Chapter Nine
Luke stood to race after Nessa, but the act of getting to his feet sent a wave of dizziness cresting over him. He was in no shape to run. He took a moment to regain his balance and stood straight. His side ached. It had been a good cut, but he was certain he would recover. He walked toward the door. He hadn’t meant to hurt Nessa, he had only… He had only wanted to kiss her, to touch her. Her horrified look was not the response he had hoped for. But he knew now. He knew he was not in love with Mel, if he ever had been. He had to find Nessa and speak to her. He made his way to the door.
He heard a stifled cry and froze. The small cat suddenly raced inside the barn, running at full pace. It passed him and disappeared into the darkness.
Prickles raced along the nape of his neck. He quickly moved back to the stall and shoved the hay aside where Nessa had hidden his sword. He found it immediately and picked it up, hurrying to the door. Lightning split the sky in a fork, lighting the lands in a dim white light. The scene Luke saw sent terror through him.
A man held Nessa’s arm and was pulling her toward a horse.
Luke walked with a determined gait outside to intercept them. “Let her go!”
Nessa turned, reaching a hand toward him. Her eyes were wide in fear, her mouth partly open.
An image of his mother’s hand uplifted in defense flashed in his mind. His father stood over her, his fist raised, a sneer on his face. He had not been able to save her, but he would save Nessa. He clenched his jaw.
The man behind her lifted his weapon.
“No!” Luke cried and his determined stride turned to a full out run as he recognized Urien.
Urien brought the handle down. Nessa dropped to the ground.
Luke crossed swords with him immediately. Sparks flew from the collision of the blades. Luke swung, again and again, driving him back from Nessa.
Urien blocked the blows and retreated with a grimace.
Luke rained blow upon blow down on Urien; his only thought was to get to Nessa. Desperation washed over him. He slammed his sword against Urien’s, but was blocked at every swing. Luke couldn’t afford to take his eyes from Urien, but he wanted to look at Nessa. He blocked one of Urien’s strikes, before attacking again, ignoring the pain in his side.
Luke shoved Urien back with a kick to his chest. He heard a noise behind him and glanced over his shoulder to see Nessa sitting up, rubbing her head. Relief speared through him until he saw the strand of red snaking down from her hairline. He turned to see Urien rising to his feet. Luke’s hand tightened in fury over the pommel of his sword and he approached Urien. “It’s not enough you had to push her down, but to make her bleed.”
“And I will make you bleed, too.” Urien attacked, swinging his blade in deadly arcs and targeted thrusts.
Luke blocked them all, moving purposefully. He would not give ground to Urien. Nessa was behind him. He held his left arm against his wound to stabilize it as much as he could. But Nessa’s life and his own depended on him ignoring it. Urien was a skilled fighter. But he was not a knight. His skill came from practice and the occasional brawl. He had never fought in a war. He had never fought for his life. Luke was relentless. Blocking and dodging Urien’s attack and then going on the offensive. Thrusting. He caught Urien’s blade and swung his hand around, almost disarming him. But Urien backed away at the last moment.
Lightning flashed in the sky above them as Urien laughed. “You’ve improved since I last faced you.”
“We were boys then.”
Urien grimaced. “But you were always the favorite.”
“You refused to follow the code of chivalry. If you had tried instead of using your strength against those weaker than you, you would not have been banished.”
Urien’s lips curled in a sneer. “Always defending those weaker than yourself. You are weak. You were weak then and you are weak now. You can’t protect her.”
Luke fought down the panic. Urien’s words echoed his own fears. If he failed to protect Nessa, Urien would kill her. Just like his father had done to his mother. Luke pressed his arm to his wound. The cloth was becoming moist. “And you will kill her? She was your friend when you were young! We all were!”
“No one was my friend!” Urien howled. “Only Melwyn.”
“What did you think would happen when you kept pushing Nessa?”
Suddenly, Nessa was at his side. “He didn’t just push me. The last time, he struck me. Father found out. That’s why he banished him.”
Urien stepped forward, raising his sword. “You told him!” he spat with hatred.
Nessa shook her head. “No. I didn’t. I never told father. Mel did. She was trying to look out for me.”
“Liar!”
Luke pushed Nessa back as Urien rushed forward. They locked swords.
“Mel would never tell!” Urien cried. “We were in love! She told me of the cave!”
Luke used all his strength to hold him off. “Just because she told you that didn’t mean she loved you.”
His eyes narrowed on Luke. “You think she loved you? She was angry with you. After what you did…with her!” He jerked a chin at Nessa. “Her own sister.” He shoved Luke back.
Luke held up his sword and bent slightly, preparing for his attack. Let him ramble on.
Urien rushed forward, engaging Luke again. He swung back and forth, using all his strength to drive him back.
Luke defended, allowing Urien to attack, allowing him to use up his strength. Anger gave one strength, but it also made one careless. Luke waited for his moment. Fury lent recklessness to Urien’s movements. Again and again he hit Luke with a downward strike. The force of the blows jarred Luke’s arm, repeatedly, until Luke saw his opportunity. Because Urien’s blows were from above, he left his body open. Luke punched him across the jaw. The black and white cat suddenly darted behind Urien. When Urien stumbled back, he tripped over the cat and fell backward to the ground. The cat scrambled away.
Luke put his blade to Urien’s throat. “Yield.” He saw the thought race through Urien’s mind and quickly stepped on his sword arm. He pressed his weapon against Urien’s throat. “Yield or die.”
Urien’s upper lip quivered in hatred. “I yield,” he spat.
“Have they returned?”
Melwyn sat beside her recovering father in his solar. The fire in the hearth warmed the room, but it didn’t soothe her mood. She hated being stuck here in the room with him. She hated his constant questions when she didn’t have the answers to them. “Not yet, father.” She was beginning to think they would never return. Oh, Luke! Why did you have to go after her? None of his men had returned, except Sir Peter, and that did not bode well. She hoped they were with him. She hoped Luke was safe.
“Tell me again what happened in the village. How Urien captured Nessa.”
Mel rolled her eyes. Nessa, Nessa, Nessa. It was all about Nessa. What about Luke? What about her broken heart? She sighed softly. “We went into the village because Nessa wanted to get some herbs for a sick child.” Mel accompanied Nessa because there was a very cute farmer’s son she liked speaking with. “I, of course, went with her. I couldn’t very well let her go alone.” She could and had on numerous occasions.
“You brought guards?”
“Of course! Ten guards came with us.” More like five. They were under no threat. Or so she thought. “On the way home, Urien came out of the woods. It was horrible, Father. He killed all of our guards!”
“How many men did he have?”
“At least fifty, maybe more! Must we talk about it?”
“Why didn’t he take both of you?”
Mel shrugged. She didn’t know and didn’t care. “He asked which one of us were Mel.” She looked down at her hands entangled in her lap. “I was so afraid he was going to kill me. I… I couldn’t speak. And then, Nessa said she was me. And he took her.”
“That was very brave of Nessa.”
She nodded. It had been. And she was grateful Nessa had done that. “I was so afraid. I hope she’s not hurt.”
“We received no ransom note?”
Mel shook her head. She hadn’t considered a ransom note. “No.”
The room fell into silence as her father stared at the blanket draped across his lap, his brow furrowed in thought. “His father would never take him in. Not after such a disgraceful act as trying to kidnap the heir to Castle Greymount.” His scowl deepened, creasing the lines on his forehead. “Where could he be going?”
“I haven’t an idea. The man is a rogue.”
“A rogue with a fascination for you.”
“Father. I haven’t seen him since you banished him. I can’t imagine why he asked for me.”
“Hmmm…” Her father looked at her; his eyes narrowed slightly with suspicion, as though he didn’t believe her. “Luke went after Nessa?”
“Yes!” Mel pouted. “He left me alone!”
“He was doing his duty to see my daughter safe,” her father said in a stern voice.
Mel knew better than to argue when her father used that tone. She squeezed her hands tighter and looked down. “He hasn’t come back yet, and I fear for his life.”
“What of your sister? Do you fear for her life?”
“Of course!” she cried, rising from the chair. And part of her did. Very much. “I love Ness.”
“You are like your mother. Beautiful beyond words, but cold inside.”
Her mouth dropped.
“Send me Captain Longwood.”
“Father,” she pleaded and reached out to him.
“Now!”
Mel stumbled back, her lower lip jutting, tears welling in her eyes. Her father had never spoken to her that way. He had never been so mean to her. She scurried from the solar. Only when she had turned the corner did she snarl and whisk the tears from her eyes. She wished he had not woke!
Suddenly, a guard raced up the winding stairwell and almost collided with her. She scowled at him as he bowed excitedly. “Pardons, my lady. Pardons. They’re back!” He raced past her toward her father’s solar.
Back? It took a moment for the word to sink in. They were back! Luke! Excitement came alive within Mel and she raced down the stairway. Her heart pounded with joy. The hallway was crowded with knights and servants running into the courtyard to welcome Luke and Nessa back. Mel actually had to push the peasants out of the way in her hurry to get to the courtyard. She emerged from the main doors and saw an old wagon surrounded by a large crowd. The people swayed like a field of wheat as they tried to get a view of the back of the wagon.
Mel squeezed and shoved her way forward between the villagers and nobles gathered until she reached the wagon. Luke was shirtless, his torso magnificently sculpted, reaching up for Nessa in the wagon. Fury ignited inside of her. Shirtless! Jealousy followed closely as Nessa took his hand and he helped her from the wagon.
“Melwyn!”
Luke and Nessa turned together toward her.
Mel swiveled her head toward the voice.
Urien was being led off toward the dungeon by three guards. He struggled, lunging toward her. “Melwyn! My love!”
She recoiled, disgust written on her face. My love? She could never love a disgraced son with no inheritance. She ignored him and turned to her own love. Luke. She couldn’t help noticing how his hand still lingered in her sister’s hold. She ran up to him and launched herself into his arms, knocking Nessa’s grip free. “Luke!” She peeked between her eyelids and was gratified to see Nessa no longer held his hand. “I’m so happy you are safe!”
Nessa rubbed her hand as if trying to get the feel of Luke’s warm hand from her own. She already missed his comforting hold, his touch. She had not meant to hold Luke’s hand for so long and hoped Mel had not seen them. Mel loved him so. She pushed down the despair rising inside of her. When Mel stepped back from Luke, Nessa embraced her tightly. “I’m so grateful you are safe. I worried about you returning home alone.”
Mel pulled back and her gaze swept Nessa’s face. Mel reached forward and for a moment, Nessa thought she was going to stroke her cheek and tell her how happy she was to see her. Instead, Mel yanked a piece of leaf from Nessa’s hair, holding it out. “I’m sorry, Ness. I’m so sorry Luke had to save you.”
Nessa couldn’t stop the disappointment that surged inside of her. Instinctively, she looked at Luke for comfort. They locked eyes for a long moment. He would be Mel’s husband now. She shouldn’t be looking to him for anything. She bowed her head as guilt crested over her.
Mel stepped away from her, her nose crinkling. “You need to bathe, sister. You smell.” She whirled away from Nessa to Luke.
Nessa drew herself up. No thank you for putting yourself in danger. No happiness because she was safe. But Nessa had not expected either. That was how Mel was. But she was certain her sister was happy. She looked at Luke, his arms around Mel, and a deep sadness filled her. She felt like she was losing something she held dear. She felt like…her world was ending. But she had known all along this moment would come. She had known and still allowed herself to love him.
Nessa’s lady’s maid, Anna, took her hand. She was a young woman, with large earnest brown eyes and long brown hair. “You’re safe, m’lady! Praise the Lord!”
Luke pulled away from Mel and moved to Nessa’s side to ask the servant, “Lord Tristan, is he all right?”
“Father? He’s here?” Nessa asked.
Anna nodded. “I’ll take you to him.”
“See to Lady Nessa’s head wound first,” Luke commanded.
Nessa touched her forehead. She had almost forgotten the bump at the back of her head. Luke looked at her and Nessa could have sworn there was tenderness in his eyes.
“Are you certain you’re unhurt?”
Nessa grinned at his concern. “I’m fine.” His gentle blue eyes, staring at her with compassion, brought to mind how they crinkled at the corners when he laughed. His lips brought to mind his hot, all-consuming kiss. She dropped her gaze, knowing it was wrong to think of him that way, but unable to stop herself. “Thank you for saving me.”
Luke opened his mouth to answer, but Mel hooked her arm around his. “Yes, thank you for bringing Nessa back to me. We are all happy she is safe.” Mel’s chin was uplifted, and there was a glint of challenge in her eyes.
Nessa could not win and had no desire to compete against her sister. She turned away and headed for the keep, moving through the hallway and passed the well-wishers she knew so well. She entered the keep and Anna rushed by her, leading her into the spiral stairway where she paused.
“Your wound,” Anna reminded her.
Nessa touched the back of her head. She wanted to see her father. She hadn’t known he was here. Anxiety prickled along the nape of her neck. He hadn’t come to greet her return. “I’ll have the physician look at it later.”
Anna bobbed a curtsey and led her up the stairs into the hallway that led to her father’s solar.
If he was here, why hadn’t he come for her? It didn’t make sense. She paused at the door as Anna moved away down the hallway. Why hadn’t he sent men after her? She reached out for the handle, but paused. She had always known her father favored Mel. Everyone did. Even Luke. And why shouldn’t they? Mel was beautiful. Nessa swallowed. She just didn’t want to know her father had purposely not tried to save her.
“Come in! Stop lurking in the doorway.”
His command sent a wave of dread through her. She eased the door open. The sight that greeted her froze her to the spot. Her father lay in his bed, a cover over his body. His face looked pale and gaunt.
“Nessa?” He sat up and held his hands out to her.
Like a small child, she bolted into the solar, launching herself onto his bed and into his arms. When he hugged her, all her trepidation and fear vanished. “Father!” she cried, pulling back to look at him. “Are you hurt? Why are you abed?”
He bridled and hung his head. “Hurt in battle. I awoke just two days ago. Nessa…” He stroked her cheek. “Child. Are you hurt?”
Nessa shook her head and a lock of blonde hair fell forward. “No. How were you hurt? Did you—”
He leaned forward, ignoring her concern. “Is it true? Did you go with Urien of your own free will?”
Shocked, Nessa scowled and sat back on her heels. “I did it to save Mel. He asked which one of us was Melwyn.” She shrugged. “Mel looked so terrified. I couldn’t let him hurt her. So I said I was Mel. I thought he was going to take her for ransom. And you know how Mel is. So… delicate. She would never have survived.”
“You did it to save her?”
She nodded. “I couldn’t let him take her.”
Her father yanked her against him into a tight hold. “You are the bravest of us all.”
Surprised at his praise and embarrassed, Nessa squirmed in her father’s hold. “No, Father. I just didn’t want him to hurt Mel.”
“Mel would have been fine. She always is.” He took her hands into his and looked into her eyes. “He never sent a ransom note. What did he want?”
Nessa shrugged. “He was taking me to the caves.”
“Those caves along the coast?” her father asked, surprised.
She nodded.
His brow furrowed in disgust. “Lord help us. He’s mad. I would never have found you. I thought he was returning home. Thank God for Luke.”
Nessa smiled, unable to hide her admiration. “He was wonderful,” she admitted, remembering how brave Luke was. “One of Urien’s men wounded him and he still fought Urien to save me. He made sure I was safe every step of the way. He protected me. He saved me. He’s changed very much, Father, from when we were young. He’s stronger now and—”
He chuckled low in his throat.
Nessa stopped and looked at him in confusion.
“You speak of him as though you adore him.”
“I do, Father. He saved me.”
“Yes. Yes, he did.” He patted her hand. “He is the closest thing I have to a son.” He looked up at her. “Ness, would you have him as your husband?”
Startled, Nessa froze. “Luke?” she asked. Her father nodded. Her mind refused to understand her father’s question. Marry Luke? It was what she had dreamed of since they were children laying together and looking at the twinkling stars in the night sky. And now, after their kiss… Her husband! But the joy and excitement slowly drained. How could she do that to her sister? How could she take Luke away from her? “What of Mel?”
“I would find another match for her. What say you, Nessa? Will you marry Luke?”