“We should get her to your mother’s,” Avalyn said. “We will not have the luxury of time much longer and we still need to return to the Tower.”
The hour was exceedingly late as they commenced their walk to Brogan’s mother’s shop. Most of the people that had bustled on the street earlier in the night had disappeared, leaving the avenue dark and deserted. Now was the time when the thieves and murders emerged in earnest and Brogan was highly alert as they made their way back along East street. By now, the baby had fallen asleep and he held her securely in one arm while holding Avalyn in the other.
“Do you have a plan, Brogan?” Avalyn asked softly as they passed down the dark avenue. “Whatever it is, it must be solid. When dealing with de Neville, you cannot leave things to chance.”
He didn’t say anything for a moment. “My plan is to marry you,” he said quietly. “I am afraid I am not good at planning. I usually follow commands, not make them.”
Avalyn gazed up at him; he was a proud, strong man. She was afraid her question had upset him. “I did not mean to offend you, my angel,” she said softly. “I simply meant to know if you’ve figured out what we should do.”
“You are the wiser in that regard, Avalyn. I would trust my future wife with our plans to be wed and flee her uncle.”
She smiled, meeting his gaze under the waning moon. He winked at her. “Well,” she began to think aloud. “After we take Lake to your mother, we must return to the Tower and pack quickly. No more than thirty minutes, and we must travel very light. Do you think you can obtain a horse from the stables for us to travel upon?”
He nodded. “I have a Belgian warmblood, a charger given to me by St. Alban.”
“What would a foot soldier need with a charger?”
“He was not so good in battle, so St. Alban bought another one.”
“Not so good?”
“He would rather stop and eat grass than charge the enemy.”
“Oh,” she grinned at the mental image of a big fat charger that did not like to charge. “But I am sure he is very strong and hearty. He will be perfect for travel.”
“Travel to where?”
She sighed. “I am not very familiar with the layout of the city. We must find a priest to marry us, but not at the bigger cathedrals. We must find a small church. Do you know of any?”
He shook his head. “I must ask St. Alban. He is a pious man and would know where there is a church suitable for us.”
She didn’t ask why he would not know of any churches. Perhaps he did not attend mass, which was of little concern to her. Given the man’s life, she doubted he had anything to thank God for.
The streets grew quieter as they reached the Thames and they crossed the bridge toward the Tower without incident. A fog was starting to roll off of the water, blanketing the ground with an eerie mist. As they approached the mammoth structure of the Tower with the intention of skirting it, Avalyn paused. Brogan also came to a halt, looking at her curiously.
“What is wrong?” he asked quietly. “Why do you stop?”
“Because,” she had an idea, perhaps not a very desirable one, but one she thought might be best for them all. “The longer I am gone, the more chance there is for my absence to be discovered. Perhaps you should take Lake to your mother’s, alone, and I will meet you in the shadow of the White Tower in one hour.”
It was evident that he did not like her suggestion. “I would see to your safety, lady. If you feel strongly you should return, then I will escort you to your apartments first.”
She shook her head. “Brogan, there is naught that can happen to me on the grounds of the Tower. There are soldiers everywhere. But I feel very strongly that I should return as soon as possible. Unlike you, there are many people that look for me, that expect my presence, and now a few who are suspicious of my activities. I would feel much more comfortable if I could return to make sure I’ve not been missed yet.”
He sighed heavily; glancing up at the enormous walls that comprised the Tower of London. Though he was uncomfortable with leaving her unescorted, he also knew she was more than likely correct. He, too, was concerned that she had been missed. The more the seconds ticked away, the more critical the situation became and the more determined they became to carry out their plan. He dipped down, kissing her firmly. Avalyn’s fingers ached with the longing his kiss provoked, her hands on his cheeks as he suckled her lips. There was excitement to the kiss, but there was also a great deal of fear. They both felt it.
“The White Tower in one hour,” he repeated. His blue eyes bore into her. “You had better be there or I will come looking for you.”
“Do not,” she shook her head. “If I am not there, then it is because something has happened. I will find my way out of it, have no doubt, but I do need you walking into the Lion’s Den with your eyes wide open. They will destroy you.”
He didn’t look happy in the least. “Avalyn…”
She put her fingers over his lips, feeling the sting of tears. Something told her to not return to her apartments, to simply keep running with him until they were free and clear of all that would separate them. But there were things she wanted to collect, the most important of which was coin. They would need money to start their new life together.
“Don’t argue with me, my angel,” she removed her fingers and kissed his smooth lips. “I must do as I must. And you must take Lake to your mother, collect the horse, and decide which church we will seek for our marriage. Beyond that, I will think of somewhere to go. I know a great many people. I’m sure someone will take us in until we can decide what to do.”
He nodded in resignation. “I do not want to let you out of my sight.”
“I know. But it will only be for a short while, I promise.”
