And in order to do that, he had to keep her alive.
If they were truly after the map she held in her possession, then they were obviously trying to capture her alive. Once they had the map, they would likely dispose of her.
He and Isabella held the advantage, and somehow he had to make that advantage work in his favor. He had Isabella and the map, the two key components in the future of Leaudor and perhaps England itself.
“What are you thinking?” Isabella asked, breaking into his thoughts.
He shook his head and frowned. “I was just trying to plot the best possible course for us to get safely to Leaudor.”
“Then youdoplan to help me,” she said, her eyes brightening.
“I said I would. I don’t break my word.”
“Thank you,” she said softly.
“I think it best if you try to get some rest now,” he said. “We will leave at first light.”
Chapter Eight
Isabella slept fitfully. Now that she had recounted the horror of her parents’ deaths, the images came alive in her dreams. But she was powerless to wake and stop the barrage of memories that flashed before her.
Her mouth opened to scream, but nothing would come out. She tried to put out her hands to ward off the attackers, but they were paralyzed at her side. She ran through the corridors of the palace, but her feet were heavy, and she moved in slow motion.
Then strong arms surrounded her and enclosed her in their safe embrace. A deep voice murmured in her ear, urging her to wake up, that everything was all right. Warmth curled around her, and a comforting scent filled her nostrils.
Even in her semi-conscious state, she recognized Merrick’s touch. Her cheek rested on his muscled chest, and for a brief moment, she gave herself completely over to the safe haven he offered. Gave her feelings free reign. Allowed herself to contemplate what would happen if she let herself succumb to the desire that had been building within her.
Tentatively, she snaked her arms around his waist, seeking more of his warmth. His hand gently stroked her hair as he continued to murmur soothingly in her ear.
All he had to do was be near and she felt safe. For someone who vowed not to rely on anyone, she felt precariously dependent on Merrick for more than just her personal safety. She had, in essence, placed the entire future of her country in his hands.
Her eyes fluttered open, the last thought eating at the back of her mind. What was she thinking? How could she place her own comfort and desires ahead of her people?
She looked up to find Merrick staring down at her, the flames from the fireplace illuminating his expression of concern.
“Are you all right now?”
She nodded, but made no move to separate herself from him. Slowly, she rested her head back on his chest, her cheek tickled by the smattering of hair at its center. And then she realized. He had no shirt on.
Pulling away, she glanced down, her eyes drawn to the well-defined muscles across his abdomen, the hardness of his chest and the broadness of his shoulders. She was entwined with a half-naked man, only slightly more dressed herself.
Quickly she shifted, attempting to put some distance between her and Merrick. He reached out and cupped her chin, his thumb rubbing softly over her cheek.
“You were having terrible dreams,” he murmured.
“I know,” she said quietly. “I am sorry to have disturbed you.”
“You didn’t.”
He held her gaze for a long moment then dropped his hand away from her face, leaving her oddly disappointed. She twisted around on the makeshift pallet she had fashioned to stare into the fire. Drawing up her knees, she hugged her arms around them, pulling them tightly to her chest.
Behind her she could hear him pulling on his shirt, then he joined her by the fire. He sat a few feet from her and gazed into the flames. She glanced sideways at him. “Can’t sleep?”
He shook his head and continued to gaze into the glowing embers that lay scattered in the hearth.
“Tell me about yourself,” she said. “We’ve talked so much about me, and yet, I know nothing about you.”
He grimaced. “There’s little to tell really. I’ve already explained my role in the English government.”
