The Knights of Christmas by Suzanne Barclay Read Free Book Online Page A

I’d find something. You’ve likely hidden them on your person.”
    â€œWould you like to search my person?”
    Aye. “Nay. You’d not offer if—”
    â€œDamn, but you are stubborn.”
    â€œI’d not have survived three years in the East otherwise. And ’tis not proper for a lady to swear.”
    â€œYou do not think I’m a lady, so it matters not.” She tossed her unruly auburn curls and kneed Tessa into a brisk canter. Her back was poker straight, her slender shoulders squared beneath that ugly brown gown. Her fragility was deceptive, hiding a will of pure steel. Frankly he didn’t know what to make of her. And if there was one thing that intrigued him, it was a puzzle.
    Duncan hurried after her. A familiar task. As he pulled alongside, he glanced at the empty pack bouncing behind her rounded rump. “Why did you give Una your own blanket?”
    â€œBecause she needed it more than I.”
    â€œThe oats were from your own larder, too, weren’t they?”
    â€œWhat if they are?” She didn’t look at him.
    â€œDoes Fergus know you took them?”
    â€œIf I say nay, will you run and tattle to him?”
    â€œCertainly not. I merely wondered if—”
    â€œIf I’d stolen them.” She glared at him. “I didn’t ask Fergie’s permission, but he’d have granted it quick enough. Before the winter’s out he’ll likely go hungry himself so the rest of Clan Gleanedin can eat.”
    Duncan’s belly cramped in sympathy. The Crusaders’ supplies had often run low, and he well remembered the fine lords squabbling among themselves for a hunk of bread. “There are not many lords who’d share with their villeins.”
    â€œVilleins!” Kara reined in so quickly Tessa danced on the narrow road. “These are not serfs, they are my people. I would sacrifice anything—anything—to keep them safe and fed.” Her face glowed with militant passion. Those flashing eyes and pink cheeks scrambled Duncan’s insides.
    â€œI understand,” he said hastily.
    â€œI doubt it.” Her eyes narrowed. “Black Rolly told me all about knightly vows and Crusader pledges, but I must say I am vastly disappointed in you. You are more interested in your damn rubies than in righting wrongs and protecting the weak.”
    Duncan bristled. “I am not.”
    Her chin stuck out to challenge his. “Prove it, then. Stay and make certain no more Gleanedin wives are widowed by the MacGorys, no more wee bairns orphaned before they’re born.”
    Trapped. Duncan raised one brow. “Do you play chess?” When she frowned and shook her head, he smiled faintly. “You’d be very good at it, I think.”
    â€œAre you poking fun at my ignorance again?”
    â€œFar from it.” Duncan sighed and looked around. The air bore a nip of autumn, yet was sweet and fresh. A hawk wheeled overhead in the azure sky. A symbol of the freedom Kara enjoyed. “You were incredibly fortunate to grow up in a place like this.”
    â€œâ€™Tis why I want to keep it safe.”
    Duncan nodded. “I understand that. I went on Crusade to free the Holy Lands and prove myself.”
    â€œDid you succeed?”
    â€œPartly.” He told her about the treaty Richard had wrung from Saladin. “Less than we’d hoped for, but something. And my share of the plunder we took made me a rich man.”
    â€œThat was what you needed to prove? To have wealth?”
    â€œNot the wealth itself, but what it would allow me to do.”
    Â 
    â€œWhat?”
    Duncan shrugged. “It matters not. Without the rubies, I stand no chance of gaining what I’ve wanted all my life.”
    â€œI do not have them,” Kara said simply, and he believed her. “But if I did...” She lowered her head, then met his gaze again. “I do not know that I’d give them to you