I wanted to back out. I didn’t want to go. But I’d given him my word and I knew that the hell he’d make me pay this time would involve public humiliation and possibly the murder of my husband. The man who’s name currently protects me. I put on a simple muslin dress with laces up the front and a pull over vest. Walking across that meadow on hesitant feet. I drew a long breath, trying to control my feverish sweating. I clenched my fists and fought the urge to run back to that castle the way I had that first day. Maybe I could persuade them to keep him out. I looked back. “You’ve come too far to run now.” Alaric stood at the edge of the trees. Concealed from the view of the towers by a broad treetop. His shoulder rested against the trunk and his arms were crossed over his muscled