Page 28 of One Knight in the Forest

Guilt poked at Magdalen’s conscience, and then anger stirred within her. She blinked to ease her stinging eyes. She wasn’t responsible for William’s decisions. She was only responsible for her own, and she’d done what she’d thought was right.

“None of this situation is Magdalen’s fault,” Cyn said.

The firmness of his tone brought a lump to her throat.

“Well, I see where your loyalties lie,” William muttered.

“You know I am right.”

“Nay, Cyn. What I know is that I have told you far too much. You still will not give me the missive, and you are protecting the woman who, if she confided in the wrong person, could jeopardize my holdings, my life, and the lives of those I dearly love. I ask you one last time; give me back the letter.”

“I cannot.”

“Why?”

“Every day in these lands, good men—honorable lords, just like you and I—are breaking their vow to the King in order to undermine his authority.”

“So they may be,” William said. “But—”

“Forsaking one’s sworn duty is wrong. So is murder.”

“I told you, I do not intend to commit murder!”

“I hope not. All that I have seen and heard so far, though, indicates you are one of the lords who has turned traitor.”

Silence lagged, and then she heard the thump of boots overhead; William had risen from the chair. “God’s bones, Cyn. Do you really believe I have forsaken our King?”

“As sheriff, I—”

“Forget your damned duties for one moment! You and I have been friends since we were boys. You know me. Do you not trust me, even after all I have done for you? Especially after what happened on Crusade?”

In the darkness, Magdalen held her breath. Waited.

Cyn didn’t answer.