Free The Knight by Monica Mccarty Page A

hill overlooking the burn, the old stone peel tower was not as impressive as the castle, but still exuded a formidable strength. She’d always liked Park Castle. It might be old and simply constructed, but the thick stone walls and square rooms held an air of well-lived-in comfort.
    The old wooden palisade surrounding the bailey was long destroyed, enabling Joanna to see quite clearly into the bailey around the motte. The small yard flooded with at least two score warriors, including a group of a dozen or so men-at-arms wearing crimson and gold tabards.
    The sight of the flurry of activity was one that was familiar to her. The men were packing up their belongings and readying the horses to leave.
    She felt her first prickle of alarm and quickened her step. A few curious glances were thrown in her direction as she sped through the maze of men and horseflesh. One or two lingered appreciatively—too appreciatively, probably—but she paid them no mind, her own gaze searching for James.
    She’s started toward a man she recognized who was standing near the tower stairs, when a wall of black leather and steel blocked her path. Startled, she drew back, gazing up into the steely-eyed gaze of a man—not a wall, although truth be told, there wasn’t much difference. He was solid. Rock hard. A fortress of masculine strength. Though not quite as tall as James, he was broader and thicker with muscle. His arms and shoulders were stacked with it.
    The first word that came to mind when she looked at him was “strong,” and the second was “intimidating.” His features were rough and blunt, his expression unyielding. He might have been considered handsome if he wasn’t so imposing-looking.
    She shivered and took a step back.
    He seemed not to notice her reaction—or perhaps he was just used to it.
    “Do you have need of something, my lady?”
    His voice was deep and strong like the rest of him. Though not exactly unfriendly, neither was it friendly.
    “I…” Her pulse raced nervously. “I’m looking for someone.”
    “Now is not a good time, lass. Perhaps you should return in a few hours.”
    “But I—”
    “Jo, what are you doing here?”
    Joanna sighed with relief at the familiar sound of James’s voice. But when she looked over her shoulder to see him approach, his expression was no more welcoming than the merciless-looking warrior’s—if anything, it was far less welcoming.
    “I needed to see you.” Tears sprang unbidden to her eyes. “I saw the castle. What happened? You promised—”
    “That will be enough, Boyd,” James said, cutting her off sharply and looking to the man who’d blocked her path. “I’ll take care of this from here.”
    Boyd? Robbie Boyd? No wonder. The name of the terrifying warrior who’d once fought with William Wallace was well known around these parts. He was said to be the strongest man in Scotland. For once it seemed rumor could be believed.
    “The men are ready to leave,” Boyd said.
    Leave? She gasped. Her gaze shot to James, but he was looking at the other man.
    “I know that,” James snapped. “This won’t take long.”
    Boyd gave James a sharp nod that seemed to be some kind of silent communication. Whatever it signified, it caused James’s mouth turn white as the other man strode off.
    James couldn’t be leaving, she told herself. He’d promised to speak with her.
    He’d made a lot of promises, she thought, recalling his promise not to repeat the “larder” episode. Hadn’t she just seen the empty, burning shell of the castle a few minutes ago?
    How little I matter to him. “You’re leaving?”
    His jaw locked. “I’ve been called away.”
    “You said… you promised to come find me.”
    “I know what I said, but it will have to wait.” She flinched at the sharpness—the impatience—in his voice. She’d never felt as if she’d overstepped her bounds with him, but she did now. He didn’t want her here. She didn’t belong here. She was embarrassing