A Knight of Passion(43)

“I am not satisfied to f*ck every animal you send my way, therefore I must be a traitor?” Riana snorted.

The duchess faced Lord Camden. “Her flight proves she has something to hide.”

“You are mistaken,” Sir Bryant said. “Riana is returning with me to Chilgoriam, as agreed.”

The duchess stiffened. “I would not allow an unmarried woman to travel alone with only men-at-arms.”

Riana whirled to face Sir Bryant. “My lord, I must tell—”

“We are betrothed,” he cut in, his gaze locked on the duchess, “at your and the duke’s behest.”

Riana barely stifled a gasp. He knew their marriage was annulled? How? Her mind raced. Because he had caught Glen and Siusan, learnt the truth—then come for her. Were Glen and Siusan safe? Gratitude shoved aside fear. Sir Bryant would, had, protected them—tears sprang to her eyes—and he would die for his chivalry.

“Betrothed?” Lord Camden said. “You called her your wife.”

A predatory smile spread across Sir Bryant’s face. “There was little difference, my lord, when your hands were on her.”

Anger twisted the earl’s face, but the duchess interjected, “Riana is to marry Sir Ross.”

“You betrothed her to a man suspected of supporting King Edward III?” Sir Bryant asked.

Riana started. Sir Ross, suspected of collaborating with Balliol? Of course. What better way for the duchess to maintain control of Ellis land than to ally Riana with one of her own kind? But how had Sir Bryant known—and why was his answer so ready? Because, she realised, he knew about the sentence of forfeiture against the duke.

Triumph filled the duchess’ eyes. “I was unaware Sir Ross consorted with Balliol. But that explains why my husband commanded me to hand Riana over to Lord Camden. What better proof she is a traitor?”

“The sentence of forfeiture strips your husband of any authority,” Sir Bryant said. “His commands are meaningless.”

Riana’s heart pounded. Was it possible Sir Bryant might disentangle them from the duchess’ web?

“The decree will be rescinded once my husband proves he did not plot with the Disinherited,” the duchess replied.

Sir Bryant acknowledged this with an incline of his head. “Until that time, Riana will remain with me.”

“She will not,” Lord Camden cut in. “His Grace may not have the power to detain her, but I do. Lady Ellis goes with me.”

Bryant glanced at the dozen men-at-arms standing behind the earl, then met the man’s gaze. “Nay, my lord, she will not.”

“Insolent fool. I will take Lady Ellis and throw you in prison.”

Riana riveted her gaze on the men-at-arms who appeared from the trees. Within seconds, at least two hundred men bearing the crest of Sir Bryant and Sir Dunbar stood near their lords.

Lord Camden glanced at the men, then addressed Sir Bryant, “You challenge me?”

Riana stepped close enough that only Sir Bryant could hear her whisper, “My lord, I am not worth the lives of so many.”

A gentle smile curved his mouth upwards. “You are worth at least the life of one.”

She frowned, but before she could comprehend his meaning, he eased her aside and levelled his gaze on the earl. “Aye, my lord, I challenge you.”





Chapter Twenty-Two

Comprehension struck and crippling fear stabbed Riana soul-deep. “You are worth at least the life of one.” Sir Bryant didn’t intend to wage battle. No army would fight side-by-side with him.

Single combat.

He alone would fight Lord Camden…to the death.

A mental picture flashed of Sir Bryant lying on the ground, blood spilling from a gaping chest wound inflicted by the earl’s sword.

Riana ignored the stares and grasped his arm. His eyes shifted to her and softened.

She choked back tears. “You must let me go.”

“If I cannot?”

“You must.”

“I must?”

“I will not let you come to harm,” she insisted.

He leaned close. “Riana, it is time someone protected you.”

Her heart pounded.

“When I am finished, I expect ample reward.” He winked.

Riana blinked, then emotion flooded her. “Die, my lord, and I will be hard on the heels of those hellhounds to drag you back.”

Surprise flashed across his face, then he yanked her close, kissed her hard, and released her. “I shall hold you to that threat.” Sir Bryant looked at the earl. “By your leave, my lord.”