Chapter Forty-Eight - The Siege

Xander had his ways and means. Some of it he organised himself, like when he’d nipped down to send Jocasta on that errand. But now de Mornay was refusing to play ball and insisting his troops needed refreshment before any battle. It would be foolish to act without them now that they were here.

He made a fist. A source had told him there was a new captain. Apparently, Charles had returned out of the blue to lead the men of Normandy. Those girls were just going to have to wait for succour.

Eithne was less than impressed, but what could he do?

The first thing was to ensure she slept beside him. That was more about protecting her from de Mornay than exercising his will. Not expecting her to sleep, he was nonplussed when he woke to find it was almost daylight.

“Who’s Genevieve?” she asked, fixing him with those captivating violet eyes.

He stiffened. Had he been indiscreet?

“No-one,” he lied. “Are you hungry?”

“A little,” she said. “Though I would like to wash.”

“Normally, I would say there