‘Morning,’ he said.

Blackmane nodded, then looked over at Isabel’s tent. He immediately noticed that her guard was not at his post. ‘Where’s Webb?’

‘The guard?’ He glanced in that direction. ‘Likely getting a few hours’ sleep.’

‘Where’s Lady Isabel?’

Hadewaye frowned. ‘If Webb’s missing, then she’s likely with His Lordship.’

Every muscle in Blackmane’s body tightened at that response. ‘Did you see her go into his tent?’

‘The sun’s barely up. I’m struggling to see that far with light.’ Hadewaye sheathed his sword, sighing. ‘Don’t torture yourself hanging about outside.’

‘You don’t know what you’re talking about, so shut your mouth.’

The remark appeared to blow right past the defender. ‘Why don’t you head to the kitchen and get something to eat? It smells fairly palatable for prison food.’

Blackmane was still reconciling the notion of Isabel and Hodge in bed together. It was not uncommon for a couple about to be wed to get ahead of themselves, but he had hoped she would refrain until after. Not after they exchanged vows but after he went home.

‘Watching his tent isn’t going to make her appear any sooner,’ Hadewaye said.

Blackmane had not even realised he was staring. He looked away and cleared his throat. ‘The food does smell edible.’

Hadewaye released a long exhale. ‘A couple more days and this will all be over for you.’

‘Do me a favour and stop talking.’ His tone was sharper than he intended.

Hadewaye raised his hands, saying nothing further.

Blackmane walked away then, knowing he would not be able to contain his jealousy when the pair finally emerged from Hodge’s tent.

There was a handful of women wandering about the kitchen area when he arrived, having hushed conversations while adding vegetables to pots. Blackmane spotted the woman Isabel had reacted to the day prior. Curious as to who she was, he headed towards her. She appeared uncomfortable when she saw him walking her way, but he did not read too much into that. That was most people’s reaction.

‘Morning,’ he said.

She offered a strained smile. ‘Defender. Are you after some food?’

He nodded.

‘We only have soup. No bread yet.’

‘That’s fine.’

She went to fetch a clean bowl, then began ladling beefy liquid into it. Blackmane watched her, recalling the way she had looked to Isabel. ‘How do you know Lady Isabel?’

She flinched ever so slightly when the name left his mouth, then held the bowl out to him. ‘I met her yesterday. She requested some food.’

The distinct lack of eye contact suggested otherwise.

He took the bowl. ‘Did you live at Maddock House too?’

She froze for half a second, then feigned confusion. ‘Maddock House?’

‘In Llanelieu.’

She shook her head. ‘I have to get back to my work. We have a lot of people to feed, as you know.’

‘She’s trapped,’ Blackmane said. ‘With him.’

The woman finally met his eyes, studying him for a long moment. ‘You have been paying attention.’

He stared back at her. ‘Why the big secret? I would have thought a connection to the future Countess of Hereford would work in your favour.’