An Oath Taken by Diana Cosby

Author:Diana Cosby [Cosby, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Published: 2014-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

Nicholas stared at his squire, furious at himself for even listening. But Thomas’s loyalty toward his people moved him, more so because after having been banned from the prisoners, he went there to care for them, even at the risk of being caught.

A dangerous decision he knew too well. When he’d stood up for Dougal all those years ago, hadn’t he risked censure from his peers as well as losing his position within the monastery? He could have sat by while Dougal had received the beating for his outburst, but like Thomas, when the life of someone he cared about lay in peril, he couldn’t stand silently by and do naught. He studied the lad whose guilt lay only in his sincere desire to help.

Blast it! If any of Thomas’s actions had been for a selfish cause, ’twould have been easy to cast him from the castle without hesitation. But the lad’s every deed was for the sake of others, never himself.

For the first time in his life, Nicholas was at an impasse. By rights he should dismiss the lad for his disobedience, but how could he send him away? Though their causes were different, the reasoning, to protect those they cared about, was the same.

“Sir Nicholas?” Thomas laid his hand upon Nicholas’s forearm.

He stared at the slender fingers wrapped over his arm, the gesture intimate. Sweat broke out on his forehead.

“I know you are angry and have every right to be so, but please, do nae send me away. Give me this one chance.” Desperation tainted his words. “In the future, if I displease you in any manner, I will pack my things and leave without protest. And I will nae bother you again. Ever.”

Compassion collided with the anger of being misled. Admiration warred with the fact this lad was a reiver. Blast it, he was going insane!

Nicholas released a taut sigh unsure how to handle this complex situation. At some point in his time spent with Thomas, he’d lost his objectivity in how to deal with the lad. ’Twould be best once he was within his brother’s care.

Guilt at his growing personal feelings toward Thomas eroded his last reservations. “You may tend the wounded Scots, but with a guard nearby.”

Relief tumbled over Thomas’s face. “My thanks.”

Nicholas stared at his squire’s hand, then jerked his arm away. “Do not thank me,” he snapped, ashamed of the warmth the lad’s touch left. “Naught has changed. Once I hear from my brother, you will depart. Remember that.”

Hurt darkened his squire’s emerald eyes. With an unsteady breath, he nodded then walked to the door.

The bells of Terce tolled as Nicholas studied Thomas’s stoic departure, wanting to remain unmoved. He gave a silent curse, damning the entire situation, wishing the lad was already with Hugh, and damning the day when Thomas would leave.

A hard knock sounded at the door.

Thomas reached for the handle, glanced back.

Nicholas nodded, and his squire opened the door.

Sir Jon hurried inside, glanced briefly at Thomas before facing Nicholas. “The

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