"Nay,"

she puffed. "Lord Dominic was late to arise. James has gone to fetch them."

So there was still time.

"Ye'll not leave us will ye, milady?"

Isabel remained silent. What could she say to placate Winnie without lying to her?

"The lords will not let ye be taken. They will fight for ye, milady."

Her heart stabbed at the thought of Jake going up against her father's men.

"I know."

Isabel nodded absently. "Winnie, pray will you fetch my mantle? I would like to offer up some prayers for their safety but I am chilled."

Winnie smiled gently. "Aye, milady."

Isabel watched the woman's round behind bounce away with a wry smile, which quickly gave way to sorrow. She felt her eyes burn with tears and some escaped down her cheek. Aye, she would miss much about this place.

A flutter of red skirts caught Jake's eye as he stared out of the solar window, trying to summon the courage to face Isabel. And there she was, scurrying across the courtyard. He watched as she pushed past James, who was likely trying to warn her of the danger of going outside. Isabel snatched at her skirts once more and hastened towards the ramparts.

"God's blood."

"What is it?"

Dominic followed him as he dashed to the door. "Jake!"

he shouted, forcing him to pause. "Are you sure about this?"

Jake stared at his brother, noting the concern in his eyes. "Aye."

"I though you wanted…"

"You thought wrong."

"We can find another way."

"Nay, this is best for us all."

Jake turned before his emotions got the better of him. He caught up with Isabel before she reached the portcullis. Grabbing at her arm, she twirled to face him, her heavy skirts flurrying around her ankles. Tears stained her cheeks and his gut twisted.

"Isabel, what in God's name are you doing?"

"I am returning to my father,"

she told him breathlessly.

"You would see yourself in that monster's hands? Why?"

"I cannot see Thornewall suffer for my sakes. And I cannot see you or Dominic harmed. Not for me."

"We are grown men; will you not let us make these decisions ourselves? Thornewall is strong, we have endured worse."

Isabel shook her head. "Nay, I will not see war brought to your door. If my father fails here, then he will turn his attention to your lands. They have not the strength of Thornewall, you have said as much yourself."

Jake squeezed her arm until he saw her wince. Damn his brutish manners. He could not let her throw herself into the arms of a murderer for their sakes. "I can defend my lands, lass. I've done it before and I'll gladly do it again."

But she was right, Greycroft was ill prepared for a full-scale war and his own castle would not hold out long against a siege. It was likely he would die defending it.

"That is what I fear,"

she said softly and Jake wondered if he had spoken aloud.

Her voice took on a desperate quality and she pulled against his grip. "Let me go, Jake, for I cannot allow you to place yourself in danger for me. Not for a woman that hurt you so."

He considered her and saw the fear in her eyes - a fear that was not for herself, but for him, his brother, and all their people. How he could ever have thought her as wicked as his wife, he knew not. There was nothing in this lass but kindness. He gulped, fighting the words he would have to say. There was no other way.

"Isabel, you do not have to return."

"I do, Jake!"

She struggled again.

"Listen…"

He grabbed at her other arm and pinned her still. "Listen, there is another way. Marry…"

She ceased her struggles and stared at him.

"Marry Dominic."

Isabel blinked at him. "What?"

she whispered.

"Marry Dominic. Your father would be a fool to say nay to such an allegiance. He is one of the richest men in England. There will be no war and you will be safe."

Safe. He clung to the word, trying to ignore the ache in his heart. It didn't matter, as long as she was safe. In spite of himself, he urged her to say nay, to confess her love for him, but he knew it could come to nothing. He had nothing to offer Lord Henry in return for her hand.

Isabel gaped at him. "Marry Dominic? But…did he decide this?"

"Nay."

He sighed. "‘Twas my idea."

She gulped and her eyes misted with tears as she took a deep breath. Her composure regained, she shook her head in disbelief. "Why would you suggest such an idea?"

"If you do not wish to see war, ‘tis the only way. We would fight for you, Isabel, you know that, but if you will not allow us to then at least accept my brother's hand. He can offer you protection and comfort."

"Comfort!"

she exclaimed scathingly. "I care not for comfort."

"Dominic is a good man,"

he murmured.

"I know he is,"

she agreed softly. "And he has consented to this?"

Jake nodded, forcing his expression to remain detached. Would she change her mind if she realized how much it killed him to ask this of her? But he could not allow her to see it. It was for the best. There would be no war and Dominic was a good man. He would look after Isabel well.

"He has need of a wife and he is fond of you. ‘Twould be a good match for you both."

They both fell silent, the clamor of men-at-arms from both sides seeming to heighten as if to push Isabel to a decision.

"Take me to Dominic. I would speak with him."

His heart dropped. "As you will, my lady."

Dominic was waiting in the Great Hall and he came to his feet as Jake escorted her into the room. Isabel observed the look that he and Jake shared. Could she do this? Would she do this? She flicked a look at Jake but his face betrayed nothing, a blank mask of disinterest. Had he ceased caring for her altogether? Her chest throbbed painfully at the thought.

She passed her eyes over Dominic, attempting to imagine him as her husband. He was handsome and caring, a far cry from Lord Everard, but he was not Jake. However, Jake was lost to her and Thornewall was on the verge of war.

"You have agreed to this?"

she asked bluntly, as Dominic approached.

He smiled at her frank demeanor. "Aye, Izzy, I've agreed. If it will stop you from throwing yourself into the arms of that demon, I'll gladly marry you."

"Dominic, I have no wish to see you saddled with a wife that you do not like. You are a good and kind man, but pray do not do this out of pity for me."

"You make it sound as if you are some hideous beast, lass! I would be honored to take you as my wife. I have no doubt you would make a fine mistress of Thornewall just as you would make me a fine wife. I see little disadvantage in it for me."

Her mouth twisted but his words seemed genuine. Although there was no love between them, she was fond of Dominic and she suspected they could be content together.

He would never touch her heart like Jake had though.

She glanced over at him as he plucked absently at some stale bread that remained from the morning meal. Aye, no one would ever make her feel like Jake did. She could not repair the damage she had done but she could at least prevent him from being hurt…or killed. Her gut twisted and her resolve strengthened.

Dominic interrupted her thoughts. "So what say you, Izzy? Shall I announce that you are to be my bride or shall I ready for war?"

Sweet Mary, what a decision to set upon her shoulders. But it was no decision in truth. War or marriage to a good-hearted man. There were far worse decisions to make.

"Aye."

She saw Jake's head jolt towards them. "Aye, I will become your bride."

Dominic grinned. "Excellent."

He motioned to one of the serving maids. "Wine for everyone, lass! Today I celebrate my betrothal and Thornewall will celebrate gaining a new mistress."

He took Isabel's hand and pressed his lips carefully to her fingers. It was pleasant but had little effect on her. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Jake observing their exchange with a nebulous look in his eyes.

"I shall do all I can to make you happy, lass,"

Isabel released a feeble smile at his words. She should be grateful such a man found her to be worthy of becoming his wife.

"And I you, my lord."

"Pray, Izzy, do not turn into the subservient woman just because we are to be betrothed. I would not like you to lose that fire."

She smiled again, a little wider this time, an attempt at hiding the sorrow that settled in her heart. "That will never happen, Dominic,"

she assured him.

"Good. Now I have negotiations to make with your father. Let us see if we cannot placate him with our good news."

With a brief nod, he strode out of the hall with a confidence that only Dominic could hold.

Her eyes fell back to the large man who had stolen her heart. He didn't meet her gaze, instead focusing on the wine jugs that the servants were bringing in. Jake poured himself a large cup and drained it, throwing his head back until it was gone. He slammed it down on the table, causing Isabel to jump, along with the jug on the table, sloshing red wine across the linen.

She stared as the stain blossomed, seeping through the floral embroidery. Mayhap she had read him wrong. Mayhap he had not wished for her to betrothal to his brother, but why did he not say so? And what else could he have expected her to do? She considered throwing herself back into the arms of Everard if it would save him pain, but neither he nor Dominic would allow it now.

"Jake—"

His dark eyes met hers and the sad emptiness that lay within them tugged at her heart.

"I offer you my congratulations, my lady. You shall be very happy, I am sure,"

he told her formally.

She could feel her chin wobble as she regarded him. "Thank you, my lord,"

she replied huskily.

Before her tears could claim her, she fled, making for the refuge of the chapel. She could not return to her chambers, or Jake's chambers as they truly were. Each stone clung to his presence, each corner held a memory of their love. This was her fault. If she had adhered to the honesty she so prided herself on, none of this would have happened.

She knelt at the altar, clasping her hands tightly together. She considered begging for forgiveness but her thoughts turned to Jake and she begged for his happiness instead.