Page 90 of The Refuge

Catrìona was pleased and not just for herself. All of the queen’s ladies would be glad to see Isla go. She thanked Steinar and told him she was off to find Giric. As she was about to invite him to come with her, the king called Steinar back for a word.

“I will find you later,” he said and returned to the king.

Slipping through the tower door, Catrìona considered where she might find the boy. He sometimes watched Angus at sword practice, or he might be at the archery field where Rhodri put the archers through their paces. But more often, she could find Giric and his dog, Shadow, in the village at this time of day. She decided to go to the village since she wanted to see the changes that had been made to the orphans’ cottage. Then she would find the boy, wherever he was, and they could visit Kessog together.

She walked past the stables with only pleasant thoughts in her mind. She had received justice for the death of her parents, Colbán had finally seen Audra’s true affection and, soon, the man who betrayed her for another would be gone.

As she strolled along, she did not pay much attention to the few people coming and going, except to return them a smile of greeting. Suddenly, a hand reached out and grabbed her, pulling her into the shadows.

“Domnall!” she cried out when she recognized who it was. “What can you mean by this?” She yanked back her arm, but he held it fast. “Unhand me!”

He moved closer, his face inches from hers. “Nay, not until you hear me out.”

He smelled of some scent and the shoulders of his tunic were richly embroidered with flowers. It was as he had always been but now she found his flowery scent and his embellished tunic disgusted her.

Heart pounding in her chest, she spit out, “Say it then and be gone!”

He lifted his finger to her jaw and slowly slid it to her chin. She stiffened at the unwanted touch. “I have always found you a seductive woman, Catrìona. It was not for lack of interest I gave you up for Isla, you know.”

“That is no concern of mine, Domnall. You have your betrothed. See to her and leave me alone.”

“Nay, I would still have you in my bed. You could not be my wife, but you could be my mistress. What say you?”

She huffed out a laugh. “Surely you jest!”

He looked at her, affronted. “I am most serious. You have no dowry to speak of and no rich trade to offer as you once did.”

“If I did not come to your bed when I was your intended, do you think I would do so now when you have spurned me? You are beyond contemptible!”

Without warning, he dropped her hand and drove his chest into her, forcing her against the side of the stable, the rough boards bruising the tender flesh of her back. “I will have you, as I always wanted.” Without pretense of gentleness, his mouth came down hard upon hers, forcing his tongue into her mouth.

She pushed against his chest with her hands and jerked her face to the side, but she could not move him. With one foot, she kicked at his shin as hard as her shoe allowed in the tight space.

“I always did like your fire,” he said.

A hiss of steel was followed by the flash of metal as a sword tip slid before her eyes to hover next to Domnall’s cheek. “Take your hands from her or I shall scar you for life, you dishonorable cur.”

Steinar! Her chest heaving, she turned to look into his beautiful eyes, relief washing over her.

“Has he harmed you, little one?”

She pressed her lips together trying to hold back the tears filling her eyes. “Only my pride.”

Domnall backed away from the sword but the blade followed to remain close to his face. “What business is this of yours, Scribe?”

“You, a man betrothed, would force yourself on one of the queen’s ladies? Get you gone, Domnall. See to your own lady!” In a tone of disgust, Steinar added, “I wish you well of her.”

Domnall glanced again at the blade, barely a breath from his eye, and fled.

Catrìona let out a breath.

Steinar sheathed his sword and pulled her into his arms. “’Tis over, little one. He is gone.”

For a moment she was content just to be held. Wiping the tears of relief from her eyes, she tilted her head up to look at him. “You saved me.”

“Aye, lass, and I always will.”

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