“Counting the bow and arrows, eight.”
Thomas arched a brow. “Well-armed for a healer gathering herbs.”
“’Tis dangerous away from the encampment,” she stated, temper sliding into her voice.
“Aye, but nae for a mercenary intent on killing the king.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I told you my reason for being in the forest.”
“You did, a claim I find of great interest.” Thomas caught her wrist, stunned by the shock of desire he felt at the touch. He nodded to Rónán. “I will escort Mistress Alesone, if indeed ’tis her name, to the encampment.”
His friend released her and stepped back.
Alesone struggled against Thomas’s hold. “I dinna need an escort!”
“What you need is yet to be determined,” Thomas warned, nae pleased by the delay, nor by being saddled with this mule-headed woman whom he couldna trust. “If you continue to fight me, you will be tied and carried to camp. How you meet the king is your choice.”
Outrage flashed in her eyes. “How dare you treat me with such disrespect, you ill-bred lout! I am nae a criminal.”
“A decision I will allow King Robert to make.” Though beautiful, this woman promised to be naught but trouble. With a muttered curse, Thomas tugged her with him and headed toward the king’s encampment.
Chapter Two
With a muttered curse, Thomas pulled the reckless woman past the camp’s outlying tents, her blistering scowl trying his patience.
“Release me!” she hissed.
Thomas shot the lass a warning glare. “Mistress Alesone.” He kept his voice level as he strode toward the king’s tent. “One doesna shoot arrows at a warrior and then make demands.”
Alesone tugged hard to break free from his hold.
Enough. He halted, jerked a thin hemp rope from his pack, and secured her wrists.
She gasped. “W-what are you doing?”
“I believe,” he said, his voice dry, “’tis obvious.”
Lavender eyes narrowed. “I told you I wouldna try to escape.”
“A promise broken by your action moments ago.”
“This is ridiculous! One woman surrounded by several knights. I hardly think I present any threat.”
He scoffed. “Your skill with the bow, along with the wide array of arms you had concealed upon your person, tends to undermine that argument.”
“Your men seized all of my weapons,” she said. “And I do not appreciate being brought before the king restrained like a common criminal.”
“Continue to argue and you will find yourself tossed over my shoulder with a gag in your mouth.”
“An action you would sorely regret.”
Thomas resumed walking. “The only thing I regret is that I didna tie you from the start. As for your being freed, once the king has confirmed that you are indeed his healer, you will be released.”
Defiance flashed in her eyes. “A moment I shall relish.”
Thomas forced a smile. However much she irritated him, the lass was a fighter. She clung to her declaration with the tenacity of a beggar fighting over crumbs.
When they’d entered the encampment, he’d expected her to panic, petition for her release, and admit her claim of being the king’s healer a lie spoken out of desperation. Given Scotland’s turmoil, reasoning he’d understand.
