Knight's Prize by Sarah McKerrigan Read Free Book Online

convinced by her excuse, but he
gave her the benefit of the doubt anyway. "You mean a token of my
affection? A lover's gift of some kind?"
    She
sucked her lower lip beneath her teeth, a shy gesture that always brought out
the protectiveness in men.
    But
he only chuckled, then hunkered down beside her, stuffing his things back into
the pack. "Greedy lass."
    Miriel
pretended embarrassment, but as he closed the top of the satchel and propped it
against the stable wall, she couldn't help but feel a shiver of unease. Why
would he carry such a grim item as a pair of shackles?
    He
rubbed his chin. "A while ago, I heard one of the maids say something
about a fair."
    "A
fair? Oh, aye, in the town. In a fortnight." She narrowed her gaze,
trying to discern what he was plotting.
    "I
promise I'll buy you something there, my sweet." He caught her chin
affectionately between his thumb and finger. "A gift fit for the loveliest
damsel in all Scotland."
    Her
smile quavered uncertainly. Never mind his engaging grin. The man carried
shackles in his pack. What the bloody hell was he up to?
    He
cocked his head and squinted one eye. "Unless, of course, you've stolen
the silver from my satchel."
    She
gasped, pretending great offense. "What? You think I would steal another's
coin?" Yet even as she reacted in hurt, she felt a warm glow flush her
cheeks. She had been rummaging through his belongings, after all. He had every right to be suspicious.
    ************************************
    Aye, Rand
thought, the pretty little damsel was definitely a thief. She 'd probably
stolen dozens of hearts with that innocent smile and those
wide blue eyes that could summon tears at the slightest provocation.
    Rand wasn't
fooled for a moment. He knew her kind well. She was the kind of woman
who used her affec tions for barter, trading
adoring glances and kisses for silk ribbons and precious jewels, bleeding
one lover dry of
resources, then
moving on to the next. She was the sort of wench he could love and leave
without remorse. Which was perfect for his plans.
    Still, the lass was a bit too curious
for his comfort.
    "I'm
jesting," he
assured her with a wink, holding out his hand for hers.
    She
placed her hand tentatively in his palm, and he stood, helping her to her feet.
He dusted the straw from her skirts, taking secret pleasure in swatting her on
the backside as he did so, eliciting a gasp from her.
    He
feigned innocence, unhanding her, then bent to retrieve his
pack. "Will you show me where I'm to put my things?" he asked, then
added slyly, "Somewhere they'll be ...safe"
    The maid blushed again,
though whether from shame or anger, he couldn't tell. "Of course."
    He shouldered the satchel and followed
Miriel to the keep.
    Pagan had given Rand permission
to bed down with the other knights in the great hall, though after Rand's poor
display of swordsmanship, the disappointed lord would have likely preferred
that he sleep with the hounds. Now, admiring the gentle sway of Miriel's hips
as she walked across the courtyard before him, Rand wished he'd arranged to
share a pallet with the tantalizing damsel.
    In
time, he promised himself. Though Miriel was definitely a woman of passion,
she was also a tease. She was the sort of wench to throw herself at him like a
wanton in one moment, only to plead her virginity the next.
    When
he bedded her, 'twould be on her terms. And he would bed
her. There were few who could resist Rand when he put his charm to work. In
another day, maybe two, he thought with a lusty grin, he'd have Lady Miriel
wrinkling his sheets and cooing his name in the most dulcet tones.
    Entering
the great hall of Rivenloch, Rand was impressed. Myriad bright banners and
silver shields graced the walls. Fresh rushes imparted a sweet scent to the
chamber, and tallow candles set in sconces gave the hall a warm, welcoming
glow. Servants scurried to and fro, tending to the fire on the hearth,
scrubbing soot from the plaster walls, carrying buckets and baskets