Isabel’s blood ran a little hotter after those words left his mouth. ‘Except that these are not past grievances. These are today’s grievances, and tomorrow’s grievances. I will likely carry these grievances to my grave.’

His face hardened. ‘You will feel differently when I am your husband—trust me.’

‘I doubt that.’

‘You will!’ He rose, then took a moment to compose himself. ‘You will,’ he repeated, quieter this time. ‘I will force joy and light into your heart if I have to.’

She stood also. ‘You have spent five years siphoning it from me—willingly.’

His hands went into his hair, and he turned in a circle. He went over to her bag, sifting through it until he found what he was looking for. Then he returned, holding up a dress. ‘You can wear this.’

She stared at the gown, feeling sicker with each passing second. ‘I do not want to.’

Before he had a chance to raise his voice and make a scene, the flap of the tent was drawn back, and Yvaine stepped inside.

Hodge rounded on her. ‘What?’

Yvaine dropped her gaze. ‘Father Digory sent me, my lord. He told me there is to be a wedding and thought I could assist the lady.’

Hodge pinched the bridge of his nose and took a calming breath. ‘Yes, good.’ He cleared his throat, hand falling to his side. ‘Help Lady Isabel change. Fix her hair. Let the guards know when she is ready.’ He looked at Isabel. ‘I shall see you very soon.’ Then he left the tent.

Yvaine waited for his footsteps to fade before rushing over to Isabel and wrapping her arms around her. ‘Darling girl,’ she whispered. ‘What is he doing to you?’

Isabel felt herself begin to tremble but knew she needed to hold herself together. ‘We are getting married—tonight.’

Yvaine drew back and looked into her eyes. ‘Do you want to marry him?’

‘No.’ The word was barely a whisper.

Yvaine glanced at the exit. ‘There is a way out of this place if you dare.’

‘The woodpile.’

Yvaine’s shoulders fell an inch. ‘You found her. You found Ita.’

‘Yes.’

‘How is she?’

Grieving. And it was all Isabel’s fault. ‘She is… safe.’

The woman nodded slowly. ‘That is all a mother can ask for nowadays.’ She fell quiet. ‘Will you go to her again?’

‘I will try.’