Page 155 of The Duke and the Disciple

“And is that what she wanted?” He thrust an arm at the wall. “Is that what she asked for?”

“No, but he believes he’s protecting her. That she can do better. Deserves better. You know how dear Rahn is to me, so it hurts me to say this, but if that’s what he believes, then he’s probably right. We live the words we speak.”

“He said none of that to me. Not a word.”

Imryll glanced away with a thoughtful expression. “He didn’t try to change your mind or convince you to let him stay because he’d already made up his own mind on what needed to happen. Aesylt knows this. She knows the man she fell in love with. She knows he alone is responsible for the way things ended.”

“I left you once too.” Drazhan hated the way the words sounded. That had been the second worst day of his life. But he bore all the blame for what happened to Imryll on the stones of the prince’s bedchamber, and when she’d asked him to leave, it had been the least he could do. It had been all he could do.

“But you came back.” She folded a hand atop his. “I love you, Drazhan. And I think rather than wondering if you could have made different choices, perhaps it’s time to let go of making them for her. Don’t place yourself at the center of her heartache. There’s only room for one.”

Drazhan brought her hand to his mouth for a gentle kiss. “Thank you.”

Imryll looked confused. “For?”

He had to wait before answering. “Everything.”

“Steward.” One of Drazhan’s personal guards opened the door. “Stewardess.”

“Not now, Elden.” Drazhan lifted a hand without looking.

“Apologies, but Baron Castel insisted you’d want to know.” He took a step inside. “We’ve received two separate reports by way of the storm ravens that a man has ridden through the village gates just under an hour ago and is claiming intent to climb the hill to the keep.” He cleared his throat. “On foot.”

Drazhan spun in annoyance. “Why the fuck would anyone do that?”

“We’re being told it may be the duke, sir.”

“Adrahn?” Drazhan gaped at Imryll, who wore a matching look. “No. That’s a mistake.”

Elden shifted in discomfort. “And if it’s not, what would you like us to do?”

“Drazhan, donot—” Imryll puckered her mouth with a look of self-restraint.

“Get him off the road and inside, of course,” Drazhan muttered. “It’s fucking freezing out there.”

“Sir.” The door closed.

Imryll shook her head and clucked her tongue. “Should I wake Aesylt then?”

“Not yet.” Drazhan stood. “I’ll go see what this is about.”

“What are you thinking?”

Drazhan was still getting acquainted with speaking his thoughts aloud, and if not for his wife’s regular, gentle prompting, he might never. “I won’t be what stands in Aesylt’s way of happiness. But if it is Adrahn on his way to the keep, I’m not letting him anywhere near her until he’s convinced me that none of what you said still holds true.”

Rahn had been stoppedthe moment he passed through the gates. Most roads through the village were closed, and only one inn remained open. He’d explained he wasn’t going to the inn, and to where he was headed, prompting the men to exchange nervous glances before informing him the hill to the keep was too icy for any horse or cart to traverse.

“Then I’ll go on foot,” he said, dismounting and handing the reins to one of the men. “Will you see she’s stabled properly?” He dug into his cloak for gold, but the guard waved a hand.

“This is unnecessary, Duke Tindahl.” They huddled at the edge of the meager tent, set up to protect them from the elements.

“I’m paying for the inconvenience I’ve placed on your shoulders, so it is necessary.” He squinted in the general direction of the keep, concealed by a thick cloud of fog. A half tick of the moon it would have taken him to make the climb in good weather, but he had at least an hour ahead of him, if it was even possible.

Impracticable. Not impossible.

“I’ll be back for her when the weather clears.”

“Sir, even on foot?—”

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