Castle Walls by D Jordan Redhawk Read Free Book Online Page B

wagon and her heart thumped. The owner had left the fire long before and the wagon was dark. Katerin hadn't even seen the interior, not wanting to step foot inside when she'd had the opportunity earlier. Now, she'd be a stumbling fool. Probably trip and break something , she mused. A thought occurred to her, the worried expression on her face fading. "I'll just sleep out here on a chair."
    Pleased with her idea, she stepped closer to the shadows of the awning. Katerin's eyes widened and she gasped in shock at the dark form seated there. "Ros!" Patting her chest, she said, "You scared ten years out of me."
    "My apologies, lady," the blonde murmured, rising to her feet. "I have an unfortunate tendency to brood at night, as my friends will attest." She yawned, politely covering her mouth. "Are you ready to retire?"
    Katerin swallowed nervously, her heart beating double time. She tried to stutter an answer, but her tongue betrayed her.
    Amused, Ros raised an eyebrow. "Come with me, lady. I'll not ravish you yet."
    The sardonic tone lit the brunette's anger. Before she knew it, she stepped forward to glare up at the older woman. "You'll not ravish me at all !"
    A wicked smile grew on the owner's face. "True," she said with a nod. "Not until you ask it of me."
    Gasping at the audacity, Katerin could only bluster at the woman's gall.
    Ros, her smile turning genuine, wondered how many shades of red the smaller woman could turn. Perhaps if it was light out, I'd become truly informed. Rather than remain outside the entire night, she stepped closer to Katerin, towering over her, her face returning to seriousness. "I've told you, lady. I do not condone rape."
    The words were ice water on her anger, leaving Katerin gaping in the aftermath.
    Relaxing her aggressive stance, the owner stepped back, studying the shocked brunette before her. "Come, Katerin," she said, brushing past and opening the wagon door. "Bring your things and we'll find a place for them."
    Left standing alone, the smaller woman collected herself, anger and
uncertainty warring within. She could hear Ros rummaging about inside the wagon and she shivered against the cool air. Moving to the table, she located the sack she and Ilia had carried for so many fright filled leagues. Katerin sighed, face somber, and squared her shoulders before approaching the wagon door.
    The interior was lit, Ros having a hooded lantern within. Gathering her skirts, the brunette stepped up inside. It was cramped and cluttered, as was to be expected. On the right was a row of cupboards, spanning the length and height of the wall. To the left were the shuttered window, a small table and two chairs beneath it. The bed against the far end looked soft and comfortable, a quilted blanket decorating it.
    Katerin's body ached for that bed, regardless of her situation. Just the sight of it made her bone deep weariness come to the fore and she could feel herself sway at the sudden rush of exhaustion.
    Digging in the cupboards, Ros pulled a handful of items from one and stuffed them in another. "You can put your things here, Katerin," she said, stepping back in the cramped space to allow the smaller woman access.
    Quelling her fear at the close proximity, the brunette slipped past Ros and stashed her bag within. She closed the cupboard quickly and spun around, not liking that her back was turned to the owner. At the blonde's knowing smile, she blushed but raised a challenging eyebrow.
    Ros' smile widened and she gave a slight bow in acknowledgement. "If you'd like, I can step outside while you change for bed…?" she asked gallantly. Opening another cupboard, she pulled out an oversized shirt. "You can wear this until we've had time to outfit you." Not waiting for an answer, the owner turned and stepped out of the wagon, closing the door behind her.
    Katerin blinked, holding the shift in one hand. She didn't know what to make of Ros - honest and honorable one moment, a cad the next. Sighing, she shook her