“Yet you chose to play the role ofmy betrothed.”
“I did,” he said, his voice hard, “nor will I apologize for my decision. We are at war. Gaining access to Latharn Castle, learning its defenses and other critical information would have allowed the Bruce to seize the stronghold with minimum loss of lifeon both sides.”
She arched a sarcastic brow. “And marriage to me served King Robert best how?”
“Blast it, I never planned for the ceremony to take place. My men and I were to remain for a few days at most. Then the priest was summoned to Rome, and you revealed that by Comyn’s dictate, we must marry before he departed.” He paused. “Duty came first.”
“And the reason you didna consummate our marriage?” she said, her voice ice. “I am the spoils ofwar, am I not?”
“Making you a pawn, physically or otherwise, was never my intent,” Aiden said. “Yet by pretending to be your husband, and given access to the entire castle, including the ledgers, I could bring more information to our king. And then the English arrived and seized the stronghold.”
Gray eyes darkened like an impending storm. “How inconvenient for you. Meanwhile, Latharn Castle is lost, and the farms my people have worked years to plant, along with the homes they labored to build,are destroyed.”
Actions he regretted to this day. “I couldna allow the Duke of Northbyrn access to either. ’Tis prudent to remember that ’twas the English who betrayed the pact made with Lord Comyn. However much you despise me for destroying your tenants’ property, denying those resources to the English troops serves Comyn as wellas the Bruce.”
Her eyes blazed, but he caught lines of fatigue on her face, her pale features evidence of their difficult travel.
A wave of tiredness swept over him, and Aiden gave a slow breath. “I dinna expect you to forgive me, but I needed to explain.”
Like a regal queen, she angled her jaw. “If you are finished,you can leave.”
At the coldness of her words, he stared at her, remembering their kiss, and how she’d fallen apart beneath his touch. He swallowed hard, their passion now seeming as if a memory. ’Twas clear at this moment he’d get no further with her, let alone convince her to divulge the locationof the ledger.
Aware ’twas prudent to make a strategic retreat, Aiden stepped back. “If you have need of me, ask Sir Quentin. He will ensureI am reached.”
“I willna.”
With a muttered curse, he strode into the warmth of the fading sun, scanned the encampment. A soft summer breeze swept across his face as he noted cookpots hanging over fires, and the faint scent of venison and herbs filling the air.
He dragged in a deep breath. So upset he’d departed without talking to her about her meeting with King Robert as well as prepare her for what may come. Topics he would broach upon his return.
He nodded to Quentin, who stood nearby. “I shall fetch her aplate of food.”
His friend grimaced. “The lass hasna touched the fare I placed inside earlier.”
“I will ensure that she eats.” How, he had no idea, but he’d think of something. He could finish their discussion then. Another round of their contentious repartee he did not look forward to. Yet, however unwise, he was drawn to her. An unfathomable situation.
He turned, noticed Cailin walking toward him, a frown wedged across his brow.
Aiden met him half way across the encampment. “What is wrong?”
“King Robert seeks Lady Gwendolyn’s immediate presence, and has asked for your attendance as well.”
Aiden stilled. “Why would our sovereign wantto see us both?
“I am unsure,” his friend said. “His requestsurprised me.”
Nor would Gwendolyn be pleased by the Bruce’s command. An understatement. “My thanks.” Dread sliding through his mind, he headed toward her tent.
At his approach, Sir Quentin lifted his brow.
“The king wishes me to escort Lady Gwendolyn to him.”
With a nod, his friend stepped back. “Godspeed.”
Aiden grunted. “I will need your prayers.” He lifted the flap.
Her eyes methis, narrowed.
