Page 40 of Forbidden

“She is forbidden.”

Surprise showed in Duncan’s expression, but he controlled it immediately.

“I don’t understand,” he said carefully.

“You don’t have to,” Erik retorted. “Just don’t touch her. She doesn’t wish it.”

Duncan smiled slightly. “Truly?”

“Aye.”

“In that case, I will do as the lady wishes.”

With a darkly sensual smile, Duncan turned his horse aside and waited for Erik to lead off into the liquid gray of the morning.

Erik turned to Amber.

“Haven’t you warned him about touching you?” he asked.

“There was no need.”

“Why?”

“Even after Duncan awakened, his touch didn’t distress me.”

“Odd.”

“Yes.”

“What did she say?”

“She is still consulting her runes.”

Erik grunted. “I’ve never known Cassandra to labor so long over a prophecy before.”

“No.”

“God’s blood, no wonder Duncan is eager to be free of the cottage,” Erik muttered.

Amber gave him a sideways look from golden eyes, but said nothing.

“You’re as talkative as a turnip,” Erik said.

She nodded.

And spoke not one word.

With an impatient oath, Erik reined his horse aside and spurred into the lead. Two knights and their squires trotted across the meadow to join the small party. The men were wearing chain-mail hauberks beneath their mantles. They also had metal helms on their heads and carried the long, teardrop-shaped shields that Saxons had adopted from their Norman conquerors. Both knights were mounted on war stallions.

Duncan looked from the fully armed knights to Erik.

“Despite the clothes Stone Ring Keep has provided, suddenly I feel as naked as when I was found,” Duncan said dryly.

“Do you think you once wore armor?” Erik asked.

“I know it.”

There was no doubting the certainty in Duncan’s voice.