She touched his cheek with affection. “You are not the person you were. You will never be that person again. We will speak to her, together. Explain -”
“Explain what?”
Aurora’s gaze swept his face.
“The only thing that matters to her is what I did. We could never explain. Not to her. And she will never understand.”
Aurora brushed his cheek with her fingers. “We’ll think of something.”
Damien stared at her crystal blue eyes. She was an expert of negotiation and compromise. A perfect diplomat. What she didn’t understand was that some people didn’t want to compromise. He nodded. They would find a way. With Aurora, all things were possible. He knew that as a fact. Because she had changed him. She had made him into an honorable man. He grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace. “I love you.” She was his life.
Gawyn rode hard all night to be back at Acquitaine. He was tired, and his steed was tired. They had accomplished the task of seeing the Hungars to the border. He had even waited until they disappeared in the darkness. Then, he had ridden with his men to Uncle Bruce’s farm to make sure he was unharmed. The men stayed there under Rupert’s orders, but Gawyn wanted to be back at the castle.
Now, he thundered into Castle Acquitaine just after the sun rose. He didn’t even wait for the stable boy to take the reins of his horse. He quickly dismounted, surprisingly anxious to see Justina. He just had this feeling that something was amiss. He walked into the keep. The entryway was overly crowded for that early in the morn. Someone must have just arrived at the castle. He scanned the crowd for Damien. His brother usually towered over the rest and was easy to spot, but there was no sign of him.
Gawyn spotted Aurora. Her face was bright with excitement. She was speaking to a noble lady, her hands clasping the lady’s. He glanced toward the stairs where the chambers were.
“Gawyn!”
He turned toward Aurora’s voice. For a brief moment, he caught sadness in her eyes. Then, it was gone behind the familiar façade of strength and beauty. He moved over to her.
“Gawyn, this is my cousin, Megan.”
Gawyn was anxious to find Justina, but he bowed and greeted her cousin. He was amazed at how much she looked like Aurora. Their hair was the same golden waves. Their lips were similar, full, and luscious. It was their eyes that were different. Megan had brown eyes. And she was younger. Maybe three or four summers younger than Aurora. “My pleasure, m’lady.”
Megan smiled.
“This is our captain of the guard, Gawyn.” Aurora linked her arm through Gawyn’s. “He is Damien’s brother.” She looked at Gawyn and there was seriousness in her eyes. “Gawyn has just ridden from the borders of Acquitaine. Did all go well?”
“Yes, m’lady. Our guests were escorted without incident.”
Aurora nodded. “Good. I hope you are not too tired this morn. I have further need of your services.”
Gawyn scowled slightly. She was trying to hide something from her cousin.
“Adam would like to see the falcons before he leaves,” Aurora said.
Tingles danced across the nape of Gawyn’s neck. Justina was leaving? So soon? Something must have happened. He wanted to ask what had happened, but knew Aurora was hiding something from her guests. Gawyn turned to go.
“Gawyn,” Aurora called.
Gawyn looked at her and there was anguish in her eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
He was confused as to the reason, but her apology only added to his anxiety. What had happened? He nodded and hurried to the spiral stairway leading to the second floor, taking them two at a time. The closer he got, the more he wanted to see Justina. His heart pounded with worry. At least she was unharmed. But Aurora’s apology concerned him greatly. What had happened?
As he neared the door, he heard Adam’s voice shouting, “I don’t want to leave! You promised. One more day!”
He didn’t hear Justina’s response; it was too soft. They were leaving. Why? He had, Aurora and Damien had, done everything they could to make them feel comfortable and welcomed. He paused at the door, wondering if he should disturb them. He was afraid if he didn’t knock, they would leave without saying goodbye. And he would never see her again. The thought was foolish. He knew where they lived. He could visit anytime. Still, the unease lingered. He lifted his hand to knock.
Justina opened the door. Her eyes widened at seeing him, and then her jaw clenched with anger.
Startled, Gawyn asked, “Is everything okay?”
She glanced back at Adam and then to him. “Fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” she snapped.
Gawyn was stunned at the sharpness in her tone. “I’ve come to take Adam to see the falcons.”
