No, she could not go home. Until Duff came to rescue he—if he came at all—she wanted her husband to stay away from her, notsendher away. “I…” She swallowed, ashamed to admit her predicament, so instead, thinking upon the moments with her new husband in which he’d not seemed savage, she said, “What if his reputation is exaggerated or untrue?”
Kinsey gave her an annoyed look. “Dunnae be a fool. ’Tis nae exaggerated. I overheard his warriors boasting earlier about how merciless he is. He apparently slaughters his enemies even if they surrender.”
Patience tried to imagine the man who had kissed her so passionately being so heartless, and she simply could not, but that was naive and foolish, as Kinsey had just pointed out, rudely but likely justifiably.
“This is what ye need to do,” Kinsey said. “Continue to act touched in the head. If he tries to touch ye in any way, mayhap ye could pretend it scares ye.” Patience shifted, uncomfortable with how close to the truth that was.
Except, she realized with a start, she’d not felt scared at the end of Brodee’s kiss. She’d felt warm, tingly, and full of want. She hissed in a breath, and Kinsey patted her on the hand again. “Be braw, and remember, dunnae allow him to consummate the marriage.” Her voice had grown harsh. “If ye do join with him, he kinnae ask the king to dismiss the vows, so ye must nae allow it.”
But if Brodee asked the king to dissolve the marriage, she’d be sent home. God above!
The supper horn sounded, and Kinsey stood so fast that Patience blinked in surprise. “I’ll go ahead of ye to the great hall and try to aid yer cause in ensuring Blackswell leaves ye alone. Wait awhile before coming, and ye can claim ye were talking to Silas and lost track of time.”
“Oh!” Patience exclaimed. “That’s an excellent idea.”
Kinsey’s eyes gleamed with triumph that made Patience laugh. It was so good to finally have a friend.
Kinsey’s lips twisted into a wicked smile. “I’m full of excellent ideas, Patience.Have faith.”
