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“Don’t apologize. You’re ill. You need help. I want you and the children to come back to the castle with me so you can see our physician.” “Uh, my lady?” Jac took her aside. “This is sad, and I feel for them, but we can’t help everyone. If we take them in—” Una, her golden-brown eyes blazing with anger, swept in front of her husband. “Our queen is talking about helping this family. We have been blessed. Should we not help whenever we can?” “Uh, yes, Una. You’re right. I apologize, my lady.” Jac, a trained warrior, shrank back, and Audra had to stop herself from laughing. Jac and another knight had to carry the ill woman back to the castle, while Audra ushered along the children. On the way, Audra and Una spoke in quiet tones about the …show more content…

“The king fell asleep in my bedchamber. I can’t leave Rory there to wake up and cry. I have to bring him.” Rignuth’s eyes flicked to Una. “King Carlton will ‘ave my head and Una’s.” “Then don’t come with us.” Audra scowled. “The people are grateful for the little help we offer. They won’t harm us.” Grumbling and rolling his eyes, Rignuth picked up the donation sack from the floor and ushered out Audra, Una, and Rory. They took their usual circuitous route through the dark, using only a small lantern to light the way. Yet when they reached the spot where they typically met the villagers, no one was there. “Odd,” said Audra. “I thought—” Rough hands grabbed Audra by the shoulders and spun her around. She had never heard anyone approach. Stunned and blinking, she found herself face-to-face with Carlton. His eyes flashing with anger, he dug his gloved fingers into her skin. Rory woke and whined. “Una, Rignuth, leave us,” he commanded. “My lord, it was I—” “Silence, Rignuth. I know this is my wife’s idea and understand your commitment to her. But I ask that you leave now.” “I cannot, sire,” said Rignuth. “I take responsibility for this and should receive reprimand.” Una stood firm, too. “As should I, my lord. We were all part of this.” Carlton kept his tight grip on Audra but glared at Rignuth. “Look me in the eye and tell me this was your idea, Rignuth.” “Sire, it was I—” started

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