Ailene woke up the next morning before daybreak. Her sleep had been uncertain and disquiet. Stuart was still asleep though he looked restless as well. She lay still, listening to him breathe. Life was so unpredictable. This war with Blackthorne was sapping them. They didn't know who to trust anymore. Friends and acquaintances, it made no difference; Blackthorne was finding ways to bring pressure on them and turn them against the Camerons. She had no idea when it would end. Stuart could be killed at any time, a surprise attack on the road, an arrow from the bushes, poison in his tea or wine. She would have nothing left of...