Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2)
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UNBREAKABLE HEART
Legend of the King’s Guard
Book Two
KARA GRIFFIN
UNBREAKABLE HEART
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2017 Kara Griffin
Cover Photo © 2017 All rights reserved – to be used with permission.
Cover design by Sheri L. McGathy - http://coverdesign.sherimcgathy.com/
This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental or used in historical view or context.
This book contains adult material, reader discretion advised.
AISN: B06WLJ2NGV
ISBN-13: 978-1543054347
DEDICATION
To MEW for inspiring me every single day and for her fighting spirit.
Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.
~Aristotle
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
*Author’s Note*
OTHER HISTORICAL TITLES
BY KARA GRIFFIN
~THE LEGEND OF THE KING’S GUARD SERIES~
CONQUERED HEART
Coming in 2017 & 2018
UNBREAKABLE HEART
FEARLESS HEART
UNDENIABLE HEART
Coming Soon
PENDRAGON’S PRINCESS
~GUNN GUARDSMAN SERIES~
ONE & ONLY
ON A HIGHLAND HILL
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR
~THE PITH TRILOGY~
WARRIOR’S PLEDGE
CLAIMED BY A CHARMER
LASS’ VALOR
PRAISE FOR KARA GRIFFIN
CONQUERED HEART “If you like books with intrigue, secrets, betrayal and romance, then you are going to love this. I did and I couldn't put it down. I don't think you'll be disappointed, I know I wasn't, I just can't wait for the next book, which is Liam's story.” Fanni, Amazon – 5 stars
CONQUERED HEART “If there is only one book you buy this year, Conquered Heart Legend of the King's Guard Book 1, should be it. It's a book I know I've read a couple of times and is a fav read for me. Can't wait for Book 2!” Kimberly, Amazon – 5 star
ONE AND ONLY “I just finished this book ten minutes ago and I’m still smiling. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. ... This story has so many truly fantastic scenes. Oh, the days of men of honor, governed by loyalty, duty, and chivalry. And to top it off, they are all strapping warriors wrapped in the Gunn plaid. Need I say more? This author writes truly wonderful historical romances.” Past Romance, Amazon (reader) – 5 Stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “WOW! Holy Highlander! Those Highland Hills will capture your heart and soul not to mention the men. Fast paced and passion filled.” My Book Addiction and More (blogger) – 5 stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “This is another all-nighter from Kara Griffin. Those hot Gunn Guardsman keep me coming back for more. Anxiously awaiting the next Gunn heart stealer” Pam, Amazon – 5 Stars
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL “This book has intrigue, mystery, murder and incredibly romantic scenes that you will have a problem putting it down until the very end and then you will wish it had another chapter so you could keep reading the story. I did not put it down until the last word was read. I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance with intense intrigue and suspense.” Jusnana, Amazon – 5 Stars
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR “Oh what a great romance lover’s dream book. In Love with a Warrior was such an enjoyable historical romance, I read it all in one night. Talk about realism, romance, passion, a heat of battle, and remarkably accurate history. This fast paced and adventurous plot moved quickly and kept me interested all the way through.” Renay Arthur - 5 stars
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR “Tremendously captivating! This was an exceptional novel. Readers can read this as a standalone. This is book 4 of this author's Gunn Guardsmen. I know readers will look forward to more from this author.” Maria McIntyre - 5 stars
UNBREAKABLE HEART
Series Blurb:
In the year 1306, the king’s guard is exiled for a crime they witnessed. In direct defiance, the guardsmen return to their beloved Scotland and hide amongst their enemies. All are destined for the hangman’s noose or the executioner’s ax if found. They survive as soldiers of fortune. If you’re fortunate enough to run across them in the bonny hills, and are in a predicament, they just might give aid.
Four men banded together by ill-fated circumstances, help those who need it the most and secretly aid their king. As they give themselves wholeheartedly to their daunting tasks, they each find a love that will prevail them.
Our stories continue in UNBREAKABLE HEART
Love cannot resist an unbreakable heart…
After losing the love of his life, Liam of Clan Kincaid, is sent in service for what his uncle considers betrayal. Liam gives himself to the battle wearied king, Robert the Bruce, and vows to mend his tarnished reputation. That would be easy if not for the lass who insists he aids her.
Makenna Mackenzie has lived through hell, her home and land taken by the English. All she wants is vengeance of the man who cut off her ear and destroyed everything held dear in her heart. The only way to achieve her goal is to plead with the legendary king’s guard. She wants them to train her to be a mercenary like they so she can use her sword to the fullest when she finally meets her enemy.
Liam finds himself in a quandary because Makenna is not the forthright lass he deems her to be. But his UNBREAKABLE HEART can withstand her, can’t it?
Prologue
Balloch Castle
West Dunbartonshire, Scotland
April, 1303
Fire swathed the entire village and nearby loch with light. High flames from numerous bonfires lit the sky and lent a glow to the trees and over the waters. Their celebration of the Beltane was in full swing. Liam Kincaid ran naked through the trees and caught up to the sweet vixen who teased him. Blayre fell to the grass, and he rolled next to her and captured her in his arms.
“Do you ken how beautiful you are?” He kissed her soft throat and trailed his mouth to her lips.
He’d taken to drink much earlier in the day. A pleasant lethargic mien came over him and he was lulled by its effect. For days his uncle beleaguered him to take a wife. To which his father’s lands would finally be given to him. He’d waited three years for the Earl to make a decision. The lands were initially given to his mother, but when she died, they reverted back to her brother. His unc
le was supposed to hold them until he reached his majority. Mormaer placed one stipulation on the covenant that he be wedded before he could return home.
Woman after woman was set before him, and yet he balked. It wasn’t that he abhorred marriage or that the ladies were unacceptable. It was because his heart was already taken. Blayre besieged his heart, and he besotted at first glance. No other woman caught his gaze since. Unbeknownst to the Earl, the lass he wanted to wed was unfortunately the daughter of their clan’s most hated rival, the MacDoughalls.
Away from the revelers, he lay back and pulled his sweetheart into his arms. “Och ye don’t want to be leaving so soon, love. Come and lay with me.”
She pressed a hand on his naked chest. “I must away. There are too many about. Someone will see us. Danger abounds.”
“There is always danger around us.” Liam regarded the bonny face of his lover. Her light eyes took on an unaccountable concern, for he wouldn’t allow anyone to interrupt their time together. He’d picked the spot purposely knowing none would come near the waters during the celebration. She relaxed against him, and he held her tightly. Her lips, full and lush called, and he would do nothing but spend the night kissing her.
He set his mouth on hers and felt the sweet response of her lips. His hands moved fast lest she change her mind and reject him. Liam stroked her body, effectually causing his desire to swell with need. He had only been with her one other time and it wasn’t enough. He’d never be sated nor satisfied with nothing less than the surrender of her heart.
As he joined his body with hers, she gasped and writhed beneath him. He kept up the gentle thrusts, mindlessly unaware of the merriment beyond them. Liam patiently waited for Blayre to culminate before he was released from the strain of holding back. He shouted his climax, and his breath harsh. Never had he experienced such utter volatile pleasure.
“I should go, my love, before someone comes.”
He held fast to her waist. “No one would dare interrupt us. Stay, for I wish to hold you a wee bit longer.” Liam lay next to her and peered to the dark sky above. With the bonfires surrounding them, he could barely see a star. “I wish to tell my uncle of you and our betrothal. We will confront him together and make our wishes known.”
She gasped. “Liam, we cannot. My father would never agree and I cannot gainsay him. You ask too much of me.”
“Will ye leave me and break my heart?” He pouted, knowing he had to say something to gain her agreement. “I want no other woman but you. I will wed no other but you. It’s time our clans understands this.” Liam cupped the softness of her bared arse. “Tell me that you love me as I do you.”
She opened her lips to respond, but turned when riders bounded from the trees. Liam stood and helped her to rise. He pushed her behind him to hide her nakedness from the intruders.
“Och, there ye be, Liam.” Micheol, his cousin and the only son of Laird Lennox, the Earl, had a smirk upon his face. He whistled and more men came, all sat on their horses awaiting him. “What’d ye have there, a goddess, a fairy?” He bellowed with raucous laughter.
Liam hated him with the might of a thousand thorns. He was definitely a prick, and one no matter how much caution he used, his cousin still smarted him.
Mormaer, the Earl, rode forward. He wore a hauberk of fur with leather bands circling his chest and arms and appeared ready for battle. Mormaer Lennox was one of the most formidable warriors in all the kingdom and he showed his might with the hard gaze he now wore.
“I sent Micheol looking for ye, lad. We are to journey to meet with Wallace and Moray for they have called men to arms. We’re to Falkirk. Can’t say I’m not pleased, for we’ll be going against the English. About time we squelch the English and banish them from our lands.” He rubbed his hands together as if brushing them away, and then spat on the ground insinuating his contempt.
Liam retrieved his tartan from the ground and fastened it around his waist. His uncle dismounted and walked toward him. He stopped a few feet short of reaching him and scowled.
“I didn’t mean to keep ye, Laird.”
“I see ye were honoring the spring rites.” He laughed and turned to peer at his men. “As we all should be, but there is a greater need presently. None of us have time for such amusements.” Lord Lennox tilted his head and scrutinized Blayre. “Micheol, is this not a MacDoughall lass?”
“I believe she is, Da.” Micheol dismounted and stood next to his father. “I’ve seen her before when we attended their laird’s meeting.”
“Liam, lad, why would ye go against us and couple with this rabble?”
He stepped back and stood in front of Blayre. She’d dressed and looked fearful for Laird Lennox was known for his brutality. He wished he could say something to appease her fear, but decided now was the time to voice his wishes.
“Laird, we are together. Aye and I will ask her father for her hand.”
The Earl grabbed his arm and flung him forward. Micheol rushed forth and took Blayre’s arms. The awaiting men pulled their swords free. The moment was more tumultuous than Liam had considered or expected.
“Ye be a treasonous lad. This is the kin of our most hated enemy. Surely ye wouldn’t go against us, me, your own laird. Tell me it is false and I shall be relieved.”
“I cannot,” he said with conviction. “She is mine and I am hers.”
His uncle pressed his hand on the back of his neck. He’d never seen his laird appear more perturbed. “Have I not been a giving uncle? I took care of your own mother, God rest her, when your own father died. Och my heart is repelled with your deceit.” He threw the back of his hand and struck his head.
Liam kept to his feet and hoped to mend the situation. “Uncle, the lass has nothing to do with our riff with the MacDoughalls. I mean no disrespect, but I care for her and want to keep her safe.”
“The hell she doesn’t have anything to do with it. She’s their own blood kin. Take her away, Micheol, and toss the rabble in a ditch beyond our walls.”
Micheol turned and pulled Blayre along with him. Liam ran past the Earl and yanked his cousin back. “Nay, release her. You won’t be taking her anywhere.” He turned and spotted his sword on the ground, but it was too far a way to retrieve in time.
His uncle marched forward and unsheathed his sword. He aimed it at his chest and Liam didn’t think for one second that the Earl would hold back. He knew his peril.
“The lass be gone. I won’t have a MacDoughall on my land even if it be a woman. Micheol, rid my presence of her. Return with haste for we must depart within the hour.”
His cousin took the handful of men with him, leaving Liam alone to face his uncle’s wrath.
“I am disappointed, Liam. Of all my nephews, I thought ye be the most devoted, the most trustworthy, the most loyal. Och we all make errors in judgment. Am I wrong about you? Where do your loyalties lie?”
Liam kept his eyes on the Earl and he spoke with confidence. “Laird, of course my loyalty is yours. It shall always be. I’ll defend you and Scotland with all that I am, but I love the lass. Can you not see reason and return her to me? Haven’t you loved a woman so much that you’d do anything to win her, to protect her?”
“You’ve your father’s passionate nature, but nay I never have and likely never will. A woman is good for producing bairns and keeping your home. That lass is unworthy of ye, Liam. The thought of your children born with her blood sickens me. I will not allow your insolence or her return. You must make a good marriage, Liam, for if ye want the blood of your kin to further your line, the line of your father … I have given ye a choice in your wife, but no longer.”
Ire such as he never felt came upon him. Liam wanted to thrash his uncle, to hurt him as he’d done to him. He knew not what to say, and the only thought that kept coming to him was that he’d lost his only love.
“I will make the pact with my good comrade, the Mackenzie. Aye, for you will wed his oldest daughter. It will be done, Liam, and ye won’t refute me.”
His uncle scowled and shoved him. “You defy my order?”
Liam wanted to shout at the frustration that built inside him. “If I cannot have Blayre, then I shall have none.”
“I should kill ye as I would any other who betrays me.” He took a step forward and grabbed his neck, the sword held tight, positioned to run him through.
Liam stood rigidly even though he had but a moment to live. “Do your will then for I am not sorry for my choice.”
His uncle lifted his elbow as if he was about to thrust the sword. Liam didn’t flinch. Laird Lennox lowered his arm. “Alas, I promised your mother that I would see to your protection. I shall not kill ye, but I cannot allow you to stay on our lands.”
“Are you banishing me?” Incredulous at his uncle’s wrath, he resisted the urge to shout his appall.
“For a time. Mayhap you’ll learn what loyalty means in the Bruce’s service. Given time, I might have the heart to forgive you.”
“I will not leave without Blayre.”
The Earl cuffed his head. “Aye you will, and you’ll be forgetting her. Trust me, lad, this is the greatest gift I can give you. You’ll wed the Mackenzie lass as I bid when ye return from your service. Makenna Mackenzie is bonny and far more worthy than that rabble you consorted with. One day you will thank me for this gift.”
Liam had no choice but to follow the Earl. He was furious about losing Blayre, but not about being banished. One day he’d repay his uncle for his gift, and his thanks would come with his retribution. The Kincaids would consider Clan Lennox as an enemy.