‘Why don’t the two of you come with us?’ Thorn suggested. ‘We’ll continue the conversation somewhere more secure, and you’ll have a safe place to spend the night.’

Blackmane nodded. ‘I think that’s a good idea.’ He looked at Tatum. ‘You go with them. I’ll be back before you know it.’

The commander looked far from impressed by that suggestion. ‘Might I have a word with you—in private?’

He led Blackmane away from the group, checking the others weren’t listening before beginning. ‘I never thought I would utter these words to you, but you need to be logical about this.’

There was no logic when it came to her. ‘I just want to check that she’s all right before we head home.’

‘And if she’s not?’

‘Then I’ll make a sensible call based on the circumstances.’

Tatum laughed. ‘Normally I would accept that, because you’re unaffected by most things—unless the warden orders you to be affected. That’s the way it’s been for the five years I’ve known you. But now? Now suddenly you’re having human reactions and forcing me to evaluate the freedoms I give you.’

Blackmane was not ready to back down. ‘I can be back within twenty-four hours. I’ll stay out of the camp and out of sight. You have my word.’

Tatum released a noisy breath and shook his head. ‘Fine. You have twenty-four hours.’

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

‘Did I mention the camp has its own vicar?’ Hodge said when he returned to the tent a few hours later. ‘Father Digory.’

Isabel lifted her head off the pole, immediately wary of his demeanour. ‘No, you did not.’

He dropped down in front of her, face full of fresh hope. ‘Marry me.’

She blinked—several times. ‘What?’

He took hold of her hands, which were still bound, and said again, ‘Marry me.’

She barely knew how to respond. ‘Have you lost your mind?’

‘On the contrary. I have had a moment of clarity.’ He gave her a boyish grin. ‘We have delayed this for far too long. I truly believe the best way forwards is to move forwards—together. I love you. You love me. It is that simple.’

Except that she did not love him, and she was certain he knew that.

‘I have organised everything.’

He was deadly serious. He actually thought she would go along with the insane plan, even after everything that had transpired.

‘I just learned that you burned down my house and tried to kill my friend, that you manipulated me and my family so we had no choice but to come with you to Hampstead Keep.’ She searched his eyes. ‘And now you expect me to marry you?’

He let go of her hands. ‘What chance do we have if you refuse to let go of past mistakes and grievances?’