Read Online The Bargain by Julia Templeton - Free Book Online Page B

Aleysia with ye?" Renaud lifted a brow. "Do you honestly need me to answer that question?"
    The Scot's eyes narrowed and he drew his sword. All around them metal scraped against scabbards. "By God, if ye have dishonored my betrothed..."
    "That is between Aleysia and myself."
    MacMillan's fury shone bright in his dark expression. "I demand satisfaction, de Wulf."
    "You cannot win, MacMillan. You know that. Take your gold and return to your beloved Highlands. Forget Aleysia."
    MacMillan's jaw clenched tight. "I go now, but not because I fear ye, but because I will not have my kinsman slain by the likes of you. You have my word on it that ye have not seen the last of me, de Wulf."
    "Is that a threat?"
    MacMillan's lips curved into a smile that did not begin to reach his eyes. "Nay, 'tis a promise."
     
    Aleysia watched the exchange from the bedchamber window.
    She could sense Duncan's agitation as he conversed with Renaud. Strangely, she had been nervous, not only for the Scot, but for Renaud as well. Duncan was an excellent swordsman, and had a hot temper to match. Both his skill and disposition were legendary in the Highlands. But today he was outmanned, and well he knew it. Renaud's men stood at the ready, an incredible sight, weapons drawn, just waiting for their liege lord to give the word to attack.
    But Renaud did not give the signal, and as quickly as the meeting started, it ended with Duncan leaving, leading his men away from Braemere. Aleysia had seen the soldier come forward with a chest, and once opened the sun glinted off the gold coin. To her shock Renaud had refused it.
    Watching Duncan's retreating back, Aleysia felt a combination of sadness and anger. Worse still, all the hope she had been feeling melted away. She had hoped she and her brother would be released.
    Now she must get the draught. If she failed, her brother would die and she would be alone. Her entire family extinguished. A raw ache filled her, tightening her throat. How could she live without Adelstan?
    As MacMillan and his men disappeared over the ridge, Aleysia looked for Renaud. On horseback, he sat just beyond the gatehouse, his trusted vassal Galeran at his side, the army still alert, standing, waiting until Duncan and his men were safely out of sight.
    Suddenly, Renaud wheeled his horse about, his gaze directed at the window where she stood. Her breath hitched, and she almost stepped out of sight. But pride made her stand firm. She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on, hoping he saw her fury.
    To her surprise there was no triumphant smile on his handsome face. No gloating. In fact, he showed no expression at all as he stared at her. Then Galeran said something to him and he turned to his vassal, the moment gone.
    What had Renaud said to Duncan? Had he told her betrothed that he had taken her maidenhead? Knowing the truth now, would the laird return in force, or would he consider her not worth the effort or risk? No doubt he thought her soiled goods. Shame rippled through her. If only her body had not betrayed her. Then she would have no reason to feel guilty.
    She stepped away from the window, her mind racing. Yes, she must get the draught from the healer and leave Braemere before Renaud took Adelstan to York.
     
    Weary, Renaud climbed the steps to the bedchamber where Aleysia awaited him.
    He had seen her watching from the window, knew that she had seen the exchange between he and MacMillan. Her fury had been evident even from a distance, and he wondered what to say to her now. In his heart he knew MacMillan would return, but he was not about to tell her that.
    Still he was stunned that the Scottish laird had not wanted Adelstan's release.
    And what would Aleysia say if she knew MacMillan had so easily left her beloved twin to his fate? Would she still love him then?
    Considering how fiercely loyal she was to her brother, he would think not.
    A maid stepped out of his bedchamber just then. "My lord," she said, nodding to him as she