Page 112 of The Darkest Oath

”To keep your village as safe as you possibly can, I would restrict all trade. Do not let anyone know you are here, for the zealots will come for you. They were already rampaging the countryside of Paris, and I heard reports of the same events happening all over France. They are even executing priests and nuns.”

Lorin scoffed. “They wouldn’t dare behead a man of God.”

“This new regime does not believe in God. Priests are to take an oath to the state,” Rollant said.

Lorin’s jaw fell agape. “To the state? Our oath is to God.”

“Yes, and that is why many priests and nuns are being arrested and sent to the guillotine,” Rollant said.

Clement noticed Élise. “Dame Montvieux,” he said with a tip of his head. “I am sorry if you heard us speaking about such atrocities. Please forgive us.”

She smiled. “I heard nothing,” she lied and threaded an arm through Rollant’s. “I only wanted to say goodbye to Seigneur Montvieux before it was time for him to leave. Have you finished with your ‘atrocities?’”

The three men nodded, and the priest and elder bid Rollant farewell. “Stay alive with the great evil. We have given you a horse packed with our best food. She is tied to the gate at your ancestral home, Seigneur Montvieux,” Clement said. “Dame Montvieux, there are dangers in the mountain forest. Do not leave the city by yourself or in the dark.”

“I will respect the rules of the village,” she said with a nod.

Both men dipped their chins to Élise and left.

Rollant and Élise walked to the edge of town, but Rollant said nothing.

When he finally turned to her, his eyes softened. “I hope you don’t regret your choice,” he said quietly.

She stepped closer. “I will never regret choosing you.”

“How can you be so sure?”

She tapped the ring on her finger. “It was a perfect fit.”

He chuckled. “Superstitious?” He peered down at her. “You will fit right in with the villagers.”

She stepped in front of him. “Don’t leave me here forever, Rollant. You promised you would return.”

“When it is safe,” he said. “It may be years, as I told you.”

She rolled to her toes and pulled him into a kiss. “Then I will wait,” she whispered.

His fingers grasped the side seams of her coat. She realized that was how he would hold her for the rest of her life, and it was enough.

Her arms draped around his neck. “Please kiss your wife once more to last us until we see each other again.”

Rollant pulled her against him, kissing her until she was breathless. His forehead rested against hers. “I want to stay,” he whispered. “I have always wanted to stay with you.”

“I know,” she whispered, her hands against his cheeks, shielding them in a sense of privacy. “Dream of me as I dream of you.”

The corners of his lips turned up. “Yes, my love.” His hand slipped to her cheek and pressed his lips on hers until a twig snapped, breaking their moment of serenity.

“Oh,” Hugo said and dropped his eyes. “I . . .” His voice trailed off. “I was just—” He turned to leave.

But Rollant released Élise and strode to Hugo with Élise trailing behind. “Please wait,” Rollant said.

Hugo debated with shifting feet but finally stilled when Rollant reached him.

“Thank you, Hugo,” Rollant said. “I know of no nobler man to protect the woman he loves from what could have befell her in this village for wedding one man while promised to be wed to another.”

Hugo’s eyes were still downcast, and a small quiver shook his body as if it could barely contain his grief.

Élise’s chest heaved with unshed tears, but she stepped toward him, her hands trembling as she pulled him into an embrace, if only to comfort her friend.

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