Her body shook and the back of his shirt became wet with her tears. He closed his eyes, willing his mind to let go of his anger. He pulled her around, resting his cheek atop her head as she clung to him. He finally pushed her away. “Don’t ever risk your life again, for anyone. Do you understand?” He hadn’t meant to shout, but he was consumed with fear.

Nodding emphatically, she whispered, “Aye. Do you forgive me?”

“’Tis not something I can forgive, Gwen,” he said, shaking his head, giving her a look that brought tears to her eyes again. “Had Ian not ordered you inside?”

“Aye, but—”

“Gwen, when my men give an order, it must be followed. They can’t worry about you and another problem at hand. Orders are given for a reason, wife.”

“I thought he would die, Greylen. He didn’t come out and smoke was coming through the doors.”

“Did you see that he knelt when he emerged?” He was shouting again, furious she still didn’t understand. “Have you any idea why?” he asked in a chilling tone as she shook her head. “He awaited my blow. Do you understand now?”

She gasped, stepping back. “You would kill him, because of me? Because of what I did, only to help?”

“I’ve never been put to the task—till tonight.”

“I’m sorry, Greylen. But I wouldn’t change what I did. I wouldn’t let someone die if I could help them.”

“Then it seems we’re in a predicament. I’ll take you upstairs.”

“It sounds as though you have no intention of staying with me.”

He gave a sarcastic laugh. “I can’t sleep, Gwen. I can’t kill a man and seek the comfort of my bed. ’Tis something I’ve never been able to do.”

“Then I’ll stay with you,” she pleaded, tugging on his shirt.

“No.”

The air released from her lungs, a sound close to a cry emitting from her lips as the impact of his refusal seemed to hit her like a physical blow. He’d never said that word before. In her own language, he turned her away.

“Come, don’t argue,” he bit out, taking her arm.

She let him lead her down the hallway, but when they reached the front doors, she wrenched free of his grasp. She walked to his men and stood before Ian. “I know it’s not enough, but I’m sorry, Ian. I never meant to put you in such a position.” She looked at each them: Duncan, Kevin, Hugh, Connell, and Gavin. “I’m sorry for the trouble I caused. I know now I was wrong.” She made for the steps then, and Greylen started to follow. “Don’t,” she said without turning. “I know the way.”