Read Heart's Ransom (Heart and Soul) for Free Online

head harshly.  “It would not be wise--”
    “Please, Talon.  I vow I will not try to escape.  You can send as many men as you want with me.  Accompany me yourself if you wish, I give you my oath I will abide any rule you set for me, but I must get out of this castle for a brief time before I lose my sanity.”
    He stared at her, his expression unreadable but the muscle started ticking in his jaw again.
    “Please, Talon,” she whispered, wishing it didn’t sound like she was begging.
    Talon said nothing, staring at her with distrust.
    Gwen growled an oath, clenching her fists, surprised when tears of anger clouded her vision.  “Why do I even bother to ask?” she turned on her heel, to stride angrily away, but her heart screamed.  If he didn’t grant her some sort of freedom she would indeed go mad.
    A gentle hand gripped her shoulder and stopped her.  She blinked up at Talon in surprise.  His expression had not changed but his gaze seemed to stare into her soul.  “If I allow this, will you give me your oath you will not try to escape?”
    Her jaw went slack and she nodded.  “I vow it,” she said softly.
    “And you will heed me if I tell you to do something?”
    “Aye.”
    “No foolishness?  No trying my patience?”
    “Nay, my lord.”
    He thought for a long moment then again dragged his hand through his hair.  “Bloody daft,” he muttered.  “All right, Gwen, a short ride, but I and my knights will escort you and we will not go far from the castle.”
    Happiness bubbled within her and she spontaneously wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek.  “Oh thank you, Talon.”
    His eyes widened and he stared at her awestruck.  Slowly he lifted his hand and touched his cheek where she had kissed him.
    Gwen backed away, suddenly embarrassed again.
    “I will gather the men and have the horses saddled,” he said after a tense silence.  “You’d best prepare yourself.”
    She clapped her hands together; suddenly feeling like a little girl then sprinted into the keep.  But an idea occurred to her and instead of running for her room, she veered into the kitchens.  After speaking to the servants, she turned and bounded up the stairs to change.
     
    ****
     
    Talon marveled at himself.  What in the hell had gotten into him?  He sighed, standing by his horse, with Gwen’s mount next to him.  He wore his mail, his horseman’s axe strapped to the battle harness, and his sword at his side.  His men also rode as if equipped for battle.  His destrier pawed the ground impatiently.
    He touched his cheek, still able to feel Gwen’s lips against his skin.  Her reaction had astounded him.  In truth he felt sorry for the girl being used in petty politics.  He couldn’t blame her for feeling so confined.  But pain wrapped around his heart.  When she had clapped her hands, her eyes shining with joy, she had reminded him of Rose for the barest instant.
    He kicked himself for agreeing to this.  Taking her outside the castle was dangerous.  He wanted to believe her oath but distrust remained within him.  Oaths aside, if anyone was searching for her and stumbled across them outside the walls....
    Talon shook his head.  A short ride wouldn’t hurt and he had felt terrible seeing her disappointment when he first denied her.  Gwen was like no woman he had ever encountered.  She was active, vivacious, and...he grudgingly admitted...charming.
    Gwen bounded out of the keep and down the stairs, with Marcus following.  Talon scowled, realizing Marcus carried a saddle pack.  Gwen managed to slow herself before reaching the horses in an effort not to spook them.
    Her mare lifted her head, quickly spotting Gwen, and nickered.
    “So, you missed me too,” she said patting the mare’s neck.
    The mare tossed her head nickering again.
    Talon watched the exchange curiously.
    Marcus tied the bags to the back of Gwen’s saddle.
    “What is this?” Talon asked with a scowl.
    “Nothing