A Spy at the Highland Court

by Barclay, Celeste

  Pounding at the door shattered their bliss and brought them crashing back to reality. Ric placed a finger against her lips and shook his head.

  “Don’t move,” he mouthed.

  Isa’s brow furrowed, but she nodded her head. She did not realize it, but her arms tightened around Ric as though she feared being ripped away from him.

  The pounding continued, and they could hear muffled voices beyond the door. After two more rounds of knocking, silence returned. Neither dared move for several long moments. Ric’s arm tightened around her waist while the other hand rested possessively over her backside.

  “We’re not leaving this chamber until morning,” Ric glared at the door.

  “But I thought the king expected us to leave after the midday meal. We were to have that then depart.”

  “He’s a fool if he thinks any newlywed man would make his bride ride out on the day of their wedding.”

  “I can think of plenty of men who have done just that when they’ve married other ladies-in-waiting.”

  “Then they weren’t enamored with their brides, nor desired them more than their next breath,” Ric grumbled. “I’m not letting you out of my reach nor am I going to force you to ride a horse today after what we just did. It would be cruel.”

  “Ric, I’m fine. I’ve been riding my entire life. I’d rather not anger the king.”

  Isa watched as a wolfish grin spread across Ric’s face.

  “I can tell you like to ride.” He pinched her backside, and Isa’s eyes widened before she ducked her head. “Don’t hide from me, my sweet. I enjoyed every second of it, and I shall gladly be your stallion.”

  Isa grinned up at Ric before adding her own risqué comment, “Hmmm. A stud I would gladly mount. I—”

  Isa did not get to finish before Ric’s fingers tangled in her hair, and he brought their mouths together. The kiss was languid as they explored and found more of what each enjoyed. They discovered what made them sigh and what made them shift restlessly. When they finally broke apart, Ric’s wolfish grin was back in place.

  “Have you always had such a cheeky sense of humor?” He gave her backside a light smack.

  Isa shook her head. “I’ve never said a thing like that before in my life. I may have jested with some of the ladies about some of the more handsome men, but I have never said anything so lewd.”

  “Then I shall be your first for yet another thing.”

  When a cloud passed over Isa’s face and all she did was nod, Ric could have kicked himself. There he was lying in bed with his bride still draped over him, having just experienced the most mind-rattling, earth-shattering climax of his life, and he had to point out that only one of them was experiencing it for the first time.

  “Isa?” She nodded but would not look up. “Isa, that was insensitive of me. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s fine,” her voice was muffled as she leaned against his chest.

  “No, it’s not. Isa, please look at me.”

  Isa lifted her head but looked at the pillow behind Ric’s head rather than at him. She tried to make her face neutral, but she feared it showed everything.

  “Isabella.” A note of warning made her gaze snap to his.

  “That’s the third time today that you’ve used my full name. You never do that.”

  “Because each time I wanted you to know how serious I am. Isa, ever since I met you, I wish I could go back and erase the time before I met you. While it’s not the same, this has been a first for me, too.”

  Isa’s eyes narrowed, and Ric realized he had better explain carefully.

  “I never considered marrying before I met you; I never wanted to. And I knew what it was like to grow up without a father. I was very careful about not siring any bastards, which meant never finding the release that I did with you.” Ric watched Isa to be sure she understood him. “You’re the only woman I have ever wanted to marry, and the only woman I have ever imagined having children with. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “No.” Isa’s succinct answer made Ric smile even when he wanted to groan. He was not looking forward to spelling this out.

  “Do you know how a couple conceives a child?”

  “Of course. That’s the reason for what we did.”

  Ric nearly bit the tip of his tongue off when her words registered.

  “Isa, what we just did may result in a child, but getting you pregnant was not why we made love.” Isa tried not to read too much into that phrase he used yet again. “I have always pulled out before finding my release because I never wanted to risk siring a bastard. I didn’t pull out with you because I want to make a family with you one day. But it was more than that. I didn’t pull out because I couldn’t bring myself to end the connection I feel with you. You’re my wife because I want you and no other. I hope I’m your husband for the same reason.”

  Isa caught the note of uncertainty at the end. She stretched and kissed Ric’s nose.

  “There’s no one else I want. I wasn’t ready to marry until I met you.”

  A sensation in his heart that Ric had begun to feel only around Isa took hold once again. He did not know if it was the beginning of love, but he knew he wanted it to grow. They settled against one another, and it was not long before they drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Fifteen

  A knocking at the door awoke Isa and Ric, but this time it was lighter and less demanding than the one that came hours earlier.

  “Isa, it’s Deirdre.”

  Isa looked at Ric while biting her lip. He pulled it loose and gave her a quick kiss.

  “Isa, I’ve brought a tub and steaming water. I think you may appreciate it.”

  Isa’s longing look prompted Ric to lift her off him and lower her to her feet beside the bed. She furrowed her brow, but at his nod, she dashed to put on her robe. Ric enjoyed the view of his wife’s swinging hips and breasts. He snatched the covers and drew them to his chest before everyone knew just how much he enjoyed it.

  Isa opened the door just wide enough to see Deirdre and the crew of servants who waited behind her. She stepped back and pulled the door wide, allowing the servants to enter. She caught more than one of the women looking past her at Ric. She glanced over her shoulder and saw that he had pulled the blanket to his chin, but his relaxed pose of being propped up in bed with one arm tucked behind his head only made him more attractive. She breathed a silent sigh when she realized that his eyes were riveted on her, and none of the movement distracted his attention.

  She glanced back at Deirdre to thank her for the thoughtfulness, but her friend disappeared. Isa waited until the servants left before once more locking and barring the door. She was unprepared for Ric to spring from the bed and catch her around the waist. Her body slammed against his, and she was sure hitting a wall made of marble would feel the same way, except her body reacted with arousal rather than pain. Before she knew what was happening, Ric stripped the robe from her and spun her around, pressing her at arm’s length toward the tub. She tried to see over her shoulder, but the position was too awkward. When she looked forward, she caught sight of them in her looking glass. Ric’s gaze was on her backside as she continued to walk.

  “I’m going to bathe you, and then we are going to slip back into bed. To sleep. I am not going to hurt you by overdoing it your first time.”

  “It really wasn’t that bad. Nowhere near what I feared. Could we not—?”

  “You’ll feel differently in the morning when you can barely walk let alone ride,” Ric shook his head.

  “Then we shouldn’t let the water cool anymore. A soak will do me good. Then can we please find something to eat? I’m ravenous.”

  “Ravishing,” Ric muttered.

  “What’s that?”

  “You’re ravishing, and that’s the whole problem. Let’s get you in the bath while the water is still hot.”

  Ric held her hand and helped her into the tub. Isa slid to the back of the tub and patted the water in front of her. Ric sho
ok his head, so she flicked water at him.

  “Dip your head under, and I will attempt to wash your hair.” Ric offered, but this time Isa shook her head before patting the water again.

  “If you wait until I’m done, the water will be too cold.”

  “That may be just what I need,” Ric grumbled, but when Isa pouted and flicked water at him again, he relented. He found he could not deny his bonny bride anything.

  Ric eased into the tub, and Isa turned to rest her back against his chest. They sat like that, the water lapping around them, for a long time. Their fingers entwined as they enjoyed the quiet and affection. Ric pressed kisses against her temple from time to time, and Isa drew his arms around her more tightly. It was only when the water did begin to chill that they lathered two linens and ran them over each other. Ric marveled at the feel of Isa’s white-blonde tresses as he scrubbed her scalp, then poured clean water over her. With her hair slicked back, he had a chance to appreciate just how perfectly formed her features were. He knew other men found her attractive, but he was certain none had ever seen her look more beautiful.

  “Why are you staring at me?” Isa wondered softly.

  “You take my breath away.”

  Isa was unprepared for such an honest response, and she felt her cheeks heat.

  “Thank you,” she whispered. She looked away, suddenly embarrassed and feeling more naked than she had even when they coupled. Her eyes alighted on the bed, and she furrowed her brow and bit her top lip.

  “What’re thinking about?” Ric slid a wet lock of hair behind her shoulder.

  “I was very comfortable earlier when I dozed, but that was because you’re huge and made a wonderful pillow. But you couldn’t have been very comfortable on such a narrow bed.”

  “You think I’m huge?” Ric waggled his eyebrows.

  “Yes. In just the ways I like.” She waggled her own eyebrows in response.

  “What have I unleashed?” Ric pulled her onto his lap and slid forward in the tub, giving her room to wrap her legs around him. The water sloshed around Isa’s breasts, and he could see the faint outline of her nipple just below the surface. Bathing with her, and now holding her once again, was the singularly most erotic experience of his life.

  “You’ve allowed me to be myself in a way I only want to share with you. In a way I never imagined.”

  They filled their kiss with tenderness and promises neither were ready to speak aloud. A pounding at the door, along with an announcement that the king summoned them both, made it impossible for them to carry on. Ric groaned as Isa whimpered softly.

  “I don’t want to go,” Isa tried to keep the petulance from her voice, but she knew it was there.

  “Neither do I, my sweet. Stay here and rest while I answer to the king.”

  “No. I played a part in our truancy, and I won’t let you take the blame alone.”

  “Isa, every man in the Privy Council will know what we’ve been about. I won’t embarrass you by having them smirk at you.”

  “Both of our names were said. We’re both expected there.”

  Ric’s lips thinned, but he nodded. He helped Isa out of the tub then rubbed her dry with one of the linens. She ran a comb through her hair and quickly braided it while Ric dried himself. He assisted her with a fresh kirtle but took forever with her laces. She wondered if it was intentional until he admitted he was not sure how to fasten her gown. She walked him through it, and then once he was dressed, Isa and Ric left her chamber. They walked with Isa’s arm threaded through Ric’s, her hand resting on his forearm. The couple did not pass many people in the passageway, but the few that they did gave them knowing looks. Isa attempted to ignore the appreciative looks women gave her husband, but Ric was not so tolerant of the men who ogled Isa. His hand went to the hilt of the knife sheathed at his waist.

  “I shall have to get one of those to carry around, too. It seems quite a deterrent,” Isa remarked.

  “A deterrent for what?”

  “All the women, of course.”

  “What women?”

  Isa assumed he was being purposely obtuse until she realized Ric did not seem to notice any of the women they passed. Each time she looked up at him, he was watching her.

  “If you don’t look where we’re going, you’re liable to walk into a wall.”

  “I trust you to steer me away. You’re far prettier than any of the walls. I’d rather look at you.”

  “You’re turning into quite the romantic bard.”

  “What I’m turning into is a husband with a wife more beautiful than he could have ever imagined and who would gladly follow her anywhere like a loyal hound.”

  “Shall I scratch you behind the ears?”

  “My sweet, you may scratch me anywhere you please, hopefully while we are making love,” Ric lowered his voice for the last words as they approached the doors to the Privy Council. He looked around and pulled Isa into an alcove before they reached the guards. “Isa, no matter what is said in there, I’m not going anywhere without you, and if you don’t feel well enough to travel today, tell me now, and we will not leave until you are. Don’t say what you believe the king or I want to hear. Tell me the truth.”

  “I don’t want to leave today, but I am well enough to do it.”

  “I will argue that there is little sunlight left for us to depart now. It would be safer for everyone to leave in the morning. It’s true, and it will give you a chance to sleep. I told you before, I don’t know if we’ll be able to stay at any inns. We may have to make camp most nights.”

  “Ric, I’ve made more than one journey where I’ve slept on the ground. I will manage. I just don’t want to end the time we’ve had as just the two of us.”

  Ric kissed her softly.

  “Neither do I.”

  “Let’s get this done with, and then hopefully we can return to our chamber.”

  “Our chamber shall be the one I occupied. It has a larger bed. If only I had more time to chase you across it, but it will ensure you get a better night’s sleep.”

  “Is it so large I won’t be able to reach you?”

  “No,” Ric drew out the word as he wondered if that was how she would rather sleep.

  “Good, because I don’t want to lose you in the middle of the night. I found sleeping on you is the most comfortable I’ve ever been.”

  “Keep saying things like that, and I shall abscond with you to the Highlands, where no one will find us.”

  “Do you promise?”

  “I wish that I could.”

  “Let’s be done with this.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Ric led them from the alcove and wrapped his arm around Isa as sentries admitted them to the king’s meeting chamber. Advisors and scribes filled the room. Isa had never been within the chamber, but had heard it described more than once. They approached the king, and while Ric bowed, Isa curtsied.

  “I see we were able to find you after all. I began to wonder if you’d slipped away.” Robert’s tone held only traces of humor. “I assume the deed is done, and you are truly wed now.”

  Ric felt Isa stiffen, and he saw the leers several of the men gave her even if the king had not deigned to look at either of them yet. Ric pulled Isa more tightly against his side, and she welcomed the sense of protection, even if did not stop the looks or whispered comments.

  “Your Majesty, my wife is present. I’d rather she not be spoken of in such a way before others.”

  Ric’s defense made Robert’s head jerk up, and the king glowered at the knight. The russet-haired king did not bother to hide the flush that rose from his neck as his temper boiled.

  “I’m aware of where your wife is, and where she has been.” The king flicked his wrist, and a man appeared from a corner carrying a bedsheet. Isa gasped when she noticed the red streak and understood where the sheet came from. She turned into Ric’s chest, mortified that proof of her virginity was on display. “You shall take this with you and fly it from the laird’s cham
ber window. You will use it as proof that you have a claim to the land Laird Dunbar exchanged for your protection.”

  Isa looked up at Ric as she understood that she was the proof. The fact that she was wedded and bedded gave Ric the right to hold the land the king had ceded to him and that her father had always intended to be part of her dowry. She grew up thinking it was her dower lands in case she one day had daughters who would need a home if her husband died without sons. Now she understood that they had bartered her between her husband and her father. They had each gotten what they wanted, and she had been the payment that exchanged hands.

  “That is why you wished for the wedding to be sooner. Not so that we could have time together before being surrounded by others. It was so you could ensure you had a sheet to prove you’d bedded me,” Isa hissed in Ric’s ear.

  “Isabella,” Ric warned.

  She turned to face the king, no longer willing to cower against a man she thought had her best interests in mind, but truly was just as ambitious and manipulative as any other man at court. She lifted her chin as her eyes scanned the crowd, daring any of the men to make another comment or offer her another lascivious glance.

  “You were to leave more than an hour past. You seem to have a rather short memory.”

  “Your Majesty, as you so plainly pointed out, my wife and I had matters to attend to.” A muscle in Ric’s jaw twitched. “As such, it is too late to set out today. We shall be ready to depart at sunrise.”

  “I think not. If your wife is unable to leave today, then she may follow at some other time.”

  “Your Majesty,” Ric’s voice took on a tone that bordered on insolence. “My wife is under my care now. I already told you I would not leave without her, and I will not endanger her life, on our wedding day or any other, by making her ride in the dark. You are just as aware as I am of the highwaymen who frequent the roads just outside of Stirling. I will not make her prey to them. We leave with the sun.”