Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy

by Warrior's Pledge

  “Have a bath readied for Lady MacKinnon,” Colin directed.

  “Aye, Laird,” she said as he left the hall.

  Hours passed, and Colin has checked on Julianna several times, but she continued sleeping. On his return from the field, he went up the steps and slipped inside his chamber. Standing beside the door, he watched her awake with a start. She didn’t seem to realize where she was.

  “Julianna, you’re here, in my home.”

  She nodded absently, scurried to the edge of the bed, and grabbed her satchel which was sitting beside the chest.

  “Oh, there’s a bath. I didn’t hear anyone enter.” Dipping her hand in the water, she tested the temperature.

  Colin flopped on the bed, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. He nodded to her, and watched her undress. With each piece of clothing discarded, his heart raced. He couldn’t take it, and turned his back to her, looking at the empty hearth.

  “I want to look good since this is the first time I’ll be in the company of your clan. They all cheered your marriage, and I won’t disappoint them.”

  “All that matters is that you don’t disappoint me, and you don’t.” Colin heard the water moving, and her splashing. Using extreme will, he stayed where he was.

  After a long pause, she spoke again. “I don’t?”

  “Nay, how can ye disappoint me?” He concentrated on the sounds of her bathing and the water lapping over her skin.

  A few more minutes passed, and he heard her step out of the tub.

  “It was so kind of you to have a bath prepared for me.”

  “Julianna, you don’t have to be so darned polite. I didn’t think ye would ask, being this is the first time you’ve ever been here. Are you almost finished dressing?”

  He heard her giggle, and then she stepped around the side of the bed.

  “Aye, I’m about done.”

  “Good, I’m a starving man and need some food.”

  “I would like a tour of your home. I should know where the kitchens are. You do have kitchens, do you not?”

  Colin laughed, rolling off the bed. He took her in his arms and kissed her lips softly. “You’ll get a tour later. Aye, we do have kitchens.”

  Her beautiful blue eyes fluttered when he kissed her again. He knew he shouldn’t, because he was hungry for food, but her lips looked delicious and he wanted to nibble on them.

  She pulled away. “I do hope you don’t expect me to cook. I should warn ye, Colin, I’m not a good cook and haven’t ever prepared a meal.”

  “You don’t have to worry about it. Come.” He led her to the hallway, and as they descended the stairs, he heard her gasp. Colin thought perhaps his men were a bit overwhelming.

  They reached the bottom where Colin left her standing beside the rail, because Walt had called to him. The entire time his commander gave his report he watched Julianna.

  He saw Tess approach Julianna and smile. Her dark-auburn hair was plaited and wrapped in a bun. She wasn’t as tall as Julianna, but she certainly as beautiful. He half listened to Walt and strained to hear their conversation.

  “My lady, my name is Tess. I’ve been assigned to assist ye.”

  “Tess, what a lovely name. Is the evening meal being served?”

  “Supper will be served when you arrive at the table. The men are grumpy because they must now await their lady.” She laughed. “I’m happy you’re here. You must hurry before they begin fighting.”

  Julianna looked stunned by Tess’ acceptance. He should have told Julianna that none of his clan would ever be unkind to her.

  “Please, call me Julianna. It’ll be nice to have a friend here. The men do sound cross, Tess.”

  Colin took a seat at his table and waited for her to join him, but his wife disappeared in the crowd. He poured himself a drink, and realized he had to find her. Standing, he noticed she stood on the second step, well away from the men that lingered at the bottom. He motioned to her, crooking his finger, giving her a grin. She approached the table, and he stood, taking her hand and kissing it. He could be gallant on occasion. She smiled, thanking him for rescuing her.

  The tables were finally served after she’d taken her place. Dishes of meats, cheese, and warm breads were placed before them. Soon after, ladies placed pottage, and fruits on the tables. Everything was prepared to perfection and tasted delicious.

  Colin knew she’d begun to relax when in the center of the formation of tables, a group of men played musical instruments. He watched her hum along to the music, but her eyes narrowed, looking at something across the room. Across the room George was nibbling the edge of Benjamin’s plaid.

  Throughout the meal, he found himself watching her. She looked beautiful with her hair arranged. His pulse quickened whenever she glanced his way. Would he ever cease wanting her? Hell no, he’d always want her. He’d forgotten that he needed to tell her about his departure, but he decided to wait until they were alone.

  Colin had eaten a second helping, and then noticed his brother, Robin, looking at Tess as she walked by. His brother pulled her onto his lap and kissed her on the lips. Tess pushed away, her face reddened, and she appeared to want to bash him. Instead, she dumped the flagon of ale over his head, and hit his shoulder with it. She turned and fled the hall.

  Colin found his brother’s humiliation comical, and so did Brendan and Walt. “Robin, you best soothe her. She’ll kill ye the next time she sees your unsightly face.”

  “Cosh, Colin,” he cursed. “She’ll come around. I’ll have to persuade her, is all.”

  “You’ve got more to do than persuade. Better cover your balls, else you’ll lose them,” Douglas shouted.

  “Aye, Douglas, give him advice. You’re ever the charmer. Instruct him on how to properly woo a lass.” Brendan jested.

  Bleeth joined in the laugher from his seat beside Brendan. Colin had all but forgotten him. He noticed Brendan’s ease, because his brother wasn’t one to accept anyone, yet it seemed they had formed a friendship.

  “You’ve had your fun. Faigh muin,” Robin cursed low. “I’m off to do my own kind of wooing and I don’t need advice from ye, Douglas.” Robin strode angrily through the door.

  Colin, seeing most sought their bed, decided to do the same. “Jules,” he called.

  Outside, a flash lit the sky, announcing a storm converged, and she seemed to grow uneasy. Lightning flashed again, making her gasp, and she wouldn’t take her eyes from the window casement.

  “Jules?” He nudged her. “Let us be off.” Still, she didn’t respond. He took her hand and led her to their chamber. Colin tensed at the thought of telling her of his leaving. He undressed and entered the tub. The water was cold, but he didn’t mind. As he washed, he decided to say it.

  “I must leave in two days.”

  Rain fell hard, and flashes of lightning lit the casement. Colin watched Julianna curl up on the bed. Her eyes widened, watching the window. He repeated his words, and she turned swiftly.

  “Did you say something?”

  “Lass, are you afeard.”

  She nodded. “’Tis the storm. Can ye hear it? The angels are clapping.”

  “I have to leave soon. Our clan is at war with the McFies and I’ve been remiss in my duties.” What was her expression? When he chanced a look, she stared at the window. “I said I must leave.”

  “When will you return, Colin?” Thunder rumbled, and made her recede further under the blanket.

  “It may be a while, but I want you to make yourself at home. The dwelling needs updating—you can do that whilst I’m away.” Thunder rumbled outside their window, making her scream. “No need to be frightened, I’m here.”

  “I’m f-fine. You want me to amend your keep?”

  “Aye, I haven’t had time to see to it. Will you?”

  “Of course, Colin, I will be happy to. I’ll miss you. You’ll be safe, won’t ye?”

  Colin continued to scrub his chest, while talking to her. “Aye, I’m taking many men with me, but
there will be many left to see to your protection.”

  “What is the war with the McFies about?”

  He didn’t like that she had become so fearful, but he would oblige her and hopefully take her mind off the storm.

  “The McFies killed my da and I vowed vengeance. I’ve almost accomplished my goal and the sooner I finish it, the sooner I can return. I long to beget sons.” He rose, and moved next to the bed.

  “And daughters. Don’t forget about daughters, Colin.”

  “Aye, daughters. We shall work on that right now.” He pulled her against him, soaking her with his wet body.

  “You’re a lusty man, Colin MacKinnon. You make me feel the same.”

  He made sweet, slow, passionate love to his wife, and she enjoyed every minute. They both climaxed together, and lay exhausted in each other’s arms.

  She whispered in the darkness, “A ŕunmo chroí!”

  He heard her vow and his heart tensed. She’d told him in his own language that he was the love of her heart. Had she said so only because of their lovemaking? He wouldn’t foolishly think she would open her heart. He fell asleep with those thoughts pressing his mind, and for the first night since his da died, he slept in his own bedchamber.

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Julianna awoke with a frown, to an empty bedchamber. She slumped back upon her pillow, knowing she’d miss him. Had he heard her vow of love last night? He’d given no indication that he had. Wishing she could be honest and voice her feelings outright, she knew that he’d only married her to protect her. She could never get him to love her now that he was off warring. She ate her morning meal and noticed a few people in the hall.

  Tess sat beside her. “Milady, ye look fair this morning. How was your sleep?”

  “Oh, Tess, call me Julianna. I slept well, and you?”

  “I slept well now that I have a room of my own. What would you like to do this day?” She sounded chipper.

  “The hall needs cleaning. I’d like to bring in chairs. Do you know where we might find some?”

  “Cuthbert be the woodsman here. All ye have to do is tell him what you want, he’ll impress you; he’s crafty.”

  “Excellent. I’ll finish my meal, and then we’ll go see him. I cannot thank you enough for your help.”

  “I’m happy to help, besides my duties are to assist ye.”

  They finished eating and began cleaning the hall. Julianna went to George, grabbed his horns, and struggled to pull him out the keep’s front door. He stiffened and was still as stone.

  “George, get out,” she yelled, pulling him harder. He yanked his horns from her grip, and she fell backward, landing on her rear. She laughed. “Seems you’re going to present a challenge, aren’t ye?” George, becoming bored, trotted out the front door. “At least he’s out of the keep now.”

  “He’s a tough one. I’ll be back.” Tess quickly left the hall.

  Julianna felt someone pick her up from behind. Scrambling away from the person, she glanced behind her. Colin hadn’t left after all.

  He smiled at her foolery. “George is stubborn. If ye have your heart set on getting him out, I will assist—”

  “Nay, Colin, I’ll do it on my own. You have other matters to see to. I thought you left.” Julianna didn’t want to distract him from his all-important feud, and besides if she befriended the beast, he might be more agreeable and stay out of the hall.

  “I told you I’d leave in two days. You weren’t listening.”

  “Two days? I didn’t hear you,” she said, pretending to be busy dusting the table.

  “I’m going to the training field, wife. I’ll see you later.” He walked away.

  But he didn’t get far before she called him. “Colin, will ye kiss me good morn?”

  He stopped before he reached the door and returned to her. Pulling her against him, he kissed her without restraint.

  Julianna wished with all her heart that he would carry her back to their chamber.

  “Good morn,” he said gruffly, then he turned and left the hall.

  Well, a woman could hope, couldn’t she? Julianna touched her broadened lips with the tips of her fingers. Tess returned and handed her a plaid. “What’s this?”

  “Laird MacKinnon asked me to give it to ye.”

  “Why?”

  “Mayhap because you’re not wearing one?”

  Julianna noticed her plaid was gone. He’d taken it off without her realizing it. Her laughter was contagious as Tess laughed along. It was a good way to begin the day.

  She and Tess worked throughout the day, and both women were exhausted by supper time. Linen covers adorned the tables, and bankers placed on the two chairs, gotten from Cuthbert. Julianna sat in a chair, mending Colin’s tunic, feeling cozy. Tess sat on the other chair, keeping her company. She’d begun the keep’s transformation, and the men at the evening meal even applied what little manners they had. Tess ate beside her, and Julianna noticed the looks she gave Robin. She also noted the looks he gave her.

  She finished eating the savory meal. Julianna hadn’t expected it, since the keep wasn’t cared for. How had they a cook with such skill? She placed her sewing in a basket and went to the kitchens which were located in a small building beyond the main keep. Standing at the kitchen’s entrance, she saw mostly women about.

  “Where may I find the cook?”

  “I be the cook, Milady. My name is Hester, and I’m happy to cook for you and my laird.” Dame Hester, a rather cheerful lady, glowed with pride. She had graying brown hair and a gentle look.

  “Hester, I wanted to thank ye for such a wonderful meal. The food is tasty.”

  “Oh, thank you, Milady,” Dame Hester beamed, praised so. “I haven’t received such praise since me husband died. I’m glad you married our Laird. I’ve never seen him so lighthearted.”

  “Lighthearted? He’s—”

  Dame Hester wouldn’t be interrupted. “Always were a rough one, and only had fighting on his mind. He’s never smiled much, even as a wee laddie. He be a earnest fellow.”

  “Why is that, Hester?” Julianna’s heart cried out at that.

  “His ma died when he was young and she … well, that is not for me to say. When the laird’s da passed five years later, he became a stern man. Och he had ‘es brothers to look out for. Our Laird has had a time of it. He keeps himself separated, even from ‘es brothers.”

  Julianna nodded. She didn’t know much about Colin’s past. It saddened her to hear that his parents died when he was young. She’d had the love of her aunt and uncle when she’d been young, and Bleeth. Colin, it seemed, hadn’t had anyone. She sighed at that.

  “Good day, Dame Hester.” Julianna left the kitchens.

  The hall quieted when she returned. Julianna followed Colin to their chamber early that night. She heard the patrol outside the window and was reassured by their presence.

  During the night, Colin made love to her twice. When he finally left her to sleep, she did so soundlessly. Morning came all too quickly, and Julianna went to the hall. Robin told her that Colin had left a day early, and that he had taken a hundred men, leaving the same amount to guard his treasure. She knew Robin lied because Colin wouldn’t say that, but she appeased him and smiled.

  Tess entered the hall and noticed Robin at the table. She hurried over and asked, “Julianna, would ye like to ride with me?”

  Robin smiled. “May I join you lassies?” Before he could finish asking, Tess hurried out the door.

  “Robin, I wish to spend time with her. Do you mind?”

  “Nay, Milady,” Robin replied, frowning at the doorway.

  Julianna hurried and found Tess by the stables. “What troubles ye?”

  “Nothing,” Tess replied.

  Julianna snorted. “We’re friends now. Believe me, I shall tell you my worries soon enough. We better address yours presently, because mine …”

  “You’re married to the laird, so you have nothing to worry about.”

  “I do
have worries, and Colin won’t be able to help me sort them out. Are you going to answer?”

  Tess gripped the reins as if she wanted to strangle someone. “Robin won’t leave me be, and I don’t like his attentions.”

  “You don’t?” Julianna stammered, finally seating her horse.

  “He always bothers me.” Tess, now seated on a mare, rode next to her.

  “Why don’t ye like him? He’s very handsome, and I believe gallant. Why, one time, he rescued me from a lecherous oaf.”

  “I find that hard to believe, Julianna. He never talks to me, only grabs me, and kisses me without my consent.”

  “He’s enamored of ye, Tess. Talk will come later.”

  “I don’t want his attention. He never said he cares about me, only that he wants me, and such nonsense. He is without gallantry.”

  “That’s how men are. Why don’t you try talking to him? Mayhap if ye—”

  Tess chimed in, “Nay, I’ll keep my distance. What are you worried about?”

  Julianna sighed, realizing the change in topic. She steered her horse on a trail around a hut. “I shan’t trouble you with it now. I wondered if you would … never mind.”

  “What is it?”

  “I want to remove the weapons from the hall. Do ye think Colin will be angry?”

  Tess laughed heartily. “’Tis the laird’s ritual to place war instruments in the hall. We can only wait to see if he’ll get mad. We’ll do it later when none are in the hall, when the men are training.”

  “As long as we don’t get caught, but if we do, I’ll explain that Colin gave me permission.”

  “Did he?”

  Julianna giggled. “He did tell me to make his keep into a home.”

  “He didn’t exactly give you permission to remove them.”

  She raised an eyebrow at her new friend. “But he didn’t exactly say I couldn’t.”

  Julianna and Tess rode back to the keep. It was early afternoon; they had tarried overlong on their ride. They waited for the hall to empty and when the men finally left for the training field after supper, they ran to the wall. Julianna lifted two swords and carefully held them so she wouldn’t injure herself. Tess picked up two shields, which were so weighty she had difficulty carrying them. They took the weapons upstairs, and put them in a vacant room. Tess dropped a shield, and it made a loud clank against the wooden flooring.