‘King John demanded a marriage alliance to ensure your father’s loyalty,’ the earl continued.‘My lands are near Thornwyck, and His Highness asked if I would consider the match.’A wry smile tilted at his mouth.‘It’s no hardship to wed a beautiful woman, so I agreed.’
‘I will not be a king’s pawn,’ she said softly.‘And I will not marry anyone until my brother is found.’
Balor moved closer, his hand resting on the blade at his waist as he regarded the earl.‘What do you know about all of this?’There was a trace of accusation in his tone.
‘A small group of Normans left Laochre last night.’He met Balor’s gaze with an open stare.‘Gerald of Mowbray and Sir Edward Baldwin.I think you know them.’
‘We’ve met,’ Balor answered.
‘They saw you take the king’s daughter,’ Lowell continued.‘And I joined them in their quest to find you.’
‘But it was my choice to leave,’ Mairead corrected.‘I was not taken.’
The earl fell silent.‘Forgive me for the assumption, my lady.’But his expression held suspicion, as if he suspected her attraction towards Balor.
To break the tension, her aunt interrupted, ‘You must be hungry.’It was an obvious means of turning the conversation.Genevieve gave the orders, and soon, servants returned with food and set it upon a low table.
‘Please eat,’ her aunt invited.
Mairead reached for a portion of hot stew with beef and vegetables, along with crusty bread and fresh blackberries, her favourite.She repressed a sigh and dipped into the stew with her bread.Balor sat across from her, but he was careful to take only small portions, as if leaving more for her.
The earl took nothing and moved back against the wall, not far away from her cousin Alanna.
‘Have you eaten?’Mairead asked in their direction.
‘We did earlier,’ Alanna agreed.She risked a glance at the earl before she looked away.
It seemed as if her cousin knew something, but Mairead wasn’t about to ask questions.The last thing she wanted was for Alanna to insist upon matchmaking.
She reached for another piece of bread and gave it to Balor.‘Here,’ she murmured.‘There is plenty.’Earlier today, Balor had given up most of his own food for her.She wanted to ensure that he had enough now.
He accepted the food and ate, but Mairead suddenly grew aware of her aunt and uncle’s attention upon her.After she finished her own meal, she stood and turned back to her uncle.‘I only intend to stay for a little while.I will return to Laochre after my brother is found and crowned king.’
Her uncle turned to Balor.‘Go back to Laochre and send word to King Patrick that his daughter is here at Rionallís.’
‘Balor is not your servant,’ Mairead corrected.
‘Then what is he to you?’her uncle asked quietly.She didn’t miss the disapproval on his face, but she also didn’t know how to answer that.They were slowly becoming friends.And she couldn’t deny her attraction to him.But it still felt as if she barely knew him.
Balor saved her from answering by saying, ‘I am her protector.’
Lord Lowell took a step closer, as if to challenge Balor.The two men could not have been more different—one with wealth and power, the other with bravery and defiance.‘Lady Mairead has no need of your protection now,’ the earl said quietly.When he turned to her, she saw the silent command that she should choose.
Although she didn’t want to offend the earl, there was no question which man held her interest.
To avoid a conflict, Mairead straightened and said, ‘I am grateful for every man who is willing to keep me safe.And now, if you will excuse me, I’d like to rest.’
‘I will escort you to a chamber, Mairead,’ her aunt offered.
‘Sleep well, Lady Mairead,’ the earl said quietly.‘And I promise you, we’ll find your brother.’
His words were sincere, and she lowered her head in acknowledgement as she passed.But she couldn’t deny her own confusion.Though she preferred Balor’s company, Lord Lowell had done nothing wrong.
In fact, it sounded as if he intended to use his men to help her family, and for that she ought to be grateful.But when she turned back, her gaze fixed upon Balor instead.He stood at the doorway, and his eyes held hers with anintensity that stole her breath.It reminded her of the moment in the roundtower when he’d nearly kissed her again.Her face had been so close to his, it would have been effortless to lean in.
Her body couldn’t help but respond to him, even though it was wrong.With reluctance, she turned away and went to follow her aunt.
Right now, the thought of a warm, soft bed was foremost in her mind.Balor followed behind them, ever vigilant even as he kept his distance.But he hadn’t slept much, either—and he would not receive the same accommodations unless she intervened.
