Doria knelt down by the dead Farid, lying Meggie down next to him carefully. Deep down, Doria had suspicions about why Farid had done it. He was, and had been all along, underneath his scandalous charade, in love with Meggie. And he hadn't wanted her to be hurt by Doria's death.
At least, Doria thought, I hope that that's the reason.
Doria looked down at Meggie's face. It was so peaceful in unconsciousness.
People were now crowding in, and the men were making a quick getaway. After all, they had just accidentally killed an innocent man. Well, Doria thought. Innocent as far as they knew.
Doria somehow knew what he should do. He positioned Meggie a few paces away, where crowd members instantly encircled her, mostly mothers and women. Doria knew that Meggie would be taken care of by the women of Ombra. She was a hugely respected member of society.
He picked up a little envelope which he had seen Meggie drop, tucked it into his pocket, and, while everyone else was fussing over the dead man and the sleeping Meggie, he stole away, breaking into a nimble run at the corner, and powering through the castle gates. As much as it pained him, he knew that he could never return to Ombra, or to Meggie. He would be recognised, again, and put to death immediately.
But he had her letter. Which he would read later.
With one last look back, he headed for the distant mountains.