The Pawn

by Aston, Alexa

  “Where are the other horses?” she asked, realizing they were missing.

  “I released them from their stalls and shooed them away before I came for you. I thought that wiser than trying to bind each man with rope and chance that one might awaken while I did so.”

  Katelyn rewarded him with a grateful smile. “You not only have courage but are a quick thinker. It must be the English coming out in you, Alec,” she teased.

  “I’ve one bit of bad news before we take off,” he said. “Bryce never returned to the house after he left this afternoon. I don’t know where he is or if arranged to meet the laird’s men somewhere along the way.”

  Katelyn fought the rising panic, knowing Bryce could be anywhere, and said, “It doesn’t matter. Let’s be off.”

  “Hold the lantern steady. If you tire, I’ll take it.”

  Alec led them away from the house at a walk. Once they reached the road, he guided his horse into a trot. She wished they could ride faster but knew it was safer to keep the horse at a slow, steady pace to avoid any hazards in the road. Gripping the lantern in one hand and the pommel in the other, she kept her eyes on the path ahead—and prayed no one would prevent them from reaching the border.

  Especially Bryce.

  They reached the nearby village and continued down its main street. Suddenly, Alec swore under his breath and wheeled the horse into a narrow alley.

  “Hide the light,” he hissed as he grabbed the lantern from her.

  Katelyn lifted the blanket and held it wide, blocking the lantern’s light. She glanced over her shoulder and, moments later, saw a rider pass. Though in silhouette, his familiar profile caused her heart to skip a beat. She whipped her head around and held the blanket in shaking hands, holding her breath.

  “You can lower it,” Alec said in her ear.

  She released the blanket, settling it back across her lap. “What was Bryce doing here?”

  “I should have realized when he vanished that he’d come to the village to see the widow he’s bragged about coupling with so many times.”

  “He’ll reach the laird’s manor within minutes,” she said anxiously. “He’ll try to rouse the men to come after us.”

  “Even if he can—and I doubt he’ll be able to—they won’t be able to chase us down without their horses. I’ll pick up our pace but we can’t afford to have the horse stumble into a rut and break his leg.”

  Katelyn knew if that occurred, they would be in the middle of nowhere, vulnerable to attack. Bryce would find them easily. Without a doubt, he would kill Alec.

  Who knew what he might do to her?

  Alec turned the horse and led them back to the street. They soon left the village behind. She took the lantern from him, holding it high and watching the road for any obstacles, forcing herself to push aside thoughts of Bryce. Sometime later, they came across the second, smaller village that she remembered in their flight from England.

  After they passed through it, she allowed herself to hope. Bryce would have wasted time trying to stir the men once he arrived at the manor house. More time would have been squandered in discovering that no horses stood in the stables. By the time he set out to give chase, they had a decent space between them. Bryce would also have to be wary as he rode after them for the darkness would affect him as much as it did them.

  Still, she remained alert as they continued on.

  “We’re about a quarter of an hour from the border,” Alec said loudly.

  Katelyn nodded in understanding. She switched the lantern to her left hand since the right one tired.

  For no reason, her arms broke out in gooseflesh. She locked her hand around Alec’s forearm and said over her shoulder, “Bryce is coming.”

  He slowed the horse and turned it to face north. “I don’t see a thing, Katelyn.”

  Her gut lurched. “There!” she cried.

  A tiny speck of light appeared on the horizon.

  “I know it’s him. Hurry!” she urged.

  Alec kicked the horse, which broke out into a gallop. Katelyn realized at once they were going too fast.

  “I can’t see!” she yelled. “Slow down.”

  As he pulled up on the reins, the horse stumbled. The lantern’s light fell on a dead carcass of some animal lying in the road and then sailed from her hand and hit the ground. As the light extinguished, she fought to stay in the saddle, gripping the pommel tightly. Alec’s arm remained around her waist as he battled to keep his own balance and get the horse under control.

  “Hold on,” Alec ordered once the horse halted. He swung from the saddle. “I want to see if anything’s wrong with the animal.”

  After a moment, he said, “I think he’s all right.”

  Katelyn glanced back and saw the beacon of light approaching quickly. “Do something!” she cried.

  Alec drew his sword. “Keep going. I’ll fight him off as best I can.”

  “I can’t leave you.”

  He clasped her calf in his hand. “Katelyn, you must. If only one of us makes it to England, it should be you. Go.”

  Releasing her leg, he slapped the horse’s flank and the beast cantered away. She looked over her shoulder and saw that Bryce was almost upon Alec. Her friend stood ready, both hands around his sword’s hilt, as Bryce galloped nearer and unsheathed his own sword.

  Katelyn yanked on the reins, bringing the horse to a halt. She couldn’t abandon the one person who had been so kind to her. She wouldn’t have made it this far without him. Whirling around, she urged the horse forward as Bryce threw his lantern at Alec, hitting him the head. The young man staggered back, bringing a hand to his forehead as Bryce pulled up next to him. Without hesitation, he rammed his sword into Alec.

  A scream filled the air.

  Bryce’s booted foot then shoved Alec back. His sword came free as the young man fell to the ground just as Katelyn reached them. Bryce had already jumped from the saddle and lifted his sword to finish Alec off.

  “Don’t you dare,” she warned. Leaning down, she removed the blade Alec had given her from her boot and gripped it in her hand.

  Bryce walked cockily toward her. “Foiled again, Katelyn,” he boasted.

  As he reached her, she brought her hand up with as much force as she could muster, striking him in the throat. She buried the dagger to the hilt in his soft flesh.

  Bryce’s hands flew to his throat as he made an odd gurgling sound. Then he crumpled to the ground and lay silent.

  Katelyn leaped from her horse and hurried to Alec. She fell to her knees and pressed her fingers to where the sword had entered him.

  “He struck just below your shoulder, Alec,” she said.

  “It still hurts like Holy Hell,” her friend muttered.

  “Lie still,” she ordered and ripped away his shirt. Tearing it into strips, she wound them about his upper chest to stanch the bleeding. Then she ripped the bottom portion of her own shirt and tied it around him to keep the strips more secure.

  “We’re close to home. You’re going to make it. You will live.” Raising him to a seated position, she added, “I need to get you atop your horse.”

  “I don’t see how.”

  “You will do as I say, Alec. I’m not losing you. You mean too much to me. You were willing to die for me moments ago. The least you can do is offer to live for me now.”

  He chuckled. “Aye, my lady. Anything for the king’s cousin.”

  It took a few tries but she managed to get him to his feet. By sheer willpower, Katelyn situated him in the saddle, her strength now almost exhausted. She climbed in front of him and then lifted the blanket draped in front of her and wrapped it around his back. Bringing it forward, she tied it as tightly as she could around the pommel.

  “We’re bound together now, Alec. Lean on me. Wrap your arms about my waist. Put your head on my shoulder. We’re going home.”

  She nudged the horse and kept him to a trot, heading southward, counting in her head as she used to do when waiting to hear the be
lls chime at the convent every quarter-hour. Alec had said they were fifteen minutes away. She hoped he was right.

  Katelyn watched carefully as they rode, knowing they couldn’t afford another mishap. She doubted she could get Alec back in the saddle if he fell. Already, he leaned heavily upon her. They had to reach help before he bled to death.

  A group of horses stood in the distance ahead. She wanted to wave her arms about but couldn’t chance disturbing Alec. She rode toward them steadily, praying they would help.

  Suddenly, one of the riders separated from the pack and came swiftly toward her.

  It was Nicholas.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Nicholas gazed out across the horizon again, seeing no activity. Dawn would arrive soon. Already, faint pink streaks glowed in the distance as a new day tried to break through the skies. Restlessness filled him. He prayed the Scots would keep their word and bring Kate to him. Each soldier that accompanied him had two sacks of gold tied to his saddle. Nicholas would have given all the gold in England to have her back.

  “My lord. A rider approaches,” Sir Albert said.

  A lone horse appeared on the horizon, moving toward them. Mayhap, it was a scout of the laird that had taken Kate, one that would inform him of her arrival shortly. He watched with suspicion, his mistrust of all Scots running deep through him. Living so close to the border had taught him to always be on guard.

  As the rider drew near, something struck him as familiar. Nicholas pushed forward, cantering to meet this individual. His pulse began to race and he urged Sunset into a gallop, even as he heard his men calling out to him, trying to catch up. A sweet rush of relief swept through him.

  Kate was the rider.

  She brought her horse to a halt, relief and joy on her face. He pulled up next to her, his hands falling from the reins as they reached out to cradle her face.

  “Kate,” he uttered, his voice hoarse.

  “Nicholas.” Tears welled in her eyes as her hands touched his face.

  The world stopped for a moment as they gazed longingly at one another then his knights thundered up. Nicholas finally saw the man slumped against her.

  “Who’s this?” he asked.

  “This is Alec. He’s been wounded. We must get him to Elewys quickly.”

  “A miserable Scot?” one of his soldiers said. “Let the bastard die.”

  Nicholas watched fire spark in Kate’s eyes as she glared at the man. “Alec’s mother was English and it’s the best part of him. He risked everything to help me escape. Everything! And then he faced down Bryce and was wounded, trying to defend me. As your countess, I demand you take him to Northmere and do whatever it takes to save his life. Do you understand?”

  “Aye, my lady,” the knight said contritely. He dismounted and came to her. “I’ll take him.”

  “We don’t have time,” she said impatiently. “We’re but two miles from Northmere. Lead the way, sir!”

  As the man remounted his horse, Nicholas said, “What you said. About Bryce.” A sick feeling grew within him.

  “Bryce was in league with the Scots. He was behind my abduction.”

  Her words twisted like a knife in his belly.

  “Where is he now?”

  “A few miles north of where we stand.”

  “I’ll kill him!” roared Nicholas.

  The Scotsman spoke for the first time. “No need to, my lord.” He gave Nicholas a crooked grin. “Lady Katelyn already took care of that.”

  Before he could reply, the horses began to move. Nicholas kept Sunset next to Kate as the sun rose and they made their way back to Northmere. Albert rode ahead to alert the gatekeeper and summon the healer. They quickly passed through the open gates, which closed behind them. Kate led their group straight to the keep. Nicholas used his sword to slash through the wool blanket that she’d used to keep her rescuer anchored in the saddle with her. He stepped back and two of his men removed the man Nicholas now thought of as a hero and carried him up the stairs.

  Elewys appeared, carrying a basket. She linked arms with Kate.

  “Tell me about the wound,” the healer said as they hurried inside the keep.

  Nicholas followed them upstairs. His men placed the Scot in a bedchamber and left. He watched as the two women began to attend to the wounded man and knew his presence wasn’t required. He retreated to the solar and found that Henfrey awaited him.

  “Let me help remove your armor, my lord,” the squire offered.

  Nicholas allowed the boy to strip him of the bulky armor. When finished, Henfrey placed it in a corner of the room.

  “I am happy you returned with Lady Katelyn, my lord. She’s been most kind to me.”

  Nicholas only nodded and fell into a chair as numbness consumed him. His brother had allied himself to the Scots. He had Kate abducted by their enemy. Nicholas sat lost in thought, wondering what had turned Bryce so against him.

  Suddenly, a hand rested on his shoulder. He glanced up and saw his wife, looking disheveled and bruised—and thought her the loveliest sight he’d ever seen. His hands captured her waist and pulled her into his lap. He kissed her hungrily, as if he would never get enough of her.

  Breathless, she finally lifted her lips from his and gave him a brilliant smile.

  “You can see again.”

  “Aye. And all I ever want to see is you, my love.”

  Nicholas stood and carried her to the bed. Their bed. He set her down gently.

  “This time, I want to see every inch of you. Hear every sigh you make. And by the Christ, I’ll remember every moment.”

  The corners of her mouth turned up. “Then what are you waiting for?”

  He needed no further invitation. He removed his boots and peeled away his clothing then his fingers sought the ragged ends of the shirt she wore and lifted it from her. Perfect, round globes of temptation greeted him. Nicholas fastened his mouth to one breast and kneaded the other. A gasp sounded. Then a sigh. Finally, low moans came from Kate as he lavished attention on each breast.

  Nicholas worked his way back up her throat and pressed gentle kisses along her jaw and up to her ear. She shivered as his tongue circled it and then darted in and out. Her hands stroked his bare chest, lighting a fire inside him. His lips trailed to her mouth and he kissed her deeply. His hand slid down her body and cupped her, rubbing seductively. Kate’s hips rose, her breasts pressing against him.

  He broke the kiss and untied the rope holding up her pants before sliding them down milky white thighs. He stopped to remove her boots and then slipped the pants from her altogether.

  Gazing in admiration, he told her, “You are the most beautiful woman in the world.”

  Her fingers teased his nipples. “And you are the most beautiful man ever born.” She leaned up and licked one of his nipples playfully, causing him to shudder. “And you are mine. All mine, Nicholas Mandeville.”

  He smiled. “And you are mine, sweet Kate. I am ready to feast upon you.”

  Nicholas kissed his way from her belly to her core. He parted her folds and thrust his tongue deeply inside her. Her startled, satisfied cry was music to his ears as he tasted her essence and brought her to her peak. Kate writhed beneath him, calling his name over and over, as her hips bucked wildly. She squealed with delight as she came, her fingers tightening in his hair.

  “Oh. Oh. Oh,” she repeated in wonder.

  Quickly, he slipped his cock inside her and slowly pulled away. He continued, gradually entering her and withdrawing until she begged him for more. He sped up his pace and then found himself thrusting frenziedly, clutching her buttocks, wild feelings of joy zipping through him. They both climaxed at the same time, his shout as one of victory.

  Falling against her, he nuzzled her neck and then rolled to his side. He brought her close. Her cheek rested against his chest. His hands lightly skimmed the satin skin of her back.

  “I love you,” he said. “I regret not telling you before. I wanted to but was afraid the intensity of my
feelings would frighten you away. You seemed so determined to annul our union.”

  “Did you push me away and demand an annulment because of your blindness?”

  “Aye. I didn’t think it fair. You deserved a whole man, not part of one.”

  Kate stroked his cheek. “I loved you, Nicholas. Sight or no sight.”

  “Then why did you press for an annulment?”

  Her hand fell away. “I’m not like other women you’ve known. I didn’t feel worthy to be your countess, much less your wife. I have no experience in being a lady.”

  He kissed her softly. “Being unlike other noblewomen is your greatest strength, sweetheart. I value you as you are, Kate. Your previous experiences have made you the woman I need. You are the one I want by my side, until the end of time.”

  Need for her grew in him and he made love to her again. Slowly. Sweetly. Savoring each taste and touch.

  Once more, she lay nestled within his arms. Everything felt right as she absently stroked his arm. Love for this woman radiated from him—and yet he still wished for answers from her.

  “Can you share what happened to you this past week?” he asked. “Or is it too painful to talk about?”

  Kate snuggled closer to him. “Now that I’m safely back with you, I will gladly tell you everything.”

  She explained why she wanted to ride to Ravenwood and how she and Henfrey had been attacked. Nicholas was touched that Kate would have journeyed all the way to the king to protect her husband.

  “I loved you. Even if I hadn’t, I would never have wanted to see you cheated out of your title and estate by your uncle.”

  “Rafe is gone now. I could not trust him ever again after his declaration against me, especially when I needed him most.”

  “You made the right decision. I’m only sad to know Ellyn suffered because of her husband’s actions.”