Return of the Warrior Read Free Page B

not, I was going to chop them up in the stable when they returned for their horses, which I let loose out the back.”
    “That would hardly have helped her had they slain her in the room,” Christian growled.
    Adara grimaced at him. “Christian, please be kind to him. Lutian isn’t quite right.”
    “Quite right, how?”
    Lutian knocked a fist against his skull. “Not right in the noggin. I took a tumble in my youth and scrambled my brains.”
    Christian frowned. “Is he right enough to know how many men are after us?”
    “Aye,” Lutian said. “I can count with the best of them. There were half a score of men who came to the stable, but I overheard them speaking and there is a full garrison of them who have been following us since we left Taagaria. The tracker was apparently leaving them signs to let them know which way we were heading until the two of you were together.”
    Adara rubbed her head to alleviate some of the pain that was beginning to throb just over her brow. “I can’t believe I was so stupid as to trust that tracker. Why didn’t I stop and think that it was unlikely he would find you so soon? My poor guardsmen. I can’t believe I was such a fool.”
    “You had other things on your mind.” Christian’s charitable response surprised her, especially since he, more than anyone else, had plenty of reason to agree that she was a nitwit in this matter.
    “Perhaps,” she said as she adjusted her cloak to conceal her body more effectively. “But I should have known better. My court is riddled with spies.”
    “And my life is ever riddled with enemies.”
    Christian’s bland tone told her much about his life and his view of it. It didn’t appear that enemies concerned him much.
    But they definitely concerned her.
    “So what are we to do now?” she asked.
    Christian turned his horse north. Lutian followed suit, riding just behind them.
    “First we need to find quarter and then think with clear heads.” Christian passed a look over his shoulder to Lutian.
    “No clear head here. See?” He knocked against his skull again. “This one is thoroughly dense.”
    “Lutian,” she said gently. “Please give us a few minutes to talk.” She looked at Christian after Lutian rode up ahead. “I doubt any place is safe now that they know we’re together.”
    “The Scot will see us safe. No one has ever breached his castle’s walls.”
    She frowned. “The Scot?”
    “An old friend.”
    Adara fell silent as the horse picked its way through the dense forest. She still couldn’t believe this had happened to her. How could Selwyn have known what she planned?
    And if he knew she was leaving…
    “Oh, Lord,” she breathed. “He must know I’m not on my throne.”
    Christian’s arms tightened around her. “Easy, Adara. There is nothing you can do.”
    Still her panic swelled as she twisted to look back at him. “But what if he’s harmed my cousin Thera? I left her there to pose as me until my return. Think you he’s killed her as well?”
    “I don’t know, but I doubt that he would. Killing her would serve no purpose until he’s certain you are dead.”
    “How do you figure?”
    “Who is next in line after you?”
    “Thera.”
    “And if she dies?”
    “There is no one to take the throne.”
    “Then why would he kill her if he could rule the throne through her?”
    She settled down a bit at that, hoping he was right. “So you think she’s safe?”
    “As long as you live, aye.”
    “It’s true,” Lutian chimed in. “He would not dare harm her until he’s sure of your fate or lack thereof. To kill her would make everyone mad, especially the lady Thera. She would be most put out to find herself dead by their hands.”
    It was a small hope, but one she seized gratefully. “Are you completely certain?”
    It was Christian who answered. “Nay, not truly. But if he intends her harm, there’s no way to get to her in time. We can only hope for the best.”
    Adara wanted to cry as pain