Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2)

by Griffin, Kara

  James poured himself more mead and his face turned serious, with his brows lowering. “I’ve heard the most unpleasant news. About a fortnight ago the Mackenzie keep in Kinross was attacked. Many of the clan’s people killed or injured. Most of the cottages and outbuildings burned. Alexander’s wife was murdered inside the keep, the laird’s own sister-in-law. Iain is wrath and is blood-thirsty. He’s taken an oath to kill all those involved.”

  Liam’s jaw flinched and his breath deep at hearing such tragic news. He now knew the cause of her distress. Had she been at the keep when her home was attacked? She must’ve been. Then he wondered if that was how she came by the injury to her ear. “Where was the laird when this happened?”

  “He and all his sons, many of which, attended a meeting with the area clans, and weren’t there when they were attacked. They met to discuss support for Robert. Ye might want to let the Mackenzie know Makenna is safe. Damned English best hide for it’ll be a bloody battle. Iain will seek retribution and won’t cease until every last one of them is slain.”

  And so would he. Makenna must’ve fled for her life. She’d seen the destruction, her mother’s death, and all she held dear torn asunder. Such a sight was heart-wrenching, but for a lass such as her, most distressing.

  “This is disheartening news to say the least. Liam, we’ll discuss this further on the morrow. I’m off to bed. James, make yourself comfortable if ye intend to stay the night.” Graeme marched off and didn’t wait for their reply.

  “My men are camping near Caerlaverock’s keep and I’ll join them. I shall be in touch with any news should a battle be planned.” James set out and left him alone.

  With all that happened this day, Liam wasn’t tired. He wanted to wake her and question her about the attack on her home, but she needed rest. On the morrow, would be soon enough to find out the details.

  He would also be one step closer in attaining his family lands. That and he’d be married. With the king’s return, Makenna’s problems, his need to prove he’d married her … the next few months were sure to be filled with strife.

  Chapter Six

  A peaceful serenity filled Makenna’s heart. But it only lasted a brief moment until she remembered her vow, Sir Hawk, and most troubling, Liam Kincaid. As much as she felt safe with Liam, she knew those days were numbered. She’d uphold his condition and would marry him. But as soon as she gained enough skill, she had to leave and go forth in search of the miscreant.

  Voices sounded nearby, blocked by the screens surrounding the bedding area. She hesitated to rise. Was she purposely avoiding Liam? She would have to face him eventually. Black luck followed her since the unfortunate day. How could she lose all she held dear, but find her errant betrothed? And the fact that he was one of the king’s guard astounded her. She supposed she would’ve been well pleased with him had she not held retaliation in her heart.

  Since she’d fled her home, she’d gotten no rest. Last eve somehow she ended up in a comfortable, warm bed, and slept soundly. At least she hadn’t awakened from the horrible nightmares that troubled her of late.

  A tartan covered her and she pulled it to her nose and took a whiff. It smelled of Liam: manly, of outdoors, of a spicy woodsy scent. She found it pleasant and imagined the plaid fabric covering his steely body. When he’d held her in his arms, she admittedly cuddled closer, wanting to feel secure, to feel his strength. She noticed everything about him–the way he smelled, the way his muscles tightened when he was agitated, the way he looked at her.

  And his kiss … she’d been shocked he would kiss her so in front of others. What really stunned her more was her own response. Makenna wanted to keep kissing him. She’d let her guard down and actually fell asleep in his arms. She smiled to herself but then frowned.

  Regardless of their betrothal, there would be no ‘happily ever after’ for her. If she went through with her vow, she’d be fortunate to come away with her life. She was willing to end her existence if it meant the miscreant existed no longer.

  “You’re awake?”

  She heard Liam’s deep voice and sat up. “I am. Is it morning already?”

  Liam sat beside her on the bedding. “You missed the morning meal.” He handed her a trencher filled with soft bread, a fruit spread, and few pieces of cheese.

  “Thank you. I am hungry.” She set the trencher on her lap.

  “We have things to discuss.” He leaned back on his hand and watched her with his enthralling eyes.

  “Do we?” She pretended not to be affected by his presence, but verily failed. With her back to the wall, she pulled the trencher closer and took a piece of bread and dipped it into the spread.

  “Aye. I’ve sent for the friar. We will wed this day.”

  She almost choked, for she shouldn’t have tried to talk with her mouth full. He’d startled her with his words. “Now? You intend to wed now?” And he’d said them with such conviction; she didn’t know how to respond.

  “What’s wrong with this day? It’s as good as any. We’ll get it done.”

  ‘It’ was supposed to be one of the joyous days of her life. ‘It’ should’ve been a day she would have been excited to plan. ‘It’ was nowhere near what she’d dreamed of since she was a wee lass.

  She suspected whatever serenity she’d felt when she’d awoken wouldn’t return. An anxious twinge wound its way to her chest. He seemed to be waiting for her response, but Makenna only nodded. She had to remind him of her condition.

  “Very well. And then we shall begin my training.” She noticed his jaw flinch, but his lips formed a smile. Makenna wasn’t sure she could look at him when he smiled at her so.

  “Of course, your condition. I told Kerrigan about you and she’ll come to help you prepare.”

  She set aside the trencher and reached for him when he shifted and was about to leave. He settled back next to her. “Who is Kerrigan?”

  “She’s Graeme’s wife. When she heard about our wedding, she insisted on leaving her bed.”

  “Why is she in bed? Is she ill?”

  “Nay, she’s recently had a bairn. She insists she’s well enough to ‘rejoin the living,’ as she put it. You’ll like her.”

  “I’m certain I will.”

  Liam reached out and touched her lip with his thumb. That slight gesture reminded her of their kiss. His gaze smoldered and Makenna wished for the briefest of seconds that he’d kiss her again. He rose and looked down at her. “You should ready.”

  “Did you …?” She was about to ask him if he wanted to kiss her, but was too coy to ask such a nonsensical question.

  “Did I what?”

  “Did you want anything else?” Makenna’s cheeks heated, and she quickly rubbed her hands over her face to abate her humiliation.

  He leaned down and set his hands on the bedding, one on each side of her. Lord he had a handsome face. It was a strong face with a squared jawline, a hard chin, beautiful thick brows above his cornflower blue eyes, and a slightly crooked nose. He fairly took her breath away.

  “There are many things I want. Right now I’d be content if you’d get your arse up and you readied for our wedding.” His face came nearer, his scowl not so threatening. Honestly, he appeared to want to laugh.

  Makenna gasped, but he covered her mouth with his. She’d never dreamed kissing could be so thrilling and consuming, and yet fearsome at the same time. His kiss was hard, demanding, and at the same time, brought forth a sense of dizzying excitement.

  She embraced him and pulled him close enough to feel his hard body against hers. Her hands stilled against his firm chest. How she wanted to take her time and caress his body, to run her fingers over his taut muscles. Her tongue melded with his and her heart raced. She moaned when his hand settled beneath her breast. He pulled back, eyeing her with a harried expression.

  “Well?”

  “Oh, aye, I’m supposed to get my arse moving. It’s your fault, for you detained me.” She pushed him away and scooted off the side of the bed. Maken
na turned and gathered her cloak and noticed her sword flanking the bed board. “Are you always going to be so distracting?” When she got no answer, she turned and found him gone.

  Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She’d never acted wanton around a man, but Liam wasn’t any man–he’d be her husband before this day was through. What was more incredible was her husband was one of the legendary king’s guard.

  Before she left on her quest to find the miscreant, she wanted to find out more about them. Why they hid. Why they aided others when he all but admitted to being in service to the king. If that were so, wouldn’t he and the others reside with said king? Many questions filtered through her mind, all of which she hoped to get answers to.

  “You must be Makenna.”

  She startled and turned. A beautiful lady stood nearby. “I am. You must be Lady Kerrigan.”

  “I am, but please don’t be formal. You’re going to wed this day. I cannot believe Liam will marry.” The lady smiled, and she pushed back the long length of her curly blonde hair behind her shoulder. Her blue eyes beheld kindness.

  “I’m in disbelief myself.” Makenna approached, and the lady bid her to sit at the table. Annag joined them.

  “We shall make the day memorable for you. Do you have a clean gown to change into?”

  She shook her head, ashamed at her soiled garments, and how filthy she must appear. “I’m afraid I do not. I have no other garments.”

  “Worry not. I shall give you one of mine. Annag wishes to fix your favorite meal for the celebration. What do you like to eat?”

  Makenna grew melancholy at their kindness. Were she at home, her family would’ve made her wedding day as special, but that wouldn’t be now. “I like anything and am not particular. Whatever you prepare, Annag, will be delicious, I’m sure.”

  Annag beamed at her compliment, and nodded. “I have a fat goose the men brought me yesterday already on the spit, cooking.”

  Kerrigan clasped her hand. “We shall take good care of you. Annag, if you would please tell Graeme to hunt something good for us to add to the meal.”

  The mistress left them and Makenna found herself alone with the lady again.

  “You’ve been betrothed to Liam for years? My husband told me …”

  “I have. Only he never came and I never thought to send for him.”

  The lady poured a cup of water and handed it to her. “He never mentioned he was betrothed.”

  She felt the need to defend herself and she was about to when the lady spoke.

  “Of course, Liam is guarded. He never reveals much about himself. I’ve known him for a handful of years and all I’ve been able to discern was that some lass broke his heart. He was little more than a lad then, but then he was sent to serve the Bruce.”

  “I couldn’t speak of that matter for I only just met him. We never had a betrothal feast or gathering to celebrate. My father arranged the contract and only told me his name. I must concede and wed him … Shouldn’t I?” Makenna was torn between her duty as her father’s daughter, and would never disrespect his wishes, but she also needed to find the miscreant.

  “Of course you should. Liam is a fine man. He deserves happiness. I’m pleased you will marry him. You’re quite lovely. I’m certain he’s noticed. Now, let us find you a suitable gown. We’ll go to the stream and get you clean. I’ll return in a moment.” Kerrigan made off to an antechamber.

  Makenna held guilt for her deception. She wouldn’t bring Liam much happiness. If anything she would bring him despair.

  Two men entered the cave and stood by staring at her. They looked like the devil’s henchmen. Their faces smeared with a covering of soot much like Liam wore when she’d seen him in the village. Makenna tightened her grip on her sword, but kept it at her side. One had light hair, the other dark. She backed up a step.

  “Hello, mistress. Who are you?” the lighter haired man asked.

  They were as tall and formidable as Liam. A vision of that dreadful day came, and all she saw were the two men who took her sister’s arms. She gasped, her hands going to her chest. Her mother and Ealish’s lifeless bodies on the floor covered in blood, flickered in her mind. Her breath jarred, and she heard her sister’s screams. Makenna fell to her knees. She held her hands over her ears to deafen the sound. Remembrance of an intense throb came upon her and she pressed her ear to abate the stinging pain. She gasped for breath.

  A ringing sound muffled the men’s voices, and she felt someone take her arm.

  “Makenna, are you unwell?”

  Tears trickled over her cheeks and her chest ached. She opened her eyes to find Kerrigan beside her, helping her up.

  “I’m sorry … I don’t know what came over me. I’m well, truly.” But she did know what came over her and wouldn’t speak of that dreadful day.

  “I apologize if we frightened you,” the lighter haired man said.

  “I thought ye might be going mad,” the darker haired man said.

  Kerrigan kept hold of her arm and gentled her other hand around her back. Makenna was grateful for her support because her legs continued to shake.

  “These handsome men are Heath Fraser and Brodin Grant. They are Liam’s comrades and live here. This is Makenna Mackenzie, Liam’s betrothed.”

  The men fell into a riot of laughter. The booming sound lightened her. Why they found it humorous that Liam had a betrothed was beyond her, but she smiled nonetheless.

  With her heart eased, she detested the anxiousness that overcame her. That day’s memories revisited her often, especially when she was in an uncomfortable situation. She supposed this was as discomforting as one could be.

  “Kerrigan, you jest,” Brodin, the darker-haired man, said.

  “Aye, he never mentioned a betrothed before,” Heath, the lighter-haired man, said, and chortled.

  Makenna smiled and decided these men weren’t ones to fear for they were Liam’s friends.

  Kerrigan laughed–the sound light and filled with mirth. “I swear on my faith, Brodin, I do not jest. They’re to marry this day. You have perfect timing in your return.”

  “Where is the would-be groom?” Heath asked. “We should go and congratulate him.”

  “He and Graeme are at the ossuary. For God’s sake, wash that soot from your faces. No wonder Makenna grew faint. Be sure you bathe and come to supper clean. Friar Hemm is joining us,” she called after them as they left the cave laughing boisterously. “Come, we’ll go to the stream.”

  Makenna set her sword by the cave entrance and followed her outside. The snows of the day before melted and the sun shone. It was much warmer. Her eyes adjusted to the brightness by the time they reached the water.

  “I’m afraid my gown might be a wee bit long, but it will have to do.” She handed her a drying cloth and soap.

  Makenna was hesitant to remove her garments, but the thought of clean, soft attire beckoned. She quickly disrobed and stood in the shallows of the stream and bathed. Once she was properly cleaned, she dried herself and rushed to put something on. The air chilled her.

  Kerrigan handed her a chemise of lace. The fabric was utterly feminine. Makenna had never worn anything so delicate. After she pulled the dainty thing over her head, Kerrigan held out a gown. She took it from her and beheld the gold and rust colored lampas pattern. The full sleeves, bodice, and edges were lined with rows of beautiful pearls. It was so exquisite that she gasped and imagined how much it must’ve troubled Kerrigan to part with it.

  She slipped it over her head and smiled widely at the softness of the woven silk against her skin. The gown fit nicely and was only an inch or two longer than she would’ve liked. Her bosom, thankfully, didn’t overflow the bodice. Kerrigan fastened the back and bid her to sit with her on a nearby rock.

  “We shall fix your hair.” She combed out the knots until it was dry enough to braid. “You look lovely.”

  “I’m afraid.” Makenna didn’t know why she admitted such to her.

  “There’s no reason t
o be. Liam will never hurt you. It may hurt a little your first time but—”

  “Nay, that’s not what I’m afraid of.” She turned and faced Kerrigan, but kept her eyes low. “I don’t want to hurt him, but I fear I must. You see, I only need his help in learning the sword. Once I gain enough skill, I’ll leave him.” Makenna told her why, speaking for the first time the events of that awful day to another. “… and now that I know his name, I must avenge my family. What he did to my sister … I couldn’t live with myself if I let him live.”

  Kerrigan sighed and took her hand. “Of course you couldn’t. I am sorry you had to bear that alone and for the loss of your family. I understand.”

  “Will you tell him, explain after I’ve left, why I had to do so?”

  “Of course, I shall. You will consider me a sister. Sisters help each other and I shall keep your confidences. Are you certain you can kill this foe? He sounds dubious.”

  “Until I do, he is out there wreaking havoc on other innocent ladies. There will be darkness and hatred in my heart until he breathes his last.”

  Kerrigan patted her hand. “Then I shall pray that you find him quickly.” The sound of a whistle came. “Oh, that’s Graeme. We should return. Liam will be unable to keep his eyes from you.” She helped her up by taking her hand.

  Before she stepped away, she noticed a wooden cross staked in the grass and a stone marker. “Who placed the flowers?” she asked, indicating the buds that were set against the grave rock.

  “I’m certain Annag placed them, for it’s her husband’s grave. That’s where Finley, a dear old man, rests …” On the return to the caves, Kerrigan spoke of her bairn and how she came to meet Graeme and the guardsmen.

  When they reached the cave, she noticed the clergyman arrived. She was surprised to find him young, far more youthful than the clergymen who performed sacraments for her clan. He stood with the highlanders, towing above him, but didn’t appear fearful. The men seemed genially fond of the friar.

  Liam approached. He raised his manly brow, but otherwise said nothing about her appearance. “Are you ready?”