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“Nay,” Lance interjected. “She will not. The Order of the Broken Blade will protect her.”
Her father seemed to understand, but Idalia did not. Order of the Broken Blade? The rebellion? Likely, but what was the significance of such a name?
They stared at one another, her father seeming to take Lance’s words into consideration. She could have left it at that, and perhaps he would have capitulated, but while she appreciated Lance’s assistance and her mother’s support, this was her argument to be won.
“I love you, Father,” she said. Words she had spoken to him far more often than he did to her. “You have always protected us, and you’ve taught me the values of justice and nobility. I will carry those lessons with me as I do my part to protect Stanton and its people from the king.”
Her mother winced.
“By Lance’s side. I will marry him, and together, we will do what is necessary. But I am going with him.”
“I promised Tuleen Castle as a part of your dowry.” Her father’s eyes narrowed. “And I can take it away.”
Tuleen Castle. She had always wondered about her dowry. The thought of living there with Lance, so close to her mother and Tilly . . .
But she would not be bought with the promise of anything.
“Do what you must.”
Her mother sucked in a breath, but Idalia’s gaze was fixed on her father.
Daring him to deny her.
She’d seen him negotiate many times, and one thing she’d learned was the importance of follow-through. If necessary, she would marry Lance without her father’s blessing. Leave Stanton Castle with nothing.
“She will stay in the north,” her father commanded.
“Aye, my lord,” Lance agreed.
“If John retains these French mercenaries—”
“He will not.”
“When the king learns of the rebellion, learns of its members . . .” Her father’s voice trailed off.
Idalia shivered at the reminder of what they were talking about: rebellion against the king. And she would be in the middle of it, by choice.
“Clan Kennaugh will provide protection.”
Clan Kennaugh. A border clan. Idalia had heard of them before but knew little else about them. She had so many questions, but only one that mattered now.
“Father,” she cut in. “Will you trust that you have raised me well?”
He frowned, clearly displeased. But she already knew his answer.
Chapter 30
Idalia dismounted, leading her horse into the deep thicket of trees. They’d agreed to leave the grounds of Stanton Castle before their discussion. One she’d been anticipating since their discussion in her father’s solar last eve.
Her father had suggested they visit Tuleen Castle, with an escort of course. That escort, Tilly, had abandoned them as soon as they passed through the gatehouse. She’d remembered a “pressing matter” to which she needed to attend.
Idalia would have believed her if not for the wink Tilly gave her as she rode off. The gesture confirmed her assessment of her sister—Tilly was fast becoming a young woman. Idalia did not know what to make of it, but she supposed her opinion did not matter. Tilly would grow up whether she approved or not.
“Let me take him,” Lance said, gathering the reins from her and leading her mount to the stream.
They had much to talk about.
She watched as Lance cared for the horses. For a man who spent his days hammering metal, he was surprisingly gentle. Her heart skipped a beat at the thought that they were finally alone together, completely and blessedly so.
