Highlander Entangled

by Vonda Sinclair

  Colin thought so, too, as he recalled the last words his father had murmured to him—strong chief, son.

  Even though 'twas painful beyond words, he had to follow in his father's footsteps and endeavor to make him proud.

  He simply hoped Kristina would be recovered enough to attend the inauguration.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Because of heavy rain and sleet, the clan was forced to wait longer than expected for Colin's inauguration as chief. Kristina was glad, for it gave her extra time to recover. She had been getting out of bed and walking for three days, and her pain was diminishing. She so looked forward to attending the first official ceremony of her future husband.

  Wearing her heavy woolen cloak, she was waiting on a settle near the hearth when she heard someone enter the room. She recognized Colin's footsteps immediately and smiled.

  "How are you feeling, mo chridhe?" He sat down beside her and took the hand of her uninjured arm and kissed it. His warm, tantalizing lips on her skin gave her a delightful shiver.

  "Much better, now that you're here. The pain is far less than just a few days ago."

  "I'm glad. You look exceptionally beautiful." He pressed a sweet kiss to her cheek.

  Her face heated at his compliment. "I thank you, but 'tis Anna, Maili and the maids who should receive any praise for working a miracle."

  "Nonsense." Colin leaned close to her ear and whispered, "You are equally lovely with your hair down and not a stitch on."

  Good heavens! Her face felt scorched, then. It had been a long while since she had been intimate with Colin. On their upcoming wedding night, she feared she would feel awkward and out of her element. She hoped she could please him.

  "Are you ready to go?" he asked.

  "Aye."

  "Some of the clansmen have prepared a cushioned and decorated wagon so you can have a comfortable ride out to the sacred tree where the inauguration will take place."

  "How kind of them! Why would they do that?"

  "Well, I'm certain you ken how clan gossip can be. Although I've made no announcement, because I was waiting until you recovered enough to join us at supper, word has spread that you will be my bride."

  "Saints! What is their reaction?"

  "Do you not notice how often they stop by to check on your recovery?"

  "Nay." As far as she could remember, only her family, friends and the people she knew had visited her.

  "They do. They peer in at the door when 'tis open or, in other parts of the castle, they ask Deidra or Tavia how you are faring. They love you. Even the stodgy elders ask me about your recovery."

  Joy further lifted her spirits. "I'm thankful they accepted me as a bride for you."

  "They admire your strength and tenacity. And the whole of the clan kens you have stolen my heart," he murmured in an intimate tone that curled her toes.

  Kristina had never felt so elated. "You well know you have stolen my heart, too."

  He gave her a dreamy, hot, but too brief kiss on the lips, then drew back. "Saints!" he hissed. "I could kiss you for hours."

  She forced herself to draw in a breath. "I wish you would. I've missed your kisses."

  "Don't tempt me. We must hasten out to the bailey or they will come looking for us. Hold on around my neck with your good arm." Careful of her broken arm in the sling, he lifted her and kissed her cheek, then carefully carried her down the narrow turnpike stairs. She relished his warm breaths against her hair and the side of her face.

  Once they emerged into the cold, open air of the bailey, a cheer went up from dozens of people.

  Colin laughed. "They're excited about our upcoming union," he murmured in her ear.

  Tears burned her eyes. Knowing that his people—whom she didn't truly know—were rallying around her touched her heart. She wished she could embrace each of them.

  "Here we are, love." Colin placed her on a fluffy feather bed that had been squished into a wagon and covered in blankets. "Anna and Maili will ride with you."

  The wagon shifted as the two were helped aboard by their respective husbands.

  "How do you feel?" Anna asked her. "Is the movement or the cold air making your pain worse?"

  "Nay. 'Tis fine." Though she still felt weak and a bit dizzy, her headache was tolerable today. Tavia had given her a half cup of willow bark tea. She hoped it wouldn't make her sleepy, for she wanted to be awake for the whole inauguration, plus the feast and cèilidh afterward.

  Far out in front, two pipers played as they set off, creating an exciting and jubilant mood. The wagon rumbled over the rough cobblestones of the bailey and splashed through the puddles of the rutted road. Horses' hooves thumped in front of them and behind. She had never attended a chief's inauguration and wasn't sure what went on precisely, though Anna had told her each clan had its own traditions and customs.

  Despite being a cool, breezy November day, the sun shined warmly on her face. She had only one regret. "I wish I could see." Tears pricked her eyes. "What does this place look like?"

  Anna put an arm around her shoulders. "The horse is pulling this wagon out a grassy ridge toward a huge oak tree. It looks ancient."

  "Sleet lies in wee piles on the grass," Maili said, gently squeezing her hand. "A glimmer of frost sparkles upon the tree branches, the dried leaves and the brown bracken fronds."

  "Colin, his brother, Neacal and Cyrus ride in front of the wagon on their horses," Anna explained. "Shamus, Fraser and Ralston are riding behind us. Colin's mother and some of the other women are riding on another wagon. The rest of the clan is walking behind us."

  When they stopped, the horses snorted and the leather creaked as several dismounted. Though Kristina could tell a crowd surrounded them, all were mostly quiet. She barely heard a few murmurs and shifting feet upon frosted grass.

  "Colin is now seated upon a large square stone beneath the old tree," Anna whispered in her ear. "Reverend MacAbee stands on one side and an elderly bard with white hair and a long white beard on the other. The male clansmen are forming a large circle around the tree."

  After the minister said a prayer, the bard began reciting Colin's lineage back through hundreds of years of Cameron history. It amazed Kristina that he could remember so many people's names and the details of their lives. Then, he bragged of Colin's heroic deeds, starting with his most recent one of defeating the clan's enemy and rescuing the fair maiden.

  Kristina's face burned, for she felt everyone's gaze upon her, but was flattered by the description, honored and humbled that they could overlook her extensive scars.

  "Colin Cameron has already proven himself a powerful and most honorable leader. He would not accept the role of chief until he'd brought his father's murderer to justice. This is a man we can all depend on to protect us and provide for us," the bard said.

  All grew quiet, but she heard footsteps and other movements.

  "What is happening?" Kristina whispered.

  Maili leaned close. "Two of the clansmen are draping a blessed plaid ceremonial mantle upon Colin's shoulders and fastening it at his throat."

  "I accept the position of chief of the Camerons," Colin said in a commanding voice. "Bring me the sword of my forefathers."

  Kristina was so proud of Colin at that moment she could hardly contain herself. He would be a caring, strong and generous chief. She sat up straighter, determined to be a capable and competent wife for him. She would support him and help him in any way she could.

  "Warton has just placed a large, two-handed Highland sword into Colin's right hand," Anna whispered into her ear. "Another clansman has placed a white staff in his left hand. And now, the minister is anointing Colin's head with oil."

  "All hail our new chief!" the bard announced.

  A deafening cheer went up. The clan's joy and excitement was so intense it brought tears to Kristina's eyes.

  Anna laughed. "Some of the clansmen are carrying Colin upon their shoulders."

  Chuckling, Kristina wiped the moisture from her eyes. Oh
, if only she could see Colin's face now. Surely, he was smiling and laughing, too. Or did he feel melancholy or bittersweet, missing his beloved father? She would have to ask him later, for there was no time to talk to him now.

  "The clansmen have deposited Colin onto his horse," Anna reported.

  The wagon jolted forward and turned in a tight circle as they headed back toward the castle. She knew now 'twas time for the feasting to begin.

  ***

  An hour later, Kristina sat beside Colin at the high table in the great hall. She was eating a brambleberry tart and enjoying her future husband's funny comments in her ear. The whole of the clan was talking and laughing boisterously.

  Colin stood from his seat and dinged his wine glass to quiet the noisy gathering. "Would you like to hear a story?"

  "Aye!" several clansmen yelled. Whistles and hollers erupted, then everyone in the packed hall grew silent in expectation. Storytelling was a big part of every cèilidh Kristina had attended. Everyone, from the young children to the elders, loved listening to the tales.

  "When I went to Bearach Castle several weeks ago to help my foster brother, I had no inkling a beautiful, strong and special lady would steal my heart." Colin lifted her hand and kissed it.

  More whistles, whoops and shouts exploded from the crowd, and Colin chuckled.

  Kristina could not contain her beaming smile, despite her burning cheeks. She was thrilled with his devotion to her, and he was incredibly generous with his compliments.

  "We were readying for a battle with the enemy MacCromars and the man who called himself Red Holme, in truth an enemy MacKillican. Four dozen of them marched from the wood and lined up next to Bearach Castle. Their many archers nocked their arrows. Most infuriating of all, they had a hostage, Lady Kristina MacQueen. And Red Holme MacKillican held a dirk at her throat."

  Much muttering and grumbling from the crowd ensued. Kristina was humbled that so many of the men were willing to stand in her defense.

  "The outlaws were trying to force her sister—the lovely, talented Lady MacDonald—from the castle. I decided I had to rescue Lady Kristina. Six strong, loyal men went with me," Colin continued. "Tom and Patrick—may they rest in peace—along with Warton, Rusty, Ethan and Lawrie."

  A renewed sense of regret filled Kristina that two men had lost their lives protecting her. She had not even known them, but she felt their absence and grieved with their families. Before she had left Bearach, Neacal and Anna had accompanied her to their graves, to take flowers, pay her respects and express her gratitude for their sacrifice.

  "We slipped from the castle in two small boats and circled around behind the enemy," Colin said, his strong voice echoing over the hall. "The battle had already started when we stole through the bushes toward Holme on horseback. Warton grabbed his right arm, while Rusty grabbed his left. When Lady Kristina slid from the grips of the knave, I caught her in midair and spirited her away from the battle raging around us. The enemy blocked our return to the castle, so the seven of us secreted her away to a cave in the wood."

  Several people clapped and whistled.

  "'Twas obvious to me within a few minutes of meeting Lady Kristina, the daughter of the former MacQueen chief, that she was an astonishing woman of great kindness, compassion and strength. She and her sister are survivors who endured great hardship and abuse at the hands of Blackburn MacCromar and Red Holme MacKillican, two men who have gone on to the hereafter, where they must face their evil deeds. I have to admit, even from that first day, Lady Kristina captured my attention and my heart. I knew I would never be the same again. I am the luckiest man on earth, for she has agreed to marry me."

  A great cheer went up, which surely rattled the rafters.

  Tears sprang to Kristina's eyes. Humble gratitude filled her that his clan would accept her so easily, even with her many flaws.

  Colin helped her stand, then kissed her cheek. She laughed and blinked against the tears.

  When the clan grew quiet, Kristina curtsied. "I feel most fortunate and honored to be wedding your chief and joining your clan."

  The crowd applauded yet again. After they sat down, many toasts followed, along with clansmen and women congratulating them.

  Then, the storytelling resumed. Warton told of the battle in the cave against Red Holme and his men. After this, Cyrus detailed how they had caught up with Colin and helped him rescue Kristina. Each person who was involved told a portion of the story, filling in details Kristina hadn't known about, for she'd been knocked out. Often, they described things she'd been unable to see.

  Oh, how she loved these true stories. She was glad the clan could know the details of what they'd gone through.

  Once they finished, she felt as if she'd relived the whole episode. She had been through a lot with Colin and was grateful to him for helping her so much.

  After this, Anna sang a beautiful love ballad for them. Based on the silence in the great hall while she was singing, she held the crowd spellbound, as she always did. After the last note hung in the air a long moment and the music stopped, enthusiastic applause ensued.

  "The crowd is having fine entertainment this eve," she said to Colin.

  "Indeed. How are you feeling? Are you tired?" he murmured. She savored his intimate tone.

  "Nay, I have been sitting here, resting. I love the way you told the story of how we met."

  "Och. I did not do it justice, in truth. I wish my words were more elegant, but I never claimed to be a poet or bard."

  "It sounded perfect to me. But then, everything about you is perfect for me."

  "I wish I could kiss you right now," he whispered hotly into her ear.

  She grinned and her face heated. "I wish the same thing."

  "You'll have to let me know when you're ready to retire for the evening. Then, mayhap I can steal a kiss when I'm carrying you to your chamber."

  That sounded wonderful, and she was eager to get some private time with him. "I'm certain I will grow tired before the dancing starts."

  A few moments later, the minstrels started playing a lively jig that no crowd of revelers could resist. Wood clunked and dragged against the floor. She was thrilled, for she knew the clansmen were dismantling the trestle tables and placing them against the wall, along with the benches, clearing the dance floor.

  Kristina forced out a fake yawn and covered it with her hand. "I'm afraid I've grown very tired," she said, loud enough for those around her to hear. "Would you mind escorting me to my room?"

  "I would be most honored," Colin said.

  "I'll come with you," Anna announced.

  "Very well," Kristina said, hoping her sister didn't prove a strict chaperone.

  "I'll come, too," Neacal said.

  Colin helped her stand, then lifted her down from the dais and carried her toward the stairway. She considered telling him she was perfectly capable of walking, but knew that would not deter him. Besides, she enjoyed his effortless strength and the way he indulged her.

  As he climbed the steps, she kissed his bristly cheek.

  "You're going to make me trip," he growled playfully.

  She snickered.

  "You two behave yourselves," Anna teased behind them.

  Once in the corridor containing the bedchambers, Colin took her to the room she used. Inside, he placed her gently upon the padded settle near the warm hearth.

  "You're spoiling me too much," she said.

  "Nay, you deserve it."

  How sweet and generous he was. She wished she could give him a scorching kiss now. "Where did Anna go?" she wondered, hoping they could have some privacy.

  "I'll check." His footsteps padded away from her across the rush mat. "I don't see her in the corridor. Mayhap she went to her chamber with Neacal. Do you want me to go look for her?"

  "Nay!" Kristina snickered, then whispered. "I think she wants to give us time alone without setting tongues to wagging."

  "I hope so." After closing the door softly, he returned and knelt before he
r. "I'm craving a kiss from you very badly. Do you think you're well enough?"

  Anticipation coursed through her veins. "'Tis what I've been waiting for all evening, dear sir."

  He rose to his feet. "First, I'm going to do something."

  "What?" She heard the sound of cloth sliding.

  After kneeling before her again, he took her hand and drew it to his face, where she felt a soft linen blindfold over his eyes. She inhaled sharply. "Why did you do this?"

  "So I can experience what it's like for you."

  He would join her in the darkness? Her throat constricted and a hot tear trailed down her cheek.

  His hand stroked over her face, encountering the tear.

  "Why are you crying?" he whispered.

  "Because you…" She shook her head, unable to explain how profoundly he touched her. "I love you," she said instead, for that's what it was. Everything he did made her love him more.

  "I know not how to explain how much I love you." He kissed her half numb cheek, the one closest to him. The one with the scar.

  Her throat caught on a sob, for she felt his love so strongly. She turned and buried her face in his chest.

  "Shh." He kissed her temple. "How can I seduce you if you are crying?"

  A surprised laugh escaped her, along with the tears. "Rogue," she accused.

  "I believe you hold a fondness for rogues."

  "Just one."

  "You say all the right things, m'lady." He moved, opening his sporran, then dried her tears with his handkerchief. He handed it to her and she blotted her nose.

  "Better?" he asked.

  "Aye. Stop making me weepy," she chided.

  He laughed.

  When Colin pressed his lips to hers, it seemed an eternity had passed since the last time he had kissed her this way, with gentle but persistent passion. His lips moved with slow, sensual deliberation, exploring every part of her lips with his own.

  His tongue brushed against her lips, inciting a quickening of desire that stole her breath.

  Being careful of her arm, he lifted her and placed her gently on the bed, then lay down beside her. "Do not tell anyone," he whispered against her mouth.