Free The Lion and the Crow by Eli Easton

have to be enough, William told himself, enough to last a lifetime.
    ****

CHAPTER 12
    “I have thought on a plan to free Lady Elaine,” said Christian, as they rode through the forest three days later.
    They were nearly at the village of Kendal. It would be the last town before crossing the Cumbrian Mountains and approaching Somerfield’s remote castle on the wild coastline of northwest England. As they drew closer and closer to Somerfield’s lands, Christian could sense William’s concern for Elaine growing. And he could see in the stony set of the older knight’s countenance as they rode through long days, that he was mentally preparing himself for battle.
    Perhaps even preparing himself for death.
    And yet, William never completely turned from him. Their bedrolls were now routinely placed together, and William had no hesitation in reaching for Christian. He made love each night as tenderly and fiercely as any lover could. Christian gave back everything that he had. They’d begun exploring each other’s bodies with their mouths as well as their hands. It was unprecedented bliss. And the feeling— the love — that Christian had for William settled deeper and deeper into his bones every day.
    He could not give William up; he would not. He’d never been surer of anything in his life. But Christian knew it was useless to speak of it, so he said no more about plans for the future. His thoughts for now had to be centered on a more urgent goal— finding a way for William to simply survive the rescue of Elaine.
    “What is your plan, Crow?” William asked, with a tone studiously neutral.
    “As you have said, Somerfield knows your face. If you directly challenge him, it will go badly. Our best chance is to get Lady Elaine out by subterfuge. I will go to the castle and seek work as a servant—”
    “Absolutely, and adamantly, no ,” William said. Loudly.
    By the saints, Christian could swear the man was not called the Lion for his valor but for his cantankerous roar.
    “You might hear me out before saying nay,” Christian said coolly.
    William said nothing.
    “I’ll seek work in the castle,” Christian continued. “I’ll learn in what rooms Lady Elaine is kept, and what her schedule is in a week’s time— when she walks in the garden or attends confession. That way, we might find the best time and place to get her and the children out unobserved.”
    “I do not want you entering that castle.”
    “’Tis our best chance of success! You must consider Elaine. Our goal must be to free her and keep your head on your neck. And damn your pride, Sir William Corbet.”
    William considered it for a few silent moments. Then he spoke in frustration. “It is an ill thing to risk your neck for hers.”
    “’Tis a very small risk,” Christian snorted. “No one knows me there, and a travelling laborer is as common as fleas. I will only be observing after all.”
    William said nothing. His face was troubled.
    Christian moved his horse closer and reached out for William’s hand. “I beg you, don’t make me watch you play the hero and die. Let me help you in this.”
    “I like it not.”
    “I am a knight,” Christian reminded him with a hint of ice in his voice. “A trained warrior. Even if I let you hold me as a woman, do not mistake me for such.”
    William looked at him wryly. “Oh, I do not.”
    “Then trust me to be a warrior. It only makes sense to assess the situation. I can do this.”
    William finally nodded, but he did not look pleased about it. “If we can abduct Elaine and the babes away, ’twould be better. But if we cannot, Christian, I will challenge Somerfield.”
    “I know,” Christian said quietly.
    ****
    In Kendal, Christian slipped away while William replenished their supplies and questioned the locals. Christian made the purchases he needed and packed them out of sight in his saddle bags before rejoining William. It nearly took the last of his coin, but it would be worth it.
    “What