Page 121 of Bound to a Warrior
She walked until the sun was high in the sky, and while she was cautious, she couldn’t help but feel as if she was being followed. At least she was drawing closer and closer to Duncan’s land, which made rescue that much more possible.
Feeling a bit nauseous she stopped to munch on some food that Bliss had packed for her. Leaning against a large boulder she rested, though only for a moment.
“I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist warning him.”
While she was annoyed at being caught by her father, she refused to show defeat. “What makes you think it isn’t a trap I set for you?”
Her father laughed as he stepped from behind the cover of bushes.
Mercy noted that only two soldiers followed him and while she was sure more lingered nearby, there were only two present. She had bested two before, perhaps she could do it again.
“Really, Daughter, do you think I don’t scout ahead?”
“Do you think me foolish enough to come alone?”
The soldiers cast wary glances around.
“Stop it, you fools,” her father ordered, “she but tries to frighten you.”
“Do I?” she asked, her deep voice dripping with such coldness that it made the soldiers shiver.
“Enough, Mercy,” her father ordered.
She laughed. “You mean you finally surrender?”
“Chain her,” her father commanded.
“Take one step toward her and I’ll kill you.”
Mercy grinned at the sound of the familiar voice, though didn’t turn around to face Duncan. “I told you I wasn’t alone.”
“One man,” her father laughed.
“No, Father,” she said, “onegallantwarrior.”
She heard Duncan walk up behind her and waited as he took his place beside her.
“You’re late,” she teased.
“And you’re early, though pleased I am to see you,” Duncan said.
“And I you,” she said, though wished to say so much more, but it would have to wait. First they had to extract themselves from this dilemma.
“Finally,” her father said with a satisfied grin. “I have you both where I want you.”
Just as he finished, Mercy felt the tip of a sword to her back and Duncan motioned with a nod that he felt the same. He reached out his hand to her and she grasped hold of it. His long fingers wrapped tightly around her small ones and gave a squeeze as if letting her know all would be well. And she believed it so, for as long as they were together, she had no doubt they would survive.
“Shackle them,” her father commanded, and the soldiers behind them had them in chains in no time.
“Now,” her father, said stepping forward. “You’ll—”
“Step back or I’ll kill you,” Duncan warned.
Her father laughed. “You are a fool.”
“You’re the fool,” Duncan said. “If you think that I won’t seek revenge for making the woman I love suffer.”
“Need I remind you that you are in no position to dictate to me,” her father said.
