He pulled back, his mouth a scant inch from hers. “You make me forget myself, and where we are.”
“Brendan, please, I …”
“I was rough with you last night. Are you angry with me?”
“Nay, you weren’t rough. I thought it was beautiful.”
The woman pleased him. He was a wee bit astounded that she liked it rough, and he would have to remember that the next time they made love.
“Promise me you’ll not ride a horse like that again.”
“I enjoy riding a horse like that, Brendan. I was perfectly safe.”
“It wasn’t safe, Katie. That horse wasn’t broken yet, and is not used to riders. You ride well, Katie, I didn’t know.” Maybe the horse was affected by her spirit and perhaps she had used a wee mystic power to lure the beast into accepting her on its back.
She stared into his eyes, which pierced hers. “Why are you so sad, Brendan?”
He ignored her question. “Did you mean what you said last night?” His hands rubbed her shoulders, gently persuading her to relax.
“What did I say?”
“That you love me. You said it on our wedding day, and last night.” His eyes bore into hers, waiting for her answer. Would she deny it? He didn’t know why, but he needed to hear it.
“Did I? I suppose I meant it. Though I believe I meant that you made me feel loved. Aye, that is what I meant.”
“What about now?”
“Now? You’re asking me if I love you right now?”
“Aye, do you?” He felt assailable and didn’t like the feeling of it either. Why had he set himself up for a letdown? He squeezed her shoulder to get her to answer.
“Aye, Brendan, I love you right now, right this minute.”
“Now and forever?” A sudden urge to grin came over him. He pulled her chin toward him, when she turned her face to look at the field. “Say it,” he demanded.
She tried to hide the distress in her voice. “Now and forever.”
He kissed her gently to seal her vow. His hair caressed her cheek when his lips touched hers. She looked at him with affection, and he realized how deeply in love with her, he was.
“I love you, lass.” Brendan flinched when he realized he spoke aloud. But he had said it so low, he was sure she hadn’t heard him.
“Did you just say that you love me, Brendan? I thought I heard you say—”
“Katie, I’m a warrior.”
“I know what you are. Well?”
“Warriors don’t love, they fight.” He glowered, disbelieving they were having this conversation.
“They don’t love?”
“Nay, I don’t have it in me to love. I care for you though, and want to see you safe. I will to protect you. There is no foe that I can’t best.”
Kate laughed at his arrogance. “Care? Safe? Protect? You make me sound like a little girl in need of a father’s protection. I don’t need you for that, Brendan.”
“What do you need me for?” He needed her acceptance, mayhap because he hadn’t been accepted by anyone, except by his brothers. She didn’t seem to know how to answer him. “You do need my protection, Katie. I cannot love you as you would like, but I admit that you’re important to me.”
“I am?”
“Aye, you are.” Brendan kissed her again.
Kate became as unbridled as he, when his kiss became passionate. At that moment, nothing mattered but the woman he held in his arms. He wouldn’t be speaking his affections aloud again.
“Brendan.” His brother, Robin, called from a distance.
Brendan ignored him, because he didn’t want to stop kissing her. He felt content. Aye, and safe from having to admit to himself the feelings she aroused.
“We’re having a meeting in the hall in fifteen minutes,” Robin yelled.
Brendan pulled away from her again. “You are my wife. I want to hear you admit it. You’ll start acting like a wife who loves her husband.”
“I should be angry with you for tricking me. I’ll admit to being your wife, when you admit that you love me. And when I hear you say you’ll live with me in England.”
Brendan raised his brow at her. “Then you will never admit to being my wife. I will not leave the highlands for you, Katie. You will stay here with me. I expect you to obey me and do as I say.”
“Obey you? I haven’t obeyed anyone since my father left four years ago.”
“Four years?” He shook his head. Had she been left alone all that time? “Katie, I only have your interest at heart when I direct you.”
“Do you? I believe you only have your own interest at heart, Brendan. I didn’t deem you would leave your beloved highlands for me, so nay, I shan’t admit to being your wife. If I mattered as much as you say I do, then you would go with me.”
Brendan sighed. He supposed what she said was true. “I have to go, I’ll see you at supper.” He rose and quickly walked off. On his way to the holding, Brendan realized he’d have to keep Katie away from Henry. She would surely ask him to annul their marriage, and wasn’t about to have that. Aye, the woman had to stay away from the king, or he’d be doomed.
Chapter Twenty-One
Kate awoke the next morning and realized she was alone. She pulled the pillow he’d used against her chest, hugging it tightly. His warmth and scent lingered. Her brows furrowed as she wondered why he always left in the morning before she awoke. He definitely wasn’t a morning person. After thinking that, she realized he wasn’t an afternoon person nor an evening person either. He was just downright grumpy. She hurriedly dressed and wrapped the MacKinnon plaid around her in the usual fashion. On her way to the hall, clan’s people waved to her. With a self-assured smile, she returned their joyful greetings.
She’d promised to meet Bonnie in the morning, and when she approached the castle, she saw her waiting on the steps. Her little face lit with a smile.
“Good morn, Bonnie.”
“I didn’t think you would come.”
“I promised, didn’t I? What do you want to do today?”
“I want to show you and Honey the new pony Papa gaved me.”
“Your papa gave you a new pony? Was this before or after you returned?”
Bonnie nodded. “After.”
Kate laughed. Poor Colin had given the child a guilt gift. Didn’t he realize it wasn’t his fault she’d been abducted? His daughter was taken by a loathsome snake and every time she thought about the little girl being held at the de Morris’, she’d tremble. But she’d thank the Goddess for sending her there.
“Come along then. Did you say Honey was coming?”
Kate took her hand, but before they could move off toward the stables, the king strolled through the doorway of the keep, with two guardsmen following. He was dressed rather plainly, wearing a dark-blue tunic over dark leggins. His brown hair appeared tousled, as though he’d just awakened.
“The sun is barely arisen. I don’t believe I have ever woken so early. My lady, Kate,” he said, bowing. “Bonnie tells me we’re to go riding, I hope you don’t mind if I join you.”
“Certainly not, sire. I look forward to it. I do apologize at our riding at such an early hour. I hope it’s not too early for you.”
“When the little mite told me we’d go riding, I had no idea she meant at sunrise.” He grinned, to show his manner was lighthearted.
It seemed to Kate that she wasn’t Bonnie’s favorite person any longer, instead of holding her hand as she usually did, Bonnie held the king’s. She smiled at them, knowing they had a special friendship.
The stable master came forward when they entered the stable. He grumbled something under his breath. For a moment, Kate though he’d make them tend their own horses. Perhaps it had something to do with the king’s presence. She knew the highlanders didn’t much care for the English, and here was the most English man of the lot. She smiled at that.
“That’s Marvin,” Bonnie cupped her hand, whispering. “He doesn’t like ladies in here. He always tells
me that I’m too little to be inside.”
Kate laughed. “I see a beautiful horse over there. That’s the one I’ll ride. Where’s your pony?”
Bonnie shook her head. “Oh, nay, Kate, the ladies never choose her ‘cause she is not easy to control. Mama told Papa that she needed more training before she would ride her.”
“That doesn’t bother me, she’ll do just fine. Besides, I rode her yesterday and she did well.” Kate held her hand out, offering the beautiful mare a small carrot end.
“Marvin,” Kate called, “put a harness on her for me.”
“Milady? I cannot, my laird would never forgive me for letting you ride ‘er. Pick another. There be a gentler mare in the next stall.”
“Nay, she’s the one I want. Get her ready, and Bonnie’s new pony. Sire, which horse is yours?”
The stable master grunted.
“My men will ready my horse.” Henry motioned to his lackey.
“We’ll wait outside.” Kate took Bonnie’s hand and strode into the sunshine.
Marvin brought the two mounts outside, handing the reins to Kate. “I don’t know anything about this. Brendan will have my arse on the ground if he hears of it,” Marvin muttered and walked away. “For he bid me not to let you ride her. Nay, I don’t know nothing about it.”
Kate laughed at his obvious dislike for letting her ride the mare. She assisted Bonnie onto her pony, and then pulled herself up on her own mare. The mare whinnied and bucked a few times before settling down. She soothed her with a gentle stroke. The king walked out of the stable holding his horse’s reins, and he too mounted his horse.
“It’s a beautiful day for riding. Shall we proceed, ladies?”
Bonnie giggled at being called a lady. They rode around the keep’s walls.
“What do you think of my pony, Kate?”
“She’s beautiful, Bonnie, just perfect for you. I never saw a pony with fawn coloring before. Why she even has white speckles on her coat. You should call her Deer.”
Bonnie giggled. “Dame Hester calls me dearheart, sometimes.”
“Nay, I meant like a deer, you know, animals that live in the forests.” Kate laughed.
Henry grinned.
“Aye, I like the name, I will call her Deer.”
Kate smiled. She loved riding and at home, she often rode in the fields, like the one before them. A feeling of homesickness engulfed her. “Sire, I’d like to ask, if I may be escorted by you on your return to England.”
Henry pulled his horse to a stop. “Bonnie, we’re going to sit on this hill, and you can ride your pony in the field. Be careful sweeten, your papa would be angry with me if you were to hurt yourself.”
Bonnie gleefully rode ahead, and Kate dismounted. They sat on the hillside and watched her.
“I wanted to speak to you about this. I would be glad to escort you home, Lady MacKinnon.”
“Sire, please, call me Kate. I thank you for your favor.”
“Kate, you have a lovely name. My favor hardly repays you for saving my cousin’s daughter. Bonnie means much to me. Now that I think on it, I believe it was your fate to travel to Richard’s keep. You were meant to find Bonnie and aid her. I suppose you’re angry with me for betrothing you to a Scotsman, but then you did marry another. Tell me, what does your husband say about your leaving?”
“I know not. Every time I broach the topic with Brendan, he changes the subject or ignores me. He is very fond of his homeland, sire, and I don’t believe he intends to leave it. He said he wouldn’t leave, yet I must return to my people. Mayhap marrying Brendan wasn’t such a good idea, but I’m not angry and am happy to have known him.”
“Do you love him?” Henry watched Bonnie ride around the bales of hay, and didn’t take his eyes off her while she rode on the field. Her laughter sounded.
“I suppose I do, but it matters not. I have an obligation to my people.”
“Kate, I apologize for causing ye such distress by agreeing to your marriage to Brendan, but you are aright, you do have an obligation to your people. He may change his mind. Mayhap staying in Scotland is not worth losing you.”
She blushed. “Oh, sire, that is very kind of you to say, but I sincerely doubt losing me would matter to Brendan MacKinnon. Have you seen him this day?”
“He has left. Colin and his men are on their way to Richard’s keep.”
“I see.” Kate picked at the grass and tried not to show her dejection at him leaving without even a goodbye to her. Why would he say goodbye? He answered to no one but himself. She was just his wife and probably not as important to him as his sword was. Her sorrowful attitude of late was unbecoming. Where was that sweet-natured woman who made everyone around her joyous? She longed to return to her jovial self.
“He’ll return before you know it, and then you shall return home. I wanted to speak to you about your father. Hawk was a good man and I grieve for his loss. If only de Guylet hadn’t sent him to Egypt, those damned holy wars have taken many of our men. If I were in full power, you can be certain I wouldn’t have allowed more of our men to die for Rome’s sake.”
“Aye, my lord, I know. Will you be all right with Bonnie? I want to return to my cottage.”
“She’ll have me out here for hours no doubt.” Henry stood when she did.
Kate waved to Bonnie, and then went to stable her horse. When she reached her cottage, she stood outside, holding onto the wood framing the door. She wondered if there was a way to get Brendan to change his mind and go with her, when she left. How would she accomplish that? Unless she used a very potent spell, nothing would make him leave. It wasn’t as if he loved her, not the stubborn highlander. Better yet, a love potion that would make him see reason. Nay, she couldn’t give him a potion. If Brendan MacKinnon would love her, he would do so on his own accord.
“Goddess, send me the answer,” she said aloud, as she entered her cottage. She sat at the table, frowning. Trixie jumped onto her lap, and she petted her. Kate felt pressed for time, but didn’t know when they would leave. If they left as soon as Brendan returned, she wouldn’t have any time to convince him that he loved her.
She realized then that she hadn’t seen the vision once since she met Brendan. Not once during her morning ritual or when she meditated had she seen the vision. It was gone, probably for good. Had the spirits been toying with her all that time?
Thinking of that made her envision Madam Serena. Her vision had been so accurate. She’d gone on a solemn journey because of the child, and she’d met the fierce warrior of her visions. She never counted on the heartache that came along with him. Then she remembered what Madam had said, she’d told her that the warrior would cause her grief, but that it was well-meaning. Did that mean Brendan MacKinnon loved her? Kate hurried and erected her circle. Maybe if she prayed hard enough, she would get the answer to that question.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Satisfaction was close, Brendan could taste it. He looked ahead into the dense forest, stopping his horse, because he heard the sound of footsteps that sounded on wooden planking. The de Morris holding was just ahead, and he motioned to the others, waiting for the riders to get near. He couldn’t believe his eyes as he approached the manor. In a quick dismount, he assessed the guards and counted the watchmen. Colin, Gil, and Walt stood next to him, each gauging the inadequacies of the guard posted.
“They almost make it too easy.” Brendan walked beside them.
They scaled the walls in the dark of night. The guardsmen never heard their approach. They subdued the ten men that protected the walls, and then they made their assent on the keep itself. A bared doorway obstructed their view of the inside bailey.
“There must be another way in,” Colin said.
They moved to the back of the holding, where several MacKinnon men strode along the walls looking for another entrance. Every holding had an additional entrance, and they suspected this one had as well.
Gil motioned to Brendan. “I spotted a wooden doorway behind this la
rge shrub.”
Gil pushed the door, but it wouldn’t budge. Brendan stepped back and went at the door with his body. The door gave way as his large body forced the old wooden hinges to break. They found themselves inside a small darkened chamber. Only three could fit inside at once. Gil pulled out a candle and bent down to place it on the floor. Brendan used flint to light it, and when he stood up he noticed they were inside a small garrison, where many weapons were stored on shelves.
Colin directed a few of the men to guard the room so Richard’s soldiers couldn’t get to it. The room led to a long hallway, which in turn, led to the main hall. A lady sat at the table, apparently unconcerned about their approach. Brendan stepped beside his brother as the MacKinnons instantaneously surrounded her.
“Where is Lord Richard?” Colin asked.
“Milords, welcome, I am Lady de Morris.”
Brendan wondered what Colin was about when he pulled the lady from her seat.
Colin grasped the woman’s hair tightly, holding her close to his face. His brother’s look was enough to send the woman to a swoon, but she dared to glare at him.
“You are the woman who cared for my child?” His brother shouted the question and the woman’s eyes widened.
“Did you care for the lass your husband abducted?” Colin shook the woman. “Answer me.”
The woman screamed, shaking her head. Brendan knew his brother didn’t believe her. Colin slapped the woman across her face, causing her to cry out.
Colin rasped with anger. “How could you beat a defenseless child? I should kill you.”
The woman’s fear finally caused her to faint dead-away, and his brother dropped the woman to the floor. “Brendan, get me out of here before I kill the woman.”
Brendan backed away from the table, forcing his brother to follow. “Do you think de Morris is here?”
Lass' Valor (The Pith Trilogy) Page 21