Page 49 of The Guardian's Witch

“Don’t you want to know where I found it?

“That won’t be necessary. I know.”

“Why did you leave the castle grounds? I gave orders before I left.”

She didn’t answer. She lifted her head and watched him.

“I want an answer.”

“Laura. I went to help Laura.” She answered so softly he appeared to struggle to hear her. How would he understand the drive that made her go to the lodge? Never again would she sit by, a spectator while the ones she loved died.

“You expect me to believe you went there alone knowing she might be in danger.”

“I didn’t think. I knew I had to go. If anything happened to her...”

“No, you didn’t think.” He nodded his head and once again paced in front of her.

“I am responsible for your safety—and the safety of everyone in this village, Lisbeth.” He spoke softly, but there was steel in his voice. “I will be obeyed. They look to you. You must set the example for the village.”

“Set the example.” She stood up so quickly he almost fell over. “Here I thought you were concerned about my welfare while all along it’s been about your own arrogant pride. Oh, I forgot, I’m your wife, your property, given to you by the king.”

She fisted her hands at her sides, feeling the heat of her anger rise into her cheeks. Livid, and not wanting to let it out, she turned, ready to storm away.

“Where are you going? I’ve more questions.”

“Well, I’ve no more answers. Not for you.”

He grabbed her and swung her around. Her arm, free of her cloak, displayed the raw scrape marks on her arm. “Who did this to you?”

His white-hot demand caught her off guard. “Bryce’s...”

“I’ll kill him for touching you.”

She pulled her arm away from him. “Is that what you do to people who take your property? Kill them?”

“You haven’t told me why you were at Ravencroft.”

“You haven’t asked.”

“Would you prefer Ravencroft to Glen Kirk?”

The very idea he would think she wanted to go to Ravencroft incensed her. “Don’t ask unless you’re willing to hear the answer. Anywhere may be better than Glen Kirk.” All she wanted to do was hurt him. She chose the only place he was unprotected—his pride. “Perhaps you can arrange for a proxy annulment.” Even she heard the venom in her voice.

“Annulment. Do you have any idea what you ask? You’d be ruined.”

“It would be worth it not to be your property.”

“Very well, we will discuss this after the king’s visit. But until then I expect you to perform all the duties of my wife. Your belongings will be moved into my room.” Before she could say a word he gave her a slight bow. “M’lady.” He was gone.

She stood in the garden and glowered at his retreating back. Had she gone too far? The farther away he marched the emptier she felt. There was no gathering mist or still water to warn her. Her hope for happiness was dashed. She stood in lonely silence, grief stricken and empty. She could still feel his touch when he explored and thrilled her body. How she wished the tenderness and caring he showed her in her dreams were a picture of the true man. She walked back to the kitchen. Silent sobs gathered in her throat while hot tears streamed down her face.

A soft rain fell as she spent her last tear. She stepped inside just as the gentle rain turned into a torrent. She passed through the now bustling kitchen. Solitude and quiet was what she needed. The back steps were a jumble of servants. She headed to the main staircase. She didn’t want to see or speak to anyone. She passed the library and estate room and quickened her step. She rushed through the front hall and up the stairs.

At the top step her foot caught the bottom of her gown. Her stomach plummeted as her arms windmilled. She tipped back to gain her balance and lost her footing. She felt herself falling when strong arms grabbed her and pulled her out of harm’s way. Alex held her tight to his chest.Safe. His rapid heartbeat, so familiar, comforted her. She lifted her head and made the mistake of looking into his eyes. Her heart fluttered in response. He took her mouth with a savage intensity. She didn’t struggle but was shocked by her own eager response to his lips. He pulled away and cupped her head to his chest. Relief flooded through her. Velvet. His lips were definitely velvet.

“Come, Philip, get out of the rain,” rang out a woman’s voice in the hall below.

Alex released her. “Faith,” he looked down at her. “Lisbeth, I wanted more time.” He stepped in front of her and moved to the top of the stairs.

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