Chest tight with self-condemnation, he stared at the woman who had tossed his life upside down, ignited feelings he’d never experienced, a lass who in his arms made him feel whole. Though she wore his mother’s cross, in truth, he didna need a sign to know that however wrong, he couldna imagine a life without her.
Cailin’s breath caughtin his throat.
He loved her.
Why hadn’t he realized it sooner? Or, maybe deep inside he’d known, the part of him determined to keep his distance from her. As if it mattered now. God’s sword, he must have sounded like a fool. Instead of the ultimatum he’d delivered, he should have taken herinto his arms.
Elspet’s eyes dark with worry narrowed. “What is wrong?”
His fingers tightened on the bars. Heart filled with love, he stared at her, wanting to tell her, but not like this. After everything she’d sacrificed, everything she had given him, she deserved to know. It was a small penance hecould satisfy.
“Never did I believe I would find a woman who would touch my life, who would make me want more than I have ever wanted someone in my entire life. Nor did I ever plan on telling you something of such vital importance here.”
Fear jumped in her eyes. “You think we aregoing to die?”
Frustrated, he shook his head. “Nay, I am doing this poorly. Elspet, I—”
Voices echoed from the corridor, then the door scraped open. A large man sporting a thick black beard and wearing finely tailored attire entered, a fierce scowl upon his face. He scanned the dungeon, and his eyes paused on Cailin. “Sir Cailin MacHugh?”
Cailin drew himself to his full height, furious that locked within, he couldna protectElspet. “Aye.”
The stately man’s gaze shifted to Elspet. Shock, then anger widened his gaze. “Sir Cailin, Elspet, my deepest regrets.”
Her shoulders sagged, but her voice was clear and firm. “Lord Odhran, thank Godyou are here.”
Odhran nodded to the guard.“Release them!”
The guard hurried forward. Keys rattled as he opened the door to his cell, then hers.
Ignoring the pain, his face taut, Cailin moved beside her, his limbs stiff.
“I wasna aware of your or Elspet’s arrival until moments ago.” Anger flashed in the earl’s eyes. “I assure you, an oversight my steward deeply regrets. Come with me.” He exited the dungeon.
Cailin followed at a pace his body allowed. After the rotting stench of the dungeon, he savored the fresh air of the corridor edged with the tang of winter. “What of the runnerfrom my uncle?”
“He is under guard. ’Twould seem my steward has been supporting your uncle in secret, but he erred in believing I wouldna discover his deceit.” He glanced at Cailin. “When I first learned that you were still alive, I couldna believe ’twas true. Tell mewhat happened.”
As they walked, with Elspet at his side, Cailin explained his uncle’s plan to claim the title of Dalkirk. Of how Gaufrid had killed his brother and sister-in-law, paid a sailor to kill Cailin, who’d sold him to pirates, and then howhe was freed.
Odhran grunted with disgust. “It makes my skin crawl that a man would destroy his family for greed. I will help you to regain Tiran Castle. ’Tis long past time for your uncle’s treachery to end.”
“The earl has sent runners to other lords,” Elspet said, worry etched in her voice.
“A fact I discovered during mydiscussionwith Dalkirk’s runner.” He met Cailin’s gaze. “I will pen writs to all who the earl asked for aid, informing them of your uncle’s duplicity and request that they deny him support. As I am acquainted with all the lords who were mentioned, I am confident all will agree.”
“I thank you.” With Rónán’s arrival leading a contingent of King Robert’s knights, combined with Taog’s men and Odhran’s support, little doubt remained that soon Cailin would have controlof his legacy.
Grief lined the earl’s face as he turned to Elspet. “My deepest sympathies on the loss of your stepfather and mother. They were both wonderful people and will be missed.”
She nodded. “’Tis hard to believethey are gone.”
“I am always here if I can be of help.” His expression somber, he shook his head. “I struggle to accept the charges brought against Sir Angus.”
Anger flashed in her eyes. “’Twas Lord Dalkirk’s lies!”
Cailin listened as she explained, the outrage on Odhran’s face feelings he shared. “I assure you,” he said when Elspet finished, “my uncle has much to pay for, penanceI will serve.”
“Aye,” the earl agreed with a low growl. “I will send word to my master-at-arms to ready the troops. Though ’twill take them through the night to prepare, we will ride at first light.”
