Page 20 of Kingdom of Chains

The muscles in Blackmane’s face tightened. ‘No.’

Tatum raised a hand to silence him. ‘With respect, I don’t think that’s a very good idea.’

Hodge gave Blackmane a cold stare before responding. ‘I was not asking for your opinion on the subject, Commander. I was telling you the plan.’

The heat of Blackmane’s glare had Isabel looking down at the ground.

The earl straightened. ‘She will be quite safe with me.’

‘What she’ll be is easy prey’ came Blackmane’s reply.

‘If I want your input, defender, I will ask for it,’ Hodge snapped. ‘Hampstead Keep will be at its most vulnerable during the next few weeks, as a portion of the guards will be with me.’

‘Then take fewer guards,’ Blackmane said.

Tatum gave him a look that made it clear that he was not to speak again.

‘Better she remains behind guarded walls than out in the open in rebel territory,’ Alveye said.

Hodge blinked. ‘Perhaps you meant to say England’s territory.’

Isabel looked down at her hand, which was turning white beneath his grip. When she looked up again, she saw that Blackmane had also noticed. His expression darkened even more, if that were possible.

‘Our orders are to keepyousafe,’ Tatum said. ‘Bringing Lady Isabel will divide our attention.’

Hodge waved a hand. ‘I have an army of men to keep us both safe.’

Nausea rolled over Isabel as the bones in her hand ground together.

‘Let go of her,’ Blackmane said, the words a growl from his lips.

Everyone looked at him.

‘You’re hurting her.’ He gestured to their joined hands. ‘Let go.’

Isabel held her breath, unsure how Hodge would react to another man coming to her aid while simultaneously bringing attention to the ill treatment.

The two men stared daggers at each other, the tension palpable. Surprisingly, Hodge loosened his grip but did not let go.

‘I suggest you keep your men focused on the task at hand,’ Hodge said to Tatum.

Alveye cleared his throat. ‘Last night’s attack suggests rebel numbers might not be as low as you think. And clearly they know we’re here and aren’t happy about the fact.’

Tatum rubbed his forehead. ‘However, you’re free to bring whomever you like. Our protection extends to everyone travelling with us.’

That had Blackmane turning and walking away without another word. Hadewaye and Alveye mumbled some form of pleasantry before following him.

Tatum looked at Isabel. ‘It won’t be a comfortable journey.’

She offered him a weak smile. ‘I assure you there will be no complaints from me, Commander.’

He nodded. ‘Then I shall see you both bright and early.’ With that, he turned and followed the others.

Once alone, Hodge’s grip tightened on Isabel again. She winced and looked up at him questioningly.

He turned to face her. ‘Why is Blackmane telling me to let go of your hand?’

She could see the jealous glaze visible in his eyes despite the poor light. There was no right response to that question. ‘I do not know.’

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