The Conqueror (Hot Knights) Read Online Free Page A

ornate designs. “What of this? It looks almost large enough.”
    Jobert made a disgusted sound. “I am to butcher cattle and fight rebels in that? I think not. I will save it for when Lord William comes to visit.”
    “King William,” Rob corrected him.
    A moment later, Jobert threw down the pile of clothing. “What ails these Saxons? I’ve found naught a man can wear, except to a banquet. Have they no chausses, no simple wool garments? I thought these lands were renowned for their woolen cloth?”
    “You should have purchased clothing in London,” Rob reproved. “You know you must always have things made to fit.”
    Jobert gave the growing pile of garments a resentful kick. Should have. Instead, he’d spent what little coin he had on a fine mail shirt and a carved ivory and onyx brooch for Damaris. The jewelry was still tucked away in his saddle pack. He’d known even as he bought it that he’d never dare give it to her.
    His father had sent him some coin soon after, but it had been too late to purchase clothing, if he had thought of it. His mind was all on claiming the manor that William had given him.
    His buoyant mood returned. No longer was he a landless younger son. He was a real lord now. All this—the land, the manor hall, yea, even the clothing tumbled on the floor—was his.
    With that thought, he bent to pick up the discarded garments. “Put these away,” he ordered Rob. “I’ll think of something else. Mayhap one of the men we killed has something that will serve.”
    “You’d wear a dead man’s clothing?”
    “I’d take his armor and his weapons. Why should I not make use of what else I need?”
    “What of the woman?” Rob asked.
    The two men looked toward the bed.
    “She might be useful,” Jobert said.
    “How? You can’t ransom a Saxon.”
    “She could be used to entrap the rebels.”
    “If they didn’t try to rescue the others, why should they come for her?”
    “If she was the woman of one of the rebels, he might seek her back. Anyway, for now she is my prisoner.”
    Rob looked dubious. “If you keep her bound, who will help her to the chamber pot and feed her? We can scarce spare anyone for the task.”
    Jobert clenched his jaw. Rob was right. He’d been a lack-wit to rescue the woman. He should have had her hanged with the men, despite Alan’s protests.
    “I’ll be down anon,” he said, dismissing Rob. “Tell the men who aren’t on guard or sleeping to gather in the yard.”
    Rob left. Jobert put on his sword belt, then looked again at the woman. Her expression hadn’t changed. Defiance oozed from every part of her prone body. Yet, she was undoubtedly in pain, and probably unholy uncomfortable as well. She had not passed water this morn, and even if she had not drunk since yesterday, she must feel the need. He would not treat a prisoner so inhumanely, especially a woman.
    Drawing his dagger, he approached the bed. Her eyes widened, affording him a hint of satisfaction. Why not let her think he meant to kill her? That might shatter her maddening insolence.
    He brought his knife to her neck, a hairsbreadth away from the smooth skin.
    The contempt in her cornflower blue eyes never wavered. Only the way she parted her lips, the faint pulse in her throat, gave away her fear. Jobert felt a stirring of respect. She was brave—he’d give her that.
    He hesitated another moment, thinking that if she meant to fool her enemies into believing she was a man, she should have used more dirt. In the full light of day, her sex was obvious. Never had he seen a male with such long eyelashes.
    He grabbed her tunic and pulled her to her knees, then reached around to cut her bonds. He saw her intake of breath as he stepped away. She bit her lips as if forcing back a groan, and he felt an uncomfortable sympathy. For a few seconds, as the blood came rushing back into her arms and her shoulder joints unfroze, she would be in agony. The numbness might last for several hours.
    He should have