by Joanna Davis
Malcolm adjusted the hidden blade he'd strapped to his calf. Another lay flat against his forearm. Weapons were not allowed in the castle, particularly not a royal banquet. But he didn't care. He just had to find a way to secret the Princess out of the Palace and over the border. Once in Scotland, no one would ever find him again.
Not unless he wanted them to.
He was silent as he climbed into the Duke's carriage. Silent as they entered the castle. Silent as they took their seats and waited for the banquet to begin. He found Al Hakam almost immediately. The man was seated to left of Richard's empty seat. So. The deal must be done then. He clenched his hands into fists under the table.
The King entered last, signaling as he passed that the musicians should begin playing, and the servants began pouring wine and serving bread and soup. A heavy curtain at the end of the table was pulled back, drawing every eye in the room.
There, at the far end of the room, was a finely wrought cage, gilded in gold. Inside sat Kalila, dressed in a sheer gold dress that displayed her ample curves to an almost obscene degree. Her veiled head was bowed and her hands clasped gently in her lap.
His head jerked to the side, seeing Al Hakam clap his hands with wicked glee. Malcolm almost stood, so disgusted was he by the way they were treating the Princess as a prize.
His Princess.
His prize.
He ignored his Grandfather and all polite attempts at conversation as the meal progressed. He just stared at her, his lovely temptress, so trapped and alone. Once she lifted her eyes to his. Her face was devoid of any emotion, but for a split second he saw her fear and despair.
And something else. Something neither of them had dared to speak aloud.
Her eyes were full of love for him.
***********
Kalila sat perfectly still, unwilling to give them the benefit of seeing her cry or beg. She could feel lascivious eyes wandering over her, Al Hakam's most of all.
He had won.
Her humiliation was complete.
So she did what she always did when her circumstances became unbearable. She lost herself in her imagination, pretending that she was in a beautiful garden like her private sanctuary back home. But in this garden, the gates stood open and she could come and go at will.
It was some time before she realized that he was there.
Malcolm.
Her eyes lifted, searching him out. It did not take long for her to find him. Unlike every other man in the room, his eyes were trained on her face. He'd been waiting for her to see him. The helpless rage in his eyes was unmistakeable.
She knew instantly that he was going to do something unwise. She shook her head imperceptibly. His gaze narrowed. He was not going to listen to reason then. He was not going to let her go without a fight.
Suddenly it was much more difficult to sit still. She could ignore the men who gazed on her body with ill concealed lust. But this was too worrisome. She forced herself to breath slowly and deeply. Then she straighten her spine and found his eyes again. This time she nodded at him. He rewarded her with the barest of smiles.
He was going to fight.
So she would fight too.
**********
Malcolm slipped away before the dinner was over, telling his Grandfather he was too disgusted to stay. For a moment he hesitated on where to position himself- in her chamber? Or in the courtyard where he could nab her before they rode away?
In the end, he decided that discretion was the better part of valor. He hid in her chamber, waiting for her to be returned there. It was nearly an hour later when the door finally opened.
He watched from the shadows as Kalila stood stiffly as the maid unhooked the back of her dress. As soon as the fabric was loose, she waved off the maid. The moment the door closed, she covered her face with her hands. He stepped out from behind the heavy tapestry.
"Kalila."
She dropped her hands, her face a study in surprise. And then she saw him. He wasn't sure if he moved or she did but in an instant she was wrapped in his arms.
They were all over each other, equally frantic for one another's touch. With a groan he lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed. She gazed up at him with a look of pure adoration. He felt the hard case around his heart cracking open.
"What are you doing?"
"Getting you out of here."
She giggled as he tossed her onto the bed, following her swiftly onto it. He busied himself with removing her clothes as she laughed.
"Malcolm…"
"We can't leave until it's quieter. I thought we could leave Al Hakam a going away present."
"What?"
"Proof of your ineligibility for marriage."
Her eyes widened for a moment. He held his breath, waiting to see if she was as impetuous and rebellious as he. He didn't have to wait long.
She smiled suddenly, raising mischievous eyes to his.
"You are truly devious Scotsman. I like the way your mind thinks."
He groaned and lowered his lips to hers again. His busy hands made short work of her clothing and then his. For the first time, their naked bodies pressed together. His shaft seemed to find its way unerringly to her sweet opening. He held himself back, groaning in frustration. All he wanted to do was nudge himself inside her plump nether lips. But she was a virgin. He had to take time- to prepare her-
"Mal-colm. I think this is a time to make haste."
His eyes searched hers, hoping she meant it, but afraid he would be too rough. After all this time, his need was just too great. He would not be able to control himself.
"I don't want to hurt you."
"Please Highlander. You have made me wait too long to have you."
With a mighty groan he gave into both of their desires, the tip of his shaft sinking into her heavenly wet warmth. He glided into her snug sheath slowly, stopping only to adjust his path and nudge her barrier aside. In minutes he was fully embedded inside her, their bodies truly joined as one. The pressure of her silky walls against his manhood was exquisite torture. He wanted to drive into her again and again. And yet, he could not resist holding perfectly still for a moment, savoring this first taking that he had wanted for so long.
And then he began to move. Slowly he pistoned his hips, driving his shaft into her again and again. Beneath him Kalila was already frantic, her head tossing on the pillows. He picked up speed, knowing there was no time to give into his desire to draw their lovemaking out. He felt her body start to convulse around him as she climaxed. The feeling of her body clenching down on him threw him over the edge. He didn't stop riding her, couldn't stop if their lives had depended on it. He pistoned his hips, driving himself deeper and deeper into her welcoming warmth until he felt his seed rising, ready to explode.
With a stifled shout he unleashed his essence into her, plunging forward until the last of his seed had filled her womb. The beauty beneath him was still writhing, but slower now, as her body shook with smaller and smaller tremors. He rolled to his side, bringing her with him. He glanced over her shoulder and smiled.
There was a satisfyingly damp spot on the bed, tinged with blood. There would be no doubt to any who saw it what had just occurred here. He smiled grimly and kissed Kalila's damp brow.
There was no turning back now.
There never had been.
Eleven
Kalila wrapped the dark blue silk over her head. For once in this cold and foreign country, her veils would help her stay hidden and not attract stares. Malcolm had packed her few belongings, leaving behind the gaudy gowns that the King had provided her.
Aluda had the rest of their things and was waiting for them at an inn near the Scottish border. Her Scotsman had truly prepared for everything. Perhaps, just perhaps, everything would be okay.
Regardless, they had at least taken away the one thing that Al Hakam wanted. Her. He would never deign to marry or lay with a fallen woman. She smiled to herself, feeling the tenderness between her legs.
Yes, she had fallen and she was glad for it.
Even if they were not able to make good their escape, they had defeated their enemies. This was a good thing. And she now knew what had been hidden for so long. She knew what it felt like to be taken by a man.
That was a very, very good thing.
"Are you ready?"
She nodded, knowing that even if they were caught, the risk was worth it. She felt brave and so sure that all would be well, even as she knew that thought was foolhardy.
Malcolm smiled into her eyes, giving her one last kiss.
"Let's go."
Her eyes widened as Malcolm pulled a dagger from his boot. Whatever happened, she did not want to see her Highlander hurt. He was truly hers now, even more so than when he was her slave. She had decided to keep him and to be kept. If only luck would be on their side.
Gingerly he pushed open the door. It was late and the hallway was cool and quiet. A guard had been stationed there before. She inhaled quietly when she saw him out of the corner of her eye. She jerked her head to the side and Malcolm nodded.
He slipped out of the door and a moment later she heard the sound of the guard's body being lowered to the ground. She did not know if Malcolm had killed the man or not. Without a word she followed him into the castle.
**********
Malcolm kept his back pressed against the wall. They were nearly there. Nearly to the street and his waiting carriage. It was simply a matter of getting past the wall.
Or over it.
He'd misjudged the laxity of the guards at the back gate at this late hour. There were two there and both were wide awake. Speaking of women if he judged their bawdy tone right.
There was no hope for it. He'd have to fight them. Damn, but he'd hoped to avoid that when she was near.
"Stay here."
"Mal-colm- wait."
He turned to look down at her.
"Perhaps a distraction is in order?"
"You mean yourself?"
She nodded pertly.
"No. It's too dangerous."
Kalila tossed her head.
"For who?"
He grinned at her.
"Alright then your Highness, distract them."
He watched as Kalila shot him a flirtatious glance and pulled her veil aside. Then she sauntered out into the light.
The guards jaws dropped when they saw Kalila smiling at them. They didn't notice Malcolm coming around behind them as they both gawked at her, staring as she started unwrapping her silk veils.
The first guard didn't even feel it when Malcolm conked him over the head.
Malcolm tapped the second guard on the shoulder. The man turned and was rewarded with the dull end of Malcolm's dagger blade. He dropped like a stone, out cold.
He grinned at Kalila and pushed open the gate.
"After you."
**********
Kalila snuggled deeper into Malcolm's side. They had been in the carriage for hours now, constantly jostled as the driver pushed the horses ever faster. She had stared out the window as the early morning lit up the English countryside until her lids grew heavy.
Malcolm pulled her closer into the crook of his shoulder.
"Are you awake?"
She nodded.
"Do you know where I am taking you?"
"To your home."
He sighed deeply.
"Aye. It will be your home too, if ye'll have me."
She smiled into his chest. Her Scotsman's accent had gotten stronger, with each mile that passed. She tilted her head back to look at him. His expression was one of gruff tenderness.
"Aye Highlander, I will have you."
He smiled then, a look of pure happiness on his face.
"You're a marvel, do you know that?"
Her eyes were drawn to his smiling lips and he groaned, pulling her in for a kiss. It seemed hours had passed before he lifted his head again. His voice was gruff with desire.
"What I would do for a bed right about now…"
"I do not know. What would you do?"
He laughed, squeezing her into his side.
"We're nearly at the inn, but unfortunately we can do no more than water the horses and collect Aluda."
"Can we not rest? Even for a little while?"
"An hour. No longer. We have only a few hours head start on them. It won't be hard for Al Hakam to guess our direction sweeting."
She nodded, understanding the need for haste. She wondered how Aluda would deal with the jostling carriage ride. It was not for the faint of heart, that was certain.
At last the carriage slowed to a stop. Malcolm laughed at the expression on her face as she tried to walk into the inn on stiff legs. She'd removed her veils and was wearing the plain cloak of an English woman to cover her dark silks. It was the best they could do. Still, her dusky skin and unusual appearance attracted stares.
Aluda ran down the stairs with a huge grin on her face.
"It is good to see you your-"
She slapped her hand over her face sheepishly to stop the word from forming. Kalila opened her arms and they embraced as long lost sisters.
"Come Prin- you can refresh yourself in my chamber."
"Thank you Aluda. We must be quick. Are you prepared to travel?"
Aluda nodded and led her to the chamber. It was small but private. A basin and pitcher of water stood on a side table by the window.
Kalila splashed her face and lay down on the bed. The moment she closed her eyes it seemed her faithful servant was shaking her awake. The Princess groaned and forced herself to her feet.
"It is time."
**********
Malcolm accepted the basket of food and flagon of wine from the innkeeper. He walked over to the carriage and handed the basket to Aluda through the window.
"Try and rest and don't eat or drink too much. We can't stop for a few hours at least."
Aluda and Kalila nodded. He was proud of his Princess. After a life of pampering she was bearing up well under the strain of traveling on the run. In fact, she seemed to hold up well under everything that life had thrown their way as yet. She was full of surprises.
The biggest one had been her passion in bed. His Princess had been a tigress, with no maidenly airs, just a sensual curiosity that roused his blood. Soon, he'd be able to take her at his leisure in a proper bed. His bed.
Malcolm climbed onto the spare nag and led them off, eager to be on their way.
He was still pleasantly contemplating the chilly nights ahead several hours later when he felt it.
The hairs on the back of his neck were rising.
He lifted his hand and the carriage rolled to a stop behind him. It was a hired ride and he could not expect the driver to hold up in a fight, nor loose his neck for paying customers. If they were being pursued, they would have to leave the carriage behind.
Luckily, they'd just crossed into the lowlands. No foreigner stood a chance at tracking a Scotsman through his own land. Malcolm tilted his head and listened. Faintly, so softly that it was almost a shiver in the air, came the sound of hooves.
"Everyone out. Quickly, help me load the nag."
The driver leapt down and helped him strap the heavy bags to either side of the borrowed horse. Aluda and Kalila were out of the carriage, clutching the basket of food and a small satchel. Malcolm looked at the driver.
"You need to continue down this road. When you get to the fork, take the left. There's an inn not far down the road. Stay there for the night, then you can be on your way."
The driver nodded and caught the bag of coins Malcolm tossed him.
"It's been a pleasure."
Malcolm turned to the women.
"We must continue on foot. I hope you're wearing sturdy shoes."
Twelve
Kalila's feet were aching as they trod through the tangled woods. Every now and then they would come upon a foot path, some that Malcolm said were made by animals, others by people. They'd been walking for three days now
and were all exhausted. They'd slept little, huddled up under a tree for a few hours while it was too dark to walk.
But Malcolm promised her that they were close. And the pride in his eyes at her forbearance made the pain worth it.
Also the promise of hot food, a bath and a bed. In that order.
"Shhhhhh- someone's here."
Malcolm held up a hand as they came to the edge of a large clearing. They hunched down low, partially hidden by the brush. After a moment a huge grin broke out over the Scotsman's face. He glanced back over his shoulder at her and winked.
Then he dashed out of the woods growling like a bear. A woman's breathy scream rent the air, quickly replaced by huffs of outrage and a belly laugh from her Highlander.
"Malcolm?!? Malcolm you gave me a fright! Where have ye been ye silly man? We thought you lost to us forever!"
"Give me a kiss Bernice and stop swatting at me!"
Kalila's spine straightened and she stood up sharply. Who was he kissing? She relaxed when she watched Malcolm buss the cheeks of a round older woman, clearly a servant judging from her clothes.
"Lila, come here. Bernice, this is my friend Aluda. And this is my woman. Lila, this is Bernice, the best cook in all the Highlands."
Bernice's eyes widened at their sorry appearance.
"Heathens?"
Kalila smiled and extended her hand in greeting.
"In the flesh."
Bernice's shocked expression slowly turned to one of merriment and she released a great loud guffaw.
"Come on then, let's get you all something to eat."
**********
Malcolm glared at his father, Laird McRae. They shared the same handsome features, as well as the same stoney determination. Unfortunately, this time they were equally determined to achieve opposing aims.
"Ye ask too much son. This marriage cannah be."