“Aye, my lord.” Sir Malcolm hurried off.
Exhausted, Emma remained quiet as Patrik’s brothers carried him to the keep. She wanted desperately to be at his side.
“If he lives, ’tis because of you.”
At Lord Monceaux’s solemn comment, she turned. “If he dies, ’tis because I betrayed him.”
The baron nodded, his face grim. “A fact neither Patrik’s brothers nor I will forget.”
“Or should.” Emotions threatened Emma as she scanned Lochshire Castle. A Scottish stronghold held by men bound together by the strength of family, by the fight to reclaim their country, and by love.
It was Patrik’s home.
Though division existed between Patrik and his family, in time wounds would heal and he could rebuild the foundations of a life in which he could again find happiness. For that, Emma would give thanks.
Lord Monceaux dismounted, lifted her to the ground.
She turned toward the keep, the image of Patrik’s battered body all too clear.
“Mistress Emma.”
At Lady Nichola’s voice, she turned. Beneath the torchlight, Alexander’s wife stood upon the steps of the keep, the strain on her face telling Emma the woman had not slept this night. Her worry was yet another sin to add to Emma’s enormous list.
Heart pounding, Emma curtsied. “My lady.”
Her body trembling, Lady Nichola stepped closer. “You saved my husband’s brother.”
“No,” Emma said. “My deception did naught but place Sir Patrik, your husband, and your family in danger.”
“It did,” Lady Nichola agreed, “but you chose to return to Lochshire Castle, to expose the truth at the risk of your life. As for my family facing the English, ’tis not the first nor the last time for such.”
Guilt clung to Emma. “My deed is far from heroic, my lady. I returned because I love Patrik.”
“Regardless, he is safe.” Lady Nichola nodded. “Let us go inside. It has been a long night and you are tired.”
As was Lady Nichola. She’d earned none of this woman’s kind words.
Lord Monceaux drew his sister into a fierce hug. Then, in silence they walked to the keep. After entering the great room, Alexander’s wife headed for the turret.
Stunned, Emma glanced at Lady Nichola.
“You believed we would cast you within the dungeon ?” she asked.
“I have earned such grim quarters, my lady.” No, in truth, her betrayal could win her death.
“I will not lie, ’twas considered,” Lord Monceaux stated. “Neither will you be allowed to roam free. Too many questions remain to be asked.”
“Questions, my lord, I will answer,” Emma said.
The baron nodded.
In silence, Emma followed them up the spiral steps. Outside the chamber where she’d slept before, they halted.
The baron spoke in private with his sister, and then stepped back. “It has been a long night for you, Nichola. Go and rest. I will ensure Mistress Emma is cared for.”
Face pale, Lady Nichola glanced to where Sir Alexander’s voice echoed from inside Patrik’s chamber. “For all of us.” She nodded to her brother. “My thanks, Griffin.” She walked down the corridor.
Unease crept through Emma as the powerful lord followed her inside her chamber.
