“Lady Alesia, may I introduce you to My Lord Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow.” Because Alesia was a missionary, Colyne had expected recognition once he’d revealed Robert’s name, but nae fear. Why would she be afraid? It made nay sense. On a religious journey, wouldna she find relief in the sanctity of the church? Or at least comfort in landing beneath the bishop’s protection?
“My Lord Bishop, ’tis an honor,” she replied.
Her mien again struck Colyne as regal, her voice tailored in cooldiscretion, as if she was used to meeting dignitaries. Which, as a prominent noble’s daughter, she would be. So why did he sense something far more important was being played out before him?
The bishop’s brows furrowed deeply as he studied her. “Have we met before?”
Alesia paled.“Non.”
Colyne believed her, more because his friend would never forget a woman presented to him within the ranks of nobility, especially one as beautiful as Alesia. So why would the bishop’s presence unnerve her?
“I need to speak with you in private. I have important news that canna wait,” Robert said, cutting through Colyne’s musings.
“I will be there in a moment,” he replied, frustrated. Instead of finding answers about her, he encountered more questions.
The bishop swept a discerning glance toward Alesia and then left. Her breath unsteady, she stared at the door as it settled in his wake, her fingers clenched tight.
Confused, Colyne watched her. Did she fear that Robert had recognized her?Demand the truth!Jaw tight, he glanced toward the door. A sword’s wrath, Robert was waiting for him. He leveled his gaze on her.
Her eyes flared and then grew cold.
She’d gained a brief reprieve. From her unease, they both knew it. On a silent curse, he strode to the entry, jerked the door open, and looked back. “I shall return soon.”
With a frustrated sigh, he secured the aged panel. As he started up the stairs, he found Robert waiting for him at the top. Colyne paused. “Do you know her?”
The bishop studied Colyne with solemn regard. “I have never met Lady Alesia before. Has she told you her full name?”
The breath he’d held rushed out between clenched teeth. “When I asked, she refused.” Nor had she told him after she’d given herself to him in the most intimate of ways.
“Has she spoken of from which region of France she hails?” At Colyne’s hesitation, Robert’s brows lifted. “You do nae even know that?”
“We have traveled hard,” he replied, embarrassed he could have made love to her and nae known the location of her home, much less her full name.
“You carry the writ,” Robert said with a frown. “ ’Tis nae like you to jeopardize a document of import by entertaining the presence of a stranger, much less risk offering one escort through the Highlands.”
Colyne nodded, heat slashing his cheeks at the more than deserving chastisement. With Alesia, he’d acted like a green lad tasting his first kiss. “As I escaped Renard’s men, I was hit in the shoulder with an arrow. Alesia found me unconscious and saved my life. I couldna leave her. Nae to mention that after the attack on her party, she needed comfort and understanding, nae for me to pry.”
“Given the situation, I can understand your helping her and respecting her privacy. But after the days you have traveled together, especially considering the importance of your reaching King Philip, I would have expected you to take every precaution in learning as much about her as possible. Dangers often come from the seemingly innocent.”
He tensed. “You believe Alesia is a threat?”
“Nae to your mission.” The bishop worried the cross he wore around his neck. “ ’Tis nae like you to leave so much unanswered.”
He agreed. Never before had he allowed his emotions to overrule his common sense. A reason he was sought out for the most difficult missions for the rebels, and why he was often called upon by Robert Bruce, when the Guardian of Scotland needed a man he could trust. Shamefully, since he’d met Alesia, ’twould seem his logic had fled.
“But then,” the bishop continued, his voice gentling, “except for Elizabet, I have never seen you so entranced by a woman.”
Caught off guard, Colyne stared at his friend. “What do you mean?”
Robert laid his hand on Colyne’s shoulder. “We have known each other too many years for me nae to see the warmth within your eyes when you look upon her. But I advise you, before you become involved with the lass, learn more about her, I would. . . .” He studied Colyne and then dropped his hand. “Or am I already too late?”
Memories of himself and Alesia making love flooded Colyne’s mind. “I care for her deeply.”
“You know little about her,” Robert cautioned.
“Mayhap, but I have learned she is genuine and caring.” He paused. “After I have delivered the writ, I wish to return for her.”
A frown deepened the bishop’s brow. “Do you think that is wise?”
