BOUNDLESS: A Medieval Romance (AGE OF CONQUEST Book 6) by Tamara Leigh

Author:Tamara Leigh [Leigh, Tamara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781942326502
Publisher: Tamara Leigh
Published: 2021-01-21T18:30:00+00:00

“I assume there are other shards.”

“There are.” Theriot jerked his head toward Dubh. “Beneath the mattress.”

“I have been lax,” Malcolm said.

Theriot settled his arms over his chest. “Certes, you provide more opportunities to strike and escape than the Saxon rebels provided my eldest brother during his captivity.”

The King of Scots clicked his tongue. “Be assured, were you not without sight, a closer watch would be kept on you.”

Theriot narrowed his eyes, and not for the first time wondered how long that instinctual habit of bettering his focus would persist. “Though this day I carried a weapon whilst in your company, it sounds you do not intend to increase the watch over me.”

“I do not. I shall loosen it now I have further evidence of my betrothed’s belief you are honorable. Like Marguerite, you will not depart the palace without an escort, but within these walls may go wherever you wish without a guard.”

Theriot did not suppress his surprise.

“Even the tower, though not abovestairs. My men will know that is too far.” Malcolm stepped nearer. “It is rare I am wrong about a man’s character. For that and keeping close just enough doubt even for those I trust, I am alive and my kingship secure—likely the same as your William whose childhood was more dangerous than mine.”

The two had much in common, both coming into their birthright as boys. But whereas William, younger than Malcolm had been, managed to keep hold of his dukedom despite attempts to end his life and make a puppet of him, Malcolm had been unable to take back the crown Macbeth claimed for himself until the dispossessed boy grew into a man. To overcome fearful uncertainty and suffering, both had become ruthless warriors and rulers, though there was much evidence the godly princess had wrought change in her betrothed.

“Be warned,” Malcolm continued, “the wrath spared the Norman who nearly slew my man, Hendrie, will not be spared if you disappoint. As for the shards…” He blew out wine-scented breath. “As now you are more guest than prisoner, and outside my hall I would not deny a man what aids in defending his person, especially in the midst of those who hold grudges, I leave them to you.”

“I am grateful, Your Grace, though more I would be were my sword and dagger returned.”

Malcolm chuckled. “That would be overly generous and require I take from the Aetheling that in which he delights.”

“As if he himself took the dagger from me,” Theriot scorned.

“I know he did not, but as he causes my betrothed little grief at the moment, I indulge him. But be assured, providing you depart Scotland in good stead, you will do so with sword, dagger, and chain mail.”

Theriot believed him as he would have been loath to believe King William. As this seemed an opening for that which would make the remainder of his time in Scotland more tolerable, he said, “I have a boon to ask of you.”

“I have not done enough?” Malcolm said with just enough humor to temper offense.

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