Page 280 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Of course,” Rhoslyn said.

When she closed the door behind her, he said, “Perhaps you ought to stay indefinitely, Sister.”

“Why is that?”

“Lady Rhoslyn defies Lord Lochland when he orders her to leave, but does not utter a peep when you ask.”

“I imagine that did no’ please the earl.”

Talbot smiled at the memory. “It did not. Now, Sister, what brings you to Castle Glenbarr? Have you come to collect on that favor I owe?”

Her expression sobered. “I am, in fact, here to do you another favor.”

“What is the price this time?” he asked.

“I can promise you this news is worth any price. Have you received word yet from Edward to return to England?”

Talbot was surprised by the question. “A month ago,” he replied.

She gave a single shake of her head. “Nay, I speak of the letter commanding you to Wales to squash a rebellion.”

“Wales?” Talbot said. “I have heard of no trouble there.”

“Have ye considered what will become of Rhoslyn if you die in battle?”

Unease caused the hair on the back of his neck to stiffen. “That is not going to happen.”

“It is unlikely.” She locked gazes with him. “So long as you do no’ return to England.”

“What are you saying?” he demanded.

“Ye didna’ heed Edward’s command to return to England and swear fealty to him.”

“I cannot leave Rhoslyn.”

“Nay, you cannot, and for reasons you may not know.”

“Such as?” he asked.

“Such as you no’ returning from Wales and Edward marrying her to your brother.”

“My brother?” he repeated. “Sister, I owe you a debt, but I will not be manipulated.”

A long pause stretched out before she said, “Even by Edward?”

Especially by Edward, he wanted to say, but that was untrue. He, like all knights, was manipulated by his king. But service to Edward provided a better life than he could have hoped for otherwise. A manipulation like this, however—either the Abbess was lying or she was misinformed. Then why he hadn’t he heard from Edward in the last month? The sovereign’s silence troubled him. At the very least, he’d expected a scathing response. At worst, Edward could have shown up on his threshold with a legion of his men.

Nay. Talbot shoved the thought away. Edward was a king. He did what all kings did to preserve their power, but he didn’t send loyal knights to be assassinated.

“I am sorry, Sister. Nothing you say can convince me that my king will have me killed—for any reason.”

“I pray, my lord, that you see the light. Otherwise, I fear for Rhoslyn and your child.”

* * *

Standing on the wall, Talbot stared down at the missive from King Edward.

Talbot,