Liam slid off the tired and sweaty horse in front of the Edgewood Inn, and glared up at the faded sign over the door. He had left at dawn, and ridden hard across Connor lands, making the two hour ride in less than one. His head was pounding, and his stomach was full of sour wine, but that was nothing compared to the shame and self-loathing that was rolling in his heart. With a determined sigh, he went and pushed the door open. A few curious eyes automatically turned to the door to see what stranger was entering so early. Most of them recognized the duke, but few of them cared, and turned back to their bowls of lumpy porridge and over-boiled eggs. A short, stout, busty woman was serving the tables, and she appeared to be the only person of authority in the room, so Liam approached
