Page 115 of A Tenuous Betrothal
“They are well enough. Prince Marc has kept everyone informed.”
She breathed out in relief, then nodded. “He is a good man, isn’t he?”
“Yes, he is, miss. He hasn’t left your side, except for brief moments.” Catrin indicated something across the room.
Rhi’s heart almost melted in her chest. Marc sat in a chair, his chin resting on his chest, asleep.
“He has stayed thus?”
“Nearly the whole time.”
She studied him, and he stirred.
“Excuse me, miss.” Catrin curtsied and left the room.
Rhi pulled the covers back over her legs and situated herself so that she was sitting up.
Marc shifted, and then his eyes slid open.
She smiled.
As soon as he seemed aware, he sat up and looked in her direction. His tired lines fell away, and his face filled with relief. “You’re awake.”
“And so are you.” She couldn’t stop smiling.
“Yes, but you’ve been out for two days.”
Her breath caught. Catrin had not mentioned that. No wonder they had been worried. “I’m sorry.” She shook her head. “I’m so sorry to have caused all this trouble.”
Marc stood, rubbing the back of his neck. He was clearly stiff and tired, but his smile continued. “I can say nothing at all but thank you. You saved us all.”
“I did?”
“You saw what was going on, you alerted the guards, and you tracked down the villain.” His mouth turned up in a wry grin. “If I weren’t going to retire, I’d recruit you to our team.”
She laughed and then stopped, studying him. “Retire?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “You taught me, by your own actions, why I don’t need to be in the middle of everything all the time. There are others equally, if not better, suited to do the tasks required.”
“No one could be you, Marc, but maybe all you have to offer can be directed in other ways?”
“You really were brilliant.” He reached for her hand and made to sit beside her. “May I?”
She nodded. “I would move to give you more space, but my leg complains.”
“Does it hurt too badly?” He winced.
“No, not really. But more with movement.” She covered his hand in hers. “Please, tell me what happened.”
He caressed her fingers. “When I found you, bleeding, your brilliant mare helped me get you to safety. A servant called for the doctor, but you’d lost so much blood that we were deeply concerned.” He shuddered, and she clutched his hands tighter in her own. “But you are well. After your color returned, the doctor said you would wake.”
Rhi lifted a hand to the side of his face. “And you’ve been here with me.” She ran her fingers along his hairline. “With your own injuries, no doubt. How is your head? And your shoulder?”
“I’m being looked after. I’m well. I couldn’t leave.” His eyes spoke so much to her that his lips had not yet expressed. “I can never leave. Not again.”
“I should hope not.” Her smile felt wavery. Everything was so tender, so new, and she began to tire. “Tell me, did you catch that man?”
“We did. He is a Napoleon loyalist. Although he hasn’t revealed much, he proclaimed so often of Napoleon’s escape and our eventual downfall that we have passed along the information again to all our contacts. We are all hopeful those in Paris will take heed, as well as the watch guard on the Island of Elba.”
