His Highland Pledge (The Clan Sinclair Book 4)

by Celeste Barclay

  Magnus eased his way to the wall and circled the room until he came to the exit he needed to reach the ladies'-in-waiting chambers. Despite his size, he moved silently and gracefully, as his dancing prowess just demonstrated. He was also the best tracker in his clan. He quickly caught up to Lady Fraser and Deirdre. As he followed at a safe distance, he overheard their conversation.

  "Do not think we did not see the two of you dancing or how you kept looking at one another? Lord Hay was fit to be tied as you continued to humiliate him. You are as good as his bride and carrying on with the very man who caused your disgrace. The entire castle is buzzing about you being a fallen woman. You’ll be lucky if they do not remove you from the queen's household. You are acting like a common trollop. You will remain in your chamber until your father or I summon you. You will not be attending the hunt. You may work on the stitching for your wedding kirtle. You will be in need of it soon."

  The women reached Deirdre's door. She opened it only to receive a small shove from her mother who locked and pocketed the key. Magnus slunk back into the shadows as Lady Fraser looked both ways before walking away.

  Magnus counted his customary twenty before stepping out. He rushed to the chamber next to Deirdre's. He tested the door and found it unlocked, so he slipped in and sprinted to the window. He opened it and stepped onto the ledge. Refusing to look down, he slid along until he could tap his fingers on the glass of Deirdre's window. It flew open, and he was tugged inside as he stooped to pass through. Once on his feet, Deirdre flung herself into his arms. She wildly scattered kisses over his face before clenching her fingers in his hair and biting his lower lip as they devoured one another. Magnus wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her toes off the ground. He walked them to the side of the bed, and her feet were barely back on the floor before he was ripping the laces from her gown. Her hands slid down his back to grasp his buttocks. Her nails dug into his hard flesh.

  Even his arse is made of steel.

  They came together in a frenzy of combustible need then slowed their pace. Their time together was always at a premium, but with no immediate fear of interruption, this night was more drawn out. When they laid catching their breath, Deirdre smiled before rolling onto her side.

  Deirdre's lips fastened onto his shoulder as she gave him a love bite. She repeated it on the other shoulder before leaving one in the center of his chest.

  "Marking me?" Magnus gasped.

  She could only nod once. She could feel her release building within her core.

  "Mine," he growled before leaving several of his own love bites on her breasts.

  Deirdre felt a tingle course throughout her body as her toes curled and fingers clenched. It was like a comet passing through her with a ball of fire followed by a long tail of sensations.

  She paused and leveled him with a thoughtful look.

  "Do ye think it was enough to get me with child?"

  Magnus froze. He was not sure if she was worried or hopeful.

  "Ye ken even the smallest amount could get ye with child." He watched her as he hesitated to ask, "Should I have pulled out?"

  "Nay!" she exclaimed before settling for a quieter tone. "I didna mean that. I've dreamt so many nights of us having a family together. It's always been so clear. Ye would lead me and our children down to the beach at Dunbeath. We would picnic there and teach our children to swim. Other times, ye were teaching our daughter to ride or teaching our son to carry a wooden sword. We were a family in my dreams. Do ye ken what it was like to awake in the morn alone?"

  "Aye," Magnus rasped. He tried to clear his throat, but his chest and throat felt too tight. "Do ye ken what it was like to dream of coming into the keep every eve after training to find ye waiting. To dream of ye growing round with our bairns. To walk the orchard picking apples with ye for yer soaps. I awake alone, too. It wasna just ye who dreamed. Not just ye who was cheated."

  Deirdre rested her cheek on his shoulder and absentmindedly ran her hand up and down his chest.

  "I'm scared, Magnus. Ma mother said I had to work on ma wedding gown tomorrow and that I would need it soon."

  "I ken. I heard almost all of yer conversation after ye left the Great Hall."

  "Ye did? She made me leave and accused me of making a fool of maself, standing around mooning over ye. She claimed I was looking cow-eyed at ye."

  "Were ye?" Deirdre felt a soft rumble of laughter under her.

  "Well, mayhap. But Magnus, that isnae the point."

  "Dinna fash. I ken what ye mean," he ran his fingers along her spine then rested his large hand over one side of her bottom. He once again reveled at how it fit as though it was designed for his palm.

  A small pinch of his nipple made him realize that she was still talking.

  "I dinna ken how much longer we have. I think ma parents will push the betrothal to before the sennight is through and the wedding before the next moon."

  Magnus felt the weight of the world settle back onto his shoulders after basking in a brief reprieve.

  "I ken. The king has already told me he approves the match. I must ride out on the hunt tomorrow. The only thing that makes me willing to go is kenning both yer father and Hay will be there which means they canna force ye to say any vows."

  "Magnus, I willna say any vows that arenae to ye. I'll go to a convent first. I'll even take a king's wrath and punishment, but I willna marry Hay or anyone else."

  Magnus ran his hand along her spine again, and she calmed.

  "Sew yer gown and ken it is for me and not for bald Archie."

  Deirdre laughed at Magnus's joke and relaxed. She felt her heart slow after the excitement then fear.

  "It willna be long now. I will be sure to get the king's decision and his approval, but if I canna, I will take ye away. I told ye before, I dinna want to do it, but I amnae above bride stealing."

  Chapter Nine

  Dawn approached all too soon for Magnus. He slid from Deirdre’s bed and found his clothing as quietly as he could. He attempted not to wake her, but he felt her soft hands on his back as she handed him his leine and belts.

  “I wish ye didna have to go, but I ken that ye must. I dinna ken which window ye’ve used these past two times, but if ye can manage it, go two windows down. At least two of those lasses willna slept in their beds last night.” She gave him a pointed look.

  “At least two? How many sleep in that chamber?”

  “Three, but that’s Elizabeth’s chamber. Ma cousin wouldnae tell anyone aught.”

  Magnus finished dressing, and before he climbed through the window, he pulled Deirdre into a tight embrace and kissed her with a passion that took her breath away. She returned it and wished they could walk back to the bed to resume what they had spent the night doing instead of watching him leave. They made love four more times, dozing in between while entwined in one another’s arms and legs. Magnus did not pull out, and they both longed for his seed to take. Both knew it would solidify his claim on her, but even more, they both wanted the family they spoke of and missed.

  When they pulled apart, Magnus brushed his knuckles along her cheek. He spent a lingering moment looking into her eyes. They were the vibrant color of the North Sea on a summer day after a storm. The blues and greens blended together and shimmered in the dim candlelight and weak sunlight beginning to enter her chamber.

  “I love ye, Deir.”

  “I love ye too, Magnus.”

  And like that, he was climbing through the window embrasure.

  Magnus slid his feet along the ledge and held his breath, once again refusing to look down. He came to the first window, the one he used the last two times. He paused and tried to peer into it, but the chamber was too dark to see anything. He prayed that since he could not see in, that no one would look out to see him. He hurried past the glass onto the second window. His fingers reached down to the latch, and once again prayed, this time in thanksgiving. He pushed the window open and waited. When no screams sounded, he lowered himself th
rough. He scanned the chamber and saw that Deirdre was correct. Two of the beds were empty as were the trundles reserved for maids. Only one bed was occupied, and Elizabeth seemed to sleep soundly. He wasted no time to learn whether she really slept or only pretended. He strode across the room, opened the door a sliver, and peeked through, looking both directions. He slipped from the room as silently as he slipped in. He made his way to his chamber just in time to refresh himself and change his clothing. He breathed a sigh of relief when he returned his claymore to its rightful position strapped to his back. Since he was going on a hunt and leaving the castle, it would be permissible for him to carry it. Other than when he was with Deirdre, he only felt whole when he carried it. A Highlander’s best friend and constant companion was his sword.

  Magnus exited his chamber and made his way to the yard where the stable boys were saddling horses. His was among those already waiting. He did not like it, but he was not rude enough to say anything to the frazzled young men trying to ready and corral dozens of agitated and high-strung warhorses and stallions. Magnus quickly checked all the fastenings and the girth before leading his horse to an opening where his uncle stood with several other Sutherland men he had not seen before.

  “Magnus, I’m glad ye came over. These are a few of ma clansmen who arrived last night. Ma wife and the bairns are remaining at the keep, and I’ve asked several of the men to stay behind and guard them.”

  “Guard them? Do ye think them in danger?” His mind whipped to Deirdre, and fear coursed through him that he had abandoned her to some impending doom.

  “Nae necessarily, but ye ken it isnae ever a good time to be a Highlander at court. Besides, Lady Fraser had some less than flattering or kind words to say to and aboot yer aunt last eve. I dinna trust that viper.”

  Magnus gave his uncle a pointed look before replying.

  “Neither do I, Uncle. Neither do I.”

  Hamish made the round of introductions, and five of the men walked away to assume their post outside the Sutherland chambers. The other five mounted with Magnus and Hamish.

  It was not much longer before the king appeared and mounted his bedecked steed that wore an embroidered blanket and hood. Bells jangled from the harness, and just as Magnus wondered how they would ever approach their prey without giving themselves away miles in advance, the king called out to a stable hand.

  “Who put these ridiculous bells on him? I’m going on a hunt, not a parade. Get these blasted things off my horse.”

  It took only moments before the bells were gone, the horn blew, and dogs raced out of the courtyard.

  Magnus and the Sutherlands joined the fray as the men set off. He looked at those who gathered and saw that the Highlanders were banding together as they shifted to encircle the other riders. They rode the periphery and seemed to herd the others. The large men on their sturdy warhorses appeared to be adults riding among children. The courtiers were outsized and outpaced by the men who spent more time outdoors than in. Mangus spotted the MacDonnells and was sure to keep his distance, but he also saw Grahams, MacKinnons, MacLeods, and Grants. He watched in veiled amusement as a couple of courtiers tried to pull ahead of the MacLeods. Their horses received several nips and neighs from the warriors’ horses who did not like being crowded. Easily controlled by their owners, the horses were allowed their head instead. Magnus could see the amusement on the other men’s faces, too. On his side, he rode close to the king who preferred to ride on the outskirts rather than the center. Once upon a time, a Highlander himself, the king may have altered his speech and clothes, but his heart still beat for the hunt and chase.

  The party rode for nearly an hour before coming to a woodland that promised various prey. Magnus spent the time bending the king’s ear about the ongoing feuds with the MacDonnells, who remained on the far side of the hunting party, the de Soules, the Kerrs, and the Gunns.

  “Yer Majesty, ye ken we didna start aught but only defended our women. I dinna ken how anyone could find fault in doing all and aught needed to bring ma sister and sisters by marriage home. Ye have heard from ma uncle Hamish. I am certain ye have heard testimony and evidence from others. There is naught for us to hide. We did, in fact, kill the Mackay’s stepbrother, Alan MacDonnell. We also killed James and Laird Gunn, along with Laird Kerr, and Randulph de Soules. We canna change that, but neither can those clans change or deny what their men did to our clan and the laird’s family. If aught, the Sinclairs should claim damages for the attacks on Mairghread and Siùsan along with the attempt on Brighde’s life.”

  “Calm yourself, young Sinclair. I have heard all the evidence and testimonies from all parties concerned. And more besides, and I have come to my decision. It may not be a popular one, but I do find in your favor. You are Highlanders and live by a different code than those at court, but nothing anywhere should change your right to defend your families and your land. I shall set out a royal decree that clears all charges or claims made by the other clans. They will cease their complaints and the feuds or face my royal sanctions.” The king nodded his head and turned to talk to the man who rode on his other side.

  Magnus knew his audience had ended, and while he was more than satisfied with the outcome on behalf of his family, he was irritated that he was not afforded the opportunity to discuss Deirdre. He suspected the king purposely ended the conversation to avoid moving to that topic. He may have sided with the Sinclairs over the feuds, but Laird Fraser was a clear favorite.

  The men began to form smaller groups and moved off in different directions. Magnus and the Sutherlands, along with the Grahams, kept close to the king. The other Highlanders made their own groups based upon well-established alliances and rivalries.

  Magnus entered the treeline and slowed his horse. He looked around and took in the tree’s trunks, looking for where a boar or stag might have sharpened tusks or antlers. He spotted a couple and nudged his horse forward.

  “What see you, Sinclair?” The king called out.

  “These trees have fresh scratches. From the height, both deer and boar have been nearby.”

  He nudged his horse again and felt the saddle shift slightly. He had already reached the trees, so he dismounted and tightened the girth. Then he ran his hand over the tree trunk and looked at the ground for any disturbed leaves. He let the reins of his horse go since he knew the steed would not move until summoned. He took several steps away from the king and his followers. He eased aside a pile of leaves and found what he suspected, paw prints formed by a small deer. When whistled to, his horse came to his side, and he remounted.

  Signaling to the king to move on, the king shook his head.

  “I shall ride with the others in search of a boar. Bag us a buck, I am in the mood for venison.” The king rode off with a group that included a gloating Hay.

  Magnus led the men in the direction he believed the deer traveled. It was not long before the woods opened to a small glade, and in the distance stood a herd. Each of the men drew their bows, and several knocked arrows, but all awaited to take the first shot. Finally, the Grant took aim and released his arrow. His arrow came close to the mark but slid just below a doe’s chin. The men took their aim, and several arrows flew towards the grazing animals. Magnus knew the animals would scatter, and while a moving target was harder to hit, he also knew he had a better chance of his arrow flying free of the others to find its solitary mark. His eyes locked onto the largest stag as he rose in his saddle, digging his knees and heels into his horse to steady him. He drew back the arrow and relying on his exceptional height and strength, released his arrow. It soared over all the others, arching over the does and fawns to land unimpeded into the center of the stag’s broad chest. The animal took several staggering steps before it collapsed.

  “Well done, nephew,” his uncle boomed.

  Magnus nodded his head and waited as the men who bagged deer moved forward. Following closely, he guided his horse to claim his own catch. He arrived at the fallen stag and dismounted. He barely made it
to the deer before an arrow whizzed past his ear. He fell to his stomach and pulled himself around the laying body in front of him. He lifted his head just high enough to look at where the arrow came from. Another whizzed past him, this time brushing his hair. He ducked back down and tried to calm his breathing. He had no idea who was shooting at him, but he could venture a guess who may have sent the would-be assassins. He checked over his shoulder and spotted the arrow but did not recognize the fletching. He rolled onto his belly and looked towards the riders whose hoofbeats he felt before heard. His uncle was charging forward with his sword drawn, the Sutherland battle cry ringing across the glen. Magnus was about to slide along the ground further away from where the two arrows flew from when another grazed his shoulder from an entirely different direction. He spotted a shape fading into the dark of the trees. He whistled for his horse which was unharmed and nearby. He barely noticed his shoulder as he mounted and galloped after the perpetrator. As his horse’s body vibrated from the increased speed, Magnus felt his saddle shift yet again, so he pressed his heels down to keep his balance. That only made the leather move further to one side. He gripped the reins and pulled hard to slow his horse. He transferred his weight back, and his normally unflappable horse reared and then bucked, sending Magnus flying over its head to land hard on the grassy ground. The wind knocked from him, Magnus could only lay there staring up at the sky. His head and back throbbed with pain. He just needed to close his eyes for a moment to catch his breath.

  “Magnus. Magnus, wake up. Magnus!” He felt water pour onto his face.

  He spluttered and opened his eyes. His uncle knelt over him, blocking out the sun for which Magnus’s pounding head was grateful.

  “Are ye hurt?”

  “All of me ruddy well hurts. Dinna shout.” Magnus ground out.

  “Magnus, let me look at ye. Yer arm is bleeding, and I need to check yer head.”

  “Bah, haud yer wheesht. Let me be or help me up.” Magnus tried to sit up on his own but rolled onto his side to retch. When he finished emptying the little contents that were in his stomach after skipping breaking his fast, he wiped his mouth and took the waterskin from his uncle. He was pleased to find Sinclair whisky in it rather than water.