His father nodded. “Earlier you said your brother was looking for you.”
Donnchadh’s stern acceptance came to mind. “We spoke. You will be pleased to learn that we have made amends…of sorts.”
“Good.” The duke released a long sigh. “I will be sad to see you go.”
“For now it canna be any other way, but I promise when the opportunity arises, I will return.”
Happiness crinkled his aged eyes, and he stood. “Take care, my son.”
The soft tap of steps echoed upon the floor. A creek, then sunlight streamed inside the holy chamber. Moments later his father closed the door behind him, severed the wash of light.
Alone, Thomas stared at the cross upon the wall, anguish twisting inside his heart. A part of him wanted to go to Alesone and admit his feelings for her, the other hesitated against the dangers ahead.
Naught was guaranteed, but after all she had endured, neither was it fair to admit how much she was coming to mean to him when he didna love her.
At thoughts of her in another man’s arms, he shoved to his feet, started toward the door. Aye, he would talk with her, but until he knew the depth of what he felt for her, he would say naught. Still, as long as she remained under his guard, neither would anyone court her.
Chapter Fifteen
The scent of herbs melded with the tinge of smoke from the hearth as Alesone adjusted the lad’s elbow. She glanced at the healer, struggled to focus on her task, nae linger on Thomas’s hurtful claim that if she became pregnant with his child, he’d have to marry her. The oaf. Regardless of what he made her feel, he could rot in Hades if he believed she’d ever bind her life with his.
“Is this the angle you wanted?” Alesone asked, fighting for calm.
The elder woman nodded. “Keep your grip firm while I secure the binding.” Aged eyes shifted to the boy. “Dinna move.” With expertise she wrapped his arm, then looped a swatch of cloth secured to the bandage around his shoulder. “’Twill keep you from moving your arm about. Next time when your father warns you to nae run behind the horses you will listen.”
Eyes filled with tears begging to come out met Alesone’s, then darted toward the healer. The wee lad sniffed back a sob. “I willna.”
The old woman stepped back. “Along with you, then. And dinna run.”
“Aye.” With another sheepish glance, the boy sped from the chamber.
As the door closed behind him, her anger at Thomas melting beneath the lad’s fortitude, Alesone smiled at Forveleth. “’Twas courageous of the lad to shield his tears.”
“He has had much practice. ’Tis the tenth time this year I have treated him for what his father has forbid him to do. Nor do I believe ’tis the last I will see of him.” A twinkle shimmered in the elder’s eyes. “He reminds me of Lord Thomas in his youth.”
“Nay doubt he was quite handful,” Alesone said.
“Indeed. Once he became stuck in the latrine shaft trying to frighten Donnchadh. It took three men to pull the fearless lad out.” She chuckled. “I assure you, none were pleased with the task.”
Curious to learn more about his past, Alesone sat in a nearby chair. “And Thomas?”
“His father ordered him straight to bathe, except even after two days and several extra scrubbings, you could still smell the foul stench whenever he walked by.” A smile touched her mouth as she shook her head. “I had little sympathy, ’twas culled by his own doing. But did he learn? Nay. And a fortnight later, trouble and Thomas were back together.”
Alesone imagined him in the thick of the mayhem, traits nay doubt his children would inherit. With the clarity Thomas had stated his future didna include her, a child she would never see. ’Twas for the best. However much she yearned for Thomas, she didna fit into his life. For a foolish moment she’d allowed herself to believe a chance existed, nay longer.
Emptiness filled her at thoughts of a future alone. Neither would she dishonor all Grisel had taught her. She was strong, knew how to protect herself, and was skilled as a healer.
“So Thomas was a handful,” Alesone forced out, struggling to keep the melancholy from her voice.
“Nay more than his brothers or sister,” the healer replied. “Often times, two or more of them were in trouble at the same time for banding together to pull a prank.”
The emptiness of her childhood rattled in her chest. Though Grisel had raised her with love, and her mother’s personal maid had visited on numerous occasions, she’d yearned for siblings.
“What of you? Do you have brothers or sisters?”
“Nay.”
Tenderness touched her face. “Your parents were blessed to have a daughter such as you. Your mother—”
