“It was ye! The French gypsy woman, the men hunting me in the village, the English guards at Cumberland, ye planned this whole thing. Why?” Lara bellowed.
“Because ye were the true royal heir to the crown.”
His words crushed her like boulders. She could barely breathe enough to form a sentence or two. Lara felt bile rising in her throat.
“So all of this, the lies, the deceit, it was about the crown?”
John chuckled.
“Ye poor silly lass. Ye ken nothing of what power can bring ye. With me as King, I can now lead a great army, more powerful than England or France.”
“Did father ken?”
“Nay, the foolish ol’ mon. He was just as daft and ignorant as ye are. Would have killed him myself, had he no’ already gotten himself at the end of the noose.”
“Ye will no’ get away wit’ this, John.”
Whispering in her ear, his voice became chilling. “I already have. And now that I got rid of Laird Moray and that Highland friend of yers, there is no one to stand in me way.”
“Bram,” Lara’s voice weakened. “What have ye done?”
“Only the same thing I am going to do to ye. My wee sister; so upset that her Highland warrior left that she could no’ go on living. ‘Tis a shame, yer death. I promise ye will be mourned and will have a Christian burial.”
“Ye sick and wicked mon,” Lara yelled, and tried to break free from his grasp.
As John tilted his head back and laughed, Lara kicked him in the groin, causing him to drop the dagger. Lara successfully jerked herself out of his hold, ran to the door, and tried to open it, but it was locked from the inside. Lara ran to the corner of the room, searching for something to use as a weapon. She was trapped like a mouse. She began picking up random objects around the room, throwing them in John’s direction and aiming for his head. But he kept stalking towards her.
Before Lara could scream, John had her pinned down to the ground, bumping the back of her head on the floor. She tried to break free, she tried to push him off of her, but it was no use. John was too big and too heavy.
Bram jiggled the locked door handle to Lara’s room, hearing the commotion going on behind it. With one powerful kick, he burst through the door and immediately tackled John to the ground. Within moments, John had Bram pinned down, his hands wrapped around his throat. As Bram struggled to kick John off of him, he noticed the dagger on the floor just a few feet away from him. Bram reached as far as he could to grab the dagger. With the tips of his fingers, he dragged it closer to him until he could firmly grip the handle. Bringing the dagger up, he plunged it into John’s back. John’s lifeless body collapsed to the floor. Bram pulled his legs from where they were buried underneath the dead man’s body, freeing himself.
On his knees, he crawled over to where Lara was lying on the floor. He began assessing her wounds, even though Lara protested. Never had he been so scared of losing someone before, and he never wanted to feel that way again. Still lying on the floor, Bram hovered over her. Lara’s sterling eyes sparkled like the sun reflecting off polished metal. His feelings for her were as strong as steel. Lowering his lips to hers, he kissed her with all his heart and soul.
“Ach, what is the meaning of this?” a guard said, standing in the doorway with mouth agape. “You, you killed the young King.” In a high pitched voice the man yelled out, “Guards, guards.”
Suddenly, a group of armed men came running from down the hallway and piled into the bedchamber. Grabbing Bram by his arm pits, lifting him to his feet, two of the guards held him firmly while the other two grabbed onto Lara.
“Dinna hurt her,” Bram roared, trying to break free.
“You just wait until King Eric hears about your treachery, you murderous bastard,” one of the guards holding him stated in a deep and stern, tone as he punched Bram square in the stomach, hoping to weaken him further.
“Bram!” Lara yelled out.
“What the bloody hell is going on?” Eric bellowed, his voice booming so loud everyone fell silent.
“This man killed King John,” a guard replied.
Eric looked beyond the group of them to John’s lifeless body. His face showed no expression, but when he turned to see the two guards who had apprehended Lara, Eric’s heavy-lidded eyes narrowed.
With his brow furrowed and lips pursed, he demanded, “Release my daughter. That is an order.”
The guards looked at each other as if the King had gone daft. For what they knew, the King’s only daughter was a bairn of no more than one year old. They stood as if they were frozen like a statue. They simply just did not know what to think.
“I said release her,” Eric roared louder.
The two guards holding Lara quickly let go.
“And you can release him as well,” he said, nodding his head in Bram’s direction.
“But Sir,” one of the other guards said, but snapped his mouth shut at the dark expression Eric turned on him.
“I will settle this mess. Now leave us.”
The four guards looked at each other before leaving the room, clearly confused by their king’s behavior.
As they left, Eric closed the door and asked, “What happened here?” His question was directed to Bram, but it was Lara who spoke up first.
“Father, dinna blame Bram. John tried to kill me. He knew all along that I was yer daughter but wanted the throne fer himself. He was the one behind all of the lies and deception. I fear that if Bram had not stopped him, he would have killed ye and Queen Isobel as well.”
Eric searched her eyes and knew she spoke the truth. “Then, you have done me and my country a great service. I don’t know how I can ever repay you for saving my daughter.”
Bram stepped forward and kneeled down before him.
“I only ask one thing, my Lord. I wish fer yer daughter’s hand in marriage. If she will have me,” Bram asked, more nervous than he had ever felt before.
Knots formed in his stomach and his mouth felt dry. Wringing his hands together he anxiously waited for a reply.
“Will ye marry me, lass,” he asked looking back over to a stunned, wide-eyed Lara.
“Nay,” she whispered.
Bram’s sweet demeanor was quickly replaced by bitter rejection. That was not the response he had expected.
“I want to, but I can no’ marry ye. If I were to marry ye, I would have to leave here. I have just only met my father two days ago and with his illness, I may no’ have much time left wit’ him.”
Bram’s heart ached. He wanted Lara more than anything he had ever wanted.
“Then I guess ye leave me nay choice,” he responded.
Both Eric and Lara looked at him in utter confusion. Lara could feel a lump beginning to form in the back of her throat. She truly wanted to marry Bram, but her heart was pulled in two different directions. Lara felt as if he had just ripped her heart right out of her chest. But she wanted him to have it, to take it with him and know that she would forever and always love him.
“I will just have to stay here, then. But ye will marry me, that is, of course, if I may have yer blessing,” he said turning to Eric, trying to hold back his smile.
“I would be most honored, Bram MacKinnon, to call you my son,” Eric replied.
Lara leaped towards Bram and jumped into his arms. Bram lifted her up and swung her around, as Eric laughed at their youthful affectionate display.
Chapter 25
In a private ceremony, Lara and Bram exchanged vows. Bram did not want a wedding with many guests he did not know. Plus, it did not feel right without his brother or mother being there. He rather preferred the quiet intimacy of a small wedding with only those who needed to be there present, though he did consent to the Queen and King joining them in their celebration. Bram found it hard to say no to her, which was something he promised himself he would work on. He most certainly couldn’t have a lass ordering him around as though he were a lovesick puppy, obeying her every command.
; As the priest announced them man and wife, Bram kissed her quickly, eager to take his new bride to their bedchamber. He did not want to wait any longer. Disappointment shot threw him like a kick to the groin, as Queen Isobel announced she had planned a celebratory meal. On the table within the great hall were platters full of roasted lamb and venison.
King Eric made a toast. “May the light find you in your darkest hours, may your home be filled with love and laughter, and may your life be full of many sweet babes. Let us eat and rejoice at this delightful celebration.”
The four of them raised their mugs and drank their bittersweet wine. As quickly as he could, Bram cleared his plate. Having a quick bite would only help increase his stamina. He knew that he was going to need all of the energy he had this night, for he planned on taking his wife more than once before the night was through.
As they finished their meal, Bram held out his arm to Lara. Excusing their early departure, they walked out of the great hall hand in hand.
“By the saints, if that damn room was no’ three flights up the stairs,” Bram growled as he picked Lara up in his arms and ran up the stairs two steps at a time. He did not want to wait another minute.
Bram carried Lara over the threshold and into their bedchamber. Tonight, he would show her pleasures she never thought possible, and he couldn’t get her into the room fast enough. His body ached with need, and though he did not know how long this night would last, he would take his time with her, to kiss and explore every inch of her soft creamy body.
As they entered the room, Bram closed the door behind him and set her down gently onto the floor. Forcefully, he pushed her up against the back of the door. Pressing his body against hers, he lowered his head and caught her lips. As he swept his tongue inside her mouth, Lara moaned.
Dropping to one bent knee, Bram slid he hands down her sides, around her hips and the full length of her legs. The fingers of one hand crawled up her leg under her skirt. He could hear the sound of Lara’s breath increase as his hand glided further north. With one hand firmly pressing on the back of her rump, he moved the other to the crevice between her legs. His fingers pushed past the apex of her thighs and slid one finger inside of her velvety wet skin.
Lara almost yelled aloud, but Bram hushed her, reminding her of the servants, and their propensity for eavesdropping. As he touched her most private parts, sparks of light flashed before her eyes and tiny vibrations sent tremors throughout her body. Wobbling at the knees, she felt as if she could barely have stood in one place had it not been for Bram’s hand holding her backside steady. As he fondled her down below, her hips involuntarily rocked, increasing his momentum.
As her body reached the height of her climax, she started to pant. Suddenly, a burst of pleasure exploded inside of her, causing her to body to quiver. Bram slid his hand back down her leg and fixed the bottom of her skirt so it draped down as it should. Standing up, he once again kissed her before lifting her into his arms.
“That was…” Lara said, still trying to catch her breath.
“Aye. And that was only the beginning,” he replied, nuzzling his nose in her hair along her neck. “Lara, I ne’er want to lose ye,” he whispered, kissing the side of her mouth, down her cheek, and trailing even further down, stopping at the base of her neck. “I want ye, always,” he said as he continued devouring her neck like a hungry wolf.
Lara took small shuffling steps backwards leading Bram towards the bed. As she gently sat on the edge, she reached up and grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him down to kiss her. Softly, she bit his bottom lip as her hands rubbed down his hard chest, stopping just above his belt line.
Scooting herself higher up the bed, she lay down, waiting for Bram to join her. With a roguish smile, he walked to the far end of the bed. With a tender touch he slipped off her slippers one at a time, and began rubbing the soles of her feet. Massaging his rough hand down the sides of her smooth legs, he caressed her left calf, kissing from her ankle to the top of her knee. Pulling his tunic over his head, he dropped it to the floor, followed by his boots and kilt.
Climbing up onto the bed, he eased himself between her thighs and hovered over her. Looking into her silvery eyes, he knew he was looking into the face of his future. With heavy breaths, his lips captured hers. Thrusting his hands onto her body, he caressed her breasts with a feverish need to touch them. Wanting to feel her skin pressed up against his own, he playfully pulled the laces of her dress loosening the top. Pulling the fabric down exposing her breasts, he teased her small buds with the tip of his nose. He growled deeply in the back of his throat when he heard a trembling sigh escape Lara’s lips.
Murmuring against her lips, he whispered, “Lass, ye can make a man die just from wantin’ ye.”
Lara smiled at his remark but there was more truth behind what he said than she could imagine. With heat searing through his veins and his manhood pulsating against her velvety skin he could very well have completed the task before they even began the coupling. Licking and tasting her sweet skin enticed him. His hands moved about her body as if they had a mind of their own, though Lara did not once complain. In fact, he believed she rather enjoyed the sweet caresses.
Hearing his seductive voice made Lara more eager for his hands to be on her body. Raising her arms, she waited as Bram lifted the dress from her. The soft fabric tickled her skin as he gently removed her gown and tossed it on the floor.
As Bram nestled himself back between her thighs, Lara’s chest heaved with anticipation. Overwhelming sensations exploded throughout her body as she clutched onto him. As Bram cupped a hand around her breast, she felt a sudden awareness of an aching need between her thighs pulsing as he pressed his manhood against her. Arching her back and raising her hips, her body welcomed his. As Bram thrust his manhood forward, Lara let out a scream. The pain shot through her like a lightning bolt as it resonated through her body.
“Are ye alright?” Bram asked, lifting himself off her.
“I dinna ken. Does it always hurt like this yer first time?”
“First time? Do ye mean to tell me that ye are a virgin?”
“Aye.”
“But, ye were married. I thought that ye…”
“Nay. We never consummated.”
Bram had never bedded a virgin before. Somehow the fact that Lara had not shared a bed with another man made Bram feel more possessive of her. He felt terrible that he had caused her pain, for if he knew she was a virgin he could have taken care and been gentle with her. Not wanting to hurt her any longer he slid up beside her.
“Nay, dinna stop.”
“I dinna want to hurt ye, lass.”
“I am feeling better now.”
“Are ye sure?”
At her nod, Bram rolled back between her legs and slowly eased himself inside her. He held his body still for her pain to subside before gently rocking his hips back and forth. Lara moaned from the sensations. The pleasure she felt was almost unbearable.
The way he made her feel brought tears to her eyes. She felt as if she soared above the heavens and only Bram could keep her grounded and bring her back down. The friction between them matched their heated passion. As Bram increased the motion of his hips, he pressed harder and further inside of her causing a distinct feeling to build within her very core.
Sensations intensified as her body convulsed underneath him. Matching his tempo, she raised her legs and crawled higher to allow him better access. When her almost indescribable pleasure increased, she felt her body quiver causing her to tighten her hold onto him. Lara moaned loudly. After her release, the height of her orgasm started to decline and her breathing slowed. With Bram’s body pressed tight against hers she could feel his manhood throbbing inside of her as he climaxed and emptied his seed within her womb.
Slick with sweat, Bram rolled himself off of Lara and snuggled up behind her, keeping her tightly in his arms. With a ridiculous smile on his face, he pressed tiny butterfly kisses on the base of her neck, causing Lara to
giggle. He wanted to give Lara every pleasure imaginable. By God, he loved this woman. This night had been one of the best nights he had ever had and he was determined to make each night with her better than the last.
Lara felt as if her smile would forever be painted on her face. She had never thought that what could happen between a man and a woman would be so intense and satisfying. She had always thought that bedding was only meant to produce bairns, but never did she think that she would actually enjoy her husband’s attention. Her husband. In all her wildest dreams, she never imagined her marriage to be a love match, and had she been forced to stay wed to Dermot she never would have experienced the wonders that Bram had shown her this night.
As she cuddled in his arms, she asked, “What of tomorrow? Will ye send a messenger to yer family, or retrieve yer lads?”
“Nay, I had hoped in a few months that we would travel there together. I wish fer ye to meet my family and me lads.”
“I would be forever glad to meet yer family.”
“I must warn ye, though. The MacKinnons are a hellish bunch of drunken, loud men. But ye will ne’er find yerself a clan wit more honor.”
Lara giggled. “I suppose I should have met them first before marrying ye. If all of the Highlanders are anything like ye, I could have verra well married the wrong one,” she playfully teased.
Bram’s lips twisted.
“Ach, ye lowland women, yer all the same. Stubborn.”
“Well then best ye take me again before I change my mind.”
Chapter 26
Four months later…
The winter in Norway had been brutal, one of the worst they had seen according to Queen Isobel. Hard-packed powder buried the village in three feet of snow, barricading doors and blocking several well-traveled roads. Villagers spent weeks clearing paths from nature’s winter fury. Lara and Bram had to wait until the snowcaps on the mountains melted before they could travel back to Scotland.
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