Winded and with a stitch in her side, she held tight to the lass. When she couldn’t see the huts and cottages any longer, she set the girl on her feet. “You won’t ever have to be afraid again. Do you know why?”
The little girl shook her head.
“Because your father won’t let anyone hurt you. He’ll protect you. What is your name?”
“Serf,” her soft voice came.
A sob of disgust balled in her throat. “We shall give you a good name, not serf. How about Darcy? Do you like that name? I think it sounds sweet.”
“Aye. What about master? He will be angry that I left.”
Makenna smiled at the sound of her small voice. She held her hand and stopped to caress her face. “You need not worry about him. Once your father learns of you, you’ll be protected and well cared for.”
Darcy held her doll and walked meekly next to her. “I have never had a father before. What does he do?”
She could’ve cried at the thought that the wee lass had been alone with no one to love her. “A father loves his children and takes care of them. He protects them.” Makenna didn’t say more as they walked along.
They reached the Lennox holding shortly before supper was served. Makenna asked Mistress Isolde to send a bath to her chamber and to see about getting garments for the wee one. The maidservant blubbered all over the bairn and hugged her fiercely when she revealed the lass.
Inside her chamber, Makenna took her time washing and dressing Darcy. Isolde brought a tray of food and Makenna insisted the child eat as much as she could.
“My lady, the earl wishes you to join him for supper and awaits you in the hall.”
She frowned for she didn’t wish to eat with the man. “Please tell him I’m … I have a malady and cannot come.”
“He said not to accept any excuse.”
“Very well. Will you send another maid to tend to Darcy? I don’t wish to leave her alone. Once she finishes eating, she should be put to bed.”
“I will, my lady. Worry not for the bairn. I shall see to her myself.”
“Darcy, be sure to eat all your food. I won’t be long, sweet lass.” She touched her hair and smiled. The child took the spoon and began to eat the stew Isolde brought for her.
Makenna left the chamber and hurried to the hall. She bowed to the earl and took a seat as far from him as she could. Liam didn’t care for his cousin and must know him well. She wouldn’t trust the man, not as far as she could throw a full grown cow. Her thoughts amused her for all of second when she spotted him in the hall. The Earl turned and smiled at her as if he was a wolf stalking its prey. Her hair rose on end and she shook the fearful mien away. It was only supper. There was no reason to be apprehensive.
He pulled a chair from the table and motioned to her. “Ah, there you are. I would that you sit closer. Come, I won’t bite ye.”
She moved a seat closer, and a servant hastened forward with a trencher. “Good eve,” she greeted him in a calm voice. He stared for a long moment. Makenna set about eating so she could leave the table at the soonest.
Micheol rose from his chair and set his trencher down at the place next to her seat. “I am pleased you would join me. Tell me, how did you find Liam? He didn’t speak of your marriage or how you came to affirm the betrothal.”
“We were married by a friar. I happened to see him in Caerlaverock’s village and when he learned who I was, he wanted to wed at once.” Makenna didn’t appreciate how close he sat. She shuffled her chair a few inches away and kept her gaze on the food before her.
“Of a certainty he would. He did tell you that the only reason he wed you is for the return of his father’s lands? I presume that was upsetting.”
Makenna wanted to slap him or mayhap cause him to hurt. She gripped her supper dagger tightly, but then sighed and set it aside. “He did mention it, but it mattered not to me. You see, we all have reasons for needing to wed. I certainly had my own.”
She wanted to be melancholy about Liam’s reason for marrying her, but she couldn’t. He never professed to care for her. Liam had even told her of his desire to reclaim his family lands. And what of she? She only agreed to wed him because she wanted to learn the use of the sword. She cared not how it would appear to him. The entire matter heaved her heart.
“Have you consummated your vows? I know Liam didn’t want to wed you and I’m surprised he agreed. He always said he wouldn’t bow to my father’s will. My father set the betrothal with yours, and Liam was quite put off by it so much so he’d rather be sent in service.”
She wouldn’t answer such a lewd question. “He seems well pleased by our marriage now.”
“Is he? Well now, he’s not here with you … I heard tell he set out with my wife early this morn. Are you not angry that your husband would take another to his bed? I suppose he’s already lain betwixt Blayre’s legs.”
What game was he playing? Makenna narrowed her eyes. “I do not interfere in my husband’s matters. My husband does what he wants as do I.”
“As do I. I’m earl here and have wealth beyond my means. I no longer care to share that wealth, or myself with my wife, but I would’st share it with you.” He touched her hand and slowly trailed his fingers over her knuckles. “And I’m certain I could give you as much pleasure as he does.”
She rose and pushed back her chair. “I am certain you are offending me. Please remove your hand at once.” Makenna yanked her arm from his grasp and rubbed his touch from her skin. “If Liam was here and heard you speak such—”
“But he’s not here, lovely.” Micheol stood and held her wrist. “Do you not want to feel me atop you … We might as well find pleasure. You’re a beautiful woman, quite lovely. ‘Tis a shame your husband leaves you lacking. Come, I promise you’ll enjoy me. You’ll do well to be naked beneath me. Aye, for my cock is as hard as stone.” He rubbed himself before pulling her into his arms and tried to kiss her.
Makenna shoved him away and fell back a step. “Don’t touch me. I will not lie with you. If Liam knew of your affront he would—”
Micheol was gripped and thrown to the floor. Makenna’s breath rasped and her heart thrashed. Liam stood next to his cousin looking more enraged than she’d ever seen him.
“If you ever touch my wife again, I will kill you. Do you understand?” Liam grabbed him by the tunic and pulled him to his feet. “Is it not enough I rid you of your wife as you asked? Now you try to compromise my wife? I am leaving this minute. Our business is ended. I wish never to see you again.” Liam shoved him away with force and caused Micheol to fall to the floor. He stepped toward her and held a hand to her. “Come, Makenna, are you hurt?”
Micheol knelt on the floor and leaned on the table. “You didn’t say you cared for her. I didn’t know. Had I—”
Liam grabbed hold of Micheol’s neck and lifted him. “I shouldn’t have to tell you I care for my wife. No one touches her but me.” He dropped him and turned to her again.
“Tell me if he hurt you, lass, and I’ll kill him with my bare hands. I’ll squeeze the bloody vile breath from his throat.”
She shook her head and took his hand. “Liam, I’m well. Truly, he didn’t hurt me.” Makenna tried to get him out of the great hall before he injured Micheol or worse, killed the lout. When they reached the hall above stairs, she stopped before entering the chamber.
Liam pulled her in his arms and set his head next to hers. “I’m sorry, Makenna, that he would harm you or lay hands on you. What a piece of swine shit. Forgive me for leaving you alone with him.”
She held him close, happy he’d returned when he did. “Of course I forgive you, Liam. Is Lady Lennox safely settled?”
He drew away from her, his beautiful blue eyes softening. “Aye, she is.”
“Before we go inside our chamber, I must tell you about … Well, that is, I have a surprise for you.”
“I need nothing but you, lass. Will ye kiss me and promise to let me love you beneath the stars this night? I want to le
ave the keep right this minute. I’ve never liked this place for it is filled with darkness and betrayal.”
“But we cannot leave until morning.” Makenna opened the door and stepped inside the chamber. Mistress Isolde rose from her chair and bid them a good eve and left. She smiled at Liam who looked after the maidservant.
“What was she doing in our chamber?”
“Looking after your daughter.”
“My what?”
Chapter Thirteen
A daughter! Of all the surprises she could’ve given him, a daughter was least amongst them. Liam was astounded by the news. During the ride home, Makenna filled him in on how she retrieved/rescued the lass. He wished he’d been present because he’d have a thing or two to say or do to the cobbler. His anger frightened the wee lass and since she wouldn’t look at him. He knew not how to appease such a small child and he was grateful for Makenna’s nurturing ways. The wee one certainly took to her.
They reached the last trail before the hills of the caves. Liam was glad his business with Micheol was concluded, but returning home to the caves would cause him a bit of grief and contention. Makenna was sure to insist on beginning her training. Liam didn’t want to admit his worst fear. Warriors did not fear, but he was apt to admit he didn’t want to lose her. How could he ensure she stayed with him and got the retribution she sought?
He stopped his horse and glanced at her sitting wearily on her horse. She held the wee one securely, and it struck him that he was looking at his family. His. In recent years, he wouldn’t have thought it possible–having a family. Hell, even a wife for that matter.
Liam considered sending them to his lands, but Makenna wouldn’t agree and yet, he wanted to secure her and his child. They didn’t deserve to be housed in a cold, damp cave.
“What troubles you? Why have you stopped?”
He shifted his gaze forward. “We’re home.”
“You’re home. I shan’t be staying long.” Her words confident and boasting.
“We will discuss this later. I wanted to thank you for your help with the child.”
“Darcy, Liam, call her by her name. Are you displeased that she’s a lass?”
The question puzzled him and he sighed. “Nay. I’m displeased because I didn’t know about her. If I had known what Blayre did, I wouldn’t have taken her home.”
“Will you forgive her? You love her, do you not? She’s the woman who broke your heart. Kerrigan mentioned her to me.”
His chest filled with remorse. “I will not speak of Blayre with you. Will you help me to settle Darcy?”
“Of course. But I must go eventually, Liam. Best accept it.”
He turned and looked back at her. She mattered to him and for the first time in his life, he was vulnerable. He’d lost what he thought was the love of his life, but that love was far from what he felt for Makenna. Yet, he didn’t begin to understand her.
“Let us home then.” He rode forward slowly, beside her, tense and discontent. They reached the ossuary where they kept the horses, and he helped her dismount by taking his daughter in his arms. Her wee body cradled in his arms and the sense of utter protection overcame him. As long as he lived and breathed, his daughter would not suffer at the hands of anyone. He’d ensure her protection.
“I’ll see to the horses if you want to go see Kerrigan and let them know we returned.”
Makenna took Darcy from him. The child seemed small in her arms. As soon as she walked away, he set his head against his horse’s neck and growled. Footsteps sounded behind him, and he lifted his head and spotted Graeme entering the cave.
“You’ve returned.”
“Aye.” He went about settling the horses.
“Your land secured?”
“Aye and I have the signed document to prove it.”
“Where’d the child come from?”
“She’s mine and Blayre’s.” Liam quickly told him what transpired at the Lennox holding. The vile words sickened him, but all turned out well thanks to his wife.
“It is good you no longer have to deal with your cousin. You’re fortunate Makenna found out about your daughter, otherwise you would’ve never known about her.”
“And now all my wife can speak of is leaving.” Liam sighed and turned back to his task.
“You’ll find a way to keep her. She cannot confront her enemy. Has she told you who he is yet? Surely you’ve been able to make headway.”
He shook his head. “If she did, I sure as hell wouldn’t be here. I’d be out hunting the knave. Nay, I’ve asked but she won’t divulge his name or why she wants to kill him.”
Graeme set a hand on his shoulder. “You need to find out.”
“You think I don’t ken that? The woman is dead set against telling me. I’ll get it out of her eventually. Have Brodin and Heath returned?”
“Not yet. I hope they were able to track the monk so we can put this behind us. With Robert’s return, I’d rather focus on the need to protect him.”
Liam grabbed the satchels and walked with Graeme to the main cave. He frowned when he entered and didn’t see Makenna within.
Kerrigan handed Graeme his son. She hugged him and Liam squeezed her. “You’re home safe. I worried for you. Annag will fix you supper. She’ll wish to welcome you home.”
“Where’s Makenna?”
“She said she was tired and set off to the cave you occupy. Annag and I cleaned it whilst you were away and added a few comforts.”
“My thanks,” he said, and was about to leave, but she stopped him.
“Your daughter is beautiful. Congratulations are in order.” She smiled and placed her hand on his arm. “This is good news, is it not?”
“I’m not sure I’ll make a good father, for the lass if afraid of me.” He’d only admit such a flaw to Graeme and Kerrigan.
“She’s young and has been through hell, Liam. Give her time to adjust to you. Be patient.”
“I will, Graeme. I should check on them. We’ll return for the evening meal.” He hastened to the cave and squeezed behind the boulder that protected the entrance.
It was dark inside and a wee bit chilly. He lit the hearth and set a few logs afire to warm the chamber. Liam spotted Makenna and Darcy sleeping in the large bed. One angel protects the other. How in God’s name would he protect them both?
Makenna sat up and tucked the covers around the wee one. “You’re here.”
“Aye, where else would I be?” He hated the awkwardness between them. “Kerrigan invited us to supper this eve.”
“I am hungry.”
“Will you come outside with me? I want to speak to you.” He held out his hand, and she reluctantly took it.
As soon as they reached the outside, he pulled her into his arms. “I’ve missed you.” His lips found hers and settled for a long stay. Liam didn’t want it to end, but she pressed against his chest and forced him to release her.
“I have missed you as well. Now that we’re home, we should discuss the training regimen. What would you have me do first?”
He sidestepped the discussion. “We’re sure to be called to protect the king again.” His words hung in the air like a mist that lingered on an open field.
“I understand your need to protect the king. Will it interfere with my condition? You did promise to train me. I kept my promise, will you not keep yours?”
“It is not that, love. When I do leave to protect the king … It got me to thinking … If anything happens to me …”
“Don’t speak such nonsense, Liam. Nothing will happen to you.”
He gripped her arms, holding her close to him, and looked into her bonny eyes. “But if something does happen, and I don’t return … Protecting the king is dangerous business. I want you to go to my home and take Darcy. I’ll send word to the steward and let him know you might come.”
“I shall be honored to take your daughter home and settle her, but I wish you wouldn’t speak so.” She smoothed a hand on his arm, but the comforting g
esture did little to ally him.
He drew her closer. “You’ll be taking yourself home as well. I will ensure you are given the lands if anything befalls me.”
She pulled away, taking a step backward. “I cannot accept. Our agreement … conditions were that I would marry you and you would teach me the sword. We said nothing about a life together. I cannot commit to such. Not now, not until I find … him.”
“Why can’t you put it behind you? Forget your vow? Find happiness with me?” He yanked her back, her body pressing his.
“I cannot find happiness, won’t. How can I be happy when ...” Makenna tried to draw away from him, her eyes filled with tears. “My family was killed. Until they are avenged, I won’t, cannot be happy.” She pulled free and walked toward the vast fields beyond the hills.
Liam decided to give her a few moments of peace to consider what he’d said. One day she would find happiness even if it killed him. He heard the sound of crying inside the cave and hurried to see to his daughter. When he approached, she slunk away. Lord, he was being tested this day with wearisome females.
“Lass, come and sit with your father.” He pulled a chair out, one he’d just noticed was there, along with another and a large table. Darcy shook the bonny chestnut curls of her head. “I don’t want you to fear me. I shall never harm you, lass.”
“But you’re awful strong.”
“Aye.”
“And ye might be mean like the master.”
He smiled to lighten her. “I’m nothing like him. Do you ken what fathers are?”
Her pretty curls shook.
“Come and I will tell you.” He held out his hand.
Darcy rolled off the side of the bed. “Makenna told me fathers protect.”
“They do.” He lifted her upon his lap. Her wee body barely weighed more than a small sack of oats. “They also love their daughters.”
“What does love mean?”
Liam was taken aback by her question. How did one explain love to a four-year-old? “I’m your da and will make sure you are cared for.”
Unbreakable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 2) Page 15