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

by Griffin, Kara

  Liam smiled and took another scoop of water and drank it down. “Is he a good leader, good to the people, a fair lord?”

  “I’m Enid, sir. What is your name?”

  “Liam, Mistress Enid. Are ye here getting water for your husband? You must be married, a bonny lass like you.” He flattered her all to gain information, a tactic that Graeme taught them when they first trained together. Kind words often effectuated in interrogation and brought forth a wealth of information.

  Enid blushed. “Oh, I’m an old married lady. Och I probably wedded my Lenard before ye were born. I tell ye, not many here in the village holds the earl with any respect, for he takes much from us without recompense. It is not he who dictates the law of the land, but—”

  “I’d heard he married. Is it she you speak of? Does his lady rule the roost?” Liam could’ve laughed at his cousin’s misfortune. His comrade James spoke of Micheol’s marriage last year and he hadn’t cared enough to ask Micheol about it when he’d seen him. But now his interest perked, for it was obvious Micheol’s marriage wasn’t affable.

  “Aye, for he wedded the devil’s own spawn. Many of the merchants close their shops when they get wind she’s coming into the village.”

  “Is she a harridan? What is she called?” Liam wanted to laugh for he was gladdened to hear his cousin’s nuptials plagued him.

  Enid shook her head. “A harlot. Leastways that’s what the villagers call her. Och, I don’t remember her name for we were bid to address her as Lady Lennox. When the old earl died, his son returned and claimed the land in his father’s name. It was then we’d learned he wedded the mistress. Many were affronted by his marriage for she is kin of the enemy, but the earl forbade us from disrespecting her.” Enid waved to passerby.

  “I should leave for my wife awaits me,” he said and bowed to her.

  “Oh, glory be, you’re married. ‘Tis a shame for all the village lassies would’ve loved to meet you. Are ye certain you must be on your way?”

  He smiled lightly and bowed again. “I must. It has been my pleasure talking with you, Mistress Enid. Your husband is a fortunate man.”

  She blushed and heaved the heavy bucket and shimmied away.

  Liam reentered the miller’s hut and paid an extra coin for Makenna’s purchases. The miller chuffed at the additional recompense; either that or the earl surely taxed them more than he should. “Are you through? Did you find what you need?”

  Her smile eased him. “I did. Thank you, Liam. There was a good selection.”

  Outside, he took her hand and guided her to where the horses rested. After paying the hostel keeper, he tugged the horse’s reins and led them to the lane. “We should get going if we’re to find a safe place to rest for the night.”

  “Will you secure my satchel to my horse?”

  He took the baggage from her and did so, then assisted her. Once he mounted his horse, he led the way toward the village gate and road beyond.

  “Are we far off from your cousin’s lands?”

  “A wee bit, perhaps another half day ride. We’ll camp near the loch this eve. I don’t wish to spend the night inside my uncle’s fortress.”

  By the time they left the village trail, the sky turned to dusk. He needed to find a safe place to camp before it grew too dark. When they reached the summit of the hills surrounding Loch Leven, he searched for the perfect place to settle down for the night. On the hillside, a tree bounded from the rocky slope. There, they’d be able to view anyone that should come along.

  Liam bid her to dismount after he jumped from his horse. “Come, we will rest here.” He took care of the horses while Makenna set a tartan on the ground beneath the tree. It was chilly enough to light a fire, and he wanted to, but it was too risky. Once the horses were settled, he joined Makenna on the cover. Liam unsheathed his sword and set it beside him. He wouldn’t trust a Lennox, even though he was related to them.

  “We didn’t get a chance to practice swords this day.”

  He blanched at her softly spoken words. Liam regretted his promise, and he detested lying to her, but it couldn’t be helped. Her dejection tore at him, but he had to keep up the pretense. “It’s too dark now. Perhaps we’ll have time in the morn, before we set off.” He lay back and knew they’d purposely get a late start on the morrow, but it wouldn’t be because of his promise.

  She settled next to him, her folded arms making a pillow for her head. “Is your homecoming troubling you? You’ve been distracted.” Makenna reached across and caressed his chest.

  He lay back and crossed his arms and set them behind his head, peering above at the shadowy branches. “I haven’t been on this land for years. The last time I was here was filled with contention. I had harsh words with my uncle which is why I was sent away.”

  “You had an argument?” she asked, her hand cradled his neck, her touch mollifying him.

  “We did, but I regretted it for it was about …”

  She turned his face to look at her. “About what?”

  “You.”

  Chapter Eleven

  The closer he got to Balloch Castle, the more agitated he got. Liam purposely let Makenna sleep in because he was in no hurry to reach the keep, and he most certainly didn’t want to have to train her. One way or another, he’d forgo keeping his word. Now on the lane that led to the outer gatehouse, he hoped Micheol would be in residence. The sooner he spoke with his cousin, the sooner he could leave.

  Makenna sidled next to him and reached out to stop him. “You’re quiet. Are you fearful?”

  He took her hand and held it, and nudged his horse forward. “I fear nothing. I want you to understand something …”

  She turned and looked ahead, her horse trotting next to his. “What is it?”

  “I return only to enquire about my father’s lands. I want my family fief returned to me. When this is finished, I want to make a life as my da did.”

  “When what is finished? You never told me why you and your comrades hide. Why you go and protect the king but don’t stay with his army. I find this intriguing.”

  Liam sighed. More secrets piled atop others. He lived a furtive life. He hadn’t spoken of his treasonous deeds to her, but he wanted to be truthful in most respects. “My comrades and I … We were with the Bruce on the day he killed Robert Comyn. We witnessed the debauchery and fled with Robert when he was exiled. After we left the mainland, we hid on an isle for a few months to keep Robert safe. If King Edward found us, we would’ve been tortured to throw the Bruce to the lion.”

  “Oh, my, Liam. You hide from King Edward and his army?”

  “Aye, but also from King Robert. He commanded us to stay on the isle and not return when he left, but we had to. We swore to see to his safety and with his passionate nature it would behoove us to not let him know we returned.”

  “What you do is commendable. King Robert doesn’t know that you protect him?”

  “Nay and until he wins our independence from England, he cannot know we protect him. We took an oath and we mean to keep it regardless of the sacrifice.”

  Makenna stopped and waited for him to turn.

  “Why have you stopped?” He moved closer. A light breeze whipped the strands of her hair. He wanted to pull her upon his lap and kiss the breath from her.

  “You deceived the king. That is why you hide.”

  “Aye, and to keep our heads attached to our necks. If Robert learns we disobeyed his order, he’d be wrath and might call for our execution. We will not test his fortitude of our defiance.”

  Makenna frowned. “I will keep your secret and am glad you shared it with me, Liam. Have no worry. If I were you or your comrades, I would have just fled. Why risk the danger?”

  “Why indeed.” It was a question Liam asked himself repeatedly since they returned. “We are his guard and nothing will sway us from doing our duty. We swore to protect him and Scotland. Regardless of what happens to us, we must continue to ensure Robert succeeds, even if that means we must die.”


  “I understand such a vow. You are brave.” She reached out and touched his bared knee.

  “Perhaps a wee bit brave, but more loyal than anything. We should continue. Balloch is ahead.” He rode beside her, comforted that she was with him. No matter what he faced, he had Makenna. But he wouldn’t have her for long if she had her way, he reminded himself.

  Ahead on the lane, a wooden bridge led to the lane where the gatehouse kept intruders from entering the walls. His uncle built a fortress, one not easily besieged. He stopped when two guards appeared beyond the iron gate. The shorter guard stepped forward.

  “Liam, is that you? Och, it is. You come back to us?”

  “Aye, Gareth, I’ve come for a brief visit.” Liam leaned forward and noticed the other guard. “Mannin, ‘tis good to see you. Both of you. Is Micheol within?”

  Mannin, the taller of the guards, reached a good height, taller than all others within their clan. He grinned and bade them forward. “Och he is, but he might not be pleased to see you. Raise the gate. Any Kincaid is welcome.”

  He rode through and kept his gaze ahead. When he dismounted, he helped Makenna and asked his question again. “Is Micheol within? I wish to pay him a visit. Do you ken where he is?”

  Mannin stepped around his horse. “Aye, he’s in the main keep with her high and mighty. I’ll tend to your horses, Liam.”

  “My thanks. It is good to see you. You look well.” He clapped his longtime friend’s shoulder. “How are your da … ma? Are they well?”

  He leaned his lanky body against the horse. “They are in good health. Got me a wife now and a bairn on the way. My father is aged now and doesn’t take to arms. He’ll be gladdened if you came by. You should stop in to see him.”

  “Good to hear. I doubt we’ll be staying long, but I shall if I have time. If you can keep the horses near.” He discerned his comment about ‘her high and mighty’ and knew the villagers detested his cousin’s wife. Liam found himself more and more interested in Micheol’s wife, for she must be a hellion.

  His comrade nodded.

  Liam took their satchels from the horses and started off toward the keep. The two-story residence of grayed wood rose on the highest ground. Liam glanced at Makenna before taking the steps.

  Although the outside of the keep changed little, the inside boasted the earl’s wealth. When his uncle occupied it, there were no banners, shields, and décor adorning the walls. Where a plain marred trestle table once sat, a gleaming ornate table situated the center of the great hall. Countless chairs flanked the table and various other seating areas took up most of the floor. It appeared more comfortable than it had years ago. All the comforts before him were at the expense of the villagers.

  A serving lass approached and genuflected. “Sir, who are you here to see?”

  “The earl. Tell him Liam Kincaid is here to meet with him.”

  Another servant strolled from the adjoining chamber. His grin widened. “Mistress Isolde, you look as young as you did when I left.”

  She beamed with a smile he remembered well. “Oh, ye returned, have ye, laddie? Come home, finally. I hoped and prayed you would. Ah, look at ye. You’ve turned into a fine man, much taller than I remember. You’re here to see the earl?”

  Isolde hadn’t changed and still had ruddy cheeks and winsome smile. Her hair changed from blonde to gray, and her blue eyes faded with age. She’d been his nursemaid when he’d come to live at the keep, and he’d grown fond of her, she more akin to a mother.

  “I am, but I’m not sure I will be welcomed.”

  “Of course you are welcome, Liam.”

  He turned at the voice behind him, Micheol ambled forward. His cousin was much shorter than he and only reached his shoulders. The vain lad grew to be just as self-serving as an adult. He strutted into the great hall, his light locks in perfect order. His attire bespoke his wealth with fur trims and elaborate brocade draped here and there.

  “It is good to have you home at last, cousin.” He clapped his shoulder and squeezed it. “I hadn’t expected you so soon. Mistress Isolde, bring drink for our guests.”

  “At once, Your Grace.” Isolde hastened from the hall. She returned with a flagon of ale and set it on the table.

  Micheol sat at the head of the table and pour drinks for he and Makenna. “Please, sit and take rest. Tell me of your travels.”

  Liam pulled a chair out for Makenna and sat next to her. An instant need to protect his wife arose within him, for his cousin often took what he wanted or that which Liam possessed. Micheol was selfish and jealous, and had been throughout his childhood, which was a thorn of contention between them. It was one of the reasons why he’d been sent away.

  Micheol lifted his cup. “To your homecoming, cousin, may you be solaced within these walls. Now tell me, is this your bonny wife perchance?”

  “This is Makenna Mackenzie, now Kincaid, my wife.” Liam set a hard tone to his words so Micheol would discern his regard.

  Micheol laughed a boisterous sound that filled the room. “She is quite lovely. Aye, my father was right to betroth you. You found her, I see. Lady Kincaid, you just missed your uncle. For Iain Mackenzie was here but a few days past.”

  Makenna lowered her head. “Your Grace, is my uncle well? I have not seen him in some time.”

  “He appeared in good health.” Micheol took his cup and drank; content to watch them with inquisitive eyes. “So, Liam, ye married the Mackenzie lass as my father bid.”

  Before he could answer, Makenna spoke up, “He did and I’m well pleased to be married to him.” She glanced at him briefly before returning her attention to his cousin. “I actually found him for I wasn’t about to wait any longer for my betrothed.”

  Micheol’s eyes darkened. “Ah, a lady who goes after what she wants. It is refreshing, and yet a relief that Liam married well. We shall have a celebratory dinner to congratulate your nuptials.” He waved his fingers at Isolde, who hurried from the chamber to do his bidding.

  Liam leaned forward in an attempt to intimidate his cousin. His glare should be enough to send the message that he wouldn’t accept the invitation. But the subtle gesture was lost on Micheol. “We don’t plan to stay. I’ve come to regain my father’s lands. We will leave before supper.”

  “Nonsense, Liam. You’re family and we will have a long visit. We shall have a delightful evening of entertainment, and will discuss business on the morrow. Surely you have time for pleasantries.”

  He fisted his hands, ready to strike them on the table, but took a breath. “Nay, there is no time for nonsense. We will discuss the lands now. I would have your agreement as my uncle willed this day. I’ve done as he asked.”

  “Very well, cousin, relax. If you wish to discuss business now, we will. But I insist you stay the night and share supper with me. Surely you are contented to be home? I want to get to know your lovely bride.” He waved his hand to an awaiting servant. “Take Lady Kincaid to a chamber so she can rest from her travel. She must be weary.”

  Liam was hesitant at letting Makenna out of his sight. But she smiled at him and nodded. He rose and walked her to the exit of the great hall. “If you need me, send word.”

  “I will be well, Liam. See to your business. I shall take rest and await you.”

  He clasped her hand and gave it a light squeeze. “Rest well.” Liam turned back to his cousin, who now sat back and appeared to be satisfied, given his smug grin.

  Micheol set his cup on the table and waited for him to take a seat.

  He did so, wary of his cousin’s esteem. What was Micheol up to? “I have given myself in service to the Bruce and I wed my uncle’s choice. Those were the only conditions …”

  “I was pleased when my father sent you away all those years ago.” He leaned on the table, his face devoid of animosity or displeasure. “You were my greatest rival, Liam. I thought with you gone, I would receive my father’s adoration and the bonny lass you professed to love.”

  Liam tensed. What was h
e saying? Had he gotten him sent away on purpose? Did he want Blayre for his own?

  “You were the son my father always wanted. After you left, he was angry about sending you away. He lamented over it, but I assured him he’d done right by you. And of course, I could do nothing right in his eyes. The worse thing I did was tell him about your relations with Blayre. I was foolish for I wanted her and was willing to smite ye to win her. Were I you, I’d be angry.”

  “All is in the past, Micheol. There is no sense in rehashing our misgivings.” Liam was about to ask for a parchment so they could get on with their business. He didn’t want to rehash his past, not now when it mattered not.

  Micheol shook his head. “I have the most damnable fortune. You see, I wed her, Blayre MacDoughall. Aye, ‘tis my biggest regret, Liam, for she’s a harridan … She’s a deceiving, trying, cunning, self-serving woman. Now that I think on it, you should thank me, for I saved you from a life of hell.” His cousin snatched his cup from the table and drank down the contents. “The only thing that pleases that woman is being Lady Lennox and the privilege that comes with it.”

  “What of my father’s lands? We should make a declaration and both sign. When the king wins these wars, I wish to return to my home.”

  Micheol belched and pushed back his chair. He rose and paced along the side of the table. “You’ve done all that my father asked of you. There is but one more thing I would have you do before I sign any document releasing your father’s lands.”

  He couldn’t hold back his contentious sigh. “What is it?”

  “Rid me of my wife.”

  “Micheol, you jest. How am I supposed to rid you of your wife? You caused this problem when you forced me from your land and stole my bride. I will not aid you in this.”

  “You must. Either you take her back to the MacDoughall’s or I’ll kill her. I’ve stayed my desire to do so many times and I haven’t the will to do so any longer. I want an heir, Liam. It’s important. You ken how my father felt about furthering our line, the kin of the Lennox clan. She can’t give me children, for the woman is barren. Aye, she’s dried up prune, if ye ask me. I would’ve put up with her brashness if she gave me a son, but nay … Blayre had a child, a daughter, but the child wasn’t mine. MacDoughalls are deceitful, for this we know well. I shall gain dissolution and find another winsome lass to bear my children.”