“Nay.” Colyne glared at her with a look that clearly stated she was nae going anywhere. “She is too weak.”
“How dare you dismiss my involvement in this?” Marie argued, furious he’d try.
Red slashed Colyne’s face.
Raised voices echoing from the guards emphasized the fact that little time remained to escape, much less to argue. “I understand your worry,” Marie said, gentling her voice. His stubbornness came from concern for her.
“Unless you want to chance hiding aboard ship,” the captain said, his voice tight, “there is nay other choice.”
Marie kept her eyes locked on Colyne’s. “As they have authority to search any sealed containers, there is not.” After the carnage they’d witnessed at the massacre of his friends, Marie held no illusions as to hers or Colyne’s fate if caught. If climbing down the side of the ship would keep them safe, she’d do it.
She drew herself up to her full height, recognizing her gesture as regal, as Colyne had claimed. “Have the ladder lowered over the side,” Marie said to the captain with quiet authority.
The captain arched an amused brow toward Colyne. “Aye, my lady.”
Colyne’s scowl deepened, but he nodded his assent.
His protectiveness warmed Marie, but Colyne must accept that he wouldn’t always be there to defend her.
“I will delay the guards until I receive word from my crew that you are on your way,” Logan said, “then I will allow them to search the ship.”
Colyne exhaled a rough sigh. “I shall leave my mail within your chest.”
“Should the guards ask,” Logan said, “I will claim it as my own.” He clasped Colyne’s hand. “Godspeed.”
“Godspeed to you, as well.”
The captain pressed a chaste kiss upon Marie’s knuckles. “Take care, my lady.”
“Thank you. I will ensure my father learns of your bravery.”
“Nay, lass, my aid is given freely.” Devilment sparked in the captain’s eyes. “Besides, I need nae for my name to be bantered about before your father or any other powerful lord.” With a roguish smile, he left.
“Logan has had several encounters with outraged noble fathers,” Colyne explained dryly as he removed his mail and stowed it within the hewn wooden chest.
That she could believe. “Where now?”
“A sword’s wrath, you are nae fit to be climbing down a rope ladder.”
“A fact you ignored last night,” she charged, not that she wasn’t as guilty for asking him to make love. With no secrets between them, a peace had enveloped her with his every touch. She only wished for more time with him.
And that he loved her.
Fragile hope swirled within her of the possibility of their sharing a life together. A life out of reach unless she spoke with her father and asked him to end her betrothal. Torn between duty and wanting Colyne, she was at an impasse. By the Grace of Mary, never would she upset her father, but loving Colyne, could she settle for a life without happiness?
Sadness weighed upon Marie as she followed Colyne through thestorage hold. Within a day they would reach her father. Then Colyne would leave and she’d never see him again.
How could she live without him?
How could she break her vow?
Fighting back her emotions, she hurried to where a sailor waved them toward the hatch. At their fast pace, her breathing grew labored and her legs rebelled, but she pushed herself. A cramp in her side forced her to slow.
With a scowl, Colyne caught her shoulder. “You are nae well enough to do this!”
The footsteps of the armed men thudded on the wooden planks overhead.
“Bedamned.” He swept her into his arms.
