The Hidden Heart Read Free Page B

health—perhaps even your life—merely to speak with me,” she said, eyes downcast. “Nothing could be that important.”
    Sir Henry snorted, turning the sound into a cough when Steffan eyed him suspiciously.
    A look of distaste—nay, fear—crossed Steffan’s face, so fleeting she could almost believe she’d imagined it.
    Almost. She fought back a smile.
    â€œI must speak with you, cousin,” Steffan demanded. “Is there not some way we can talk privately?”
    Will gestured for Gillian to move back from the wall. “A moment, milord,” she said, then stepped behind the cloaking mass of a merlon.
    â€œHe’ll not leave until he gets his way, milady. You know it as well as I.” Will glanced down at Steffan. “Look at him. The fool’s nigh hopping with impatience.”
    â€œAye, the lad’s right,” Sir Henry added with disgust. “Lord Steffan’s got something stuck in his craw. The sooner you meet with him, find out what he wants, the quicker you can send him on his way.”
    Gillian nodded. “All right. Best to take care of this now.” Her mood brightened. “Mayhap after this, I’ll never need to see Steffan again.”
    She returned to the embrasure. “I’ll speak with you, but you cannot come within. Wait for me by the door,” she said, then turned away.
    She passed through the guardroom, Will and Sir Henry on her heels, and came to a halt at the head of the stairs. “My shadows,” she muttered. “You need not accompany me. He cannot harm me if I stay within, and he remains outside.”
    â€œWho’s to say he’ll obey you?” Will growled. “He’s ne’er shown any inclination to listen to anyone but himself, so far’s I’ve seen. You need one of us there to make certain he behaves himself.”
    Though she didn’t believe Steffan meant her any harm—and she knew the threat of sickness would keep him from entering I’Eau Clair—Will could be right. Steffan seemed more determined than she’d ever seen him.
    But she’d no desire to prolong the agony of holding a conversation with him, either. “Sir Henry, come with me. If it looks as though Steffan plans anything too dangerous, I’m sure a glare from you will put him in his place.” She chuckled. “Your presence alone, especially once he sees the scowl on your face, should be spur enough to speed him on his way.”
    As Gillian and Sir Henry made their way through the now-silent bailey, Gillian kept her expression relaxed, nodding to the group of villagers milling about near the stairs to the keep. Steffan was no threat to any of them—to anyone, most like. No sense adding more fuel to the already smoldering tension tearing at her people.
    Sir Henry dismissed the man guarding the doorway and unbolted the heavy portal himself. He swung it open just far enough to reveal Steffan standing nigh upon the doorsill, one hand resting against the frame.
    He straightened and reached for Gillian’s hand as she stepped into the narrow opening.
    â€œNone of that, milord,” Sir Henry growled, making as if to move in front of Gillian.
    She stood her ground. “Nay, Sir Henry. I’m sure Lord Steffan knows I’ve been caring for the sick. If he wishes to risk illness himself, ’tis his affair.”
    â€™Twas almost beyond her to stifle a laugh at Steffan’s swift retreat. Once he stood several paces away from the doorway, he bowed once more.
    Face composed, she curtsied. “What did you wish to speak with me about?” she asked with more haste than grace.
    He took one step closer to her, then glared past her at Sir Henry. “I wished to be private, cousin,” he hissed.
    She permitted herself a faint smile. “We are private, milord.”
    â€œAs private as you’ll get,” Sir Henry muttered.
    Gillian silenced the knight with a