The Knight's Scarred Maiden by Nicole Locke

Author:Nicole Locke
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin Historical
Published: 2017-09-05T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

‘Should we send out two more?’ Nicholas asked. Though he knew Nicholas was circumspect, Rhain looked around from where they sat. They’d stopped the horses to rest and stretch, and most of the men were throwing daggers at targets. Helissent had left for the woods and would soon return.

‘We send any more men, they’ll be noticed. York is merely days away. We’ll meet halfway before we run into any trouble.’

‘You think there will be trouble?’

Rhain took out his mother’s necklace and let the silver strands slide from one hand down to the other. Back and forth until in the afternoon light it looked like water.

‘Reynold shouldn’t know we’re anywhere near this part of England, but York is large and there are many places to hide if he lies in wait for me.’

‘But not for me?’ Nicholas said blithely. ‘The way you cut me out of the discussion, I could get my feelings hurt.’

‘Who cares for your feelings when it’ll save your head?’ Because he could, Rhain gazed pointedly downward until Nicholas and he laughed.

And it felt good.

‘We haven’t talked like this since...’ Nicholas stopped, shook his head.

Rhain’s laughter left him. ‘Are you going to mention her again?’

‘No, it changes your mood of late. You’re growing surly on me.’

Surly was a mild word for the raging of emotions clashing inside him. He’d begun training again if only to release some of the tension. It didn’t help when Helissent watched.

‘Perhaps some of that mead will help. Do we have any of it left?’

‘From Tickhill?’ Rhain lifted a shoulder. ‘I doubt we’ve drunk it all in the half a day since we left.’

‘I don’t trust the men from Flanders. They keep leaving to hunt food. Who knows what they’re pilfering?’

‘We’re eating their food, and you think they have time to steal?’

‘Then we could have a celebration of sorts.’

‘A celebration when there’s a madman after us and you and I will soon be dead?’

‘Yes, precisely for that reason. Danger’s always a good reason to drink.’ Nicholas exhaled roughly. ‘I could use some mead now.’

Rhain recognized that tone. ‘You are talking of her.’

‘You did take her again.’

He owed Nicholas an explanation though he didn’t know what the explanation would be. ‘You were there this morning—you think I had a choice?’

‘There is always a choice. You thought to leave her at Tickhill, and then you didn’t.’

‘How do I not know that Reynold is riding mere days behind us? I couldn’t leave her undefended.’

‘You used that argument when you sent riders ahead of us to watch for Reynold. Come, you used to be more quick of tongue and mind. Surely you can conjure a stronger argument than that.’

Rhain stilled his hands. ‘We’re not working with a logical man, why should my moves be logical?’

‘Well, at least you admit to being illogical.’ Nicholas paused as they watched Helissent emerge from the woods only to bend down around the trees.

At this angle, Rhain could see none of her scars, only the beauty she was born with and she had copious amounts.

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