Forbidden Legacy by Diana Cosby

Wary eyes lifted to hers.
    Frustrated at his silence, she frowned. “’Tis Phoenician.”
    He shrugged. “’Tis currency. Common enough.”
    â€œThis coin is anything but common.”
    â€œâ€™Tis spoils of war.”
    Which explained why the coin was onboard, but from his evasiveness, there was something he was withholding. “Why could you nae tell me last night that your ships carried foreign currency?”
    His mouth tightened. “Stay away from the goods stored in the hold.”
    â€œWhy?” she pressed, aware she’d hit on a matter of some relevance. Whatever was behind his intention to keep her ignorant of the ship’s cargo, it held great significance. Katherine’s thoughts circled back to Robert Bruce.
    â€œYou are here to lead us to the hidden catacombs, nay more. Come,” he said. “’Tis time to break our fast.”
    She ignored the twinge of guilt that she’d misled the king about knowing the location of the catacombs and followed. “What else is in the crates?”
    Her husband rounded on her, his face hard, but beneath it, she caught a look of grief. “I refuse to discuss this further.”
    Oh, nay, she wasna giving up so quickly. “Why do you have Phoenician currency onboard? The other ships carry more as well as other important cargo, do they nae?”
    With a muttered curse, he swiped the silver from her hand.
    Furious, Katherine tried to pry it from his fingers.
    He raised his hand out of reach.
    â€œGive it back.”
    â€œâ€™Tis time to eat.” Stephan strode away.
    She ran after him. “I dinna know what you are hiding, but by God, ’tis my home, and I have a right to know!”
    He whirled, his eyes dangerous. “You are here out of necessity. Dinna press issues of which you have nay understanding.”
    â€œThen tell me. Keeping me ignorant willna strengthen our marital bond.”
    A wry smile touched his mouth. “My lady wife, I sincerely doubt either of us wishes to strengthen our marriage.”
    Blast it, he was right.

Chapter Nine
    S eated at the table beside his wife, Stephan met the gazes of the four Templars who’d joined them, each warrior chosen for his specific skills. “Lady Katherine is the only one who knows the location of the secret entrance. Once we reach shore, she will lead us inside.”
    Thomas raised a brow. “That answers why the lass sails with us.”
    â€œI would think my being mistress of Avalon Castle would be reason enough,” Katherine said, her words clipped.
    Stephan opened his mouth to reply; Thomas held up his hand. Stephan nodded.
    â€œMy lady,” Thomas explained, “’tis nae in Stephan’s character to allow a woman, regardless of her station, to enter into a dangerous situation.”
    Red crept up her cheeks and she faced her husband. “You didna share my reason for being here?”
    â€œNay,” he replied, unapologetic. Any discomfort his wife suffered was roused by her insistence on sailing to Avalon, something he’d made clear was unwanted. “’Twas unnecessary.”
    Confusion darkened her eyes. “Why?”
    â€œMy men trust my decisions without question,” Stephan said.
    â€œAye,” Aiden said. “In battle to hesitate in following an order could mean your life, or the lives of others.”
    Their expressions firm with resolve, the knights seated around the table nodded.
    Katherine’s blush deepened. “Forgive me; I should have considered such.”
    â€œYou are nae a warrior, but my wife,” Stephan said, pleased by her admission. “Your strength lies in the running of a household.”
    â€œMayhap,” she agreed, “but it doesna prohibit me from being knowledgeable elsewhere.”
    Silence echoed within the cabin.
    â€œYou have sailed before, my lady?” Aiden asked, cutting through the tension.
    Surprise flickered on her face.