‘I think you will be most impressed with the camp when you see it,’ he said as he led her away.

It grated on her that he spoke about the camp as a point of pride rather than with disappointment that it had come to this.

‘Prepare for departure,’ Hodge shouted at the men who were already scrambling about doing just that. He walked her to her horse and turned to help her mount.

‘Thank you, my lord, but I need no assistance.’

‘Nonsense,’ he replied, taking hold of her waist.

She gently pushed his hands away. ‘I am quite capable of getting on a horse.’

He reached for her again. ‘I am standing right here.’

She stepped out of his grasp this time. ‘I can do it myself.’ The words came out far more abrasive than intended, taking them both by surprise. ‘I… I apologise. It seems I did not get enough sleep after all.’

He pulled her to him, taking hold of her face once more and kissing her forehead. ‘You must let me love and care for you as I see fit.’

Must I? Really? She pressed her eyes shut, waiting for him to release her. When he did, she turned back to her horse, and he helped her onto it. But because he was not the strongest of men, she ended up doing most of the work herself anyway.

Her eyes met Blackmane’s as she landed in the saddle. The look in his eyes was confirmation that she had not dreamt their shared moment after all.

When everything was packed up and loaded onto the horses, the group continued east, Isabel tucked between Trahern and Hodge with Blackmane at the very front, the farthest from her that he could be. Likely not a coincidence. He never looked back at her—not once. He was focused entirely on his job. Though she noticed all the defenders wore the same serious expressions. Perhaps that was part of their training too.

Four hours into their journey, Blackmane emitted a high-pitched whistle and raised a fist in the air. Everyone stopped. The defenders reached for their bows while the English guards looked around, confused.

‘What is going on?’ Hodge asked Tatum, who was now watching the trees down his arrow. ‘Why have we stopped?’

‘Quiet.’

Hodge scowled but did as he was told.

The guards followed the defenders’ cue and drew their swords. Realising he was the only person without a weapon in his hand besides Isabel, Hodge followed suit.

Isabel looked up, studying the branches above. It was as though the breeze had stilled suddenly. Trahern flinched beside her, and she whipped her head around to look at him. She sucked in a breath when she realised there was an arrow protruding from his chest.

Hodge looked past her to the wide-eyed bodyguard, who was now falling sideways. ‘We are under attack!’

The defenders were already shooting at things Isabel could not see while Hodge’s men turned in circles with their useless swords. More arrows came at them, flashing in and out of sight. One hit the horse in front, and it backed into hers. The gelding’s front legs lifted off the ground.