Once inside the doors, she started crawling on her hands and knees, calling Ian’s name. She saw him farther within, lifting latches to set the horses free. He turned upon hearing her, a flash of incredulity as his eyes went wide and mouth fell agape. He was covered with blood, most likely from fighting with the man who fled. He cursed aloud and ran to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders to protect her as he herded her out of the doors. When they came through the cloud of smoke, Greylen and his men were running toward them from the bailey.

As they cleared the stable’s entrance and reached the spot where Greylen and his men now stood, Ian pushed her away and knelt before her husband, meeting Greylen’s murderous stare. But it was not he whom Greylen directed his anger to. It was her.

Gwen stood before her husband never more fearful in her life. Greylen’s look was like none she had ever seen. His body shook so tightly it was a wonder he didn’t explode. She remained silent and motionless as he grabbed her shoulders.

“What were you thinking?” he demanded. “Did you think at all?” He pushed her away, a roar ripping from his throat. When he finally looked down at her again, his eyes were filled with betrayal—hers.

“REMOVE HER—NOW.”

His shout was filled with venom, the words seemed to be spat in disgust. If Duncan and Connell hadn’t grabbed her arms, she would have run herself. They all but threw her through the doors, and she ran to Lady Madelyn’s room.

Greylen’s mother had her arms opened wide when she came through the doors. Gwen ran straight to them, crying until there was nothing left. She knew Lady Madelyn had seen what occurred, but she said nothing. She just held her as she cried, and then they walked silently to the window seat where they watched the men release the animals and douse the fire.

It took hours before they were through, and they were covered in soot and sweat. Greylen and his men had just retrieved their horses and strapped their scabbards back in place when one of their rank leaders, Alex, approached them. Their horses were led away again, and Greylen and his six men-at-arms stood together in a solid line as Alex brought a man before them. Alex pushed the man to the ground making him kneel before his laird. They formed a tight circle around the man, and Greylen nodded to Alex, who was enjoined to stay.

Greylen looked to Ian, who must have confirmed that the man on the ground was in fact the one who started the fire. What happened next was a sight Gwen would remember for her entire life.

One that made her realize Greylen’s absolute authority.