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the house itself had been torched.
    Kinsey had sworn to her that he hadn’t known that Arryn Graham’s pregnant young bride was in the residence when his manor was set afire. And still …
    Had his lady succumbed to the smoke? Or had she died in the fury of the flames?
    â€œNone of these men took part,” she said.
    â€œPerhaps not. And perhaps you’re a liar, praying that they’ll find courage and strength and rise again in rebellion when I believe they’ve been subdued.”
    Her eyes flew open and she stared at him, surprised by the sudden rise of renewed courage his scornful words had brought to her. “I am the one against whom you should seek your vengeance. Take what revenge you will against me. Turn these men to your own use, for they are far more Scottish than English, and will be grateful for your mercy and perhaps far more useful to you in the future alive than they could ever be now as dead men! Take your revenge against me.”
    â€œOh, I will, lady, I will!” he assured her, spinning around, his strides long as he began to exit the chapel. As he started out, another man, a strapping young dark-haired warrior with his helmet held now in his hand, came bursting in.
    â€œArryn, did you find—” He broke off seeing Kyra.
    â€œYes, I found her,” Arryn said, turning back to indicate Kyra.
    The newcomer stared at her hard, then at Arryn.
    â€œWell,” he murmured.
    â€œEscort her to the eastern tower room,” Arryn said, his gaze—hard, blue, and passionless—assessing her once again.
    â€œNow?”
    â€œAye, now.” He still gazed at her. He looked at the newcomer once again. “She has suggested that we hang her. I have informed her that, barbarians though we may be, we’ve imaginations far superior to so simple a solution.”
    â€œBut Arryn—”
    â€œJay, you will escort the lady to the eastern tower, where she will await my leisure.”
    Ingrid came running up to her from the few steps behind her where she had stood. “I will be with you, my lady—”
    â€œYou!” Arryn snapped, pointing at Ingrid. “You will descend to the great hall now!”
    â€œNo!” Kyra cried, grasping on to Ingrid. “You will not hurt her or abuse her in any way! She is truly no part of this—”
    â€œMadam, she will not remain with you!” Arryn grated. “Who are you? What is your name?” he demanded of the terrified girl.
    â€œIn … In … In—”
    â€œGod help us!” he roared impatiently. “Your name! All I’ve asked is your name.”
    â€œIngrid, she is Ingrid!” Kyra told him.
    â€œHave her go below before I have her dragged out.”
    â€œIngrid, go below to the great hall; see what work needs to be done. He will not hurt you. She stared at him, praying that she told the truth as she looked into the icy pits of his cold blue eyes. Would he hurt her—kill her? Neither women nor children could expect simple decency in this conquest Edward would make. How could she promise Ingrid her safety when she knew what had befallen this man’s wife?
    It didn’t matter. Maybe Ingrid wasn’t as aware as she of what horrible cruelties had taken place against their enemy. She stepped forward as Kyra urged her, slowly approaching Arryn, then nervously passing him by.
    Arryn watched her go.
    â€œAren’t you afraid she will find a weapon and come back and crush you?” she heard herself say defiantly. Then she was terrified anew, afraid that her reckless words might endanger the girl’s life.
    â€œAfraid, madam, of timid Ingrid? Not a whit. While you, my lady …” Once again he assessed her. “I’d not trust you for a split second. Only a fool would turn his back on you. But we’ll deal with that difficulty later.”
    Without another word, he threw his mantle over his shoulder and started on his way out