She blinked several times, then touched her brow. “I can still feel where he kissed my forehead. Then I ran. I do not believe they survived.”
Chapter 9
Nathan watched Dannilynn struggle to control her emotions. He knew the trauma from the ambush and her time alone must have overwhelmed her, but he sensed an inner strength that must have pulled her through those difficult times. “I am sorry for all you have suffered.”
She wiped at her nose. He knew he probably ought to comfort her somehow, but he didn’t wish to betray the trust James had in him. James loved her and therefore Nathan should stay far away from her. She was beautiful, playful, and needed him—a dangerous combination for any man’s heart.
“I would offer you my handkerchief, but you have already used it,” he said.
She must have tried to laugh, but it came out as more of a hiccup-sob.
They moved forward again in silence until they drew nearer to the village tucked up against lush rolling hills.
“Peter, Colter,” Nathan called. “Take the horses and scout out the village. See if anything is amiss. Also,” he pulled a letter from his tunic that he had written to James, explaining that he had found the princess and that they would return to the palace in three-and-a-half weeks, “send this letter off to James. If anything is awry, hurry back and report. Otherwise, meet us a mile beyond the village.”
“We will do it,” Peter said with a nod. Then he and Colter hurried on ahead.
“Oh, and Peter.” Will’s blue eyes twinkled. “I would be most appreciative if you bought a few spices in the village. I have had about all I can bear of Edward and Garin’s bland meals.”
“Yes. Me, too.” Colter winked at Will and shoved his brother’s shoulder.
Nathan turned to the cooks in time to see them roll their eyes. “Be careful, my friend,” he cautioned Will. “If you offend them they might quit feeding you entirely.”
Will grimaced, wrapped his arms around his stomach, and fell to the ground as though dying of hunger.
Dannilynn laughed and Nathan shook his head. He stepped over Will’s curled body and continued toward the village.
About a mile away, he turned the group off the road and led them through the lush hills. His feet swished through thick grasses, and he appreciated the canopied trees that gave him a respite from the late spring sun.
A shallow stream crisscrossed their path and forced them to hop from stone to stone to cross it in several places.
They came to a larger crossing with one stone to hop across. Nathan went first and stepped easily onto the stone in the stream. His long legs could make the jump to the dry bank, but he knew Dannilynn, who waited behind him, wouldn’t make it without getting wet. Rather than leaping across, he stepped into the middle of the stream, the water reaching his mid-calf, and turned to lift her across.
She stepped onto the stone, then reached to take his hand.
“Here I come!” Will hollered. He ran straight through the stream, splashing water in every direction, and laughing merrily.
Nathan sighed at his foolish friend, then scooped up a handful of stream water and threw it at Will’s face. Will jumped back into the stream to retaliate. A battle ensued and Nathan and Will drenched each other as they would have done in their youth. Nathan chortled, then noticed Dannilynn, still standing on the stone midway across the stream. His laughter died. “Stop, Will! You featherhead!”
Will stopped. His face reddened when he saw her.
Water dripped down her face, and her dress and cloak were dark from water spots. She was not nearly as wet as he and Will, but still Nathan felt foolish.
A frown pulled at her lips. She bent down to brush at the water on her cloak and came up with a grin and a handful of water that she threw right in his face. Then she turned on Will. She let out a hoot, jumped into the water, and splashed them again. She continued across the stream, and Nathan swatted water at her.
She had nearly reached the other side when her boot must have slipped on a mossy rock under the water. Nathan tried to catch her but he slipped too. She screamed and landed in his lap, both of them up to their waists in the stream.
She leaned against him and laughed. Her wet hair brushed against his cheek and he shivered.
Will held his hand out to her and pulled her off Nathan’s lap and out of the stream. Water ran in great rivers down her dress and puddled at her feet. He turned back to Nathan and extended his hand. Nathan took it and stood, then Will shoved him back into the water.
Doc, ever wisdom’s voice, jumped from the rock to the other side. “In a few minutes you will wish you were dry instead of dripping wet like playful children.” A twinkle lit his pale eyes, and Nathan saw a tightness in his cheeks that suggested he fought to hold back a smile.
Lane, Garin, and Edward crossed the stream while Nathan, Will, and Dannilynn wrung out their clothes. Nathan risked a quick glance in her direction and found her watching him. Their eyes met for a moment, then he blinked and shifted his focus. He had to be careful. She made teasing and playfulness feel so natural and comfortable, yet he knew he shouldn’t trifle with her.
“We had better hurry to meet up with Peter and Colter,” he said.
They bypassed the village and returned to the road about a mile beyond. Peter and Colter waited there.
“What happened to you?” Peter scanned Nathan, Will, and Dannilynn over from top to toe. They were still wet, though no longer dripping.
“Oh, just a friendly little battle in a stream,” Nathan replied.
“Little?” Colter questioned with a knowing grin.
“Will started it.”
Chapter 10
They traveled mostly south for two days, then the road turned southwest and they skirted around another town. Danni stayed near Nathan when she could, but had also tried to pass some time with each man to deepen her trust in them.
Will, with his playful manner, livened their monotonous travel and helped her relax after her frightening time alone. Doc comforted her with his warm smile. His thinning gray hair reminded her of her own father, and his tender words healed a small part of the void left from his passing. Lane intrigued her with his enigmatic seriousness and his quiet, courteous demeanor. Peter and Colter were stalwart, dependable, and quick on their feet. They bantered with Will and kept everyone optimistic. Edward and Garin worked hard and were respectful. They spent their time together because of their job as cooks, but also, it seemed, because of a mutual friendship.
Then there was Nathan.
She glanced at him and wondered what he pondered when he remained so quiet. Her heart fluttered about as she gazed upon his tanned skin and broad shoulders. A great strength emanated from him, not just physically, but he had the emotional and mental strength of a great leader, and an absolute unwavering sense of loyalty and duty. It was no wonder James spoke so highly of him. He squinted at her through the afternoon sun and his brown eyes showed a deep emotion that she couldn’t even begin to understand. She yearned to know him better and discover all he kept hidden inside. She blushed and studied the ground.
Why did she feel so giddy when he was near? He was James’s greatest friend. James. The man she loved. The only man she should feel lightheaded around. It had been over nine months since she had seen him and her thoughts and feelings seemed all jumbled and confused.
She had fallen desperately in love with him when they first met. She had been young and frightened and he had stepped in and cared for her and loved her after her father’s death. His charm and charisma had swept her away through their courtship. Nothing, it seemed, could have been more glorious than those dreamlike moments, but nine months later it felt like that—a dream.
Nathan was there now, in the flesh, not in memory. He treated her with great propriety, yet did not coddle her as James had, and he held a quiet strength that seemed more powerful than James’s paraded royalty.
She sighed, unable to sort through her feelings for either man.
&nb
sp; “What troubles you?” Nathan’s question pulled her from her musings.
She twirled a copper lock between her fingers. She couldn’t tell him what she had been pondering. “Um, it is nothing. W-would you tell me about yourself, Nathan?”
“There is not much to tell. I grew up at the palace with James, Will, and Lane. My mother worked in the kitchens.”
When it appeared he would say no more, she prodded. “Where is your family now?”
He stopped and turned to her. “My family is dead—except for Lane, my cousin.”
His lips were set in a firm line, clearly stating he did not wish to speak any more about his family. Danni dropped her hand to her side and wondered at his stiffness. It was not the first time she had seen it. Some pain lay hidden so deep inside him that he pushed others away to avoid facing it.
“I suppose you are a bit like me then.” She met his hard gaze.
He stared back at her for several seconds, then his features softened and he resumed walking. “Forgive me. I did not mean to offend.”
“I am not offended, though I do wish you would tell me about them. We have a long time to spend together on this journey and it will be rather boring if we cannot get to know each other.”
He licked his lips, then sighed. “My father was ill when I was a child and passed away when I was eight. My mother died three years ago after serving in the king’s kitchens for ten years.” He ran his hand through his hair, causing a lock to fall into his eye. With a huff he blew it off his face. “And I had a little sister Emma who died a few days before my father.”
“Oh, Nathan. I am sorry. How you must miss her.”
“Yes.” The word squeezed out between his clenched teeth. He moved away from her and faced his men. “Halt! We will take a break.” He spoke without even a glance at Danni. “Our path now turns to the west, so we must proceed carefully. Lord Donavan’s men will soon turn to the south to avoid a great mountain range along that road. I believe we are still well out of their path, but the risk is higher that our travels may converge. I would like two men to stand guard each night now and I want Peter and Colter to scout the road ahead and behind so we are not caught unprepared.”
The others nodded, then he turned and strode away.
Danni couldn’t imagine why he behaved so brashly at times. He was hiding something from her.
Lane strode past her toward where Edward and Garin had tied up the horses.
“Lane!” Surely he would know about Nathan’s sister.
He did not acknowledge her call, whether he heard it or not.
“Lane.” She caught up to him and placed her hand on a brown riding horse.
He finally focused on her, but said nothing.
“You are Nathan’s cousin.”
“Yes.”
“And you two are close?” She ran her hand down the neck of the horse. Lane was a man of few words and it might take some prodding to get him to speak.
“Nearly brothers.”
“Then surely you can tell me what happened to his sister.” She realized she probably shouldn’t pry into Nathan’s private life, but she couldn’t stop her curiosity.
Lane rubbed the stubble on his chin, probably choosing his words with care. With gray eyes and a lean build, he looked nothing like Nathan, except for his dark brown hair, though he grew his long.
“What did Nathan tell you?”
“Only that his sister died a few days before his father when he was a boy.”
Lane’s brow creased, a sure signal that he wouldn’t tell her. “I do not believe it is my place to tell the tragedies in his past. If he had wanted to tell you, he would have.”
She blew out a huff of air. “But you are his cousin!”
“Precisely why I respect his privacy.” Lane’s gaze was stern.
She wanted to pout and beg, but knew it was pointless. “I suppose you are right.”
Lane nodded, then returned to his preparations and she guessed their conversation had ended. Then to her surprise, he spoke again.
“Perhaps in time he will tell you more.” A hint of a smile crossed his face.
Then Danni saw a bit more family resemblance between him and Nathan. They both seemed rather dispassionate, but moments like that showed great emotion hidden below their stoic surface. The moment ended and Lane’s face turned hard again and he moved away from her.
She glanced around for someone else to speak to, and found Peter sitting on a log in the shade. She went to him and sat down.
“Peter?”
“Yes, Princess?”
“How long have you known Nathan?”
Peter shifted on the log. “I met him a few months ago when he was recruiting men for the king.”
She frowned. He wouldn’t likely know Nathan’s story then.
“Does that upset you?” Peter asked.
“Not at all.”
They sat in silence for a moment. Then she decided to ask him about himself. “Peter, do you mind if I ask how your leg was injured?”
He stuck his leg out as though examining it. “It was crushed by a wagon wheel when I was thirteen. It didn’t heal properly. That is why I limp.”
Danni hugged her arms about her chest. “I did not mean anything by it. I hardly noticed your limp.”
“He is being modest, Princess.” Colter joined them. He stroked his beard. “What he didn’t tell you is that I was in the way of the spooked horses and runaway wagon. He ran into the road and pushed me to safety, but didn’t make it clear of the wagon. My big brother saved my life.”
Peter’s brow creased and he rubbed his leg absentmindedly. “Some days I regret it.”
“You do not.” Colter pushed Peter’s knee.
Peter laughed. “You are right. I have never once regretted it.”
∞∞∞
General Briggs, a commander in Lord Donavan’s army, sat in his tent and poured over a map. He rubbed his portly belly, then ran his hands through his dirty-blond locks.
His father had been a destitute, nameless farmer with nothing to call his own nor anything to show for his years slaving away in the fields. The youngest of eight boys, Briggs was hardly noticed on the farm—except to be beaten by his father and seven older brothers for all that went wrong. People noticed him now, though, and respected him, too.
He had risen above his family’s pitiable status and abuse and now commanded a large part of Lord Donavan’s vast militia. He had gained influence, prestige, and title through strategy and deception. Men coveted him and feared him—and he loved it. He no longer had anyone to fear, except Lord Donavan himself. He shuddered at the very thought of the king.
His latest plan—and his greatest one yet—would gain him ultimate favor. If all went smoothly, he would be given an increase in position and power beyond his greatest hopes. He had a plan to capture Princess Dannilynn A’ Donna and her famous ruby ring. He had a man on the inside, someone who would soon, very soon, be with the princess and would deliver her into his hands.
His pale blue eyes glinted. He could hardly imagine if he, General Briggs, were the one to bring the woman to Lord Donavan. He would be greatly rewarded.
His thoughts were interrupted by a rap on his tent door.
“Enter!” he barked in a raspy voice.
A soldier entered and squinted in the dim light. He glanced around and fiddled with a paper in his hand.
“Well?” Briggs yelled, annoyed at this waste of his precious time.
“A-a letter for you, General,” the soldier stammered.
“Bring it here.”
The man approached, then held the letter out with a shaking hand. How Briggs loved to see men cower before him!
He ripped the letter from the man’s hand. “Now, get out!” he bellowed, and chuckled inwardly as the man scurried back outside.
He ran his finger along the letter and licked his lips. This had to be what he waited for. He tore the letter open and read:
She has been delivered into my han
ds. Await my further correspondence.
At long last, his spy was in place! Now his plan could begin to unfold and soon—very soon—Princess Dannilynn would be his.
Chapter 11
Thunder rumbled in the distance, drawing Nathan’s gaze up to the sky for probably the twentieth time since he awoke that morning. The weather had been pleasant for their first five days with the princess, but that had changed. He had hardly recognized dawn that morning, for the sky hadn’t lightened. Ominous clouds blocked the sun’s rays and had thickened since.
“I believe the rain is nearly upon us.” Doc squinted toward the sky.
The horse that Nathan guided whinnied as though in agreeance.
“Should we find a place to wait out the storm?” Garin asked.
Nathan rubbed his chin and thought of Dannilynn. She had uttered not a single complaint thus far, but he didn’t know if she could handle severe weather. “We must continue on. I sent word to James that we would return in three-and-a-half weeks from the date of that letter. I do not intend to break my word.”
His gaze lingered on Dannilynn, who shied away from his attention, then pulled her hood over her head. The others mimicked her action.
Not three minutes later fine, misty drops fell from the sky, brightening the grass and glistening on the bushes. Beside him, Dannilynn reached her arms out, palms up to catch the rain. She left his side and frolicked about with her head tipped heavenward. Then she spun in a circle. Her hood fell back and the rain added a beautiful shine to her auburn hair. Nathan found it rather difficult to look away.
Will, who couldn’t seem to pass up an opportunity for frivolity, ran out to meet her. He took her hand and danced with her through the light drizzle. Their laughter floated back to Nathan and brought with it an abrupt and unexpected jolt in his stomach.
He wondered at the feeling. It almost felt like jealousy. Water dripped off his brow into his eyes and he wiped it away with his free hand. He was not jealous of Will. He was not even jealous of James. Dannilynn was his to protect, not to care for. He wouldn’t allow those feelings to stir within himself. She was beauteous, that he could not deny, but he felt nothing more for her. It mattered not to him that she was kind and pure and held a maturity and strength beneath her timid surface that needed an opportunity to show itself.
The Power of The Ruby Ring Page 5
