Page 99 of Bound to a Warrior
“I’m going to make love to you,” he whispered in between kisses.
She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. “All night. Make love to me all night.”
A couple of hours later exhaustion claimed Mercy, but not Duncan. He eased her out of his arms and slipped on his plaid. He quietly closed the door behind him and made his way down to the solar.
The piece of hide hadn’t left his mind. It had remained in the recesses of his thoughts and had risen to torment him after Mercy had fallen asleep. He had to make certain for himself that it was still there. It was important to the king and only he knew its hidden meaning.
It was late and no doubt all were in their beds. Still, he took cautious and quiet steps down to the solar, a chill running up his legs from his bare feet, since he hadn’t taken time to slip on his boots.
When no one was in attendance the room was kept locked, the key hidden beneath a stone in the stone floor. Duncan retrieved it, unlocked the door and slipped in, easing the door closed behind him.
He took a candle from atop the mantel and held it close enough to the hearth’s flames for the wick to light. He then walked over to the corner where a large chest was tucked. He opened it and rummaged around until he found a small chest. He lifted it and tucked it beneath his arm to carry over to the table, where he sat it and the candle.
The chest had no lock. There was no need. Few people knew of its existence. He hesitated a moment, his hand on the latch.
Two raps sounded at the door, causing Duncan to jump, though he bid the person enter since he had given the appropriate signal.
Duncan grinned and left the chest to go greet his brother Bryce.
They grasped hands and hugged, Duncan slapping him on the back.
“Did you only arrive?” Duncan asked and seeing the fatigue in his eyes, he knew that his brother had pushed to get home, just as they all did.
“Aye, though the journey was long, it was fruitful. I have much to share, though it will wait until morning. I was seeking the peace and comfort of my bed when I approached the second floor and thought I heard someone at the solar door.”
“And you were right.”
“What are you doing here at this late hour?” Bryce asked.
“It would take me too long to explain what brought me here and you are tired. But I have good reason to be here this late. I wish to make certain that the strange and old piece of hide with the drawings is still where it has always been.”
“Why would you think—”
Duncan shook his head. “Don’t ask. I’m probably wrong, but I need to prove it to myself.”
“Then let’s do it.”
The brothers walked over to the table, the flickering flames casting shadows over the small chest, making it appear as if claws were laying claim to it.
Both stood for a moment staring at it, as if neither wanted to open it. The piece had always been treated with reverence, even though only one knew its true worth.
Bryce nodded to Duncan, as if telling him that it was time to be done with this, and Duncan agreed with a nod of his own.
Duncan opened the latch and threw back the lid.
Both men stood staring.
The chest was empty.
Chapter 29
Mercy woke alone and with scattered thoughts. Her musings jumped from delight to worry and she had no idea what she would do. Her heart soared and she laughed, recalling how Duncan had told her how he loved her. He had blurted it out so unexpectedly that he had not only shocked her, but himself.
She loved that he had done that, not giving thought, simply saying what he felt. It meant so much more hearing it like that from him. Making love just afterward made it seem as if they sealed their love, claiming it forever theirs.
That moment was forever etched in her memory, and while she would have preferred to have it followed with thoughts of a happy future together with Duncan, there were too many things that stood in the way.
She, being daughter to the present king, and he fighting for the true king were the largest looming threats to their happiness, not to mention Bailey’s dire situation. So while it was grand being in love, she worried that their love would never see fruition. That they would never wed, never have children, never share a life together.
