Free An Oath Sworn by Diana Cosby Page A

bodies wedged in the confines and his wound aching, they couldna remain much longer. Having Alesia’s body pressed against him, and his wanting her, helped naught.
    They must find a larger shelter if he was to keep his sanity. Colyne gave her hand a squeeze. “Wait here.”
    As he started to pull away, Alesia tightened her grip. “What are you going to do?”
    â€œAt the next rumble of thunder, I will release the horses. With luck, they will believe the blasts frightened their mounts. Once the men give chase, I will return. Then we can leave.”
    Her face paled. “You cannot go out there alone. Your arm is not fully—”
    â€œ ’Tis too dangerous for us to remain. Our only hope of escape is to create a diversion.”
    â€œEven so, they will keep the horses guarded. And what if you do not—”
    â€œI will be back,” he said, his words nae as steady as he would have liked. The possibility he wouldna return was all too real. Wanting to divert her concern, he gave her a teasing smile. “You are nae worried about me, are you?”
    Eyes rimmed with concern, she scowled at him. “This is not a matter to make light of.”
    â€œThat it is nae.” He cupped her face, swept his thumb over her bottom lip. “If I do nae return, you are to remain here until ’tis safe, then leave.”
    â€œColyne—”
    â€œPromise me!”
    â€œI . . .” She closed her eyes for a long moment before opening them, the fear within easy to read, as well as anger. “ Oui , but you must promise that you will return.”
    He’d meant to make the parting simple, but with her impassioned demand, she’d made it impossible. Aching for her, he claimed her mouth, his kiss turbulent, filled with unchecked desire.
    A horse whinnied in the distance.
    He broke the kiss, pressed his brow to hers, and banked his desires.
    He needed to go.
    The writ!
    When he’d sworn to Douglas as he lay dying that he’d deliver the writ to King Philip, never had he imagined he’d entrust Robert Bruce’s missive to another, especially to an unknown woman embraced by danger.
    Colyne studied Alesia. However much the risk, he believed she was a woman of her word. Now, in the ultimate act of faith, he would test that belief.
    With unwavering trust in her, he withdrew the writ from the hidden fold of his undershirt. “Here.”
    Wariness flickered on her face as she stared at the bound leather. “Why are you giving this to me?”
    Thunder crashed into the rain-dampened silence, a stark reminder that he must go. “If I do nae return, stay hidden until the English knights have gone.” Colyne shook his head when she made to speak. “Travel north for a day, two at most. I know ‘tis well out of your way, but seek a man named Blar MacTavish of Clan Fraser. Give him this.” He laid the bound leather in her palm.
    â€œWho is Blar MacTavish?”
    At the fear rattling her voice, he cupped her face. “A friend,” he said with soft assurance. “Someone you can trust.” He didna reveal the contents of the document. If someone captured her, she could truthfully claim she didna know what message was secured inside, and might be allowed to live. “Tell him . . . Tell him Douglas is dead. That this needs to be delivered immediately. MacTavish will know what to do.”
    Her eyes searched his. The shimmer of unshed tears spoke of her desperation. “Who is Douglas?”
    â€œDouglas was a knight who . . .” Colyne fought back the crush of grief. “He was my friend.”
    Sadness darkened her eyes. “I am sorry.”
    He nodded, the time to leave long past. “Remember, if I do nae return, take this to MacTavish. He shall ensure you receive safe escort to France.”
    A tear wove down her cheek.
    Shaken, he wiped away the moisture with the pad of his thumb. How could he leave her? He stared at the