Ladies of the Court
an excerpt

The next day, the sun came out and the roads were rather drier, and the coach made good time, despite the frequent stops for Patrice's stomach. During one of these breaks, Aidan came and sat with Katriona in the coach.

"You look so tense," Katriona laughed. "Don't you ever relax?"

"Of course not," he said, with perfect seriousness. "It's how I stay alive." He checked his gun in its holster for the third time since sitting down.

Katriona picked up her book again, wondering if she would be able to dig another out of her luggage once she finished. Just then she heard Patrice's voice calling "My lady? I think you should see this."

Katriona sighed and put down the book again. Aidan stood to let her out, and Katriona stepped down from the coach.

Patrice held a gun to her head.