by Kara Griffin
Cait laughed. “I fear not. He has been busy helping to rebuild the cottages. And I know he mourns Greer. He won’t speak of it to me. In fact, he hasn’t spoken to me since that day. Duff sulks about and won’t mind anyone these days.”
Bree saddened at that news. “I’m sorry, Cait. He’ll come around. He misses his friend.”
At that moment someone knocked lightly on the door. Cait called out for them to enter and then Duff strode into the room. He stood there staring at Cait, and Bree couldn’t help smiling. Duff didn’t seem to know what he was about.
“Speak of the …” Bree covered her mouth, to keep herself from laughing.
“Duff, did you want something?” Cait asked.
Yet the man seemed to have lost his tongue.
“Duff, is Grey looking for me?” Bree asked.
“Nay. Milady, can we have a moment?”
Bree reached the door before he got out the last word. “I must go and see where Grey is and I wanted to check on Gell. It’s been forever since I visited the kitchens.”
She left the chamber and once in the hall, she laughed aloud. The poor man was besotted. Bree didn’t see anyone about. With Gell on her mind, she kept walking until she exited the back of the keep and entered the kitchen.
“Milady,” Gell said. He bid all to stop working. “Bow to ye’re lady.”
“Oh, Gell, pray, don’t bow to me. I came to say hello and to see what you were cooking. It smells marvelous.”
“I chopped off a gooses head, milady. Aye, he’s plucked and ready for me spit. Had nice quills, milady, I’ll send some to you.”
“I cannot wait to eat it, Gell. And I do thank you for the quills. Do you need help?”
Gell scoffed and grumbled to the rest of the kitchen helpers to get back to work. “Och, nay, ye’re not to lift a finger in here and no fooling me with keeping secrets. The laird wants ye to rest up and not to exhaust yourself. Said he has chores for ye aplenty.”
Crestfallen at that, she nodded. “Did he say what chores he had in mind? Because he said nothing to me.”
Gell laughed. He cackled until his eyes watered. “Ye’ll have your hands full of taking care of his bairns he said. Once ye are well enough.”
A lightheartedness came upon her. “Well that I can do. I will visit you again soon, Gell.” She left the kitchens and went to sit by the tree she’d sat under her first night at the Gunn keep. There, she watched the men building cottages. Some trained afar on the field. People went about their daily lives without thought as to how much it meant. She knew.
“What are you doing out here, lass? Did I not tell you not to leave the bed? Besides, Nell is still on the loose and it may not be safe.”
“Grey. I am happy to see you, too. I couldn’t stay inside a minute longer. I know the gates have been kept closed. There’s no way she could have gotten inside our walls. I worry not for that. Come sit with me.”
He helped her up and took her spot, and then settled her on his lap. They watched the clan and didn’t speak for several minutes.
“You know what I’m thinking?”
He grinned. “From the look on your face, the same as I?”
“You promised me a wedding night. I’m truly well, Grey. Can we not … at least try?”
Grey scooped her in his arms and laughed. “Aye, I want ye. Will always want ye, Bree.” He practically ran toward the keep with Bree in his arms.
When he reached the steps of the keep she heard a horn blow, an alert that someone had come. Many of the clan’s men went running toward the gatehouse.
“For the love of God, Bree, we’ll never have our wedding night.”
Bree laughed. “Mayhap not. Let us see who has come.”
As they waited outside on the steps of the keep for their company to arrive, Cait came to stand beside her. She had a pleasant look on her face.
“What happened? What did Duff want?”
“Oh, Bree, I cannot believe …”
“He asked? Aye, I knew he would. He is a very fortunate man, Cait. For any man would be blessed to have you. I know I have been all these years.”
Cait took her hand and squeezed it. “He wants to await the spring, and said he was building us a cottage. I never owned my own home afore. Duff said he was really upset about Greer’s death, but it made him realize that life was too fleeting. He wants lots of bairns.”
Bree laughed. “I deem Grey does as well. Aye, but it will surely be a pleasure making them. I have it on great authority.”
Cait shoved her good arm and laughed. “Aye, my authority, Bree.”
A large procession rode through the gatehouse. The king’s flags flew and his soldiers dismounted, filling the courtyard.
Alexander rode through with Donal behind him. He didn’t look pleased to be there, but Bree knew he always had such a stern look.
“Sire, what brings you to Gunn keep?” Grey waited for him to approach. “Have you come to behead me or hang me?”
Alexander dismounted his horse and stood before them. “Nay, I don’t want to do neither to ye, Grey. I came to thank you. Both of you.”
Bree was surprised by his words. The king knelt and smiled up at them. He didn’t have to gaze up much, as tall as he was. She was almost the same size as he, even with him on his knees. Alexander placed his hand over his heart and grinned.
“Get off your knees, sire. You do not need to thank us. You need to leave my land and never return.” Grey wasn’t being hospitable.
“Grey, please, do not speak to his highness in such a tone.”
Alexander’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “I came to beg your forgiveness, my lady. I should never have sent ye to MacHeth’s lair. It was wrong of me. Donal made me realize that. I see you are well considering what he told me. I have something for you, Grey. Repayment for the heads of MacHeth and MacWilliams. Bring her here,” the king shouted over his shoulder.
At once, three of the king’s guard came forward. They held Nell’s arms which were bound. She appeared dirty and bedraggled.
Bree looked at Grey and then back at Nell.
Grey took a step forward. She’d never seen him look so ominous. “Sire, where did you find her?”
Donal clapped Alexander on the shoulder. “When I went to give him MacHeth’s head, the woman was relating a sad tale.”
“Aye, but Donal tells me she spoke untruthfully. Be that the way of it?” Alexander asked.
Grey looked furious and Bree wasn’t sure what he’d do. She gently touched his arm and forced him to turn to her. With a gentle look of her eyes, she silently gave him the message.
“Nell, why? Why would you harm Bree? She was kind to you.”
The woman spat on the ground. “MacHeth wanted her. You killed him. Aye, ye shall burn in hell. All of you.”
“You know why he wanted her, Nell? He wanted to use her to victor over King Alexander. He didn’t want her because he … Were you and MacHeth involved?”
“He bade me to come here. I even married that wretched Joseph so I could give him word of your doings. I wanted to be involved with Kenneth. The only way I could get his attention was to harm Bree. Aye, I told him what I did and he was pleased. I knew he would come to finish her. I am not sorry for it.”
Grey turned and peered at her. “What to do? I can’t approve killing a woman, even though that is my greatest wish.”
Alexander stepped forward. “I will send her to Edinburgh and have her tend the keep under my most watchful soldiers.”
“That would be too fine a hardship for her. Nay, she should reside in hell.” Grey appeared to take a step toward her and Bree thought he would strike her. But he did not.
“Grey, I promise you, she will not live her days well. Men, take her out of our sight.”
The soldiers came took Nell’s arms and forced her to walk away. The horrid woman screeched blasphemous words, which could be heard by all. Many in the clan threw objects at her and called her mad. Bree felt such sorrow for the woman, yet she wa
s glad to see the last of her.
“Sire, welcome to our home. Come, we have a delicious meal planned for supper. Will you join us?” Bree turned toward the steps.
Alexander didn’t have to be asked twice. He took the steps and Donal laughed as he passed by. “Your lady has a mite more sense than ye do, Grey.”
Grey punched Donal’s arm.
“Why did ye invite them in?”
Bree touched Grey’s face. “Because if we don’t appease him, he will never leave. Let us feed him and hopefully he will be on his way.”
One of the gatehouse guards shouted for Grey and he motioned him forward.
“I will go and ensure supper is served straightaway so Alexander can leave.” She hastened to the kitchens to ask Gell if he could serve supper a little earlier than planned. He groaned and moaned about the inconvenience, but then agreed to send it posthaste when she told him why.
Gell found the fact that Grey didn’t want the king in their keep humorous and he cackled a good five minutes.
Bree returned to the hall and found the men sitting around the massive table. The large candelabra had been lit and a glow set the room. It seemed comforting until she heard someone yell. An older man stood next to the table near Grey, and she recognized him as the man Grey had tossed out the door on her first night at the keep. She hurried to the table and then spotted an older woman and Anna standing nearby.
“I said we owed you apologies, Mannis. We Gunns never apologize to anyone, you know that. Accept it, or be on your way.”
“Grey, you sent for them. Thank you,” Bree said. She stood next to Grey and smiled, wishing she could hug him for the thoughtfulness. “I am so happy you have returned home. We found out that Anna was innocent. I never thought she would do anything so dreadful. Anna, please forgive Grey for sending you away.”
The woman began crying and Bree’s heart went out to her.
“We would be happy if you helped Gell in the kitchens, too. I know how much you enjoy cooking, as do I.” For that offer, many of Grey’s guard gave her irritated looks. She almost laughed, but knew she would hurt Anna’s feelings. “Gell can teach you all he knows. I warn you, he can be somewhat cross.”
Anna’s face lit with a smile. “I would enjoy that very much, milady.”
“Go and return to your cottage, and on the morrow, I will introduce you. You can begin your lessons straightaway.”
Grey took her hand and squeezed it, giving her a look of approval. “We are glad you have returned to the clan, Mannis.”
“Did ye do right and marry the lass? Your father wanted ye to wed her. It was all anyone could talk about before the betrothal feast.” Mannis set his arms across his chest, giving a stern look to them both.
“Aye, Bree and I wed. She is now Lady Gunn.”
“Well, lad, I am right glad to hear that.”
The family left the hall and Bree took the vacated seat next to Grey. She overheard the discussion going on, while they had been welcoming back Anna and her family.
“Damn me! I should have killed that swine when I had the chance.” Alexander sat back in his chair. “My apologies, my lady, I didn’t mean to raise my voice. Donal was just telling me what happened. I didn’t think MacHeth would hurt you. No man with chivalry would. He had no such manners and neither did MacWilliams.”
“Nay, I don’t believe he did, sire. Have you sent someone to his keep? Many people there looked to be starving. I felt badly for them.”
“A load of supplies and a steward are on the way. All shall be put to right.”
She nodded felling much better for MacHeth’s people, actual in reality, they were Mackays. Bree would write her mother and let her know it was safe to return home. “Ah, here comes supper.”
“Did ye cook this meal, my lady?” the king asked.
“Nay, but our cook, Gell is very good. Grey has kept me abed for weeks. I have only just left it today.”
The men around the table snorted and laughed.
Grey didn’t like their profound jests. “She was injured and needed to rest, for Christ’s sake.”
“Oh aye, she did,” Donal said in a dismissive tone.
“Well, I am sorry to hear you didn’t make the meal. When I visited Baron Thomas’, in peacekeeping missions, she was there and oft cooked for us. I swear, my lady, your cooking was the sole reason we were so amiable and signed the damned treaties.”
“You are being kind, sire.”
“I have sent a message to John letting him know about you and what MacHeth had planned. As much of a swine as John is, I am assured he had nothing to do with Baron Thomas’ plan to unseat me. I am certain John will punish him.”
Bree’s face brightened. She could feel the heat on her cheeks. “I hope he won’t punish him too harshly, after all, he kept me safe from MacHeth all those years. Were it not for the Champlains, I might have had to endure at MacHeth’s holding. I know I would not have lived a good life.”
“I’ll consider sending another message.” Alexander looked at her, and Bree could feel his eyes on her face, her unsightly face. The king turned his attention to his trencher.
She knew she would have to get used to people looking at her in such a way. The scar was gruesome. Bree wasn’t very hungry even though the meal looked appetizing. She just wanted to retreat to her bedchamber with Grey. With a telling look, she tried to convey her silent message.
“Alexander, you caused Bree much hardship and injury.”
The king held his arm up to stop Grey from continuing. “I know. All listen,” he said, raising his voice so everyone could hear him. “I owe you much debt and so I will uphold my father’s decree that you be betrothed.”
Everyone in the room laughed.
The king frowned at Grey’s guard, standing on the other side of the room. Bree couldn’t help smiling either.
“What? Did I say something humorous?”
Grey pushed his chair out. He came to stand beside Bree’s chair. “Aye, very humorous. I believe Bree and I will have our wedding night.” Grey lifted her in his arms and hastily left the chamber. He took the stairs two at a time until he reached the landing.
She could hear the ruckus and laughter below.
No sooner had they reached their chamber, Grey set her down. She started to undress and went to lie on the bed. He paced the bed watching her.
“Are you certain you’re not hurting? I don’t want to cause you any pain.”
“I feel fine. In fact, I’m about to feel much, much better. Come.” She held her arms out to him, but he shook his head. “I have missed you.”
Grey began removing his attire, taking his good old time. Though she loved to watch him undress, she was in quite a hurry for him to join her. His uncovered shoulders rolled when he yanked his belt. The tartan around his hips fell to the floor. He wasn’t wearing braises beneath it either. She sucked in a breath.
“’Tis quite shameful. Husband, I cannot wait much longer.”
He toyed with her, taking forever to undress. Finally, he was as naked as the day he was born. Grey sat beside her, causing the bedding to give in from his weight.
He touched her face, gently caressing the ugly scar. “You are so bonny.”
“Nay, not any more. I am not beautiful, Grey. You need not lie.”
“Because of that paltry scar? Aye, you are bonny, Bree. I’ll hear no argument.” He leaned close and kissed her scar and then proceeded to lightly kiss a row of touches to her chin. “I was so scared, Bree. I thought I was going to lose you again. I didn’t think I could bear it.”
“I am sorry I scared you.” She in return touched his chest, sending a speckle of goose bumps over his flesh. “You never did tell me how you got this scar.”
Grey joined her on the bed and lay next to her. He kissed the flat of her stomach and looked up at her. “When you went missing, I was but ten winters. I knew it was my duty to wed you, but we had become friends. You made me laugh. I enjoyed being with you.”
B
ree touched his hair, running her fingers over the texture. “Go on.”
“Donal was proclaimed my champion and on the day of our betrothal he gifted me with a dagger. I remember what he said. He said, ‘I gift you this dagger so you can protect all that is yours.’ It was that dagger, the dagger Greer gave you …”
“Oh. The dagger I used on MacWilliams. Did you get it back?”
“Aye, but I put it in Greer’s casket. I thought it only right that I send it with him to the hereafter.”
“That was a kind gesture, Grey.”
Grey set his forehead on her stomach and used his hands to caress her abdomen. He then leaned up on his elbows and wore such a serious expression.
“I searched for you for days. My ma and da were worried, but they knew I would return. After three days, I went home and stood on the steps. My da came out and we spoke about you. I told him that I failed to protect you and so I …”
“You cut yourself?”
“I was hurting. I thought it right that I should feel pain for my failure.”
“Oh, Grey. That is … You were just a child. I don’t blame you for MacHeth abducting me. There was nothing you could do. I wish you hadn’t harmed yourself.”
“It actually kept me from thinking about you for some time. The wound got infected and I had the fever for days. All thought I was going to die. When I got better, I begged my da to take me to look for you.”
Bree tried to pull Grey to her, but he wouldn’t budge. “I love you, Grey, and do you know why?”
He grinned. “I heard you say that to me before, aye when you were wee. I used to call you honeybee.”
“That is why I love you. You are everything to me.”
“Show me.” Grey rolled on to his back and Bree giggled as she scooted down to lay beside him.
“I remember you saying that you would show me …”
Grey reached out and cupped her breast, his lips moved close and his tongue darted out.
“Oh, I see what you have in mind.”
She let him have his way. Grey kissed her every where, her arms, legs, stomach, face, hands, and then he spread her legs and set his lips there. Bree almost came undone with his mouth and tongue doing marvelously wicked things to her. After much time had passed, mostly with him tormenting her with his hot tongue, he positioned her and settled himself between her legs. He thrust hard and moaned.