Isabel stared after her, taking a moment to compose herself before going outside to face Hodge.

When she exited, he turned, looking her up and down, no doubt assessing her dress choice, which she had paid no attention to at all.

‘I am pleased you got some food,’ he said.

It was not really surprising that he had forgotten Yvaine’s face. He was not the kind of man who paid attention to the help. ‘One of the women in the kitchen brought me some soup and was kind enough to help me change.’

‘Good. How are you feeling?’

Isabel glanced at Webb, who was pretending he was not listening to every word. ‘Is it really necessary to post a guard outside my tent?’

He took hold of both her hands. ‘You know how protective I am of you. What if something should happen when I am not around?’

She would need to lose Webb if she stood any chance of getting out—or at the very least make it clear to him that she was in charge. ‘You are so caring.’

‘I love you. You know this.’

She placed a hand on his chest. ‘So Webb is here for my protection only?’

‘Yes.’

‘And I am free to come and go as I please?’

He placed a hand over hers, moving it to her wrist when he felt her scar. ‘Of course. My beloved, you are my guest, not my prisoner. Let there be no confusion about that.’

She smiled sweetly at him. ‘And when it comes time for me to leave, he will remain here inside the camp—like a good soldier.’

‘Of course.’

She looked over at the guard, who was barely holding back a glare. ‘And Webb will open the gate and wish me a safe journey home.’

Hodge touched the tip of her nose with his finger, like one did a child. ‘It is always a safe journey when I am at your side.’

How her smile remained intact she had no idea. ‘I should eat my soup before it goes cold. Then I shall get some much-needed sleep.’ She stepped back from him.

‘I think more rest is a good idea. I can see your mood is much improved already.’

She bit her lip to stop her tongue.

‘Perhaps tomorrow you will come see the holding cells,’ he said, preparing to leave. ‘The gallows out front are worth your time also.’

She crinkled her nose. ‘Something to look forward to.’ Her eyes went to the four defenders outside the tent at the far end. Blackmane was crouched, making a fire, those beautiful hands of his meticulously stacking bark and twigs. He glanced in her direction, and she could tell by his expression that he had seen the cute little display she just put on.

When Hodge looked over his shoulder to see what she was looking at, Blackmane returned his attention to the fire. ‘I think the defenders were impressed with the camp, though it can be difficult to get a read on them sometimes.’ He sighed. ‘I suppose I should go make sure they have everything they need. We want glowing reports back to King Becket, do we not?’