A Knight of Passion(40)

Another thought struck. If she had known—delayed even a day—she could have remained at Chilgoriam without fear the duchess would harm Sir Bryant. Her pulse leapt into a furious beat. Could she escape and return to him? Lord Camden started towards the keep. Riana stiffened, then forced her legs into motion. Even if she could break free of his iron grip, she wouldn’t get ten feet in the crowded bailey. She choked back despair. And even if she returned to Chilgoriam, Sir Bryant wouldn’t want a woman who had left him.

She met Sir Fostar’s gaze as they passed him. His mouth was set in a hard line. The earl turned and Riana realised he was headed for the stables on the east side of the keep. Hatred welled up inside her. Why take her to the stables, why not call for horses to be brought? There was only one reason—he planned to shove his cock inside her before they even left Arundel. Her stomach turned. Or mayhap he would prefer to f*ck her mouth.

Riana’s mind raced. She could attempt to stop him from spreading her legs, but what would be the consequences? Her hope now was to safely reach Siusan and Glen in France. To fight the earl—

Sir Fostar appeared at Lord Camden’s side. “Surely you do not intend to leave, my lord?”

The earl didn’t break his stride. “We have two of the traitors. I can leave the finding of the third to you.”

“Riana has not been named a traitor,” Sir Fostar said. “And the duke is more important than even his wife.”

Half a dozen men-at-arms paused to let them pass.

“The duke cannot hide,” the earl replied.

“Of course not, my lord,” Sir Fostar replied. “You are returning to Hunting Castle, then?”

“Aye.”

“I will send men with you.”

“I have my own men.”

Riana’s heart fell. If Sir Fostar sent an escort, her chances of escape decreased.

A shout went up from the battlements. Lord Camden halted, and they all turned.

A man appeared on the battlements facing the bailey. “Riders,” he shouted.

Riana’s heart pounded. Could Sir Andrew be coming? This wouldn’t be the first time he’d taken part in a sentence of forfeiture, and given that this decree was made against such a powerful duo as the Duke and Duchess of Arundel, he might want to be present.

Two men on horseback rode through the gates. Riana’s breath froze in her lungs. Sir Dunbar rode alongside Sir Bryant. Lord Camden cursed under his breath. Riana broke from staring at the man who had been her husband for three days and looked at the earl. Did he know that she had wedded Sir Bryant? A prickle crept up her neck. She looked back at Sir Bryant to find his eyes locked on her, his features hard with fury.

Panic seized her. She tried to slow her pounding heart, but when Sir Bryant and Sir Dunbar stopped and dismounted, her knees weakened and she feared they would give way. They handed their reins to a young boy standing nearby and started towards them. Her stomach knotted as they neared.

“Lord Camdem,” Sir Dunbar addressed the earl, then, “Fostar.”

Sir Bryant’s eyes settled on Lord Camden. “Unhand my wife, my lord.”

“Wife?” He looked to Sir Fostar. “What is this?”

The knight looked at her. “Lady Ellis?”

Riana tamped down on the tremble in her stomach. “Three days ago, Sir Bryant and I were wed.”

Lord Camden hadn’t known of the marriage, so couldn’t know of the annulment. Neither could Sir Bryant know. What would he do once he learnt he’d risked his life for a woman who was no longer his wife?

“My lords,” Sir Fostar said, “let us go the great hall.”

Lord Camden hesitated and fear jolted her when Sir Bryant shifted his hand to rest on his sword hilt.

Sir Dunbar spoke. “In all this commotion, our men-at-arms could misunderstand and barge into the bailey.”

“You brought men-at-arms?” the earl demanded.

“Two hundred and fifty men,” he replied. “We could not travel unescorted with Lady Ellis.”

Lord Camden’s eyes narrowed on Sir Dunbar. “I do not care for threats.”

“No threat, my lord. Our men have no way of knowing that we are talking in this pleasant manner. Before we could correct the mistake, too much blood would be shed.”

“He is right,” Sir Fostar said. “Emotions are high with the sentence of forfeiture against the duke and duchess.”

“Sentence of forfeiture,” Sir Dunbar murmured. He shifted his gaze to Riana. “A shame you chose today to retrieve your belongings from Arundel.”