Harlequin Historical November 2019--Box Set 2 of 2 by Christine Merrill

Author:Christine Merrill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TEN

Mercifully, presenting Sir Gui García, the Captain of the Guard, with a report proved relatively painless. Alba spoke clearly and concisely about what she had seen. Inigo was relieved when her word was accepted without question.

Afterwards, as Inigo escorted Alba to the antechamber over the garrison gatehouse, he found himself dwelling on the challenges facing him. Returning from Al-Andalus with a Nasrid princess was turning out to be fiendishly complicated. Given the fragile balance of power between Sultan Tariq of Granada and King Henry of Castile, Inigo had known that bringing a Nasrid princess into Spain was going to be a trial. He’d rescued her on impulse, and he ought to be returning to Falcon’s Castle and his estates in Seville. Yet he could hardly abandon her in Córdoba. He needed to know she was safe.

Other problems were demanding Inigo’s attention. His own estate aside, Sir Nicolás had warned him that Crown Revenues from the city of Seville had fallen short. King Henry would want an explanation, he would be relying on Inigo to investigate.

As for that unfortunate meeting with Sir Pero in the market—Sir Pero’s reaction to Alba had made it plain that he believed Inigo and Alba to be lovers.

Had Sir Pero told Margarita that her betrothed had returned from Granada? Had he mentioned Alba? Inigo’s nostrils flared. His reunion with Margarita was going to be devilishly tricky and the timing—with Alba in the Alcázar garrison—was impossible.

His mouth twisted. Irony was piling on irony. The safest place for Alba—the Alcázar—was the self-same place that presently housed his betrothed.

He had to tell Margarita about Alba. Not to do so would be to insult his betrothed and jeopardise their future together.

Would Margarita accept his word that nothing untoward had happened between him and the Princess? Save for that weak moment in Domingo’s house when Inigo had comforted her, he’d only ever touched her out of necessity. His behaviour had been exemplary.

He gave Alba a sidelong glance and a twist of longing tightened inside. He’d never felt anything like it. Was this the lure of forbidden fruit? It must be.

By the time they had finished with the Captain, Inigo had concluded that frankness was the best policy. With luck, Alba would agree to remain in the antechamber while he spoke to his betrothed.

‘My lady, while we were at the market I had news concerning Lady Margarita, my fiancée. She has arrived in Córdoba.’

Dark eyes met his and a shiver of regret went through him. Regret? Inigo had no business feeling regretful—he had been betrothed to Margarita long before he’d met Alba.

‘Lady Margarita will need to speak to you,’ Alba said calmly. ‘Is she residing in the Alcázar?’

‘Aye. My lady, would you be so good as to wait for me here? You will be quite safe, I assure you. I will return as soon as I may.’

Her smile was gracious. ‘Of course, my lord. I shall await your return.’

Heaving a thankful sigh, Inigo gestured at a side table where a jug of wine and half a dozen cups were laid out ready for guests.

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