"Why did he send you?" The question slipped out before she could think better of it.
Both men exchanged glances but said nothing, as if they thought she was supposed to know.
"I am no longer in his care, if I may put it that way. So… it would be best if you both return back to the castle."
They remained exactly where they were.
"If we return… without you, he will have both our heads on a spike, my lady. Your safety is of paramount importance to the King."
She could see there was more he wanted to say but didn't.
"Well, you can stay until I find enough money to send you back with. I hate to be indebted to the King as it is, you see."
Neither uttered a word. She might have as well been talking to statues.
The plump lady clapped her hands over her ears, suddenly reminding Claire that she was there.
"I am hosting men from the King's guard?" She sounded excited and dreadful at the same time.
