Refusing to show weakness before his brother, Thomas ignored the pain and climbed from the wagon.
“I am thankful you made it back safe, Father.” Donnchadh turned toward Thomas, his gaze filled with displeasure. “It has been a long time.”
Mayhap, but from the coldness of his voice, his brother’s anger thrived. Thomas gave him curt nod. “It has.” He turned. “May I introduce Mistress Alesone.”
His brother glanced over, and appreciation filled his gaze. “Mistress Alesone, welcome to Dair Castle.”
A muscle worked in Thomas’s jaw, and he placed a possessive hand on her arm. “Mistress Alesone, I would like to introduce you to my brother, Earl of Stratton.”
“Lord Stratton,” she said, “I am humbled by your father’s generosity.”
“I am her escort,” Thomas added. “We will be here but days. Once I have recovered we will depart.”
A muscle worked in Donnchadh’s jaw. “It must be an inconvenience to be injured and forced to be hauled to Dair Castle like a cripple.”
“Enough!” Their father stepped between them, shot his eldest son a cool look. “Regardless the circumstance, I am thankful Thomas is here. Youwilloffer your brother welcome.”
Donnchadh gave a curt nod. “Of course, Father, ’tis remiss of me to say otherwise.” Eyes hard, he stepped back. “If you will excuse me, there is an issue of importance I must tend to.” Turning on his heel, he strode toward the keep.
His father gave a frustrated sigh. “Excuse Donnchadh, Mistress Alesone.”
She cleared her throat. “’Tis a difficult time for everyone, Your Grace.”
“I take it a room has been prepared for Mistress Alesone?” Thomas asked. The sooner he was healed and they could leave, the better.
Sadness wedged in his father’s brow. “Aye, the room to the left of yours has been readied for her. With you her protector, I thought ’twas best if she remained nearby.”
“I thank you. I will show her the way.”
“Thomas,” his father said.
“Aye?”
“Regardless of what brought you here, ’tis good to have you home.”
Guilt grew at the hope in his father’s eyes, and he silently cursed. However much he wanted, neither could he stay.
“Do you need help?” the duke asked.
“Nay.”
“I will leave you now, and order a tray sent up to your room.”
Thomas nodded. “I thank you.”
His father departed.
With his body aching from the long journey, Thomas glanced over. “Follow me.” With slow steps, he started toward the keep.
Concerned eyes held his. “You are hurting.”
“I am fine.”
She scoffed. “You tried to hide your discomfort as you climbed from the wagon, but nay one was fooled. To salvage your pride, your father and brother said naught.”
“I sincerely doubt my brother noticed my pain,” he said, irritated by what likely was the truth, “or if he did, cared.”
“Why?”
