Greylen took a step forward, yet all of his men took several back. He spoke words to the man whom he must have commanded to stand. And with an action so quick it stunned her, Greylen’s hands were behind his shoulders, covering the hilt of his sword, and he swung the blade. His powerful sweep rent clear through the man’s neck.

It was the most gruesome display she’d ever seen.

Greylen turned, looking to the window where she stood. His features were hidden in the shadows, but his message was clear.

This is who I am: a leader, a warrior, an executioner.

He was covered in blood and let forth another roar as he embedded his sword in the dirt. He turned toward the lake. He never looked back.

Gwen paced the floor in her chamber for hours, her stomach churning in knots. She finally heard them enter the keep and ran to the railing. Greylen never looked at her. His men remained in front of the doors and her husband walked down the hallway, his study door slamming with force.

She went back to her chamber, pacing again. She couldn’t take it anymore. Intent to go to him, she opened the doors. Kevin and Hugh waited just outside. They shook their heads, beseeching her to stay.

“I’ll not be scared,” she said, straightening to her full, measly height.

They followed her down the stairs but stayed by the entrance where the other men stood silent. She looked at no one as she continued down the hallway. Her hands shook so badly it took three attempts to press the latch.

She’d lied before. She’d never been more scared in her life.

Greylen was in front of the window, his arms across his chest and his legs braced apart. Water dripped from the back of his head, and his sword, now clean, leaned against the wall. He made no move to turn. He made no move at all.

Greylen knew ’twas his wife who stood in the doorway, for no one else would dare disturb him in his current state. Watching earlier, as she ran to the stables, all but stopped his heart. ’Twas too much. He’d almost lost her only two short weeks ago, and that she’d endanger her life—good God, it created a madness in him he’d never felt.

Now he felt something else, her arms around his waist and her body pressed to his back. Aye, she was brave. His love for her made his heart ache.

He finally broke the silence. “Have you no idea your value?” he asked.

“I’m sorry, Greylen. I’m so sorry.”