Forever Knight: Thornton Brothers Time Travel (A Thornton Brothers Time Travel Romance Book 2) Read Free Page A

Since when do you want to stay in a drafty old castle?”
    “Only since I was a little girl and dreamed of being a princess with my very own castle. And, of course, the castle came equipped with a dragon and a handsome prince. Rooms with no purpose other than my enjoyment.” She sighed. “I know it’s silly. Castles and princes are so out of reach for most people that they might as well be a fairytale. But a girl can dream.”

Chapter Four

    The tables were pushed against the walls. Men bedded down for night in the hall as Robert moved amongst them like a spirit, making his way down to the cellars. Which also served as a dungeon as needs be. In the darkest time of night, when he was unable to sleep, he would prowl the rows, counting the casks and jugs until he was tired enough to return to his chamber. The castle was asleep, quiet except for the men on guard.
    As he was counting the third row, the sound of wood scraping against stone had him drawing his sword. The door to the tunnels swung open, and the blade stopped a hairsbreadth from the man’s neck.  
    “Not a verra warm welcome, now, is it?” The rich Scottish burr filled the room, echoing off the stone.
    Robert re-sheathed his sword, grimacing. “You almost lost your pretty head. How did you know about the passageway?”
    “Ye told me about it one night long ago.”
    The Scot stumbled and Robert held up a torch. “What is amiss? You come to Highworth in the dead of night not by the door but through the tunnels. ’Tis not safe for you here.” He squinted, noting wet spots on the man’s plaid.
    Connor McTavish took three steps before collapsing on the stone floor. Robert swore as he knelt down. Up close, Connor smelled of war. River water and mud, unwashed skin, and the stench of old and new blood. The man’s normally ruddy skin was tinged with gray.
    “Bloody hell.” Robert did not have time for such trouble. The man’s eyes fluttered. He reached up and, with surprising strength, grabbed hold of Robert’s tunic.
    “Ye owe me a debt. A life. Or have ye forgotten?”
    Robert cursed again. “I have not forgotten,” he said stiffly. A year ago, he’d been in an establishment of questionable reputation with several friends. The drink and women were plentiful as they wagered through the night, falling deeper and deeper into their cups. He would never forget how the night ended. “Much as it wounds me to admit, I would have died had you not been there.” Robert snorted. “Though even the great McTavish himself could not have dispatched eight men on his own.”
    The Scot grinned. “Perhaps. Perhaps not. Good thing you were too bloody stubborn to die.”
    “Mayhap I should fetch a looking glass so you can see one who is truly stubborn.”
    “The church would not care for such an object. You are vain enough without admiring your form all day and night.” The Scot chuckled then sputtered, spitting out blood. Wincing, he let go of Robert’s tunic. “I call the debt due.” The man went silent.
    Robert leaned close, relief spreading through him when he felt breath coming from Connor. “Damn you, McTavish.” He stood, looking down at the warrior wanted by many, including his king. The Scot had killed many English soldiers. To harbor him was treason. Robert’s brothers and wives would be in danger as would all of those under his protection at Highworth. Robert had not forgotten all those years ago, what John had cost the family. They’d lost all. Lands, titles, gold.  
    If he kept Connor McTavish hidden, the Thorntons would lose their lives if anyone found out. No one would be safe. But a debt was a debt. And his damnable knightly honor demanded he pay no matter the risk. Stomping about made him feel a bit better. With a deep breath, he softly knocked on the door.
    Featherton stood there fully dressed. “My lord.”
    “Do you sleep in your clothes?”
    The man scowled. “How may I serve his lordship this fine eve?”
    Robert chose to ignore the