Page 53 of Her Dark Seduction
He spoke the truth. The night was still, the only sound the occasional sputter from the fire, which had nearly died down. I sat up as he released me to place another piece of wood on the fire. He blew on it gently until a small flame burst into life. Had I not been so distressed I might have laughed at the sight of a man conjuring up a flame in a world where the women—not the men—were persecuted for witchcraft.
“Who did you see?”
“Maman. Harwyn,” I choked. “Percy.”
He sighed and sat beside me, taking my hand, but I pulled it away.
“Did you kill him?” I asked.
“Does it matter?”
“Aye, it does!”
He shook his head. “It was not my hand on the axe.”
“But you gave the order?”
“Aye.”
“Dear God.” I hung my head.
“You weep for him?” Sawford did not attempt to hide the anger from his voice.
“He was my friend.”
Sawford’s jaw ticked as he gritted his teeth at my words.
“His death was necessary.”
“Necessary?” I cried. “To take an innocent life?”
“We’re none of us innocent,” he growled. “That young whelp died because of your foolish indiscretion. You’re as much to blame for his death. You were content to play the lady, ignoring the harsh realities of the world with little thought for the lives of others.”
“I did not murder him!”
“If you remember; I warned you,” he said, coldly. “His blood is onyourhands.”
He held out his hand. “Come, wife. Let us return to our bed. We have a long day travelling tomorrow, and I need my sleep. I have no wish to be disturbed again by your foolish fancies.”
“Then sleep elsewhere,” I said, drawing my knife, but he shook his head.
“I think not.”
I thrust my knife at him, but he caught my wrist.
“You think that pathetic little blade can stop me?”
He squeezed my wrist until I dropped the knife. Immediately he picked it up and handed it back.
“Next time you draw that blade be prepared to use it. I will not show leniency again.”
He bent down swiftly, and I jerked back in fright, but he merely laughed.
“Have no fear, madam; I will not touch you again tonight.” He picked up a blanket and, turning his back on me, moved toward the horse.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
He kept his back to me as he sat down, drawing the blanket around him.
