Coldness rippled through her. They knew Bróccín? Impossible. Whoever the man called Aiden was, his looks must favor her husband’s. Nor would she admit more.’Twould bode ill if they learned Balfour was a powerful noble within LordComyn’s ranks.
At her silence, Sir Quentin exhaled a frustrated sigh. “Until Aiden awakens and explains who you are, you will remain with us.”
Sheswallowed hard.
“I am Sir Quentin,” the leader continued, “and these are my men: Sir Torrance, Sir Vide, and Sir David who is holding you.”
Gwendolyn gave a curt nod.
“And you are…?” the daunting man asked.
“Sarah,” she lied. Without their knowing her or of Bróccín’s nobility, when they slipped away, ’twould aid in their escape.
“Sir David will release you,” Sir Quentin said, “but first you must swear that you willna try to run.” At her hesitation, his thickbrows lowered.
Eyeing Sir Torrance carefully tending Bróccín, she gave a slow exhale. “I—”
The soft thud of hooves sounded a moment before a man with a shock of red hair and ice-blue eyes rode into the clearing.
Relief swept her. Sir Cailin, one of the two men who had arrived with Bróccín at Latharn Castle! She looked behind him, expecting to see Sir Rónán and others loyal to Comyn in his wake, men who would save them.
He rode alone, cantering toward the men without fear.
Asif he belonged.
Fear edged through her, but she damned the doubts. He was loyal to Bróccín, his fealty was given to Lord Comyn, and—
Cailin’s gaze shifted to her, and his eyes widened with shock. He drew his mount to a halt. “Lady Gwendolyn?”
Panic rioted inside. Why had he revealedher real name?
Quentin frowned.“You know her?”
“Aye.” Regret flashed in Cailin’s eyes. “I am sorry, my lady.”
“Sorry?” she asked, further confused by his apology. Why would he… Fury flowed through her as she understood. She glared at the traitor, wishing she had her blade to cut out his black heart. She tried to throw herself forward.
Strong arms tightened around her, preventing her from moving.
“For what,” she spat, needing to hear confirmation of his deception, “that you betrayed your friend? Bróccín trusted you and you repaid him by conspiring with the enemy?”
“You are wrong.” Cailin muttered a curse. “Lady Gwendolyn, never were you to be involved.”
“But I am,” she seethed, damning him with her every breath, “and I deserve an explanation.”
“You do.” Cailin glanced at the first knight. “What hasshe been told?”
Quentin frowned. “Naught except Aiden’s name and that we are loyal to the Bruce. Why?”
On a rough sigh, Cailin rubbed the back of his neck. “Why indeed?”
She scowled at the man she’d believed was her husband’s friend, one she,too, had liked.
“His name isna Bróccín,” Cailin continued, his voice softening, “but Aiden MacConnell.”
Her whole life stilled. “You lie!”
Expression solemn, Cailin shook his head. “Nay.”
