“I knew ye’d come. I saw it?—”
“I know.”
“I thought, perhaps, ye were death himself.”
Something changed in his eyes. “For some, I have been.” Then the look was gone and he smiled again. “Quick, now. Before we are interrupted, I must explain our plan, why ye must pretend ye ken nothing about it…and why Flanders cannot be told.”
* * *
In his cell,Flanders paused in his shouting to listen.
Brigid?
Her voice was faint but unmistakable.
Flanders!
My love! Where are they keeping ye?
I am back in yer room. I’m safe. Comfortable. And ye?
The same.
The desperation eased and their conversation slowed to a normal pace. They spoke of simple things, basic things, like hunger and loneliness, which was just another sort of hunger. He explained what he suspected about Heslington’s death. She told him that the Regent called for musicians to play in the hall to help drown out the noise he was making. And they finally got around to talking about the bastard’s plans for her in two days.
I’ve been thinking about Wickham,he said.And yer vision. If he has come to take ye away, I want ye to let him. If there is a chance to flee, if he can truly save ye, then do so. Don’t wait for me.
There was a long pause.
I don’t wish to go anywhere without ye.
Never mind me! I’m in no danger. Promise ye’ll go.
Silly man. Do not ask me to lie, remember?
Stubborn woman.
Aye, and ye love me despite it.
Notwithstanding everything, he smiled.That I do.
And I love ye, my stubborn Viking. But I must sleep now. The day was long and tryin’. Until tomorrow…
The connection faded, leaving him alone once more. But now, a seed of hope had been planted. If Wickham could truly save Brigid?—
The sound of footsteps on the stairs interrupted his thoughts. He tensed, ready for whatever was coming. But it was James who appeared and ducked his head to exit the stairwell.
"Ye took yer time," Flanders growled.
James walked slowly, taking in the details of the broken boards and remnants of a bucket that had been demolished, but he said nothing. His face remained solemn.
"Ye're a right bastard."
"I am. And I'm sorry."
"For givin' no warnin'? For lettin' them take her? For standin' by while Moray sentenced her to burn?"
"For all of it." James sighed. "But it had to be this way."
