“Gavin’s with her. He assumes her guard from late afternoon through morning. As I’ve said, he’s changed our rotation. He now sleeps in the morning and sees to the men and ledgers in the afternoon. He’s done so since the night you left,” Duncan explained.

“Why has he assumed such a position, Duncan? ’Tis not reasonable.” As Greylen voiced the question, a feeling unknown began to stir through his veins.

“Lady Gwendolyn prefers his guard. Since that first morning, Gavin remains her solitary shadow from dusk till dawn.” Duncan paused, but when Greylen didn’t reply he continued, “She refuses to allow him to stand beyond her doors and orders that he sit within the chamber till morn. ’Tis most likely why he retains the night shift alone.”

“YOU LIE,” Greylen accused, pulling his man within an inch of his face, his reaction so fierce that his hands ripped Duncan’s shirt.

“I speak the truth, Greylen. She’s as strong-willed as you. And her orders just as serious.”

“She’s a woman, Duncan.” The statement came in a roar. “She doesn’t give orders, nor would my trusted friend stay within my chamber.”

“I speak the truth. I would not lie.”

Greylen was furious at what he’d heard and threw Duncan against the tree behind him. Ian and Connell grabbed his shoulders, pulling him back. Greylen was in the process of shaking them off when Connell’s next words stopped him.

“Gavin pines for Isabelle, Greylen. Not your lady.”

Duncan confirmed what Greylen just heard. “’Tis the sorry truth of it, Greylen. Gavin’s feelings for Lady Gwendolyn run deep, but he protects her tender heart only, and helps her through the nights. She has a pain in her eyes that’s unreachable. Yet he is able to help her as no one else can.”

“’Tis not his duty to help my wife in such ways,” Greylen shouted, realizing now the feeling that consumed him. Jealousy. Gavin was the one who was with her, helping her, and it ate him alive. His men showed no surprise that he’d referred to Lady Gwendolyn as his wife, for in truth, ’twas only the formality of the priest’s words that were absent.

“He allows her to know you as you cannot.”

“Explain yourself, Duncan,” Greylen demanded, his fury barely held in check.

“He treats her as mistress of the castle, as he should, but includes her in everything. He gives in to almost all of her demands.”

“’Tis not helping, Duncan.” Greylen made the reply through clenched teeth.