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“Aye.”

No additional words are spoken, for none are needed. But Aedre is a lady, and a virgin. The code of honor dictates that we cannot lie together.

And still, I find myself saying, “Were circumstances different, I would not have put it back on but would have instead taken your hand and laid it on my chest. I’d have kissed you already, Aedre, and shown you just how dearly I wish you would touch all of me.”

A final step toward her.

I dare not move any closer.

I’m sure she will slap me at any moment. But this is no simpering maid. This woman has held a knife to my throat. Her manner of speaking is so bold, so brazen, it never fails to surprise me.

“I came here for a reason.” Her voice, thick, is not unaffected.

I should care very much about her reasons for seeking me out, especially given her connection to Aldwine, but first, I’d know one thing.

“Do you wish to touch me, Aedre?”

Though we are alone at the moment, the courtyard having cleared as all who practiced or watched headed indoors for supper, such a fact could change at any time. Even so, I cannot help myself.

“Aedre?”

Before I can help myself, I reach for her. Aedre does not recoil from my hand, instead allowing it to graze her cheek. It feels as her gown looks, so soft and smooth.

Her eyes close, thick dark lashes against her cheeks. Part of me aches to forget everything and taste her again. Yet the sight of my rough hand against her flesh is reminder enough of who I am and why I am here. I am a warrior, a commander. My hands were made for fighting, not loving.

I pull my hand away. “You did not come here to be mauled by me.”

“Hmm,” she murmurs. “Mayhap I did.”

Her words do not help, even though I asked for such torture. Another vision, this time of me hauling her up against the stone building behind her, using it as leverage as I hold her at my waist, sinking into her, claiming her . . .

Groaning, I step back, attempting to regain control.

“You said you’ve come for a purpose, and ’twas likely not to be mistreated by me.”

“Nay,” she says adamantly, “you would never do that.”

I look into her eyes.

“Nay, I would not.”

After a moment, one no words could sufficiently fill, she says, “I came to tell you that I’ve seen Kipp.”

Before I can respond, she rushes to add, “Lord Bailor is hosting a feast in honor of the men’s safe return. I am on my way there now.”

Ah, the reason for her gown.

“Kipp will be there. And he will receive you on the morrow.”

I want to wrap my arms around her.

“I’d have come here sooner, but when I returned home, Father was not feeling well. So I dressed, hoping . . . hoping you might escort me there.”

“To Anbarth Castle?”

Aedre nods. “My father and I were invited, but perhaps you could escort me instead?”

“Would it be proper, for me to escort you, alone? Your father . . .”