Seathan nodded. “Aye.”
An ache built inside, stripped any warmth within until Patrik was left empty. Cold. “Where is she?”
Anger flashed in Alexander’s eyes. “We are not sure.”
“What?” Patrik sat up. Dizziness assailed him. He ignored the aches that came with healing, and focused on his outrage.
“Sir David de Moravia arrived with a large contingent shortly after we left you this morn.” Seathan cast a glance at Griffin, frowned. “During the commotion, she disappeared.”
“Do you think she has left?” Patrik asked.
“I have guards scouring the entire castle,” Seathan replied, “but with each entry well guarded, I believe she is still within.”
Patrik glanced at the empty table. However much he wanted to agree, a part of him sensed otherwise.
“Aye, we will find her,” Patrik agreed, with more confidence than he felt. Saint’s breath, the English could not learn of their informant!
He hadn’t wanted to believe Cristina would take the writ, hadn’t wanted to believe his brothers’ doubts. Bedamned, they’d made love, she’d given herself to him in the most intimate of ways. Yet, ’twould seem with the first opportunity, as Alexander had suspected, she’d taken the writ.
Who was this woman he loved?
She’d whispered that she loved him. Was that a lie as well?
Furious, Patrik sat, swung his feet on the floor and stood. Another wave of dizziness assailed him, threatened to take him under. He focused on his anger, determined to find her, to learn the truth.
“Christ’s blade,” Seathan said. “What do you think you are doing?”
“Looking for her.”
“Like bloody hell,” Alexander spat. “Do nae worry, we will catch the lass. On that I swear my life.”
Griffin crossed his arms over his chest. “With darkness coming and the drawbridge up, she is locked within.”
“Besides,” Seathan said, “Sir David has asked to meet with you.”
Patrik met his eldest brother’s gaze.
“As I, Sir David was shocked to learnDubh Dueris my brother.” Seathan grimaced. “Since you find it necessary to move, come down once you are dressed.”
His mind a haze, Patrik nodded.
“I will stay and help you,” Duncan said.
Patrik shook his head. “Nae.”
Duncan hesitated. With a frown, he followed his brothers out.
Alone and on unsteady legs, Patrik walked to the window. Clouds skimmed the sky in delicate wisps. The sun, an angry blaze of orange, lowered upon the horizon. What else had Cristina lied about?
The bells of Vespers echoed.
Against the darkening skies, fires upon the shore sprouted.
“Blast it, where are you?”
A soft knock sounded upon his door.
“Enter,” he called, supposing a servant brought fresh water or food.
