A sword’s wrath. “Before we did nae have a choice.”
Her eyes widened in panic. “I must sail for France immediately.”
The blend of fear and sadness in her voice had him moving closer. “The bishop will ensure you board a ship soon on which you will be safe.”
“But—”
“I will nae argue.” At her stricken expression, needing to offer her comfort, Colyne strode to her and claimed her mouth. His body trembled beneath the onslaught of emotions she inspired, needs that shookhim to the core. Grief at having to leave her tearing through him, he pulled away. He stroked his thumb against her cheek. “I shall miss you greatly.”
Marie drew in a shaky breath and fought back the tears. How could she convince him to take her with him to France? It would give them a few more days together. Not long, but when faced with being apart for a lifetime, she would claim each moment possible.
She cringed at the idea of becoming another man’s wife, allowing intimacy with someone other than Colyne.
“I must leave.”
The raw emotion in his words stopped her cold. As if in compliance, Marie removed her cloak, and then tossed it on the bed. She despised the secret of her heritage, of the threat it had brought to Colyne’s life. Would there ever come a time when her royal blood wouldn’t dictate her fate?
Neither could she forget her greatest need—to reach her father and explain her abduction. It outweighed everything else.
Even her love for Colyne.
His expression softened into regret. “I do nae want to leave with anger between us. Know that if I could take you with me, I would.”
At the weariness on his face, she reached out. “I know. Kiss me,” she whispered.
“I . . .” He muttered a curse. Then Colyne caught her mouth in a fierce kiss.
Marie gave in to her desire until her body ignited beneath his in a hunger only he could quench.
On a rough breath, he broke away. “ ’Tis time to go. I have already stayed overlong.”
Sadness washed through her. He believed he was keeping her safe, but what he didn’t understand was that her own mission outweighed the protection the bishop offered. Each passing day brought greater peril to Scotland’s cause.
Aware of what she must do, Marie watched Colyne prepare to go. Once he left the cathedral, with the materials she’d found within a desk shielded by the cloth, she would ink an explanation of her actions to the bishop so he wouldn’t worry about her disappearance. After, she would follow Colyne to the docks. Somehow, she would make her way aboard.
“My blessings for your journey.” They wouldn’t be parting, but he didn’t know that.
A muscle worked in his jaw. “I wish it could be different.”
“As do I.”
“I care about you, Alesia. I am trying to keep you safe.”
“I know, but you will not always be there for me.”
As the door closed behind Colyne, Marie dipped the quill in the ink and wrote a missive to the bishop explaining her absence. Setting her note on the bed, Marie tugged on her cloak and slipped into the hallway.
Empty.
Anxiousness slid through her. Had he used the cellar door? The main cathedral exit above? Mayhap he’d left through the back of the building? She started forward.
“He is gone,” the bishop stated, his steps a confident tap as he descended the stairs.
Marie halted, surprised by the cleric’s appearance, further unnerved by the seriousness of his voice. He spoke to her as if he knew who she was. She frowned. Which was impossible. They’d never met.
“I was hoping to catch up with Colyne.”
“You are safe here.”
