Malcolm'S Honor (Historical, 519) by Jillian Hart Page B

sword.”
    How did she say she would feel safer with a weapon at her side? “’Twill help the next time I need to save Giles’s life.”
    Men chuckled at that, and Giles took some teasing.
    â€œSilence.” Malcolm lifted one hand.
    She could not breathe as heartbeats passed. Would he take even this small comfort from her?
    He shook his head. “Fine. I’ll allow you to carry it when we ride. But do not mistake my intentions, Wife. I do not trust you.”
    â€œNor do I trust you.” She mounted, refusing his aid.
    Malcolm disliked the defiance in her voice. At least the dove was honest. Many women had lied to him, and so often, he began to think it was all they were capable of. And yet Elin seemed different from all the rest.
    Moonlight basked in her luxurious hair, making it glint like the rarest of metals. He could not deny the attraction. His fingers ached to touch that luminous silk and to know its sweet, rich texture. His blood heated as he remembered the feel of her hand in his.
    Edward did not know what he did in arranging this marriage.
    Feeling the heavy weight of exhaustion, Malcolm mounted up. A cold wind chilled the sweat on his face and on the back of his neck.
    He was tired, aye, how he was tired. And his duty to his king, the most important yet, had just begun.
    Malcolm headed his stallion north toward Evenbough, following the sky’s brightest star.
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    â€œYour lady is some warrior.” Ian sidled close after a long, vigilant silence. “I have never seen a female swing a blade like that.”
    â€œIt surprised me as well.” Malcolm looked over his shoulder to check on his bride. She sat in the saddle, washed in starlight that made her look soft and new. Less like the defiant hellcat and more a delicate noblewoman. How tired she seemed. She might have some amount of a warrior’s strength, but she was no seasoned knight.
    He came to a decision. “We shall make camp there, near that stream. Set up guards to watch the perimeter.”
    Ian cleared his throat. “But you said we would not stop until we reached Evenbough.”
    Malcolm bit his lip to keep from chastising Ian. Or mayhap to keep from admitting the truth. “Lady Elin saved Giles from being run through from behind. If she needs rest, I will give it to her.”
    â€œRemember that the last time she performed a good deed she poisoned you and your men.”
    â€œI am no wooden-pated fool.” Agitated, Malcolm dismounted and caught hold of the mare’s bit. If Elin were all traitor, he’d know how to deal with her. But she was softness and frailty, too. And she’d shown remarkable courage fighting that mercenary dog.
    Elin, half-asleep, was startled awake. Her hand flew to the sword’s hilt and panic gripped her.
    â€œHold, maiden warrior.” Malcolm covered her fingers with his, hoping to calm her. “You are in no danger from me.”
    She blinked, and that moment of vulnerability was gone. Her chin lifted, and her defenses were back in place. “You’re my husband, the most dangerous man of all.”
    â€œNay, I’m merely the most dangerous knight.”
    â€œMy point exactly. ’Tis why I need my sword.”
    By the saints, she was a prickly female. But there was no mistaking the pool of fear in her eyes. And although her fear drove her, it did not rule her.
    He admired her for that. “Not many females would heft such a heavy sword at a trained killer.”
    â€œMy own sword is much lighter, and with it I am lightning quick. Father made me leave it at home.” The wind caressed her rich tresses, and they fluttered against the curve of her face.
    â€™Twas hard not to notice that beautiful face. “You swing a blade the way Peter did, left-handed and mean.”
    â€œYou do remember him. It seems as if he’s been gone forever.” Sadness touched her, and she no longer looked defiant, but gentle like the