by Kara Griffin
Grey chuckled. “I was always chasing after you. Still am.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You were a wee lass and didn’t mean to cause trouble,” he said, moving his hand to her neck and then over her shoulder.
Bree couldn’t concentrate with the way his hand meandered over her. If she wasn’t so sore she would pull him close and tell him what she really wanted.
“Nay, about not believing you … about the betrothal. But now you don’t have to wed me. MacHeth told me I wasn’t a Mackay. I was given to Lady Mackay. Are ye not relived?”
Grey gently squeezed her shoulder. “It doesn’t matter, Bree. I was betrothed to you, no matter what your name was or is and I won’t have any other.”
A small smile came to her lips. “You still wish to wed me after all this?”
“Aye, damned right I do.” Grey was through with talking it seemed, when his lips moved to hers. He kissed her tenderly and then moved his lips to her neck, where he let them linger a little.
Bree was caught up in the sensual sensation; she hadn’t realized she’d held her breath. The fabric of her cotte was pushed aside and then she felt his lips burning a hot trail over her cleavage. A strange sound came from her throat.
“Grey, you make me … Oh, do that again.” He cupped her breast and skirted his lips across her nipple. She sucked in a breath when he caught it with his teeth, gently squeezing it and then sucking. “You make me want you.”
“I want you too,” he said. “Feel.”
Bree caressed his body until she reached his abdomen, but daringly she kept going. When she reached his erection, she pressed against him and made him groan with delight. He continued to press light kisses over her face.
“As much as my head hurts, I don’t want you to stop.”
Grey pulled back and looked at her with a bemused gaze. “We cannot. You need rest and if I make love to you, I’ll wear you out.” His grin attested that he would do that and more. “You scared the hell out of me. I thought MacWilliams killed you.”
“He might have if Greer hadn’t given me that dagger. Grey, I killed him. I do hope Father Geoffrey is here. I need to speak with him and ask for God’s forgiveness. I am surely condemned now.”
Grey chuckled low. “Father Geoffrey is here, and I’m certain he’ll give you forgiveness. You did what you had to do, Bree. God would never condemn such a sweet lass.”
“What happened? I only remember that MacWilliams came into my chamber. MacHeth told him I would wed him. He was the man I was betrothed to. If you had not saved me, I cannot imagine what fate I would have suffered. MacWilliam claimed he wanted his husbandly rights. I was so scared, Grey, I couldn’t let him do that … so I used the dagger Greer gave me.”
“You don’t have to be so brave any more, Bree. I cannot fathom the terrors you witnessed. Och ye are safe now.”
“I cannot bespeak what I witnessed there. I wish to block it from my memory forever. Did you find MacHeth?” She sighed and squeezed her eyes closed to refute the visions which would surely haunt her for many a year to come.
“Nay, he wasn’t there. MacWilliams’ head was sent to Alexander. The king and his army are confronting MacHeth and his followers at Kinloss. MacHeth’s head will surely join MacWilliams’ in Edinburgh on the pikes.”
“I am surprised you have not joined them in the fight. I deem you would want to confront MacHeth as well.” Bree gave him a wary look.
“I wanted to ride after him, Bree. But ye were hurt and needed me more. If the king and his army are unable to thwart the banshee, then I shall go and finish the war MacHeth started twenty years ago.”
“The king released you? I doubted he would.”
“Aye. When Gordy came and told the king his news, he released me. I set out for you as soon as I was freed.”
She kissed his chin, because that was as far as she could reach. “I am gladdened you did. So it’s over?”
“Nay, it’s only just begun. But you don’t have to worry about MacHeth or MacWilliams.”
“That’s good. I am so hungry. I didn’t eat a thing the entire time I was at MacHeth’s holding. I feared the food was ill prepared.” She had believed that, and after being put in that chamber, she was glad she hadn’t eaten any of the offerings.
Grey kissed her cheek and moved off the bed. “I’ll have Gell make you something. Get some rest and I’ll bring you food.”
Bree closed her eyes again. She drifted to a deep sleep and dreamed again. Strange people weaved in and out of her consciousness. She was sad that she wasn’t sure who they were. An older man, very tall, stood before her and handed her a beautiful dress.
She smiled at him and he lifted her in his arms. He didn’t seem to be her father, because another man stepped forward and took her from the man. Her dream changed and she saw MacHeth, but he was much younger than she knew him to be. His eyes seemed to glow with hatred.
Bree’s body tensed in sleep, fearful that the MacHeth would harm her. She cowered on the flight of stairs on her way to break her fast. Light in the stairway dulled and it seemed early enough that most had not risen. She wished she awaited her mother as she often bade her to. MacHeth spoke to her and she tried to concentrate on what he was saying.
‘I was there the night you were given to Lady Mackay. You are not the Mackay’s child. Aye, I know who your father is. If the king wants a war, then a war he shall have. And I will use you to lure him to us. William will lose his crown either way.’
She cried out in her sleep and then her eyes flew open. That was the secret. Grey had told her when she was wee she’d told him about MacHeth making her keep a secret. Now she knew what that secret was and why he’d bade her not to speak it.
A creek from the door sounded and when she glanced at it, she saw Grey entering with a tray of foodstuff. Bree was ravenous. She could eat the entire tray. The aroma of Gell’s food waffled to her causing her stomach to groan.
“Eat,” Grey said, setting the trencher on her lap. “Now about our betrothal …” He grinned and she found his smile endearing.
Bree stuffed her mouth with a huge piece of cheese and pieces of juicy warm chicken. She tore a piece of bread when she hastily swallowed.
“I remembered what the MacHeth told me when I was a child. He told me I wasn’t a Mackay and that he planned to use me to war against King William. I suspect he deemed me to be the king’s bastard.”
Grey took a seat in the chair next to the bed. He folded his arms over his chest and watched her. “King William had a few bastards ere he wed Emergarde and a few after. Mayhap he gave you to the Mackays for safekeeping. I heard tell from my father that the king loved all his children. There were rumors he often visited them.”
“Would the king have given up his crown for one of his bastards? I doubt that, Grey.”
“Nay, I doubt he would have too. But the Mackays and the Gunns would have secured his crown for you, if we’d known what MacHeth was up to. Now about our wedding.”
She frowned at him and wasn’t sure what to say.
“I know you need time to recover. We will wed in a sennight. Will that give you time to prepare? Because I don’t want to wait. I would wed ye this day, Bree, aye with ye laying in your bed looking so bonny. Tell me, Bree, say aye. I won’t leave until you agree.”
She giggled. “I will wed you, Grey. I only hope you will not regret it. Are ye certain you wish to wed me?”
He moved from his chair and set her trencher aside. Leaning over her, his eyes bore into hers. In the most serious tone she’d ever heard from him, he said, “Aye, no regrets, Bree. You are the only woman I am destined to be with.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
In all her days, Bree had never felt so cherished. During the two days she spent in bed recuperating, she’d been doted on by Sunny, Cait, Bea, Gell, and Grey. She liked Grey’s doting most of all, especially in the evenings when he’d finished his tasks and joined her.
Their quiet discussions on their child
hood and their future pleased her. She had to promise on the sun and the moon that she was well enough to leave the bed. Her head didn’t hurt any more and she’d eaten and gained her strength.
After the morning fare was finished, all went about their tasks. She spent time with Gell who wished to know what she wanted served at her wedding feast. Bree delighted in their conversation and after an hour of going through the menu, Gell asked for her help.
Bree carried a small bucket to the stream to get water. He was in the mood, he’d said, to clean all the pots in the kitchen this day. The poor helpers would be scrubbing pots for the rest of the day and likely into the next.
As she neared the stream, she felt someone watching her. During her walk she was sure someone followed, but when she tried to see if anyone was there, she didn’t see anyone. Bree noticed many clans people doing chores and some of the children playing beside the water. The sight lightened her heart. She would never tire of the scene.
Thoughts of her family came. Just a few months before she was at Falstone, awaiting her parents’ return from the festival at Berwickshire. How had her life changed. Not once had she thought of Rhys in the past months.
She couldn’t seem to recall what he looked like and try as she might to envision his face she couldn’t. How she had thought to be his wife? Rhys was sweet, but definitely no comparison to the man she was now betrothed to. How she loved Grey. Loved him as a woman should love a man, loved him as she had always hoped to be loved in return.
Bree thought of her mother and father. She couldn’t envision her sister either. But she wasn’t a Champlain and had never been one. She wasn’t a Mackay either nor family to King William’s kin. Here at the Gunn keep she sort of belonged, at least in her heart she did. They would be the family she’d always dreamed of having and one day they would accept her.
She scooped a bucketful of water and turned when a lady approached. Behind her, several others women stood, all wearing serene gazes. Bree startled and dropped her bucket, water sloshing to the ground.
“I do apologize. I shall move aside so you can access the water.”
The woman set her hand on her upper arm stopping her from passing. “Await, milady.”
Shocked, Bree stood firm waiting for the lady to speak.
“Princess, ye were brave. We are all glad you came back to us safe.”
Her words stunned Bree. “I am not a princess. Please call me Bree.”
“My name’s Margaret, Princess. We cannot call anything but. Aye, we heard tell you were birthed by our own beloved King William. Ye be the daughter of our fair king. Is it true?”
Bree wondered how they’d heard about her birth. Likely Cait had told anyone within hearing distance. She’d have to have a word with her later about keeping such things to herself.
“I may be. I don’t rightly know as yet. I can only speculate that I am the daughter of King William. From what I heard—”
“Then ye are our princess. We are proud ye came back to us, milady. Aye, ye belong to the Gunns now.” Margaret bid those behind her to curtsey.
Bree felt ridiculous. “Pray, you do not have to be so formal. Do not curtsey. I am no one of consequence.”
“Oh, but milady, ye be everything to us.”
She smiled and dunked her bucket, taking as much water as she could carry. When she started to step away, someone grabbed the bucket from her.
“My name is Martha, milady. Let me carry your bucket.”
“Oh, thank you, Martha, but I can carry it.” Bree smiled again taking the bucket back from her, unsure what to make of their sudden friendship. “Please go about your day. I need to return to the kitchen. Master Gell is awaiting.” She left them staring after her and quickly walked the path toward the keep and beyond.
When she reached the kitchen, she handed the bucket to Gell who grumbled about her taking forever. The old coot was in rare form. Bree decided she would return to the hall and take a break. She wanted to see Sunny.
Before she reached the entrance of the keep, she heard many voices. There must be a meeting taking place, she thought. She would take Sunny to her chamber and take a nice long afternoon nap. The last thing she wanted was to intrude on a meeting Grey was having, especially if their discussion alluded to war.
Upon entering, she noticed all the ladies. There were a good many of them standing about in an apparent meeting with Grey. She looked for Cait, hoping to find out why all the ladies were there. It seemed almost every lady in the clan was in attendance by the crush in the large hall. Those that met her by the loch entered soon after.
“Bree, come.”
She heard Grey’s voice. He sat at the table giving her a strange look. Taking small steps, she hesitantly walked to him. “What is happening?”
“The ladies came to discuss your place within the clan.”
His expression became quite serious and stern. Bree was unsure what was happening. Did they object to her marrying their laird? If so, then she was going to be cast aside and probably sent back to the Champlains, banished once again. Emotion suddenly overcame her. She couldn’t speak to ask what there discussion had been.
Cait stepped next to her. “Bree, ye never have to be alone again.”
She couldn’t help weeping at that. At least she had her good friend Cait. Cait would never allow her to be alone and never had.
“I see.” Bree turned and gazed at all the ladies staring. “I am sorry you don’t deem me acceptable enough for your laird. I know I am of your hated enemy, the Mackays. I do agree that I am not good enough for Laird Gunn. He should be wed to someone who—”
Grey stood. He stopped her from continuing when he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. The kiss was thorough and absolutely claiming. Bree didn’t know what to make of his action. She also couldn’t help returning the sensual kiss. The women cheered and when Grey pulled away, Bree was astounded by what happened.
“Bree, they came to honor you. They want ye to wed me and in fact, demanded to know when the wedding was.” He laughed and left her standing amid the smiling women of his clan.
“Aye, milady, when is the wedding?”
“In two days,” she answered whoever had asked the question. There were so many ladies present, and she wasn’t sure which had spoken.
“We are gladdened our laird finally gets to wed ye. He was always taken with you, even when ye were mite and caused all kinds of trouble,” an older lady said. “Aye, ye were meant to be together. I have told all within our clan how our Laird Mikal, God rest his soul, adored ye. He said if ever there was a lass born for his son it was ye.”
“We brought ye gifts, milady, to start off your life with our laird.” Bea came forward and took her hand. “I must apologize for my behavior of late. We thought you were sent here to take advantage of our laird and didn’t know.”
“Aye, we didn’t know you were the wee lass that he lost so long ago,” another woman said.
Bree was taken to a chair by the hearth and handed piles of covers, sewn with tender loving care. Many had the Gunn plaid sewn in squares. Piles of dresses and other items were placed on her lap. Elaina came forward and held out a neatly tied bundle.
“For the wee bairns when they come,” she said.
Bree couldn’t help but want to untie the bundle. She held up an adorable little dress for a baby. Tears sprang to her eyes as the loving gesture of what they had done cause her emotions to burst forth.
Gell came inside the great hall, carrying a large tray. His helpers also carried trays of foodstuff. They set them in the center of the long table.
“Aye, ye kept coming into the kitchens. Ye were going to spoil the surprise. I had to send ye to get water in order to keep it a secret.”
Bree laughed and waved at him. “Thank you, Gell.”
As the afternoon wore on, Sunny ran between the ladies, gaily playing with some of the other children. The women were friendly and asked her many questions. Those who had dared ask about her unfortunate visit t
o the MacHeth holding didn’t get an answer. She couldn’t bring herself to speak about what she had witnessed there and hadn’t even mentioned anything to Grey or Father Geoffrey.
After the last lady left, Bree found herself sitting with Cait at the table. “That was really kind of them. I never expected to be so … welcomed.”
“You see, milady. You have friends aplenty now.”
“Indeed. Did you tell the ladies of my birth? They asked me about it and called me princess.” She folded her arms and gave her a look of disapproval.
“Oh nay, Bree. I would never bespeak it, unless you asked me to.”
Bree sighed. “I wonder then how they knew about King William and that ‘tis speculated that he is my father?”
“I know not.”
Suddenly, Grey’s guard came thundering into the hall. Their large feet stomping the floorboards as they walked in. They made such a racket. Bree was about to stand and greet them when they all surrounded her.
Duff touched Cait’s nose and winked at her. It was uncharacteristic of him, but Cait smiled. She had yet to ask her friend if there was to be another wedding.
“Milady, we have come to pledge our fealty to ye.” Duff knelt on one knee and the other members of Grey’s guard did the same.
“Duff, please, rise. I do not need your fealty.” They were the most peculiar men she’d ever encountered.
“Are ye not to wed our laird?”
“Aye, I am.” Pride suddenly came to her. She was honored to be marrying Grey, especially because she knew his clan loved him.
“We have promised to protect you with our lives and almost failed when the king sent you to MacHeth. No matter what happens, milady, we vow before you now that we shall not ever let that happen again.”
Bree was astounded by his words. “Thank you, Duff. I understand. I do appreciate your concern. I don’t blame you for what happened.”
“Ye do like us, don’t ye, milady,” Kenneth asked.
“Of course I do,” she said.
“Ye want to belong to our laird. Ye’ll give him fine sons, milady,” James said.