Piercing green eyes bored into her.
She held her ground. Patrik’s life was at stake. Without a healer, he would die. Even with proper attention there were no guarantees.
Anger churned within Lord Grey’s eyes, but surprisingly, respect as well. He nodded to the two nearest knights. “Take Sir Patrik to his chamber,” he ordered, his gaze never leaving her.
“Blast it!” Patrik wove. “I need not—”
“Now!” Seathan’s voice boomed.
“Aye, my lord,” the closest man said. Two knights hurried to Patrik’s side.
Weak, his wounds having begun to bleed, Patrik was half led, half carried to the keep.
Relief swept through Emma. Thank God. She started after him.
“Mistress Cristina.” Lord Grey’s voice wrapped around her with cold finality.
Heart pounding, she faced the powerful lord. Silence descended between them like a guillotine. “I wish to be with Sir Patrik.”
The earl crossed his arms. “A healer awaits him.”
And she understood. “You never were going to allow him to leave Lochshire Castle, were you? You just wanted him to suffer, wondering if he will ever again be accepted.”
A muscle worked in Lord Grey’s jaw. “He is my brother.”
She hesitated. “And he is fortunate to have you.”
“I doubt he would concur right now,” Lord Grey replied, “nor will he for a long while. He has much to overcome.”
True, but regardless of the challenges, Patrik’s brothers would not dismiss him out of hand.
“Go,” the earl called to those around him. “Welcome our knights home. Those without families, see to the wounded.”
Whispers interwove the soft sound of footsteps as the people within the bailey dispersed.
“Duncan,” Lord Grey said. “Oversee the wounded and ensure all are tended.”
“Aye.” With a wary glance at Emma, the youngest brother clasped his wife’s hand and drew her with him.
In the distance laughter filled the air along with the excited yells of children. As if everything was normal.
Emma nodded to the earl. “I owe you an apology, my lord. ’Twas improper to challenge you. But, to protect Sir Patrik, I would do so again.”
He arched a brow.
Emma pushed forward. “Though you are Patrik’s brother, I thank you for caring for him when he himself does not expect it, or feel he deserves it.”
“And do you feel he is deserving?” a woman at Lord Grey’s side asked.
Caught up in the tension between Patrik and Lord Grey, she’d failed to notice this regal woman who stood beside the lord of the keep. Heat rose up Emma’s cheeks.
“Mistress Cristina,” the earl said, his voice somber, “my wife, the Countess of Grey.”
Emma gave a brief curtsy. “My lady.”
Lavender eyes studied her, the intelligence within potent. She was a match to her powerful mate, yet another daunting link within the MacGruders.
“Yes, I believe Sir Patrik is deserving of acceptance and more. Since he tried to kill Sir Alexander’s wife, he has lived in shame.” Emma paused. “He regrets his betrayal with his every breath.”
