Page 67 of Bound to a Warrior
Duncan had to grin recalling all the times over the last week that Mercy had fought so bravely by his side.
“Don’t underestimate her,” Duncan said with pride. “And aye, she’d be right by my side.”
Trey nodded. “Perhaps then she’s a good match for you.”
Duncan didn’t respond, his thoughts lost in the knowledge that Trey was absolutely right. Mercy was a good match for him. Even though they had been forced upon one another, they had adapted to their shackles easily enough. They learned how to work together as one, to depend on each other, to trust each other and under the most difficult of circumstances.
She hadn’t shed one tear or complained. She had done whatever was necessary for their survival, even stripping naked on more than one occasion. It had taken a tremendous amount of courage to trust him, let alone share such intimacy with a stranger. And Mercy had done it all without a whimper or grumble.
Mercy woke on and off during their journey, spoke briefly with Duncan and then returned to a peaceful slumber.
“She’s exhausted, isn’t she?” Trey said.
“It hasn’t been easy, but she’s proved herself a tenacious warrior,” Duncan said.
“We’ll stop at Harold the smithy before proceeding to the keep. He’ll see to freeing you of that chain.”
I’ll sleep alone tonight.
The thought disturbed Duncan. He liked falling asleep with Mercy wrapped snugly in his arms and he liked even more waking up with her snuggled against him. He didn’t like that his arms would be empty this night and the spot beside him in bed cold.
He glanced down at her and couldn’t help but think that she was right where she belonged, always belonged, and always would belong.
He made the decision fast, as if he needed it confirmed immediately. “The morrow is soon enough for the chain to come off.”
“Mercy may think otherwise,” Trey said.
“She’s exhausted and injured,” Duncan said firmly. “I will not make her suffer through having the chain removed this evening.”
“She might prefer them removed sooner rather than later.”
Duncan glanced at her wrists. The salve that Bliss had put on their wounds made the skin look less raw and certainly eased the pain. But he wondered if perhaps they both would be left with scars, a constant reminder of their time joined together.
She stirred in his arms, her eyes drifting open.
“We’re almost home,” he said softly.
“Food and bed,” she said with a smile.
“I agree,” he said and then whispered, “especially the bed part.”
Chapter 21
Night had already fallen when they finally reached Duncan’s home and though the horse took its time, Mercy wasn’t able to see much of the village. She did, however, smell the delicious scents wafting about and she sniffed the air with anticipation and appreciation.
“Something smells good,” she said, glancing up at Duncan from where she lay snuggled comfortably in his arms.
“Our hunters and farmers keep us well stocked and our women keep us well fed.”
Mercy heard the pride in his voice and she envied it. How lucky for him to be part of a family, a clan. She had often wondered how it would feel to have the support of so many, to have others to rely on and help in times of need and to help those in their time of need. She and her mother had led a restrictive life due to her father being king and her mother his mistress. It had been a lonely existence, and she had never understood why her mother favored it.
“Are you feeling better?” Duncan asked.
“I am,” she said and smiled.
“That’s good,” Trey said. “Duncan worried you would not feel up to having the chains removed tonight. But now with you feeling well, we can stop by the blacksmith and have him remove them.”
Free of Duncan.
