Page 154 of Highland Spy

“And forgive me for what I’ve confessed on your behalf,” the king added without emotion.

The understanding of Cora’s words earlier, of her reaction now, crashed through Connor.

Cora knew the horrors of what he’d done, the men he’d murdered by order of the king.

Nausea clenched at his stomach. Not her.

Not Cora.

Connor’s thoughts mired in his frustration.

All the years Connor had worked for him, had sacrificed his moral integrity and stained his soul the color of blood, and this, this, was how the king repaid his loyalty?

Stealing his sister and killing the woman he loved.

Connor shook his head. “After all I’ve done for ye, ye work with Murdoch to bring my demise.”

“I couldn’t have a powerful force such as you without a leash, could I?” the king asked. “Surely you don’t blame me. After all, I have already extended my apology. And I’ll be speaking with Murdoch later about his inability to provide me with correct information.”

Cora was weeping softly now. Each shuddering breath she drew, no matter how discreet, was a blow to his heart. He held her to him and laid her head on his chest. He couldn’t look down at her and see her pain, or even what might lie beyond.

Accusation.

Disgust.

Cora knew.

“And here is your retinue.” The king indicated the far door where Sylvi led the other women toward him. Her gait was stiff and her face a storm cloud of fury.

“I must commend you for what you’ve been able to do with these women,” the king said. “Who knew such softness could be turned to steel?”

Sylvi slid him a steely look from the corner of her eye. Respectful from a distance, but he knew what was grinding in her head.

Delilah followed behind Sylvi, then Percy and Liv.

Isabel was nowhere in sight.

Connor’s world was spinning out of control. All the carefully woven lies were unraveling like a loose thread subjected to a hard pull, and he felt it all laid around him in a messy, ugly pile.

“Were you truly arrested for treason?” Sylvi demanded. Her gaze settled on where Connor held Cora in his arms for a moment, but she cut her stare back to him.

She gave the king a hard look. “This man’s life has revolved around keeping you safe for the last three years. Our lives are spent ensuring all threats against you are dispelled. He is honorable and he is just.”

The king smiled at her with the condescending patience one gives a petulant child. “I take it ye’re the lass five men had to bring down. Impressive.”

Sylvi’s eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, an indication his praise had not pleased her. “There are a lot of people who want to kill you,” she said in reply.

Connor knew she wanted to say more, but she wisely held her tongue.

If only Ariana had done the same. His gut clenched at the thought of her.

At least with the other girls now released, they could somehow band together—a unified force against the king’s army.

If ever a small group stood a chance, it was them.

But it would still be dangerous.

The smile on the king’s face faded. “Who wishes to kill me?”