Alesone was surprised and appreciative when the duke asked her several questions, and proud of how Thomas, his brother, and his father worked in unison to solidify plans.
However rough the start, ’twould seem Thomas had truly returned home. For that she was thankful. Nor would she linger on thoughts of wanting him. Their time together would soon end.
An ache built in her heart as the discussion of war echoed around her. Never had she believed she’d find a man that she could love, a man who respected her and wanted her as well.
Except he was a noble, and a man whose existence for many years was cultivated around war.
And she was the bastard daughter of his enemy.
Regardless of her desire for his love, mayhap after all of the horror’s he’d witnessed as an elite fighter, for his own protection he’d buried his emotions too deep to ever be able to acknowledge love.
From her experience in treating soldiers, she understood the hardship wrought by years of combat. Some men withdrew so deep inside they were naught but an empty shell, nae living, but surviving, waking up to try to make it through another day haunted by their memories.
That Thomas still found hope made him extraordinary. If he never told her that he loved her, ’twas a small price to pay for knowing a man of his caliber. Though many would damn her for going to his bed without the sacrament of marriage, she found little shame in her decision.
Thomas wanted her, and she loved him.
In but a day, two at most, her father’s men would attack Dair Castle. A battle in which many would die. Each day held nay guarantees, so she would take this moment and regardless what happened, regret naught.
The duke stood, and the warriors filling the room grew silent. Pride glistened in his eyes. “When Lord Comyn arrives, he will rue the day he dared attack Dair Castle!”
Cheers roared. The scrapes of chairs echoed as men stood and began departing.
Alesone watched as Thomas remained to speak with his father and brother, thankful for his strengthened bond with those he loved. ’Twould bring her peace knowing that for the rest of his life he would have family to turn to.
He glanced over. Warmth flickered in his eyes.
Anticipation slid through her as he walked over. Well she knew the warrior and the lover as well. He was a man any woman would want.
Thomas halted a pace away. “Donnchadh and I are meeting with the knights in the courtyard to review tactics and make detailed preparations for the castle’s defense.”
She nodded. “I will go help Forveleth prepare herbs.”
“This day hasna gone as I had planned,” Thomas said softly with heat in his eyes, “but nor is it over.”
At his sultry promise, her breath left her in a rush, and as he walked away, her mind spun with heated thoughts of the hours ahead.
* * *
The afternoon crawled past. Alesone wiped her brow, noted the sun sinking in the west.
“Hold the bundle tight while I secure the tie,” Forveleth said.
Embarrassed to have been daydreaming, Alesone tightened her grip. “We should have plenty of herbs for whatever treatment is required.”
“Indeed.” The healer set aside the sack. “Come, we have one more injured man to care for this night.”
Alesone scooped up the basket and followed. “I thought we had treated everyone?”
“’Tis the king’s man Sir John carried in. I tended to him when he first arrived. With his injuries, he will be in great pain. I want to give him some chamomile to help him sleep.”
The scent of roasting venison filled the air as they headed down the crossed the great room.
The healer headed outside.
“Where is he?” Alesone asked, surprised as they started across the bailey.
“He wished to remain in the guard’s quarters.”
