Page 83 of Bound to a Warrior
She lifted her head with some difficulty, though she didn’t let him know that. “Aye, I’m fine.
“And you’re finally free of my brother,” Reeve said, giving Duncan’s arm a slap.
“Can we go now? Father’s waiting,” Trey reminded.
Mercy didn’t want Duncan to go. She felt as if he was being ripped away from her and though it was foolish, she felt that once they separated they might never be together again.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Duncan asked, his hand resting on her cheek.
She wanted to tell him that she was far from fine, that she was frightened now that they were apart, worried that her father would come claim her, concerned that they would never ever be joined so solidly again.
“Go. I’m fine,” she assured him while trying to believe it herself.
Chapter 25
Duncan kept turning around glancing over his shoulder to look at Mercy. It felt odd being separated from her, leaving her behind and walking away with his brothers. He thought to take her along, but couldn’t. When Trey had announced their father wanted to speak with them, it was a signal that a messenger had arrived with news and they were to meet him in the woods behind the keep.
He didn’t like leaving her right after having the shackles removed. He felt as if something needed to be said between them, and yet he wasn’t sure what it was. Did he tell her he loved her, or was it fair when he wasn’t sure of his own future? Or did he brave the unknown and to hell with what lay ahead?
He wasn’t sure of anything at the moment except that he missed having her by his side. Instead of feeling lighter, freer with the chain gone, he felt as if he were missing a part of himself.
He didn’t share any of this with his brothers. He didn’t need to. He was sure they knew how he felt about Mercy, or they wouldn’t have remained at the smithy to help him.
“She’s a brave one.” Reeve grinned. “And a beauty.”
“Don’t make me beat you,” Duncan said.
“I think our brother has fallen in love,” Trey said with a laugh.
“I think the two of you should get your mind back on the mission,” Duncan scolded.
“Ours never left it,” Reeve said. “Can you say the same about yours?”
Duncan knew this discussion was inevitable. When the mission began the four of them swore that nothing would interfere with it, especially women. A dalliance here and there didn’t matter, but love had a way of intruding and it was agreed it should be avoided at all costs.
“You doubt my commitment?” Duncan asked.
“No,” Reeve said and laughed. “Your sanity.”
“While there was always a chance that one of us, the most foolish one, would fall in love,” Trey said with a grin. “Never would any of us have imagined it would be with the present king’s daughter.”
“I didn’t know and I never intended to fall in love with her or anyone until this mission was completed,” Duncan said.
“Then what now?” Trey asked.
“I have no idea. Let’s meet with the messenger and see what he has to say, and as for the rest?” Duncan shrugged. “Only time will tell.”
They didn’t have to go far into the woods to meet with Neil, a wiry little fellow who appeared quite agitated by the time they arrived. Their father was with him and simply shook his head as they approached.
“What kept you?” Neil demanded, pulling at his mouth, a habit of his when he was nervous. “I took a chance coming here now with the king’s soldiers swarming the land.”
“Why?” Duncan asked, though he knew the answer.
Neil leaned closer to Duncan as if he feared being heard. “The king searches for his bastard-daughter.”
“Why?” Reeve asked.
“No one knows,” Neil said, shaking his head vigorously. “Though they’re all wondering what he intends for her.”
