She kisses his shoulder. He grabs her hand.

Claire stands her ground. “I didn’t ask you to.”

“You saved my life.”

Once the door slams shut, Jamie rounds on Claire. Not with violence — but with a raw, trembling voice. “Do you know what I did to get you back? I threatened an English officer. I rode through the night. I killed a man.”

“Why did you do that?” he asks. “Offer to take my punishment?”

Dougal smirks. “The Sassenach speaks.”

Claire watches, horrified, as Jamie is bent over a barrel and lashed with a leather strap. He doesn’t cry out. His eyes find hers in the crowd — not accusing, but steady. After the sixth lash, Claire steps forward.



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