Vengeance 02.5 - A Knight's Christmas Wish Read online

  With quick efficient movements, she dumped some of the vegetables into the kettle, added water Joseph had fetched from a stream, and a few herbs, then tore some of the dried meat into bits and sprinkled that in as well.

  “You didn’t think we were going to eat the same thing we had for the midday meal, did you?” the older lady asked with a smile.

  “I told you we wouldn’t be any trouble,” Kayte added.

  Rylan decided he and Joseph were lucky have escorted the women after all.

  Joseph built a simple bracket using tree limbs to hold the kettle above the fire by its handle. While Anne watched the pot simmer, Joseph shifted his attention to the horses. Kayte had already unsaddled hers and brushed it with some dried grass to remove any sweat. Joseph did the same with the other three then gave each some of the oats they’d brought along.

  “How is your side?” Kayte asked Rylan. “Shall I check it?”

  “Fine. How are you? You must be stiff after spending so much of the day on a horse.”

  “Nothing to truly complain about.” She moved to pick up more wood, and Rylan found himself walking alongside her, doing the same.

  “Perhaps I should pick it up and place it in your arms?” she suggested. “Bending over can’t be good for your ribs.”

  He nodded in agreement. They slowly walked through the trees with Kayte finding enough dry branches to see them through the night. Rylan made two trips back to the fire to pile the wood.

  “We have plenty now I believe,” he told her as he caught up with her once again after depositing the last load.

  “Very well.” She put down the piece she’d been carrying and glanced around. “’Tis actually quite pretty here.”

  She was right. The forest held a mix of evergreen and oak trees. The underbrush wasn’t overly thick, allowing him to see a fair distance even in the dusk. That would do them no good once dark fell in full.

  Kayte rubbed her arms briskly.

  “May I?” he asked. He drew closer and put an arm around her shoulders to warm her.

  She smiled up at him, her beauty softened in the dim light. “Thank you.”

  “I’m sorry we weren’t able to find better shelter for the night. A place where you’d be safe and warm.”

  “I am safe and warm.” She bit her bottom lip and moved a little closer.

  His thoughts halted and desire rushed in. A lovely, intelligent woman was in his arms. The quiet of the forest provided a secluded spot. ’Twas too much to resist.

  Her warm blue eyes looked up at him as she turned to face him and put her hand on his chest. “Are you warm?”

  It took a moment for the meaning of her words to filter through the haze in his brain. How could he possibly hold a conversation when longing poured through him? Her gaze dropped to his lips and he was gone, left with no choice but to act.

  Slowly he bent until his lips were only a breath away from hers, waiting to see if she would push him away. After all, she was about to take her vows.

  Instead she leaned forward, lifting up to meet his lips. Rather than a small trickle, the desire became a flood, coursing through his body. As they kissed, he gathered her in his arms.

  She reached up to put her arms around his shoulders and his knees nearly buckled. He moved slowly, wanting more than anything to savor the moment. To make it last as long as possible. Her response was tentative, almost as though she’d never before been kissed.

  He eased back to trace the seam of her lips with his tongue. He had to—needed to—taste her. In this moment, his very life depended on it. She opened her lips and he nearly sighed with relief. She tasted so sweet. His hands found the edges of her cloak and slipped inside to draw her even closer.

  But then he stopped. He was surely moving too fast. He eased back but she came with him, giving a little whimper that had his heart thundering. Never had he felt like this. How could she taste so good? So right?

  “Rylan?” His name on her lips had him groaning.

  “Aye?”

  “Your kiss…I’ve never felt quite so—that is to say—I—’tis amazing.” She looked up into his eyes, and he could see hers were full of the same wonder that filled him.

  “Nor have I.” He squeezed her hips, trying to keep his passion under control. He lifted a hand to touch her cheek. “You are so special, Kayte. So beautiful. So sweet.”

  She shook her head and dropped her gaze.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing.”

  But he could see it was something. “I don’t know who has caused you to doubt it, but I am here to tell you that you truly are special.”

  At last she looked at him again. Her big eyes filled with a combination of hurt and wariness that made him angry. “Was it Rainald?” he asked.

  “He found me less than appealing.”

  “The man was an idiot.”

  Her mouth popped open in surprise.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to speak ill of the dead. But you have to know he was not the most noble of men. He often cast blame on others when he was at fault.”

  Her cheeks turned pink at his words.

  “What is it?”

  “You’ve said something I’ve never considered.” She glanced away as though pondering his words. “Mayhap you’re right.”

  “I know I am. Please remove any doubt from your mind.” There were many other things he longed to say, yet it was not his place. She had her life planned and it did not involve him. While he’d thought perhaps he’d eventually take a wife, that was years from now when he was home long enough to find a suitable bride. Yet his mother’s voice echoed in his head.

  Love finds you when you least expect it.

  He nearly scoffed at the thought. His desire for this woman had nothing to do with love. Certainly he cared for her. After all, she’d helped heal him and for that he owed her. Which was the only reason he’d agreed to escort her and her aunt to the convent. Odd how that no longer seemed like the truth.

  “Thank you.” She smiled up at him.

  A strange sensation filled his chest as her gaze held his. Uncomfortable, he did what he always did when he wasn’t certain—he ignored it. “You are welcome. Let us return to camp and see if the soup is ready.”

  Something flickered in her eyes. Surely it wasn’t disappointment, was it?

  * * *

  Kayte helped Anne rinse out the pot in the nearby stream along with their bowls and spoons by the light of a burning torch Rylan had fashioned from a branch and strips of linen.

  “You’ve been so resourceful,” Kayte told her aunt. “I had no idea you were experienced in traveling.”

  “I did a fair amount of it in my youth. I learned no purpose was served in being uncomfortable or eating bad food.”

  “I suppose I never thought of it quite like that. It was more something to endure than to enjoy.”

  “My dear, if you don’t enjoy the journey than your destination won’t be nearly as sweet.” Her eyes held a sparkle that Kayte had rarely seen.

  “I think that despite the cold, traveling agrees with you.”

  “I’m pleased to be away from Cumberford in all honesty. I didn’t realize how uncomfortable I was there until we left.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Kayte sat back on her heels and looked up at the stars. The clear night made for a cold but beautiful night. But she was still grateful for the fire.

  “Let us return to camp and see to our beds. I’m ready for sleep.”

  But Kayte was far from tired. Perhaps it was the cold, or maybe it had been Rylan’s kiss. Her stomach still fluttered when she thought of it. How could one man’s lips on hers differ so much from another’s? It made no sense. But there was no comparison between her husband’s and Rylan’s kisses.

  They returned to camp and she grew warm as she caught sight of the knight. He must be exhausted. He was far from recovered from his injury and spending the day on a horse would’ve caused him great pain.

  His eyes followed
her progress as she came into view, making those flutters even stronger.

  Their beds were already made and lay next to each other near the fire.

  Rylan rose but moved slowly. “Joseph and I will take turns keeping watch. I’ll take the first one.”

  “I’m happy to help,” Kayte said. “I’m not tired yet. I’ll take the first watch.”

  “Nay. Joseph and I are used to doing so.”

  “I’m sure. But I don’t have an injury. Why don’t I wake you when I grow weary?”

  Rylan shook his head. “And what weapon would you use to protect yourself if you saw something?”

  “You. I would simply wake you if I heard anything alarming.”

  He scowled in response, obviously not convinced.

  “I will sit by your side so I can easily notify you.” Just the thought of sitting near him, watching him as he slept made her breathless. “’Tis settled. I won’t hear any more argument.”

  Joseph smiled in approval but Rylan still scowled. She chose to ignore that. She made sure Anne was tucked into the blankets with a fur over her as well. She added another log to the fire and by the time she allowed herself to look at Rylan again, he was laying by the fire. That was surely a sign he was tired.

  She took one of her blankets and wrapped it over her cloak then settled in near Rylan.

  “Closer.”

  She looked at him but he hadn’t opened his eyes. But she scooted closer until she was near his hip.

  “Thank you,” he whispered. His eyes opened for a moment and held hers. “Wake me if you hear anything at all.”

  “Of course.” She turned to face the fire, grateful for its warmth and light.

  Joseph already slept based on the stillness of his form under his blankets. Anne gave her one last smile then covered her head with the blanket to help stay warm. Rylan’s breathing slowed and she guessed he was nearly asleep as well.

  She glanced around the edge of the clearing, noting that she couldn’t see far. The darkness of the night was deep, especially in the trees.

  Her thoughts wandered back over their day. She was pleased Harold had not followed them. Surely if he hadn’t by now, he wouldn’t bother. The memory of those two men they’d passed on the road and the uncomfortable feeling they’d given her was enough to have her sitting up straighter and scanning the trees for movement once again.

  An owl hooted in the distance, lending an eerie sound to the night. She glanced behind her to look at Rylan, reassured by his presence. It was difficult to judge how much time had passed. She told herself she’d wait as long as she could, until she could no longer stay awake. But it was her bladder that gave her fits. She should’ve relieved herself earlier. She tried her best to distract herself and ignore the discomfort but soon it was no use.

  With another glance at Rylan, she rose quietly, careful not to disturb him when he was obviously sleeping so soundly. Leaving the blanket behind, she made her way into the trees, hoping to avoid stepping on a branch or something that would wake everyone. She paused a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the dimness. Deciding she was still too close to the fire, she went a little farther, then found a tree she could hide behind to relieve herself.

  Her need satisfied, she adjusted her kirtle and cloak and started back. A twig snapped directly behind her. Before she could turn to find the reason for it, an arm wrapped around her throat, and a knife entered her line of sight.

  “No screamin’ else I’ll cut ye.” The whispered voice chilled her to the bone.

  “Even pretty ladies have to piss, eh?” One of the men from the road appeared before her, the one who’d carried the bag.

  Fear choked her along with the other man’s arm. She tugged at it, trying to catch her breath as panic gurgled in her throat.

  “Settle down,” the voice behind her warned. “We won’t hurt ye.”

  “Nay,” added the man before her. “We just want to have a little fun.”

  Kayte tried to think, to find some way out of this. But the knife was clearly visible in the faint glow from the fire. Tears pricked her eyes as hopelessness washed through her. How could she have been so careless?

  “Easy now.” The man before her gave his companion a nod. Then the other one dragged her backward into the trees.

  Her struggles only made him tighten his arm. She forced herself to go completely limp. For a moment, the man’s hold loosened. She thrashed with all her might but his arm tightened once again. The prick of the knife just under her jaw gave her pause.

  “No more of that, do ye hear?” The man in front of her drew close as he whispered, the foul stench of his breath enough to gag her.

  Oh, dear God

  . What was she to do now?

  Chapter Seven

  Rylan woke with a start, his heart racing.

  A quick glance showed Kayte was not sitting beside him where she had been when he’d fallen asleep. Uncertain why he’d woken so abruptly, he sat up, disoriented from his deep sleep. The time on the road had exhausted him.

  Joseph still slept, as did Lady Anne. Where was Kayte?

  He listened closely but heard nothing. There was no sign anything was wrong, yet he could not set aside his unease. He rose and woke Joseph, telling him to keep watch while Rylan searched for Kayte. Sword in hand, he eased into the trees, remaining as quiet as possible.

  There! A muffled voice to his left. He followed the sound, certain now that something was amiss. Stealthily he moved from tree to tree, growing closer. Now he heard whispers. The light of the fire barely reached here but the darkness served him well.

  Rage filled him at the sight before him. The two men they’d passed on the road had Kayte. One had his arm wrapped around her neck as she sat on the ground between his legs. The other man stood before her, lowering his braes. Why hadn’t she called for him? Awareness dawned as he caught sight of a long blade held at her throat that glinted in the faint light.

  Hell’s teeth!

  He’d known these two were trouble yet he’d done nothing. Instead, he’d left Kayte to keep watch. He was nearly as angry at himself as he was with the men. But not quite. They would pay for their mistake with their lives.

  With slow, careful steps, he edged around behind the man holding Kayte. He had to be stopped before he hurt her. Rylan withdrew his knife and eased forward slowly but he needn’t have bothered. The man facing him was focused on Kayte. Staying low, he allowed his anger at their intention to fill him. His blade found the space between the man’s ribs.

  He stiffened, his breath halting. His arms loosened from around Kayte as he cried out in pain.

  His companion stared, his eyes going wide as he tried to determine what had happened to his friend.

  Rylan held his knife at the stabbed man’s throat. It seemed only fair since he did the same thing to Kayte. “Release her.”

  The man hesitated a moment too long.

  Rylan shoved his blade into the man’s neck then jerked him away from Kayte.

  Kayte turned to see what happened, her gaze locked on the man dying on the ground.

  Rylan ignored her for the moment and focused on the remaining threat.

  “What did you do that fer? We were only havin’ ourselves a bit of fun.” He held up both hands, palms out.

  “Fun, eh? Then you won’t mind if someone rapes you.” Rylan stepped forward, bloody knife still in hand.

  The man whimpered in fear as he backed away. “Nay. Please, sir, don’t kill me.”

  “If I see you hurt anyone again, it will be the end of you.”

  He nodded. Rylan couldn’t see his expression in the dim light so could only hope he knew Rylan meant what he said. “Off with you before I change my mind.”

  The man turned away only to spin back and rush toward Rylan with a knife.

  Kayte screamed a warning but Rylan was ready. He raised his arm to block the man’s thrust then plunged his knife into the man’s chest.

  “Damn ye,” the man cursed as he dropped his kn
ife to clutch his chest. He staggered back and pulled Rylan’s knife from his body, staring at the bloody weapon as though unsure how it had gotten there.

  “You should’ve left while you had the chance.” Rylan felt no remorse but glanced at Kayte, all too aware of what she must be thinking.

  She stood between her attackers, riveted to the sight of the second dying man as he gasped for air, his tunic darkening with blood. He fell to the ground with a moan.

  Rylan wanted nothing more than to gather her into his arms and never let go. The sight of those men—the knowledge of what they’d been about to do—would haunt him for a long time to come.

  Instead, he retrieved his knife and wiped off the blood on the man’s tunic. He wanted to give her a moment to gather her composure, to understand what had just happened. He could only hope she realized he’d had no choice and that she didn’t think him some sort of monster.

  He turned to her. “Are you all right?” Rylan didn’t touch her, uncertain if she’d want him to. She seemed completely shocked by the violence and his part in it. He couldn’t blame her. He was a knight and that was part of his life.

  She looked back and forth between the fallen men as though unable to believe her eyes. He’d never killed in front of a woman before and wasn’t certain what to expect.

  She turned to look at him. He waited, trying to discern if she was in shock after all she’d been through.

  Then she launched herself into his arms, holding on as though she’d never let go. Breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding whooshed from his lungs.

  With a hand that suddenly trembled, he brushed back her hair from her face. “Did they hurt you? Are you well?” he asked again, needing her to tell him.

  “Thanks to you. That was—unbelievable.” She drew back slightly to look at him. “How do you move so quickly?”

  He shook his head. He’d worried that what he’d done would make her want to stay away from him. Instead she complimented him on his skills. It made no sense. She made no sense, but he was more thankful than he could’ve imagine for her acceptance.

  She glanced back over her shoulder at the men who now lay splayed on the ground then turned back to Rylan. “You knew. You felt it when we met them on the road.”