He made no denial. “You do not understand my reasons.”
“You’re wrong. I understand quite well. You believe that the king will free your sisters if you obey their orders.” Her voice softened, and she gripped her hands together, wishing he would break free of the Normans.
“I don’t believe they will let your sisters go,” she continued, “for without that threat, they cannot control you.” A tear slid down her cheek, and he moved forward to wipe it away. Thetouch of his hand only brought more tears to her eyes. “I suppose I deserve this. For I tried to manipulate you as well. I lay with you last night, hoping you would change your mind about delivering me into their hands.”
Raine caressed her cheek, and in his eyes, she saw his remorse. “You never had to lower yourself in that way.”
“I didn’t believe that was what it was,” she confessed. “For whether or not you believe it, I was falling in love with you. I gave myself to you because you were the only man I ever wanted. And before I die, I wanted a moment to be close to you.”
He drew her palm to his mouth. “You deserve a better man than me,chérie. I should not have stolen your innocence. And I regret that I cannot change what happened.”
“You can change whatwillhappen.” She remained motionless, praying that he would let her go. “Don’t give me over to Rory. Not if you care for me at all.”
He said nothing, and as time stretched on, her hopes sank. No matter how much she wanted to believe it, he would not put her above his orders. With sadness, she pulled back her hand. “What do you plan to do with me now?”
The stoic look on his face only drove the invisible knife deeper into her heart. And she knew that there was no going back.
“Don’t weep,” he said. “I swear to you, Rory will never touch you.”
Then why was he bringing her to Tara? From the intensity on his face, it appeared that he was holding something back. She wanted to ask him his reasons, but the moment she began to speak, he moved in and kissed her hard.
His mouth moved over hers, reminding her of the hours they had spent in each other’s arms. She surrendered to him, welcoming the affection and wishing to God he would turn away from this course.
Raine dried her tears, holding her face while he tried to tell her the words he couldn’t speak. “Trust in me, Carice. You will not wed him. Not while I am breathing.”
She didn’t understand, but neither could she let go of her fears. He was indeed involved in something dangerous, and from the haunted look in his eyes, it did concern the High King.
“You could let me go,” she whispered. “Ride away from me, and I’ll return to Casheldrum until I can get another escort. No one would need to know what happened.”
“The Normans will find you. It’s too late for that.” He took her hand in his and pointed toward the horizon. “They are waiting for us, just over the rise of that hill.”
Her throat closed up with fear, but she tried one last time. “And what would you do if I turned my horse and rode back? Would you hunt me down?”
The dark expression on his face sent a chill through her. “Yes. I would.”
Chapter Thirteen
They reached the Norman camp at nightfall. The blaze of several fires lit up the darkness, and armed sentries stood all around. Several soldiers were working on setting up tents while others tended to the horses. Raine rode into the camp with Carice, and as they approached, her posture tightened. She looked back at him, and the sadness in her eyes only made him feel worse. He deserved this.
But what else could he have done? The men were too close, and even if he had tried to help her leave, the soldiers would have caught them. They would have treated Carice like a prisoner, and she wasn’t strong enough to endure captivity. He, himself, might be sentenced to death for desertion. And it would only endanger his sisters more, if they were still alive.
The soldiers stood back to let them pass, and when Raine reached the center of the camp, he saw her father waiting. The man’s expression was a blend of relief and fury.
Raine helped Carice dismount and walked forward with her hand in his. Her demeanor was stiff, her expression holding resignation. He didn’t like the way she was staring into the fire as if her entire body had gone numb.
“Are you feeling all right?” he murmured against her ear.
“I am feeling betrayed.” Her answer was dull, like she didn’t care if she lived or died.
He could say nothing to her, for it was the truth. But he squeezed her hand in silent apology.
When they stood before her father, she said, “Raine de Garenne, this is my father, Brodie Faoilin. Chief of our clan.”
Raine met the man’s gaze evenly and gave a nod of acknowledgment. He offered no fealty, and perhaps it was best if he did not speak at all.
But Brodie moved forward to embrace his daughter. A smile broke through his expression for a moment before he said, “I am glad you are safe, Carice. Go to the litter and lie down while I speak with this man.”
Her father addressed her as if she were a dog, which Raine didn’t like at all. To Carice, he said, “It is your choice whether you wish to stay or go.”
