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king’s court, my lady. I fear losing my soul more than I fear losing my life. His true nature will rob me of that before he kills me.” Her hands and knees shook as she forced the words out. “He is a sorcerer who will curse me even ashis family is cursed. ’Tis widely known that Wynwydd wives do not survive.”
    Silence filled the stone building. ’Twas the first time she’d voiced the fear to anyone save her maid Enyd, but she’d heard the stories every day at court. The fates of Lord Braden’s father and grandfather and most male relatives were well-known—they died under mysterious circumstances or went mad. Some said it was caused by trying to control the unworldly powers they’d been given. Some said the Wynwydd males were simply evil incarnate—one only had to look into their eyes to feel the malevolence. Anyone who knew anything agreed she would never live to see the next anniversary of her birth.
    “Is this the reason you ran from him and the betrothal? Where will you go if not with him?”
    “My sister lives in Scotland. I was trying to reach her when I…became ill. I confess, I was using my time here to regain my strength to make the rest of the journey.” Joanna walked closer to the lady. “I am sorry to have brought you into this. Your lord offered me a haven and I have brought the very devil to his doorstep.”
    Lady Margaret said nothing in reply. Instead she stared off toward the altar and shook her head. “And now? How would you have this standoff end?”
    “If Lord Braden takes me from this keep, he will kill me. I saw it in his eyes when he first took me in the stables. He means to avenge the insult to his honor that he blames on me. Do you think that Lord Orrick will support his priest in this or will he comply? Will he allow Lord Braden to take me from here?”
    “’Tis not Lord Orrick’s decision, lady.” His deep voice broke into the discussion and shook her to her core. He walked across the small chamber and, in spite of her resolve to face him, Joanna found herself shrinking back, preparing for the worst. “Lord Orrick has no standing in this and neither doeshis priest. You,” he said as he stalked her on the last few steps to the church’s wall and pinned her with his nearness and his intense glare, “answer to me and only to me.”
    He towered over her and she felt the fear flood back into her soul. Mayhap he would kill her quickly if she acquiesced now and caused no more delays. Then, some spark within her flared and she pushed her chin up and met his terrifying countenance. She did not want to die and did not think that the good Lord had watched over her this long to let her perish in His own house.
    “My lord, the lady needs some rest. Can you not delay your decision for a day to allow her that?” Lady Margaret actually positioned herself between them, forcing Lord Braden to back away a few steps from her. “I am certain her outlook will improve with rest.”
    Her betrothed looked from one to the other before replying. A suspicious glint entered his eyes. Did he remember that ’twas Lady Margaret’s words that had spurred Joanna to run here?
    “Another day will allow the roads to dry from the rains. I think it a good idea to remain for one more day.”
    He stressed the last words, unknowingly giving her both an ultimatum and another chance to escape his grasp. If Lady Margaret would assist her, she could sneak out during the night and be miles ahead of him. Lord Braden nodded to Lady Margaret and then began to leave. He paused near the door. “I will escort you back to your husband.”
    “Is there another way out of here?” Joanna whispered to Lady Margaret when she came closer. “If you can distract his men, I will try to get out of the gates before he knows. I have some food, a few coins and my bag hidden in the stables. It can only be a few more days’ journey to my sister’s.”
    “I would urge you to careful consideration of any action you plan, Joanna.