“Wishing it will not make it so.”
Laird Cameron slammed his fist against the table. “Ailsa, watch your tongue or you will feel my hand.”
“You have no rights over me.” Cameron half-raised from his seat. “I belong to MacLean.” Cameron’s blood surged until his face became berry red and seemed ready to explode. The vein in his forehead pulsated. His mouth gulped like a fish floundering on land.
“That’s what we planned on,” MacKinnon answered.
“Remember where you came from.” Cameron roared, spraying spittle.
“It’s you who forgets.” Cameron vaulted from his seat as the heavy chair crashed to floor. He flew at her and slapped her across her cheek. Her head whipped, her neck twisted from the blow. She felt her cheek pulsating and knew the thick-fingered handprint marking her face. One good thing, her face went numb. Niall charged him with a roar. Her father shoved him to the ground. He jumped to his feet. She pushed Niall behind her and gazed into her father’s beady eyes.
“Enough!” MacKinnon roared. “We have made an alliance.”
Her father turned away.
Ailsa didn’t possess one notion on how to escape. No one knew they were missing but she refused to behave meekly and follow her father’s plans. She was a different Ailsa. And she planned to show her new self.
Her crackle of laughter bounced off the towering walls of the great hall. “The same he formed with my husband. He has no honor. As for his loyalty that is only for him,” she shrugged one shoulder insouciantly. “You killed Connor yet here he sits beside you. Do you truly trust a man who will never avenge his son’s murder?”
Cameron’s gaze narrowed over his beady eyes. MacKinnon shot him a leery look from the corner of his eye. Niall smirked.
“I’m his blood and here I stand before my enemy.”
Niall shifted his stance and Ailsa stopped him with a squeeze.
“Who do you think Clan Cameron will side with?”
She never hesitated. “With me.”
“Do you think that bastard MacLean will come for you? Are you one of those silly females who thinks he loves you?”
“Both of you are planning on it. And he will come. He loves me.” Ailsa knew she spoke the truth, at least until the love part but she wanted to believe. She refused to lose hope in Duncan. She wasn’t faithless like her father.
“He loved Ceara,” MacKinnon cut in, a gloating smirk on his face that was supposed to fluster her.
“She was a whore and no one loves a whore,” Ailsa replied, not believing those words slipped from her lips.
MacKinnon laughed. “That she was. I’m thankful every day that faithless bitch died.”
Ailsa was shocked by his words. Even though she detested Ceara for the wrongs, she did to Duncan. It still saddened her that no one cared for Ceara. Maybe, if one person had, she might have lived a different life.
“Well for your sake I hope MacLean is more steadfast than he was with her. It might save your life,” MacKinnon added.
* * * *
Lachlan and Caelan stood before Duncan.
“Tonight, I want an end to this,” Duncan informed them.
The guard called out. “Cameron approaching.”
Duncan couldn’t believe Cameron’s boldness. Caelan smiled, pleased at the turn at hand. Lachlan stilled, stony in his expression and resolute in his behavior. These men were ready for battle. Instead of the redheaded rat, Alec leapt from his lathered horse. He rushed over to Duncan, his hand gripping the sword’s leather pommel.
“MacKinnon abducted my sister and your brother,” Alec announced. Duncan grabbed a fistful of his tunic. Alec struggled against his hold, ripping his fine tunic.
“Why should I believe you?” Not that Duncan doubted him. “You never cared for Ailsa.” Alec stopped struggling against Duncan’s strong hold. “You’re like your father.”
“I am not my father.”
Duncan noticed his hatred. A son who borne true hatred from the man he called father. “How did you know they were taken?”
“Keifer saw my father heading toward MacKinnon lands. He never ventures to that area. So, he followed and saw him met up with mercenaries then the MacKinnons. He followed and saw them snatch Ailsa and your brother.”
“If they are harmed, I’ll kill you.” He tossed him away. Alec staggered back a few steps before regaining his balance.
“Not before I kill my father,” Alec vowed.
“What trap has Laird Cameron”—he sneered—“set?”
“I don’t know. He hasn’t made me privy to his plans.”
Duncan turned to Lachlan and Caelan. “We ride. Triple the numbers.” Lachlan ran off to carry out his orders. Caelan called for their mounts.
“I ride with you.”
“Nay. He’s my brother and she’s my wife.”
Alec drew himself up to his full height, only reaching Duncan’s shoulders and stepped toward him.
“That’s my sister.”
“You never bothered with her before. Why the sudden change of heart?”
It was like a hit in the gut. Alec’s anger vanished, replaced with guilt. “My coldness toward Ailsa was how I protected her.”
“How?”
“I don’t have time to explain.” Alec moved away from Duncan.
“Then you don’t ride with me.”
“Laird!” The guard called out. “More Camerons.”
Duncan fixed his gaze on Alec. “Let them in,” Alec said. “There are only twenty men. Besides, you are in no danger from us.”
“I never was.” He called out his permission. “But no Camerons ride with me.”
Alec shook his head. “Ailsa should be the one who tells you not I.” Duncan shrugged. “Fine.” Alec ran an exasperated hand through his hair and stared off into the distance. “Our mother barely survived Ailsa’s birth. Father believed he almost lost her for a worthless female.”
“It was a love match.”
Alec snorted. “As much my father can love.” He held up his hand to stop Cameron men. “My mother never fully regained her health and my father became disgusted. He couldn’t stand to even look at Ailsa. My mother witnessed my father’s aloof treatment of her and became more protective of her and cold to her husband.”
“Why didn’t you protect her?”
“I did. If I acted indifferent to Ailsa, my father never aimed his wrath at her. But that doesn’t mean I don’t love Ailsa. And when our mother passed, she had weak protection against his disdain. Ailsa found her place and comfort with the clan.”
The same actions she did here. Ailsa sought that out to fill the void that his lack of love caused. Duncan acted no better than her father and his anger left in a swoop. But he was better than Cameron was for one important reason.
“She’s strong,” Duncan confessed.
“Aye, besides being willful and disobedient, but she knows when and how to do it without bringing unwarranted attention to herself. I worried for her when I heard she was to marry you.”
Duncan raised an eyebrow, not caring for where this discussion was heading. “You no longer worry?”
“Not since I received Keifer’s report.”
Duncan swept his gaze to the young man sitting upon his horse. “What did he say to change your mind?”
“One very important thing that eased my mind.”
“And that was?”
Alec smiled with pure joy. “She held her head high.”
Duncan was about to question his meaning but Caelan and Lachlan returned. Alec stepped away and swung onto his mount. Together, MacLeans and Camerons rode out to rescue their loved ones.
The men halted at the woods’ edge and looked down at MacKinnon’s stronghold. The stone structure rose in the middle of motte. The gate was down and many men patrolled the ramparts.
“I count fifty,” Alec said.
“I saw close to hundred,” Caelan countered.
“Once we enter the clearing, they’ll spot us,” Lach
lan said. “Not that they don’t know we’re coming.”
“That certainly isn’t going to stop me,” Duncan declared. “Two people I love are in there.”
“We already knew that. Tell the lady in there,” Lachlan said, pointing toward the donjon.
“I can get you in,” Alec cut in. “I’m his son. We’ll take equal numbers of MacLeans and Camerons and leave the rest to charge if necessary.”
Duncan agreed. “Let’s ride from the other side as though we journeyed from Cameron lands.”
The men climbed back on their mounts after placing their men in position. So, MacLeans and Camerons rode to save the ones they loved.
* * * *
Inside the donjon, MacKinnon and Cameron sat at the table while mercenaries surrounded Ailsa and Niall.
“I have to make water,” Niall stressed again, holding his legs together.
“I must use the garderobe,” she announced. A blush she couldn’t stifle stained her cheeks.
“Leave the boy,” MacKinnon ordered with a glance in their direction.
“Nay.” He looked up and saw Niall squirming.
“One of the men can take him.” A warrior stepped forward.
She glared over her shoulder. “Nay. If he must, he shall relieve himself here on your fine floors.”
“Show them the way.”
She turned to follow the soldier when another ran inside. “Camerons are demanding entrance.”
“See, you foolish girl, Camerons side with me.”
Ailsa felt disheartened. It was as though Connor meant nothing, that gaining power was more valued than a life.
MacKinnon granted them entrance. Ailsa dragged Niall to the foul garderobe. She gagged and tried to stay down wind. Niall wasn’t so quiet.
“I knew MacKinnons were rotten bastards but when one must make water, you must let it flow.”
While Ailsa covered her nose and mouth, she searched for an escape route. The only way out was foul and not worth consideration…unless, all else failed and death seemed imminent.
Niall leapt out of the small closet that offered no privacy. They followed a mercenary back. He yelped then fell unconscious to the floor.
Keifer smiled at her. “Ailsa.” Camerons didn’t side with her father. Nay, she was right. She threw herself into his arms.
“I knew you couldn’t forget Connor.”
“True but we came for you,” he whispered. “You’re so humble.”
Ailsa looked over his shoulder into the great hall. Duncan had his sword pointed at MacKinnon’s throat while Alec held his to their father.
She tried to step to Duncan’s side but Keifer put Niall and her behind him. Lachlan and Caelan stepped to his side. MacLeans and Camerons formed a wall of warriors no one could breach.
“Take them out,” Duncan ordered. The wall moved in step as though it were a war dance. And her being female, she never learned the steps.
Coming into the courtyard, Ailsa thought for a mere moment she was on either MacLean or Cameron lands. Braziers illuminated the courtyard, packed with Camerons and MacLeans.
Caelan swung her onto Duncan’s mount. She held the reins and watched for Duncan and her brother to exit the hall.
“Lachlan, I tell you it’s filthy. The place made death smell like roses.” Lachlan tossed Niall on his horse. “I’m hungry.”
Ailsa knew Niall was fine but she still worried for the men in her life. As that thought began to grow, Duncan and Alec came out, their swords at their sides.
The two men faced one another. “Cameron and MacLean have an alliance.”
Alec came over to her. “I would tell you to be happy but you are.” He clasped her hand. “I’ll see you soon.”
Ailsa leaned down and hugged him. “Goodbye, Alec.”
“Nay, until I see you again.” He kissed her on her cheek. “I love you, little sister,” he mumbled against her cheek. “MacLean.” He inclined his head in farewell.
Duncan swung up behind her and set off, departing MacKinnon land. “They’ll never bother you again.”
She wondered how he knew that and his exact meaning but she didn’t want to hear the grim truth of his words.
Ailsa leaned back. Duncan rubbed his chin on the top of her head. They rode in silence. Well almost in silence except for Niall’s never-ending demand for food, but since he ate every oatcake, he must wait until they reach home.
“Ailsa, can you forgive me?” Duncan asked.
“Nothing to forgive.”
He pulled up his mount. “Aye, there is. I have been unfair to you.” She twisted, leaning her head all the way back. He looked quite ill with guilt. “Please forgive me for not trusting you. But trust wasn’t there…not my trust in you but in myself. You saved me just as you did with Siobhan and Niall. I failed to see how valuable you are but no longer. You are my most precious wife. I have been wrong before in my life. But there is one thing I am right about.” His face softened and lit up from within. His warm brown eyes heated and flashed a spark. “I love you.”
Her tears gushed after that. “Ailsa, I wish I knew sweet words to express how much I love you but…”
“I don’t need them.”
“But I do have to say one thing.”
“That you love me.”
“Nay. I do but that isn’t what I want to say.” He placed his finger over her mouth when she was going to interrupt him. “I’m a better man for your love.”
“I love you, Duncan.” She threw her arms around his neck and leaned so far back that he had to catch her to keep her from falling. “I must confess a secret as well. Remember when I fainted.”
“I can’t forget. It frightened me to my core.”
“Well, I fainted not from illness but from our bairn nestled under my heart. We are going to have a bairn.” Duncan gawked at her. She placed his hand over her stomach. His thumb stroked her with a gentle, loving pressure, filled with reverence, much like his pleasantly surprised expression.
“Now?”
“Nay, in late spring.”
The sight of her hand covering his large one transfixed him. Underneath their hands rested the being of their love. “Thank you, my love.” He placed a tender kiss upon her brow. “Let’s go home.”
“Aye, let’s. Niall is hungry.”
“And so am I…for you.”
Epilogue
“At least we’ll be allowed to drink ale again,” Galvin cheered as he raised his cup up high.
A scream pierced the air. Duncan jumped up from his seat. “How much longer? I can’t take much more of this.” His hair stood on end from him running his hands through his hair. His glower had his lips pinched and his nostrils flaring. With his hands behind his back, he paced in front of the hearth, much as he did since this morn when Ailsa roared with an animal-like screech. At least the puddle was cleaned up.
“Imagine how Ailsa feels?” Lachlan prompted, earning a glare from Duncan.
“I’m hungry,” Niall added.
Hector pushed a plate of fruit in front of the never-ending eating lad. “Don’t worry, Duncan. The women know what to do.”
“Aye, women know bairns,” Caelan said, leaning over his cup and glaring at its contents.
Duncan raked his gaze over them. “Not one of you is helping.”
“Laird, get drunk. That’s what I do. It helps with the pains,” Galvin offered.
“At least the chapel is completed,” Niall said after he swallowed the berries. “And that makes her happy.”
Ailsa’s curse on Adam’s head for eating the apple rang through the donjon at the same moment Father Murray stepped inside the hall.
“Father, she is in the throes of pain. She knows not what she says.”
“I know, laird.” He mopped his brow. “You would be surprised the blasphemy I’ve heard come for the sweetest souls bringing life into this world,” he explained ruefully.
Galvin gave Father Murray a tankard. “We can drink ale.” That seemed to please Galvin more tha
n anything else did. Duncan was ready to beat him over the head with his cup.
Suddenly a piercing scream boomed through the hall then silence followed by the lusty cries of the baby. He was a father. Duncan teetered back two steps as if struck.
“Another of God’s gifts has come into the light.” Father Murray pronounced. Duncan ran upstairs.
Màiri handed the squalling infant to Ailsa. She put the infant to her breast.
“A son. He’s perfect.” She counted his toes that curled then his fingers. His tiny, fragile hand curled around her forefinger with a strong warrior hold.
Banging from the door startled her son. “You have to wait until my lady is cleaned up,” Màiri said, never doubting Duncan caused that racket.
Many minutes later when Ailsa was clean, her hair brushed and the beddings changed, Màiri let the impatient father inside. “Finally. What were you doing?”
Duncan rushed to Ailsa’s side and kneeled at the side of the bed. “We have a son.” She handed him to his father. “Can we call him Connor?”
“If it pleases you.”
“It does. He looks like his father.”
Duncan studied the toothless, red, wrinkly baby with a tuft of black hair standing up. “How can you tell?”
“See husband, he scowls.” Duncan scowled at Ailsa. Connor grinned up at his father.
“He smiles,” Duncan announced.
“Some say that bairns smile because of gas,” Màiri pronounced.
“Nonsense, Màiri. Who smiles because of gas?”
He sat beside Ailsa and wrapped his arm around his wife as he cradled his son in the crook of his arm. They were a family, full of love and joy, all thanks to one puny woman who conquered the MacLeans. Duncan looked at his weary wife and sleeping son and pressed a tender kiss against her temple, inhaling her sweet scent that always thrilled him.
“Thank you, my love, for all you have given me.”
He let her think he spoke of their son but he thanked her for her love.
*The End*
The Marriage Alliance Page 22