by Kara Griffin
UNDENIABLE HEART
Legend of the King’s Guard
Book Four
KARA GRIFFIN
UNDENIABLE HEART
All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2019 Kara Griffin
Cover Photo © 2019 All rights reserved – to be used with permission.
Cover design by Sheri L. McGathy - http://coverdesign.sherimcgathy.com/
This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental or used in historical view or context.
This book contains adult material, reader discretion advised.
AISN: B07MP9PPLS
ISBN-13: 9781793031716
DEDICATION
To those in denial, love is easy if you open your heart.
Thou'll break my heart, thou bonnie bird
That sings upon the bough;
Thou minds me o' the happy days
When my false Luve was true.
The Banks Of Bonnie Doon
OTHER HISTORICAL TITLES
BY KARA GRIFFIN
~LEGEND OF THE KING’S GUARD SERIES~
CONQUERED HEART – Book One
UNBREAKABLE HEART – Book Two
FEARLESS HEART – Book Three
Coming in 2018
UNDENIABLE HEART – Book Four
PENDRAGON’S PRINCESS
THE SEDUCTION OF LAIRD SINCLAIR
Coming 2019
*Coming Soon*
The Marvelous McLeers (series)
Daughters of Dunkeld (Halloween anthology 2019)
Critically Acclaimed Scottish Romance Series
~GUNN GUARDSMAN SERIES~
ONE & ONLY – Book One
ON A HIGHLAND HILL – Book Two
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL – Book Three
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR – Book Four
~THE PITH TRILOGY~
WARRIOR’S PLEDGE – Book One
CLAIMED BY A CHARMER – Book Two
LASS’ VALOR – Book Three
PRAISE FOR KARA GRIFFIN
THE LEGEND OF THE KING’S GUARD SERIES
CONQUERED HEART “WOW! What a great start to a series, this book is fast paced action, but then what did I expect, Kara Griffin writes strong minded and compassionate characters and embroiled them into adventure and romance.” Amazon reviewer – 5 Stars
CONQUERED HEART “Mesmerizing and adventurous reading! Fans of Scottish Romance, Medieval Romance, Highlanders, Scotland's War of Independence, feisty heroines, and fearless Highlanders, are sure to be thrilled…” April Renn – 4 Stars
UNBREAKABLE HEART “A sensational story of love and forgiveness. A roller coaster of emotions, a swoon worthy hero, and a heroine who gives our hero a run for his money. The author did an awesome job in transferring the anger and devastation Makenna was feeling as well as the love that eventually conquered their hearts!” Maira/Books & Benches – 5 Stars
UNBREAKABLE HEART “Be prepared for a fast paced, danger filled adventure that will keep your fingers turning the pages till the very end.” Fanni Ann, reviewer – 5 Stars
THE GUNN GUARDSMAN SERIES
ONE AND ONLY “I just finished this book ten minutes ago and I’m still smiling. Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. ... This story has so many truly fantastic scenes. Oh, the days of men of honor, governed by loyalty, duty, and chivalry. And to top it off, they are all strapping warriors wrapped in the Gunn plaid. Need I say more? This author writes truly wonderful historical romances.” Past Romance, Amazon (reader) – 5 Stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “WOW! Holy Highlander! Those Highland Hills will capture your heart and soul not to mention the men. Fast paced and passion filled.” My Book Addiction and More (blogger) – 5 stars
ON A HIGHLAND HILL “This is another all-nighter from Kara Griffin. Those hot Gunn Guardsman keep me coming back for more. Anxiously awaiting the next Gunn heart stealer” Pam, Amazon – 5 Stars
A HIGHLANDER IN PERIL “This book has intrigue, mystery, murder and incredibly romantic scenes that you will have a problem putting it down until the very end and then you will wish it had another chapter so you could keep reading the story. I did not put it down until the last word was read. I recommend this book to any who enjoy historical romance with intense intrigue and suspense.” Jusnana, Amazon – 5 Stars
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR “Oh what a great romance lover’s dream book. In Love with a Warrior was such an enjoyable historical romance, I read it all in one night. Talk about realism, romance, passion, a heat of battle, and remarkably accurate history. This fast paced and adventurous plot moved quickly and kept me interested all the way through.” Renay Arthur - 5 stars
IN LOVE WITH A WARRIOR “Tremendously captivating! This was an exceptional novel. Readers can read this as a standalone. This is book 4 of this author's Gunn Guardsmen. I know readers will look forward to more from this author.” Maria McIntyre - 5 stars
UNDENIABLE HEART
Series Blurb:
In the year 1306, the king’s guard is exiled for a crime they witnessed. In direct defiance, the guardsmen return to their beloved Scotland and hide amongst their enemies. All are destined for the hangman’s noose or the executioner’s ax if found. They survive as soldiers of fortune. If you’re fortunate enough to run across them in the bonnie hills and are in a predicament, they just might give aid.
Four men banded together by ill-fated circumstances help those who need it the most and secretly aid their king. As they give themselves wholeheartedly to their daunting tasks, they each find a love that will prevail them.
Our stories continue in the finale of the series … UNDENIABLE HEART
Brodin Grant is sent to serve the imminent King Robert after he’s embroiled in a downtrodden affair, one he wishes he’d never favored. Now mistrusting of women, he’s must aid the bonny lass who searches for the King’s Guard.
Dallis Buchanan never envisaged her sojourn to England would bring her and her deaf grandmother such turmoil. In the hands of one of England’s most daunting warlords, she is sent to bring the renowned King’s Guard to their knees or to his dungeon. For her compliance, she’ll gain the freedom of her grandmother and safe passage back to her clan. But there’s one wee problem with this mission, and that is the undeniable feelings she has for the blue-eyed Highland guardsman.
As Scotland’s wars intensify to win their freedom, Brodin loses his heart to the winsome beauty. Battles ensue, bringing about Brodin’s alliance with the Buchanans. Unfortunately, it also brings him the misfortune of having to accept Dallis as his own. Their undeniable hearts cannot withstand the love that has joined them forevermore. Will they resist the inevitable?
Prologue
Village of Drumnadrochit, Scotland
August 1303
In one fell swoop, Brodin Grant released the tartan around his waist. Once disrobed, he dove into the pristine waters of the loch. He swam out a good distance and dunked his head. Beneath the tranquil water, he floated, allowing himself to revel in the quiet and serenity of the abyss. The water soothed his aching muscles and gave a respite to his restless soul.
At the behest of his uncle, Brodin took command of their clan’s soldiers. Though he was younger than most he trained, he
gained the respect of his men-at-arms, older brothers, and uncles. They were still trying to gain the freedom of their chieftain, Randall, his father, who was taken prisoner in the lord’s year 1296, along with many other clans’ leaders. Scotland’s loyalty changed after the battle at Dunbar, given King Edward’s wrath at their rejection of supporting his armies in France. The division caused upheaval between clans and nobles alike.
With the ongoing turmoil between Scotland and England, Brodin suspected fighting would become intense and prolonged. Not only was he talented with the skill of his sword, but he also had the benefit of being the son of the laird. Their followers deemed him more valuable than his two elder brothers who were more political than at their skill of taking to arms. Most Highlanders preferred to fight with their sword arms instead of wasting time in political discussion.
Brodin came up and drew a breath before sinking again in refreshing waters. Thoughts of Alexia came and he grinned, sputtering the water as he surfaced. Being the third son, his father was least concerned with the woman he took for wife. His eye no longer wandered and he reasoned Alexia would make him a good wife. She was as fair to behold and as dark as he. For her hair flowed with black lustrous strands as black as the devils. He wondered if his children would have his light blue eyes or their mother’s dark brown. Regardless, their children would be strikingly handsome and resilient.
It was time to settle down and bear heirs, especially if he were to go to war. If his life ended, his legacy would live on in his children. With his new position within the clan, he needed to put the reveries of youth behind him and focus on his future.
Brodin dove again, exercising his arms and legs as he progressed through the water. He stood and walked farther out, the water reaching above his chest. The murky bottom soft beneath his feet squishy, and he scooped handfuls of water to wet his neck and hair. The day grew hot with summer breezes at their warmest. He’d called an early end to the day’s sparring and decided to cool off before he sought his love’s father. Gaining her father’s permission didn’t concern him for he had enough wealth to secure the bride price. When the night was over, he’d win the heart of his beloved and his future settled with her acceptance of his proposal.
An arrow flew past his head, whizzing with speed until it hit the water. Brodin hastily sunk to his shoulders, providing his head as the only target. Another arrow came and another. He realized there was only one archer as the arrows came too slow to be more than one person taking aim. At least his foe had terrible aim for he missed him three times.
The next arrow came, but he couldn’t move fast enough to avert it and the sleek tip pierced the flesh of his shoulder. Brodin sunk deeper in the water and grimaced and pulled it free. His blood seeped and tainted the water.
It hurt like a son-of-a … but thankfully the point only grazed his shoulder. Someone was trying to kill him. Unfortunately, the foliage prevented him from spotting the assailant.
The safety of the bank and trees weren’t too far away. With a deep breath, he filled himself with air and swam along the shoreline until he was enough distance away from his foe. He hoped his attacker deemed he’d been struck true and no more arrows would come.
When he came up, he reached the low-lying branches of a tree, the only one close enough to give him cover. After taking a few deep breaths, he jumped out of the water and skulked toward where the arrows originated. He’d assessed the area and knew where the knave sat. Brodin made good ground and neared the spot where he’d suspected his adversary lay in wait. Standing inland, he surveyed the trees and land around him. His eyes adjusted to the dimness of the woods and he roved his view through the mass of tree branches above until he glimpsed a light colored tunic.
Nearer to his enemy, Brodin picked up a good-sized rock wishing it were his sword. But he’d left his garments and weapons upon the bank. He held the heavy stone firmly in hand, advancing closer to his foe.
The man held an arrow positioned in his bow, aimed at the water, waiting for him to resurface. He stood upon a branch, high in a tree a short distance from the bank. With his gaze fixed, he didn’t hear Brodin approach.
Brodin took aim, swung and released the rock. It swished the air and the force knocked the man off the branch. His foe fell and landed on his back with his eyes closed.
He hastened to where he’d left his garments and quickly donned them. Once he’d collected his possessions, Brodin sheathed his sword and pulled a six-inch blade from its holder. His dagger gripped tight, he returned to the man and moved him with his foot. The man groaned.
“Come now, I didn’t cause ye a grave injury. Roust and defend yourself.” Brodin moved him again with his foot, but the man moaned and raised his hands to his head. He opened his eyes and drew a startled breath.
“Who are you? And why were you trying to kill me?” Brodin kept his dagger at the ready, but before he’d do in his foe, he wanted answers. He didn’t recognize the man and couldn’t fathom why he’d want him dead.
“I didn’t … I wasn’t trying to kill you.”
“The hell ye weren’t.” Brodin grabbed the man’s tunic and yanked him to his feet. He held his blade true, aimed at the man’s chest. “I’ll only be asking ye one more time … Why were you trying to kill me?”
The man stuttered in answer, “I, I, w-was waged to do so.”
“Who wants me dead?” Brodin gripped him, causing him to sway on his feet. “Who paid you to kill me? I want a name. Speak it now or I’ll end you.”
The foe’s eyes widened when he shoved him back and the man sprawled on the ground. Brodin quickly stashed his dagger in the loop of his belt and yanked his sword free. He aimed the thick blade at the coxcomb’s heart, pushing it against his tunic. With his sword doing the asking, he was certain to get answers.
“I will find out regardless of your cooperation. Best bespeak your patron’s name.” He pressed the sword further, pinching the fabric of his tunic at his chest.
The man’s panic came in gasps. “Ye promise not to kill me?”
In times like these, it was best to speak falsely. “Aye, you’ll live.” … for a breath or two after I learn my enemy’s name.
“Your mistress, Mistress Sweeten, Alexia Sweeten. She offered me six coins and a night of pleasure … I’m to collect both when I return to her, once I’ve dispatched … Please … I—”
Before the man could draw another breath, Brodin thrust his sword. His enemy would not be able to go forth and tell what happened this day nor could he complete his task and gain the coin or pleasure he sought.
Brodin wiped the blood from his sword on the man’s garments and sheathed it in its scabbard. His life was worth a wee bit more than six coins or her damned pleasure. Alexia. She would pay a man to kill him? He could think of no reason she would want him dead. They’d been lovers for many months and she’d never given indication she was displeased with their arrangement. How had he ever considered her worthy enough to marry or to bear his children? Was he blinded by her beauty? She wasn’t who he thought her to be.
The walk to the village took little time with his hastened steps. He’d find her and she would answer for her betrayal. Outside her cottage, he heard her derisive laughter. The vixen thought he was dead. Was she jovial at that or was there another reason she was filled with merriment? His blood boiled with rage.
Brodin kicked the door open and stood in the center of the threshold. There was the woman he’d thought to love–in the arms of another. Words weren’t needed, for he wouldn’t bring himself to humility or to ask why she abhorred him enough to have him killed. His dejection and humiliation needed to be cast aside for now. He removed his sword and held it, knowing his heart had turned to stone. Any love he’d had for her died like the wilting heather when cold swathed the land.
His mistress gasped at his sudden appearance. “Brodin, what …”
He ran at her, and she and her lover vacated the bed. The man ran screaming from the cottage, retreating to safety. Alexia fled
across the chamber. Brodin’s ire rose and anger provoked him, so much so his nose drew in a harsh breath.
He advanced, walking with slow deliberate steps toward her.
“Will ye not give me a moment to explain?” her voice a breathy whisper.
“There is no need for explanations, love. Is there not? You wanted me dead, och I’m more resilient than ye deemed.”
Across the chamber, as far from him as she could be, she cowered as he drew closer.
“You wanted me gone? Now I shall rid myself of you.” He whacked the wooden bedframe, splintering pieces of the wood.
She cried out. “Please, I shouldn’t have sent—”
“I don’t want to hear your excuse or apology, lass. I want you to breathe your last.”
“Can you not forgive me? Let me explain?” She wrapped the bed cover around her and ran farther into the cottage. “I had to … send Thomas, for my father found out about us and he swore to have ye arrested. He was to question you and threatened to send me away … to a cloister.”
“It matters not. I would’ve handled your father, lass. There was no cause to send an assassin after me. You wanted me dead and for that—” Brodin kept his advance slow. He reasoned all the ways he should kill her. The closer he got though, the more the reasons thwarted him. He’d lived his life with honor and would never kill a woman regardless of her transgression. As he contemplated whether he should go through with the act, she slunk next to the wall and wept.