Most of the ladies wore a similar style gown, but some wore a different and new fashion headdress. One lady in particular wore a truncated cone and had shaped the veil covering it into two peaks forming a butterfly henin. It seemed an awful fuss. Aileana preferred her hair loose and uncovered and wore it like that often when at home. The men wore tunics with varying skirt lengths, some revealing more than she would prefer to see, similar to the man who had led her forward earlier.
After receiving many dissecting glances, Aileana passed through the crowd and stood before the most beautiful woman she’d ever seen. The queen was pregnant and perhaps that was why she glowed, or perhaps it was the rumoured love the woman shared with her husband. They had been married while he was still in England awaiting settlement of his ransom and she even heard he even wrote her poetry. Aileana was wrong to stare, but she couldn’t help it. The English Queen of Scotland was stunning.
James recaptured her waist just as the queen and all those gathered at the table focused in on Aileana.
“I believe, Lady Aileana, the description of your beauty has been grossly understated.”
“I apologize, your majesty,” James said. “The understatement was mine and directed to any man who would look upon her. If I thought I could get away with it, I would keep her locked in my room so that only I could enjoy her delights.” James replied in a far too flirtatious manner.
Aileana’s shocked expression prompted a chuckle from the Queen Joan.
“I can see why you’d feel that way. I’m glad my own husband is unable to see past me or else I fear the sovereignty of this country could be at stake.”
Aileana re-directed her shocked expression towards the dais.
“It appears there has been a change of heart since we last met, Lord MacIntosh.”
“Indeed, your majesty. Much has changed. I’m certain my brother will revel in his accurate assessment on that day. I doubt I shall live it down.”
“Is that so? And you Lady Aileana, have you had a change of heart as well and accept this man as your future husband?”
“I do—”
“Accept,” James said. “Lady Aileana has had an exhausting journey, Your Majesty, and if it is your wish, I would like to see her rested.”
“Oh course Lord MacIntosh. Cameron will see you to your chambers. Lady Aileana, I urge you to rest well for we shall celebrate in your honour tonight.”
Aileana couldn’t wiggle one word in between them and after James offered a curt thank you, he tugged her in the opposite direction and toward the guest chambers.
She was somewhat disturbed to learn her room was adjacent to James’s with a small hallway and side doors connecting the two. Gwen was placed in a nearby room and Calum’s was on the other side. Before she could turn around and catch her breath, she was alone in her room with James.
“My lord, I urge you to speak your purpose. Why have you brought me all the way here only to lie to the queen about our arrangement?”
“I have not lied to her majesty for I believe that would be punishable by hanging. I value my neck,” he said.
“Then I suggest you tell me exactly what is going on here? You’ve dragged me half way across the country to inform me we will remain betrothed?”
“I have and we will.”
“I see and will you please explain why that is?”
“I can tell you I didn’t plan it so.”
She was a fly caught in his web once again. He stepped toward her and she stepped back.
“Did you intend to break this arrangement when we left Inverness-shire?”
“Yes.”
“What changed?”
He stepped toward her again and this time snaked his arm around her waist so she couldn’t step back.
“This.”
He leaned in close and she stopped thinking. All the anger and confusion rushed out of her and was replaced with immediate and intense desire. His lips grazed hers and her head swam. His free hand dove into her hair as the kiss deepened as he and claimed her mouth. Her body arched toward his and she had a niggling feeling somewhere far away that she should stop, but she couldn’t get past the power he had over her.
He raised his head and looked deep into her eyes. His sparkled with purpose and she couldn’t have protested anything when he held her captive like this.
“Calum and I will ride to Edinburgh Castle with haste to speak with the king. According to the queen, he will give us an audience to speak in favour of Fergus before the trial. I hope as well he will allow me to speak with Fergus, even if for a moment. I am uncertain how long I’ll be gone, but I want you and your maid to stay here unless the queen herself bids you to her. Do you understand?”
Aileana tried to hide her disappointment. She wanted to know more about what had changed his mind and just realized she’d been coerced into submission. Her temper flared once again and she broke from his embrace.
“My lord, I will stay on these grounds if you feel ’tis necessary. I hope your meetings will not keep you too long as we have much unfinished business here.”
“Aye, lass that we do.” He leaned toward her again and his proximity muddled her thoughts.
“My lord, I’m speaking of your abrupt change of heart. I will have satisfaction from you, sir.”
“As will I from you,” he said, his voice husky making her moisten in anticipation.
“I shall return as quickly as I can, I promise.”
James brushed his lips over hers one more time and crossed the room, glancing back with a look that told her she would need all the strength in the world to get the answers she sought.
Chapter Sixteen
“If it is your wish to gloat, be done with it and let us focus on how to aid Fergus.”
“Oh I intend to gloat and will drag it out for a long time,” Calum said. “May I ask what prompted this about face?”
“You may, but I won’t answer except to say I’ve begun to understand the complexity of her attributes.”
“And what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing you would understand. Speaking of bewitching women—”
“Don’t start.”
“Seriously, Calum. I’ve noticed you around her. What are your intentions?”
“I don’t have any to speak of at the moment. Do you know who she is? Or was?”
“I do not.”
“Her father was William MacGregor.”
“Aye, we acquired his farms several years back.”
“That we did. He was a drunk and a gambler and squandered away the family’s fortune. Our lady’s maid is Gwendolyn MacGregor, a former gentlewoman herself who was forced to go into service in order to provide for her mother.”
“Did she offer this information to you freely?”
“No, I suspected there was more to her story when at times I heard her slip ‘my lady’ instead of ‘m’lady’ used by someone of lower birth.”
“I see. One word from her and you determined she had a hidden past?”
“Aye.”
“The fact that you are attracted to her played no role in your hanging on her every utterance?”
“Of course not,” Calum said, smiling.
James was grateful when they both fell silent. He didn’t yet understand what had changed between him and Aileana only that the thought of any other man ever touching her made him want to smash things. He wasn’t ready to admit what was in his heart and so turned his thoughts to the task before him. Suffice it to say, her virginity made a big difference in how he felt about her.
Looking around them as they entered Edinburgh, the king’s vision was apparent by the new construction in parts of the city. Around him, commerce erupted and it was clear Scotland was on its way to greater prosperity. More and more people arrived in Edinburgh every day, eager to find work. Markets bustled with everything from construction material to fresh produce.
It was an exciting time, yet the castle still loomed foreboding, an eerie reminder of i
ts dark past. The two men climbed the cobbled road leading to the majestic structure overlooking the entire city. Built on ancient volcanic rock centuries earlier, Edinburgh Castle offered impressive protection from attack because of its extreme height over the land surrounding it. The altitude and the stench grew as they climbed higher. With prosperity came all new sorts of challenges. Was the city ready for the influx of people?
James and Calum approached with cautious determination. This king, with all his good intentions for the country, lost his patience when trying to understand the complexity of Highland life. It was the king’s vision for a united Scotland that first impressed James. Despite his severe methods, the king was on the right path to securing his beloved country’s future. His Majesty may have preconceived ideas about how Highlanders should live, but he also appeared ready to listen
. Hopefully this would keep them out of the dungeon, at least until Fergus’s fate was determined.
James and Calum crossed the esplanade and passed through the gatehouse. They left their horses with a stable-hand and climbed the stairs leading to the courtyard. The king took no chances with visitors, no matter whom they were, and that was apparent when the brothers’ weapons were removed and they were escorted by two armoured guards. They were led into a large hall occupied by several Scottish nobles enjoying a test of strength between the king and another nobleman.
The king won the match and motioned to James and Calum.
“Ah, there you are. I wondered if I’d see you this day. I trust your journey was uneventful?”
One event from his journey sprung to mind, but James was not about to share it with the king. “Thank you Your Majesty, our journey was safe indeed. I hope now is an acceptable time for our visit.”
The king nodded to James and motioned for him to follow. They were accompanied by his Royal Advisor, Lord Beaufort, a cousin of the queen, who was also English. James calculated this could weigh in his favour. It was clear to anyone who paid attention that this king wished to model aspects of Scottish Parliament and court after the English which he studied during his imprisonment.
James hoped Lord Beaufort’s presence would prevent the king from making any rash decisions affecting Fergus’s fate. The men entered a side room and each took a seat around a thick, polished wooden table. On cue, servants arrived with refreshments and pitchers of wine.
“Well MacIntosh, what is so urgent regarding the savages I hold in my dungeon that it cannot wait until the day after tomorrow? You have no misplaced faith in our justice system do you?”
James recognized the king’s baited question.
“Savages tho’ they may be, Your Majesty, they’re not guilty of the crime of which they are accused. I have proof of their innocence, information I expect you will find of dire importance to the safety of all the northern clans, as well as yourself.”
“Those are big claims, MacIntosh. Your source for this information is solid?”
The king was intrigued and would listen. There was hope.
“As solid as the rock this castle is built on, sire.”
When the king said nothing further, James recounted the tale he’d told Aileana earlier, leaving out no detail of the attack. He described how he and Calum had tracked the Sutherlands northeast to their lands and how they met up with Fergus and his clansmen while tracking, proving they were not involved.
He was cautious as he described how he hid Fergus and his men these past months. If Fergus was found guilty of murder, he was guilty of harbouring fugitives. James also described his and Aileana’s abduction, hoping that if he included every detail, King James would be more willing to believe him.
At the end of his account, James pulled something from inside his tunic. Lord Beaufort started to rise, but the king raised his hand and the man resumed his seat. James tossed the object across the table and watched as it captured the interest of both men.
“Where did you get this?” The king demanded.
“It dropped from one of them as they retreated north. We found it in a clearing after they’d stopped to eat. There’s no doubt, sire. That’s a Sutherland plaid pin.”
James watched as the king rubbed his fingers over the silver object. Sans Peur—Without Fear. Sutherlands at least witnessed the carnage.
The king took his time considering the evidence before him. When he spoke his tone held a warning note. “Is this all the proof you have? Do you expect me to put myself in the middle of a feud which has kept Mackay and Sutherland at each other’s throats for decades?”
James chose his next words carefully.
“I have no further proof except what I have witnessed.” He paused. “Sire, I believe they were not the sole party involved. Someone else is responsible for this. I suggest, Your Majesty, there will be a great deal of outrage if the MacKays are put to death by the justice they find here. I believe the real question that should be asked is: who has the most to gain by your decision to put innocent Scotsmen to death?”
He had gone too far with that comment, but he needed to use the king’s mistrust of all Highlanders to further his point. The Stewart needed to realize that not all Highlanders were his enemies and not all Lowlanders were his friends.
Lord Beaufort rose to his feet. “Lord MacIntosh, is that a threat? I would be careful, if I were you, so you do not end up in the dungeon with your friend.”
“Easy Beaufort,” the king said. He moved to the window and rested his arm above the frame. When he turned back to face the men he smiled.
“James MacIntosh, you have either doomed us all by your suggestion or saved me from a dire fate. If I am to trust your tale as fact, condemning the men I hold below would be a severe mistake indeed. However, if I set them free without knowing for certain who’s responsible, I run the risk of allowing another savage attack. I’m willing accept your information as plausible, enough to grant you the meeting you requested with the MacKay. I’m certain you’ll agree, if you are correct, and I do mean if, appearances will be important to uphold until the scheduled trial. Do you think it likely the so called partners in this crime will attend?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I believe that’s exactly what will happen. I believe, whoever these partners are, their entire agenda rests on your decision to wrongly condemn Fergus MacKay and his clansmen. Care must be taken to ensure escape is not permitted should their identity be discovered. I suggest you consider anyone who would have the means and inclination to carry out such a plot.”
The king indicated he didn’t need to consult anyone as the clan chief who topped that list was Alexander MacDonald. He admitted, releasing the man after having him secured as prisoner was a mistake, even if it was to prevent further carnage from the man’s supporters. The Lord of the Isles wanted revenge.
“The MacKay and his men will remain in the dungeon until then. Although, I believe I can see fit to make them a little more comfortable.”
The king came around the table and grasped James by the shoulders.
“I have many enemies MacIntosh, however, I believe today I have forged a permanent alliance with you. I understand you’ve an interest in Moray. Help me unravel this mess and it’s yours.” With that, the king and his advisor left the room.
James couldn’t believe his ears. He and Calum turned to one another in shock, but before they could discuss the king’s offer, a guard entered indicating he would escort them to the dungeon. He had one fleeting thought before being led away: with the Earl’s title bestowed upon him in this way, he could marry whomever he chose.
The air grew increasingly foul as they descended the narrow steps leading to the castle’s depths. Along winding stairs and through low ceilinged stone corridors, they arrived at the series of cells holding the twelve MacKay. The stench of rotting men and excrement was unbearable.
“Fergus MacKay!” The guard bellowed and hit the cell door with his blade.
Fergus didn’t look up. “Who wants to know?”
The guard snickered through his black sta
ined teeth. “Looks like you’ve go’ a visi’or, although I don’t know why anyone would want to see the likes o’ ye. On your feet, you rotten cur.”
James watched Fergus glance up. His face was stone as he obeyed the guard’s command. He looked to James with raised eyebrows. When James shook his head indicating this was not an escape attempt, Fergus shrugged and followed the guard to a small room with four chairs and a table.
The guard left and locked the three men in the room together. “You go’ ten minutes,” he said, “If ye live that long.” The guard whistled a light tune as he walked away.
“How do you fare?” James asked.
A grunt from Fergus was followed by his low, deadly voice. “I’d fare better if I weren’t left in a dungeon to rot by someone I thought I could trust.”
James’s anger surfaced. “You idiot, I didn’t force you to take on side jobs and get yourself caught. I wouldn’t have sent for the guards if I knew what you were up to! And what the hell do you think you’re doing abducting me anyway?”
James fists clenched and his jaw twitched. He was ready to make Fergus answer for his actions before doing anything further to assist him. He could have had the conversation with the king a sennight ago, but instead chose to let Fergus stew a little.
“We were idle. All we had to do was get rid of an unworthy gentleman and hold a lady for a while. My men needed a little action after months of only catching deer and rabbits. They were so idle they were ready to turn themselves in. How were we supposed to know it would turn out to be you and your little flower?”
“You were on my land! It didn’t occur to you it could be one of my clansmen or me?”
Bound to the Highlander (The Highland Chiefs Series) Page 17