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“I may have no choice, as well you know.”

Stanton understood the stakes, of course. And still he would join them. Lance almost could not believe what he was hearing.

“If not now, then never,” Stanton said, his voice unwavering. Obviously the earl had given this much thought. He’d likely already considered rebellion long before Lance had approached him.

“Come back tomorrow at the same time. We will talk then.”

Dismissed, Lance stood.

“You will find Stanton a new smith as well.”

He nodded, not trusting his voice.

“Good day.”

“Good day, my lord.”

Lance left the earl, aware this was likely his last night at Stanton. He would speak to the boys and then . . . nay, Idalia would never see him.

But could he really leave without saying goodbye?

You are just like him.

Lance respected the earl, but he did not respect the way he treated his daughter. Attempting to talk to Idalia again would be a fool’s errand. He had the earl’s support and could not risk losing it.

Not even for her love.

Chapter 24

“You missed Guy by less than a fortnight.”

Terric stretched his legs out in front of him, crossing his feet and arms simultaneously. It was the Scot’s signature position, one Lance had seen many times over the years.

It meant his friend was thinking.

Which was just as well as Lance had been doing little else since leaving Stanton. It had taken just three days for him to travel to Dromsley Castle. Now that Terric was chief, he spent more time in Scotland than he did here in his English holding.

At least, he had before.

Now, with their mission solidified, Terric’s second, his younger brother, would remain at Bradon Moor.

He was one of only a few who knew of their plan.

“What does he hope to accomplish?”

Terric sat up straight. “To defeat your quivering bastard of a king and see Louis on the throne.”

Lance rolled his eyes.

“He is your king too. And no one is proposing to put the French king’s son on the throne of England.”

“I am.”

Lance ignored that. “You’ve no need to make your hatred of John known to me. But we did not form the order to overthrow the king.”

Terric waved a dismissive hand. “But to temper his failed leadership and despotic rule. Aye.”

Lance waited for Terric’s mood to level out. He’d not lied to Stanton about Conrad’s temperament. He was as measured as his father had been quick to anger. But Terric had a hot temper, easily sparked, and nothing made him angrier than the King of England and his men.