Securing Aisling

by Andrea Boyd

  “Have you never heard about castle gossip? Before morning everyone within a mile of here will have heard. That should help counter any rumor Father tries to conjure.”

  “Yes, but it might also make it harder for us to leave unseen.” He looked down at me without saying anything.

  He had held my hand all the way until we entered my suite. Strangely, I missed the contact just as soon as he let go. We stood there awkwardly. I did not know what to say now that we were alone.

  He took a step closer, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me to him. I pressed my face into his chest and inhaled deeply, taking in his scent that was oddly enough like breathing in sunshine and forest. “I want you to know that I am sorry for everything that happened tonight. I know this was probably not the wedding you would ever have dreamed about unless you were having a nightmare. And my father . . . I wish there was some way to make it up to you.”

  I grinned up at him. “You only have the rest of your life to try. No, seriously, it is all right. I am fine. This marriage will be what we make of it, and that will not be decided by the events of this one day. Besides, think of the story we will have to tell our grandchildren.” Mentioning grandchildren had my face heating up again.

  He leaned in closer, staring at my lips. It felt as if someone had let a hummingbird loose in my chest. He cupped the side of my face with his calloused hand, and I swallowed hard. His lips touched mine with a few gentle kisses at first which quickly turned more passionate. Every minute seem to find us more closely pressed together. We were both trembling by the time the expected knock came at the door.

  I reached up and smoothed his hair down in the back where my fingers had been entwined just a moment before. “We cannot have you go out looking like that. If anyone saw you, rumors really would fly.” We both laughed, but I wanted to rip out my tongue. When had I become so brazen?

  Garrett went to the door and then opened it wide, allowing a servant to enter carrying a large basket full of an assortment of fruit and cheeses along with a bottle of champagne. I could not help but notice his flaming red hair. I did not have personal contact with any of the servants here, but I had never noticed this man before. And with hair that color, I believed I would have remembered.

  “A gift sent from your king and queen. Congratulations on your marriage, Your Highness.” The man bowed to Garrett before leaving. I found it strange that the only acknowledgement he had sent my way was a glance.

  “You should have left my hair like it was. There would have been more to tell when he reports back to my father.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He gestured toward the basket. “The whole purpose of this was to make sure we were here together. Now hopefully my father will be able to sleep in peace tonight and save his scheming for tomorrow. At least that would work to our advantage when we do leave.”

  “I hope you are right.”

  “Well, it is either that, or he has had the fruit poisoned.”

  He laughed when I dropped the pear I had taken from the basket. “I was only kidding.”

  I was not so sure. We both jumped at the next tap on the door. Garrett opened the door only a crack this time and spoke quietly with someone there. He closed the door and came back to me. “That is our cue to leave. Are you ready?” He took me by the hand. “Come on, my wife, let us sneak out of this place. I am ready to go home.”

  This warmed my soul more than I could say. “I wish we were already there.”

  Thirteen

  Garrett

  TO BE HONEST, I had not really believed Brianna would go through with the wedding on such short notice until I saw her walking down the aisle toward me. She was so beautiful I could barely breathe. I had a little time before she arrived to work out what I would say. I wanted my words to reflect my true feelings, but I knew she would not appreciate me proclaiming my love for the first time in our wedding vows, so I kept it simple.

  It was all going well until my parents arrived. Of course there had been a lot of resentment for my father in the past, but I had been able to explain away every hurt he had ever caused me up until this point in my life. But the accusations he had made toward my wife were inexcusable. I felt something akin to hate for him for the first time.

  I had not known what to make of Mother’s response. I knew she loved me, but there had always been limits to that love. I wished to squelch that burning desire to always hope for more affection from my parents. I must say, it was a relief to walk away from them in the end.

  Then later when I was alone with my wife, I had wanted that moment to last forever. Those big hazel eyes that I love, that cute upturned nose, her full lips, every smile, every sigh, every blush that bloomed across her cheeks, all drew me in and held me there. In that instant, the whole world with all of its problems just melted away, and there was only Brianna, the only girl I had ever loved.

  If not for my strong desire to leave Gilvary, I could have happily ignored that first tap at the door. I recognized Oscar as one of Father’s warriors. I could only guess why he was posing as a servant. I did not acknowledge the fact that he never addressed my wife as he should. I did not want to add to her worry if I could help it. However, I was only half kidding about the fruit. I now had my doubts about just how far my father would go.

  I was relieved when the second knock came. Filib was one of the younger servants of Gilvary. He usually worked in the stables, but Reagan used him quite often to send messages and small gifts to the different girls he gave his attentions to within the castle. It occurred to me that Reagan may have had something to do with this choice of deliverers.

  I held Brianna’s hand as we followed quietly at a distance until we finally came to a door at the side of the castle that would take us outside. We made our way around the corner of each addition of the outer wall, trying to make it safely to the stables. We were almost there when Filib motioned for us to stop. There was nowhere to hide. The moon was full, so our only defense against exposure was the fact that we were deep in the shadows of the castle.

  I pressed Brianna against the outside wall and whispered in her ear. “It is probably the night guards. If someone comes this way, hopefully they will just take us for a couple of lovers caught up in the passion of the moment.”

  “So, you have had practice with these types of meetings before?”

  My body shook with suppressed laughter. She had no idea of my lack of experience. “Honestly, I was totally innocent of any such occurrences until the queen of Aisling attached herself to my lips earlier today in my room. Thank you for that, by the way. I will not ask about your own prior experiences. I just hope all of your future ones will only involve me.” I gave her a small kiss on the lips, but despite our predicament I immediately wanted more.

  “I do not know what came over me. I can assure you that I have never even come close to anything like this until today. I cannot imagine what you must think.”

  I could almost feel her blushing, and I loved it. “Did you not hear me thank you? It was the most thrilling thing that has ever happened to me. I would not have changed a thing about that first kiss. Shh, here they come.”

  It was not hard to play the part of passionate lovers. Even the fear of being caught did not keep me from kissing her deeper than I had intended. I could tell she was just as caught up in that kiss as I was with her fingers once again entwined in my hair by the time the warriors came even with us.

  One of them made a lewd remark as they passed. I could feel her body tensing, so I pulled her even closer. The worse that could happen would be that Father would know we were leaving tonight. I had a feeling we would need the head start. I took a step back after the guards turned the corner. “Sorry about that.”

  “Do not worry about it. I am sure they would never have spoken those words if they had known who we were.”

  “I guess it is a good thing they did not. I wonder if it is safe to move on yet.”

  No sooner had the words left my mout
h than our aide was back in sight, motioning us forward. We finally made it to the last corner, but the section between the castle and the stable was bathed in moonlight.

  “Walk slowly. If we hurry, we will draw more attention. We will be thankful for the light of the moon once we are on our way on horseback.” Her eyes were stretched wide as she scanned the courtyard. I squeezed her hand hoping to offer some reassurance.

  It was a relief to see Reagan there with the others when we entered the barn. I would have hated leaving without seeing him. He thumped me on the back and pulled Brianna into a hug, giving her a kiss on the cheek. My heart twisted a bit when Brianna beamed up at him. “Are you going with us to Aisling, Reagan?”

  “No, I am not. I hear Garrett already has Father wanting to behead at least the next ten people he comes in contact with as it is without me adding anything. I just wanted to wish you well on your way and offer my congratulations. I hate I missed the ceremony, but under the circumstances I understand why I was not invited.”

  “Does Father know we are leaving tonight?”

  “I do not believe he does. If he did, surely he would have sent someone to try and stop you.”

  Gwen was motioning for Brianna to follow her into another section of the stables. I pulled some clothing more comfortable for travel out of my saddle bag and quickly changed in one of the empty stalls. I felt a little underdressed when Brianna came out in all of her battle gear glory, but I had my sword and round shield which was more than I had ever needed before.

  Reagan gave a low whistle. “Garrett, if I had seen her ride up in that outfit, you would not have stood a chance.” He gave her a wink, and she smiled back. I had to keep reminding myself that she had chosen me. I was almost glad to be leaving my brother behind.

  “Yes, well, you missed out this time, but I am sure there is another woman out there for you somewhere. One you can hide behind while she fights your battles for you, should the need ever arise.”

  “You can believe that I will be hiding out in the stables from now on waiting for her.”

  I pulled Reagan into a long hug. “I will miss you. Come and see us in Aisling as soon as it is safe.”

  Everyone else had mounted their horses and was waiting. Reagan gave Brianna another hug and helped her onto her horse. “You made the right choice, My Lady. Garrett will make you very happy, and mark my word, he will be a great king someday.”

  I knew he meant every word. I could only hope he was right.

  Brianna smiled back at him. “I am sure you are correct. I know Garrett has already said as much, but I wanted to let you know that you are welcome to visit us in Aisling anytime.”

  We headed out in a tight group with me, Brianna, and Gwen in the very center. We ambled along trying to draw as little attention as possible. The gates stood open because of Session, but it was well guarded. There were still a few people milling about both inside and outside of the gates. It was a good sign that we easily passed through without a second glance. If Father had known we were leaving, I believe he would have alerted the warriors guarding the castle and would have tried to have us detained. Considering how Brianna and I were dressed, it was possible they would not have recognized us.

  This main road leading toward Aisling was decent enough, and the full moon also helped while traveling at night. Still, we only allowed the horses to trot. It was hours later, and the moon was low in the sky when Eamon led us off the road to head down by the river. He gave out instructions that the horses should be fed and watered, but the saddles and gear would remain in case we had to leave suddenly. We all dismounted, and the two servants who had traveled with us gathered the horses to be tied up near the water.

  Eamon approached me and Brianna as everyone else was making camp. He looked to her as he spoke. “I am sorry to inconvenience you, but we will not be putting up the tent tonight. I want the two of you and Gwen placed in the center with the warriors around the perimeter.”

  She touched his arm as she spoke. I had never witnessed such familiarity between my father and his advisors. I had noticed before now that Eamon went back and forth between sometimes using proper addresses and calling Brianna by her first name at other times. It was as if he could not decide if she was his queen or just part of his family. “I have slept in the open before. This is perfectly acceptable.”

  “Queen Brianna, of course you will be as protected as always, but I wanted to inform you that if we are attacked, we will be concentrating our efforts on the king. I fear he will be the real focus of such an attack.”

  It was strange having someone refer to me as king, but the rest of his statement made me instantly angry. Brianna’s protection was of utmost importance to me. “I will not have you choosing my protection over that of the queen.” Brianna reached out and grabbed my arm, but Eamon spoke before she had a chance to say anything.

  “I can assure you that we will do everything in our power to protect Brianna, but she has seen battle before and you have not. You do not even have the protection of armor. And as much as I hate to admit it, the one way your father can still get what he wants is to eliminate you. Do you believe him incapable of attempting that?”

  “Eamon . . .” Brianna shook her head at him, but she did not have to go further for him to get the message.

  “Please forgive me, My Lord. I have overstepped my position.”

  I could not say anything. If I did, I would probably go too far, and that would not endear my newly wedded wife to me. I turned and headed in the direction of our traveling companions in order to keep from saying the wrong thing. Some of them had already bedded down. I could hear Brianna speaking in a low tone to Eamon as I left, but I did not even try to hear what she said. I was mad at my father for putting us into this position and at Eamon for thinking it was okay to place my safety above Brianna’s.

  I found my bedroll in the center of the camp lying right next to one I assumed belonged to my wife. There was a gapped circle around the two bedrolls, probably for some sense of privacy. This is not how I wanted to spend my wedding night. I took off my boots, hat, and scabbard before crawling beneath the blankets fully clothed. I stared up at the stars, praying to calm my anger.

  Brianna finally made her way there and bedded down in her own blankets. Neither of us said anything for a while. The tension was thick. After several minutes, she rolled over toward me and spoke in a whisper. “I am sorry, and I know Eamon is too. He should not have said those things to you.”

  “The sad thing is, he is right. My father has never tried to kill me before, but I would not put it past him now. This is some mess I have gotten you into.”

  “You did not bring me here. I had to get married. I chose you, and I happen to think I made the right decision.”

  I turned, propping myself up on my elbow in order to face her. “But you may be attacked because of me.”

  There was a grunt coming from one of the warriors nearby. I had forgotten to whisper. It was a moment before Brianna responded. “I have been attacked before.”

  “And I somehow feel ashamed because I have not.” I plopped back down on my back.

  “That is no reason to feel ashamed. Fighting is not as glamorous as it seems. Taking another’s life is not a grand aspiration to have.”

  This brought my attention back to her face. My wife was tiny. I could not imagine her in a life or death fight with her coming out on top. “You have killed before?”

  There was a long pause before she spoke again. “It is late. Maybe we should talk about this some other time.”

  That had not really answered my question, or maybe it had. Either way, I would allow it to pass until another time. “We have a long trip ahead of us. We really should try to get some sleep.”

  “That sound like a good idea.”

  I leaned across to her in the dark and placed a tender kiss on her lips. It would have to do for now. “Sweet dreams my queen.”

  “Good night, Garrett.”

  I spent a little time thi
nking about everything that had happened. I had no way of knowing how much my life was about to change when I woke up that morning. Between remembering every stolen moment with my bride and soreness from the beatings I had received, it took a while before my body relaxed enough for me to drift off to sleep. I had dreams about Brianna that night. Dreams I had suppressed for so long, but it was safe for me to have them now that she was my wife.

  Fourteen

  BY MIDMORNING WE were back on our horses and making our way a little faster than before. I looked around at the familiar terrain surrounding us. Vegetation always seemed to be at a minimum no matter what time of year here in Gilvary. It was warm in June, but there was a crispness to the morning air, a reminder that winter had just passed and would be coming around again soon. There was a chance that I would miss living here, but I so looked forward to what the future held in store.

  Everyone still surrounded Brianna and me, but even Gwen stayed far enough away for the two of us to talk privately. I decided to use this opportunity to get to know my wife. “You mentioned there was one person not present that you wished to see you wed. Who would that be?”

  Her face lit up. I loved her smile. It always showed up at the most unexpected times. “Agata was my nursemaid, well, actually she still takes care of me even now. Of course no one could replace my parents but she, Eamon, and Gwen have filled in as sort of a replacement family.”

  I took note of her feelings toward these three people. I understood better why she found it necessary to adopt a family. I imagined her life would have been very lonely without them. I already liked Gwen. That part was easy. I would take special care when I met this Agata. But Eamon might be a problem.

  “Your pretend family is better than my real one.”

  “You seem close to Reagan.”

  “That is a recent development. It is a shame to say that we had to become adults before we learned to value each other. I am sure you can guess that I have never been my father’s favorite. It used to make me jealous until I matured enough to realize he was doing the rest of the family no kindness at all. Just look at how his favoritism has crippled Dunbar and Rian. He has favored Reagan as well, but not to the point that it has affected his nature. It also helps that we are close in age. So, I guess it makes sense that I would end up being drawn to Reagan more than the others.”