Page 80 of Bound to a Warrior
“Aye, as did I,” he said knowing it would be her next question.
“Good, I’m pleased that last night’s troubles didn’t keep the two of you from sleeping,” Mara said. “I thought it best if you both ate with the family this morning.”
Duncan knew it was a summons rather than a request.
“I’ll help Mercy get into fresh clothes when she’s ready and then we’ll eat and then it’s off to Harry to free you of these chains.”
“You have it all planned do you?” Duncan grinned.
Mara retained her smile, but her words warned, “There’s work that needs doing.”
Duncan’s grin faded and he nodded. “I know.”
“Can I help?” Mercy asked.
They both turned to see her waking with a yawn and a stretch.
“That’s if you don’t mind,” Mercy said. “There’s much I’ve been taught to do.”
“You can help with the stitching,” Mara offered.
“Oh, I can do much more than stitch,” Mercy informed her. “I can run every aspect of a keep and I am excellent with numbers.”
“You read and write then?” Mara asked.
“Aye, Latin, French and most of the Gaelics.”
Mara looked to Duncan and nodded. He knew what she was thinking. Mercy would be a good one to have on their side, but then that would mean betraying her father. And though her father might have wanted her dead, would she want the same for her father?
He also wondered why she hadn’t told him of her many talents before this, but with his mother present he wasn’t about to broach the subject. Then again, perhaps he should remember what she had told him last night.
You know me better than anyone.
“I’ll help anyway I can,” Mercy said.
“Well, for now that would be getting up and dressed so that you can join my family for the morning meal,” Mara said.
Duncan not only sensed, but he saw her hesitation as she struggled to sit up. He reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her up to sit. She leaned against his arm and he had easily come to realize that it was her way of seeking protection and comfort. He knew what troubled her and what she needed from him.
She glanced up at him with pleading eyes.
Damn if her glistening blue eyes didn’t do him in. They mesmerized and he’d about do anything for her when caught in their beauty.
He had to shake his head. “If you can battle soldiers and emerge victorious, then you will have no trouble sharing a meal with my family.”
“I wouldn’t be too sure,” Mara said and laughed. “Now let’s get you dressed. And you—” She pointed to Duncan. “Get your plaid on and be quick about it.”
Duncan obliged and in no time the three were leaving the room, delicious scents growing stronger as they descended the stairs.
They never reached the table. A young lad hurried into the room with a message from Harry. “He’s ready for you.”
“We’ll take a bite with us,” Duncan suggested.
“Suddenly I’m not hungry,” Mercy said clinging tightly to Duncan’s arm.
He felt the same, though made no mention of it. Soon they would be able to walk away from each other. After spending every moment with her for the last several weeks, he wondered how it would be without her. He’d find out soon enough.
“Freedom!” Trey and Reeve yelled, jumping up off the bench with broad smiles and tankards high.
