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By dawn, his need was so urgent, he left her to take a brisk walk. Which was less than relaxing given he immediately heard whispers of Lord Burge’s retinue. Now, standing with his back against the wall outside their chamber, he watched for any signs of approach.

Guy thought of his father as he waited. Because, truth be told, he had already known the visiting lord was Burge before he heard the man’s name. His father had always been wary of Guy’s premonitions, even though he’d witnessed ample evidence that they always came true. Such a thing should be impossible, after all, and Bernard Lavallais had always been the most practical of men. And so, Guy had learned to hide the knowledge he shouldn’t have. He’d never told anyone else about the premonitions. Not even Lance and the other men in the order.

If only he’d have one concerning the enigma that was his wife . . .

That very woman appeared, looking as little refreshed as he felt. Guy would have laughed if not for the shadow of Lord Burge.

“Good morn again, my lady.”

“Good morn,” she murmured back, calmer at least than before. The worry he’d spied in her eyes was still present, however, which made him want to get this matter dealt with immediately. Usually, Sabine took every challenge in turn, always ready to charge on toward the next and take on her next adversary. But this man frightened her.

Which made him want to run a sword through Burge’s gut. He’d obviously mistreated her. And was partially responsible for her mother’s death. Had he offered her protection, she wouldn’t have been with her husband at the time of his demise.

“Is he here?” Sabine asked in a small voice.

Guy took her arm, leading his wife down the stairs.

“I know not.”

But he had his answer a moment later. His lady stiffened beside him, and a quick glance at the hall told him all he needed to know—the man who stood near the door had to be Lord Burge.

A handsome older man, he had long, dark-grey hair and a short grey beard. He was dressed for battle, a red and white crest of crossed swords prominent across his chest. The four men around him bore the same crest. Although Burge watched them, he did not move—rather, Guy approached him.

The innkeeper must have sensed the tension because he immediately rushed forward.

“No weapons drawn inside,” he stammered. “Do ye hear?”

Burge blocked Guy and Sabine’s exit, his eyes drilling into them. Finally, without a word to either of them, he turned and left. The innkeeper’s shoulders sank in relief, and Guy winked at the man as they passed.

They still needed lodging and sustenance, after all, when this was over.

Burge’s men awaited them as soon as they stepped outside, having formed a semicircle on the path to the stables.

“’Tis Guy Lavallais,” one of them said, looking at him. “The mercenary with a sword arm known even in France.”

Good. He’d hoped at least one of them would recognize him. Though the man did not look familiar to him at all.

“Good morn, my lord,” Sabine said prettily in a tone he was unused to, much more accommodating than usual.

“You are going back,” he responded, his tone deep and commanding. This was a man accustomed to issuing commands.

Unfortunately for him, Guy was not at all accustomed to receiving them. But he held his tongue, waiting for Sabine to respond first.

“Nay, my lord. I will not.”

He gently let go of her arm, praying she understood the reason. This was her fight, and he didn’t wish to take it from her.

That resolution lasted all of a moment. Upon seeing the look of sheer hatred on Burge’s face, Guy stepped forward. He couldn’t help himself.

“I am Guy Lavallais of Cradney Wrens,” he said, ensuring Burge’s man knew he’d identified him correctly. “Lady Sabine’s husband,” he finished with force. “She will not be going anywhere with you.”

Guy momentarily relished the look of shock on their faces. But it did not last long. Burge took a step forward, as did he.

“I don’t believe you.”

Guy laughed. A response that Burge apparently did not appreciate.

“Visit St. Mary’s-upon-Kingsgate on your return home. Speak to Father Wheeland, who will assure you Lady Sabine and I are very much married.”