Page 262 of The Daughters of Avalon
His “cousin” smiled, and Rhiannon faltered in her step.
“Marcella will guide and protect you.”
“Well met,” said the lady, though Rhiannon suddenly had her doubts as to whether the woman was any sort of lady at all.
“Halloo,” said Rhiannon, staring.
Marcella was wearing a man’s tunic and chausses. Her hair was caught in a messy plait. Clearly, when she’d quit the hall, she’d done so to change. “Please, allow me to take those,” she demanded, plucking the manacles out of Rhiannon’s hands without permission, and offering them to Cael.
“Nay,” he said. “She means to keep them. Put them in your satchel.” And then, his tone softened with unmistakable affection. “Art certain, Marcella? She’ll flay you alive if she catches you.”
Marcella arched a brow. “As she will you if she discovers the truth.”
“But she won’t,” he said.
“Neither will she catch me.”
“Godspeed, sweet cousin.”
Marcella cursed softly beneath her breath—words Rhiannon didn’t comprehend—and then she said, “God be with you, Lord Blackwood.” Then, she made to leave with the manacles, but before Rhiannon could turn to follow, or even protest, Cael caught her by the arm.
“Rhiannon,” he said hoarsely, the sound guttural and anguished.
Rhiannon winced over the strength of his grip, lifting her gaze to meet his dark, unfathomable eyes.
“We are not aligned,” he said meaningfully.
Rhiannon frowned, then swallowed uncomfortably. “I know.”
The torment in his gaze was indisputable, and yet it couldn’t possibly match the pain in her heart. “You must understand… if I am forced to pursue…”
Rhiannon nodded, understanding. “I know.”
And she did.
She truly did.
She knew full well that if he caught her again, he could not afford to give her a second chance. “May the Goddess keep you,” she whispered, tears scalding her eyes.
He nodded soberly. “And you.”
Then, without warning, he drew her into his arms for one last kiss, only this time he kissed her with a fervor born of themoment, tasting and plundering her mouth in a manner she’d never imagined a man would wish to taste a woman.
Sweet fates.
This was not the simple imparting of a kiss, and in retrospect, the kiss in the hall couldn’t compare…
In her heart of hearts, Rhiannon understood… this was farewell.
She was his wife in name only.
From this day forward, she was his enemy, as well…
So much regret squeezed through her heart—so many years of pretending!
Good-bye, Cael, she thought.
Good-bye!
