Beloved in His Eyes (Angel's Assassin #2)(21)

Gawyn spotted Aurora. Her face was bright with excitement. She was speaking to a noble lady, her hands clasping the lady’s. He glanced toward the stairs where the chambers were.

“Gawyn!”

He turned toward Aurora’s voice. For a brief moment, he caught sadness in her eyes. Then, it was gone behind the familiar fa?ade of strength and beauty. He moved over to her.

“Gawyn, this is my cousin, Megan.”

Gawyn was anxious to find Justina, but he bowed and greeted her cousin. He was amazed at how much she looked like Aurora. Their hair was the same golden waves. Their lips were similar, full, and luscious. It was their eyes that were different. Megan had brown eyes. And she was younger. Maybe three or four summers younger than Aurora. “My pleasure, m’lady.”

Megan smiled.

“This is our captain of the guard, Gawyn.” Aurora linked her arm through Gawyn’s. “He is Damien’s brother.” She looked at Gawyn and there was seriousness in her eyes. “Gawyn has just ridden from the borders of Acquitaine. Did all go well?”

“Yes, m’lady. Our guests were escorted without incident.”

Aurora nodded. “Good. I hope you are not too tired this morn. I have further need of your services.”

Gawyn scowled slightly. She was trying to hide something from her cousin.

“Adam would like to see the falcons before he leaves,” Aurora said.

Tingles danced across the nape of Gawyn’s neck. Justina was leaving? So soon? Something must have happened. He wanted to ask what had happened, but knew Aurora was hiding something from her guests. Gawyn turned to go.

“Gawyn,” Aurora called.

Gawyn looked at her and there was anguish in her eyes.

“I’m sorry.”

He was confused as to the reason, but her apology only added to his anxiety. What had happened? He nodded and hurried to the spiral stairway leading to the second floor, taking them two at a time. The closer he got, the more he wanted to see Justina. His heart pounded with worry. At least she was unharmed. But Aurora’s apology concerned him greatly. What had happened?

As he neared the door, he heard Adam’s voice shouting, “I don’t want to leave! You promised. One more day!”

He didn’t hear Justina’s response; it was too soft. They were leaving. Why? He had, Aurora and Damien had, done everything they could to make them feel comfortable and welcomed. He paused at the door, wondering if he should disturb them. He was afraid if he didn’t knock, they would leave without saying goodbye. And he would never see her again. The thought was foolish. He knew where they lived. He could visit anytime. Still, the unease lingered. He lifted his hand to knock.

Justina opened the door. Her eyes widened at seeing him, and then her jaw clenched with anger.

Startled, Gawyn asked, “Is everything okay?”

She glanced back at Adam and then to him. “Fine. Why wouldn’t it be?” she snapped.

Gawyn was stunned at the sharpness in her tone. “I’ve come to take Adam to see the falcons.”

Justina straightened. “We’re leaving.”

Gawyn’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “Without saying goodbye?”

Adam ducked beneath her arm. “She promised we could stay another day! And now, she lied to me.”

Gawyn’s gaze shifted to Justina. He didn’t want to interfere in their family dispute, but he wanted her to stay. “I barely got to spend time with you.”

“You did what you intended. You dropped us here and left.”

Gawyn couldn’t believe his ears. Was she angry that he had obligations? “Were you not taken care of?”

“I’m not a child who needs to be pampered.”

“You’re acting like one,” Gawyn retorted.

Her mouth dropped at the insult.

Gawyn sighed. He ran a hand through his hair. He was tired. “I hurried back as fast as I could. I’m sorry I left you.”

Justina nodded curtly, and her chin lifted. “You have no obligation to us. We’re just commoners who live on the outskirts of your lands. That’s all.”

“They are not my lands,” Gawyn corrected. Then, he shook his head. “Justina, I don’t understand. What happened? Have I done something to upset you?”

“She got sick last night,” Adam said. “It must have addled her brains.”

“Adam!” Justina snapped.

“That is no way to speak to a lady,” Gawyn reprimanded.

“She’s not a lady,” Adam whispered hotly and crossed his arms, disappearing into the room with a pout.

“If you’d like, I could escort your brother to see the falcons before you leave. That way, at least, he won’t be angry with you.”

Justina seemed to consider his idea. She lowered her gaze in thought.

Gawyn had no idea what had happened to make her so angry. There were dark rings under her eyes. Maybe she didn’t sleep well, but that was no reason to be so angry. No. Something had happened.

She glanced back toward Adam and sighed. “I suppose that would be acceptable.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Adam exclaimed, rushing forward and throwing his arms around her waist.

Gawyn grinned at the boy, but a swirling sadness threatened to spin him into an abyss inside of him. “I’d like for you to accompany us, but I will understand if you don’t feel well and would rather stay in your room.”