An Oath Taken Read Online Free PDF Page A

broaden the void between them. The moment called for patience and understanding, strengths that had guided him many times over, qualities that would serve him now.
    He unfurled his fists and shook his head. “I will not make you wash with the men.”
    Relief cascaded over the lad’s face, but distrust lingered.
    Holding his squire’s gaze, Nicholas stepped forward.
    On trembling legs, Thomas took another step back.
    â€œI give you my word that you will not be harmed.” Nicholas gestured toward the keep. “Follow me. There is a basin of water in my chamber. You can bathe there—alone.”
    For several moments, his squire eyed him, unsure. Then he nodded.
    Â 
    Guilt assailed Elizabet as she followed the castellan. She hadna meant for Nicholas to assume she’d been defiled. At his horror, she’d almost revealed the truth. In the end, she’d maintained her silence. With her family and people captured in his cells, their fate unknown, she couldna afford to tell him the truth until they were freed.
    The aroma of roast pork, rosemary, and sage filled the great hall as she followed the castellan inside, trudging on legs that felt heavier than sacks of grain. With the few times she’d accompanied her father to Ravenmoor Castle, she doubted the women working inside would recognize her.
    Moments later, they entered the turret and ascended the steps. The pad of her boots echoed around her as the flicker of torches sent long shadows dancing ahead.
    At the third floor, the castellan headed down the corridor and entered a large chamber at the end. The few rugs upon the floor, the barren walls, bespoke a man nae drawn to wealth or luxury, but practicality.
    A small table stood beside a massive bed. Heat warmed her cheeks as she took in the sturdy frame, the thick, feather-stuffed mattress covered with a woven wool blanket. She could easily envision him lying upon it, sprawled out, naked.
    Naked? On a soft groan she closed her eyes. Was she addled! ’Twas wrong to think of him such. He was the enemy, the man who held her people and family. To soften toward him in any manner was dangerous.
    Shaken by her untoward thoughts, she opened her eyes to find him kneeling before a well-polished trunk in the corner with iron hinges. After riffling through the contents, he pulled out a pair of hose and a long, linen tunic.
    â€œThese should fit you better than your oversize robe.” He tossed the garments at her.
    She caught the clothes. Hands shaking, she set them on his bed. “I do nae need them. After I rinse out my garb, it will serve me fine.”
    With a weary sigh he stood, folded his arms across his chest. “After you bathe,” Nicholas stated, his each word crisp, “you will wear the clothes I set out, because you are my squire and I order it.”
    Elizabet glanced at the basin near the hearth. As promised, water stood readied. She faced him, nodded.
    â€œIn the future,” he continued, “there is another pair of trews and a shirt inside the trunk that you will wear as well.” After one measuring glance, Nicholas walked to the door. At the entry, he paused. “I have several tasks that require my time. Once you are finished, go to the great hall and eat. After, await my arrival. When I return, you will serve me.” The castellan strode out, closed the door with a firm snap.
    Her entire body trembled as she clutched the rough, homespun linen against her breast. She hadna considered her attraction to the castellan, but neither had she anticipated him to be a fair, considerate man.
    This was supposed to be simple. Slip inside Ravenmoor Castle, find a way to free her family and people, then leave. Except the frustrating man was making it complicated. But standing here pondering what she couldna change wouldna help achieve her goal. With a sigh she began to remove her garb.
    Â 
    Nicholas shook the water from his hair, thankful to be clean at last. He