[Meanwhile, somewhere in Ardel…]
The knight stood rigid, his gaze fixed on the knightess, eyes sharp with intensity.
"What do you mean, betrothed?" he demanded. "Was she promised to someone before?"
"Not was—is," Clara snapped. "She's betrothed to a man from Sabel Island. She would've been married by now if not for the incident!"
"What incident?" Noah cut in. "It doesn't matter whether she was—or still is—betrothed. It's irrelevant now. She's married to my lord. Any prior engagement is void."
Clara drew breath to argue, but the piercing cries of eagles shattered the air once more.
"Someone's coming," she warned, forcing herself upright. "Quick—hide!"
Seeing her struggle, Noah moved without hesitation. He hoisted her onto his shoulder and turned to Emily.
"Lead the way."
The young woman's eyes widened at the sudden command, while the knightess protested weakly as he carried her off.
"What the h*ll? Put me down!" she snapped.
