An Oath Sworn Read Free

his eyes dark with regret. “Oh, God, lass. ’Tis nae the likes of what a woman should witness.”
    Caught off guard by his sympathy, for a moment she leaned closer. Shaken to be offered trust when she’d earned none, she stumbled back. “I am sorry,” she said, fiercely regretting her lie. She despised untruths, but life had shown her the lengths to which people would go, lying, cheating, and murdering to achieve their goals.
    â€œDo nae be.”
    The sincere concern on his face tempted her to admit the truth, but she remained silent. She knew nothing about this warrior, except that his actions deemed him a man of compassion. Did his conduct extend to honor as well? “I must return home to my family.” Her quiet words echoed between them, and his gaze softened.
    â€œI understand.”
    Hope ignited. “Then you will help me?”
    The warmth in his expression faded to caution. “Help you?”
    â€œ Oui. As you are aware, travel for a woman alone is dangerous.” Refusal crept into his eyes, and she spoke faster. “I only need your escort to the closest port. From there I—”
    â€œNay.”
    She touched his arm. “But you must.”
    Dry amusement quirked his lips. “I must?” Blue eyes studied her with unapologetic interest. “Lass, you have a penchant for ordering people about.”
    â€œI do not . . .” She withdrew her hand. Heat swept her cheeks. He was right. The woman he believed her to be would focus on serving those in need. She glanced toward the opening of the cave. Renard’s men, along with miles of wilderness, stood between her and a port city. “The last few days have been terrifying.”
    The truth. Her abduction, imprisonment, and learning of the English duke’s plot to use her as a pawn in hopes her father would cease support to Scotland, had torn her life apart.
    â€œI am distraught and am being impossibly rude.” She paused. “Forgive me.”
    Pain flickered through the tiredness in his eyes. “That is the second time you have apologized to me, and with nay reason. I am the one who is sorry that you have been subjected to such carnage.”
    â€œI . . . Thank you.” Moved by his genuine concern, she struggled as to what decision to make. However much she didn’t wish to involve him, fate offered no other choice. Somehow she must convince him to escort her to the coast.
    His brows furrowed in pain as he started to turn.
    â€œWhat are you doing?” she asked.
    Honed muscles rippled as he leaned over to pick up his gambeson. “As much as I wish to rest, I canna.”
    Embarrassed to find herself staring at the powerful display of strength, she turned away, but not before he caught her perusal. By the grace of Mary, she was acting as if she were a dim-witted maiden! Frustrated the man muddled her mind, Marie tugged the quilted garment from his hand and tossed it atop his mail. “You need to rest. You are pushing yourself far too fast.”
    Mischief warmed his gaze, as if he were amused by her show of will. “I always take care with what I do, regardless the task.”
    Awareness rippled across her skin at his claim. Of that she had no doubt. “I am going to pick some herbs that will help relieve your pain.” She walked toward the cave’s entrance.
    â€œI have yet to thank you for caring for me.” The softness in his voice had her halting at the timeworn entry. She didn’t turn; though a stranger, something about him invited friendship, akin to trust. Neither of which she was in a position to give. “You are welcome.”
    â€œYou have nae told me your name.”
    Her entire body tensed. Her name? Drawn by a force she couldn’t name, she turned and faced him. A mistake.
    As their eyes met, the warrior’s gaze narrowed.
    â€œMy name is Alesia,” she blurted out. Panic swept her as she waited for the flicker of