“Anything for you Broderick,” she eased into her questions, she didn’t want to start too strong with him, “How old were you when Siobhan broke your betrothal and married someone else?”
“Fifteen, our contract was signed when we were wee babes. I was never nice to her as we grew up, eventually once I understood what a betrothal really meant I grew to hate the idea of having my wife chosen for me. When she ran off and got married I thanked the stars for saving me,” Broderick replied with no emotion, it was clear he felt nothing for the beautiful woman he was once destined to marry.
Stepping closer again, Broderick’s voice lowered as he spoke to her, “When ordering the warriors, you will need to know directional signals to give them Elisabeth. Lets say you want to order twenty men to flank back behind the enemy, you would signal like this,” motioning his fist with distinct hand motions.
Elisabeth watched Broderick’s motions like a hawk, she intended to master each move, each call, and she would not fail. Elizabeth repeated the movements flawlessly before him.
“Who was the first man you kissed?” he asked, his eyes focused on only her. Still practicing the signals, Elisabeth looked up to catch her husband’s eye as a blush crept across her face. Standing up straight she brushed a falling curl out of her face and bit her lip as she looked up into her husband’s handsome face. How was she to answer that question?
“His name wife?” stepping closer again, he placed his hand around her hip and slowly pulled her body up into his rock hard chest.
Exhaling slowly she felt her body melting into him, “A dashing young laird who mistook me for someone else in the dark of night at the border festival many moons ago,” she whispered. She knew there was no hiding the truth now, a secret that she had never shared with anyone was about to come out.
Tipping up her chin, Broderick kissed her forehead, “I doubt any man could mistake you angel, you are one of a kind.”
Running her hands up his arms she continued, “He thought I was someone else and kissed me senseless, damn near took my virginity thinking I was someone else. The very next day he tried to declare war on my brother and I had to turn over my sword to Duncan to stop him.” Looking back up at him, she waited for him to make the connection, to remember that night.
Cocking his head to the side he pulled away so he could see her face clearly, his brows were furrowed, “It couldn’t have been.” He paused. “It was you?” he asked, his voice but a whisper. Elisabeth could see him mentally scanning through his memories of that night.
Nodding she explained, “I was eighteen, it was my first festival and I had come across Kincaid and Fiona plotting against you and Duncan. Night had set and I had gotten turned around in camp, I saw your flag first and ran to tell you what I had overheard. When I entered your darkened tent, you assumed I was Fiona and kissed me senseless before I could even speak.”
“I remember. That kiss we shared ignited a fire inside of me. A fire I thought was set by Fiona, not Duncan’s little sister,” wrapping his arms back around her he kissed her forehead, “You never said anything Elisabeth, why? I almost had you on your back, nearly naked that night!”
Pushing away from him, she furrowed her brow and crossed her arms, “Do you have any idea the presence you command Broderick? You were Laird MacMillan, devilishly handsome and the greatest warrior around, I was under your spell! I was young, and in shock. I had never let another man get that close to me ever before. Your touch, your kiss, it melted my heart, it made me feel things I never knew existed,” a tear rolled down her cheek as she continued, “What should I have said? Oh excuse me Broderick, I am not Fiona, I’m Duncan’s little sister and I came here to tell you she was plotting your death. Thanks for the near ravishing but I really must be going now!”
Leaving the center of the room she walked over by the fire to sit down in the chair, the hounds were fast asleep beside the fire.
Behind her Broderick thought over the events of that night, shooting a hand through this hair he admitted, “Those stolen moments with you in my tent forever changed my heart Elisabeth, I had no idea it was you, if I did, you would have been my wife that very next day!”
Looking over her shoulder at him as he continued.
“I had never felt my soul pull towards someone like it did when we kissed. Yes, I thought it was Fiona, t’was the only reason I fought so hard for her. When she jilted Duncan and I, my heart was shattered. I didn’t know until now, that it was you who touched my heart all those years ago. Why didn’t you tell me before now?”
Looking back at the fire she whispered, “It doesn’t change the past Broderick.”
Walking across the floor he strode over to her and knelt beside her, gathering her hands he kissed the knuckles on both of her hands, “Nae, but it gives my heart peace knowing I had found you five years ago. That what my heart felt all those years ago was meant for you, now that wicked whore Fiona. It is no wonder when I brought you home after finding you in the forest how I instantly felt pulled to your side. It was because my heart had already known what my mind dinnae.”
Burying her head in his neck she admitted, “At the waterfall, when Duncan and you refused to listen to me, I was running out of options to stop you from killing each other. I wanted to tell you so badly, I wanted to bring your pompous ass down to your knees, but I refrained. I knew if Duncan found out how close you were to bedding me that night he would have killed you. Instead, I promised my brother my sword for a year if he walked away.”
Tilting up her chin, “You saved my life that day Elisabeth.”
Batting away his hand, “I did it for my brother, not you Broderick.”
Smiling at his emotional wife, he brushed one of her dark red locks behind her ear and offered, “Admit it wife, I claimed a piece of your heart that night, otherwise you would have seen Duncan lay me low.”
“Aye, a piece of it. Now you have claimed my entire heart. Why did you bring me up here Broderick? Why are you teaching me signals as if I would be giving commands?” she scanned his eyes as he knelt before her.
His dark hair carelessly falling to his shoulders, he ran his hand through his locks as he told her the ultimate truth, “If myself or Kendrix is unable to command our army, you are next in command. If he or I die, are away, or any reason we cannot command our warriors, you will be responsible for my army and my people.”
“Why would you do that Broderick?” she asked as she sat back into the chair, the information had floored her. Looking at the brooding giant kneeling before her, she searched his face.
Standing up, Broderick pulled Elisabeth up from the chair, looking into her eyes he slowly removed all of their weapons and sat them beside the table one by one as he explained, “I trust you Elisabeth, even though my actions on occasion do not reflect that. You are an amazing woman, and warrior. I trust you to have the best interest of our people at heart. I trust you to command my warriors in my absence.”
Still standing, he had pulled all their swords and knives from their belts and laid them beside the table. Scooping her up into his arms he sat down in the chair she had just occupied. Nestling her on his lap he wrapped his arms around his slim wife pulling her closer, “I’m sorry I accused you of corresponding with Kincaid, my emotions got the better of me lass, in my heart I know you would never do that. I promise that I will do better.”
Leaning her head onto his chest she snuggled closer to her warm husband and soaked in the heat emanating off the fire, “Where did you get that letter Broderick? How does he know about my training this morning? How does he know I’m close with Isobel? He knew so much, it was as if he’s been here. There has to be a enemy in our midst.”
Rubbing her back his voice was low as he replied, “Siobhan gave me the letter as I walked in, she said a messenger arrived from the Douglas clan. The letter is very troubling to me Elisabeth, not only did he threaten you, he also threatened my niece. He obviously has a spy, thinking back I wonder if this spy has been here the entire time.”
Lifting up her head, she looked up into his eyes, “It is her Broderick, I just know it, and Siobhan is the connection.”
“Aye, don’t think I’m fooled by her Elisabeth. I’ve had her watched since your poisoning,” he admitted.
“You’ve had her watched?”
“Aye, I’ve been laird for over ten years Elisabeth. There is a reason why my clan thrives, why we have stayed at the pinnacle of power in the Highlands, I see all. It’ll be a cold day in hell when something gets past me again my love; I protect my clan and those I love with every fiber of my being. I’m constantly vigilant. The poison in the pitcher the night of our wedding was intended for only you, the dosage of poison wouldn’t have killed me.”
“How long have you known that Broderick?”
Sighing loudly, he leaned his head back in the chair and looked up at the high arched ceilings, “The night you fell ill both Kendrix and I sampled it. We both drank far more than you did, and it didn’t bother us at all. We are much larger than you, thus our bodies could handle the poison easily. It is clear that you were the intended target, not I.”
“Why would you risk your life Broderick? You both could have died!”
“There have been other missives Elisabeth, but none addressed to you. I believe that he has someone installed within our walls, relaying information to him. He knew far too much detail to have guessed,” encircling her tighter, “I am truly sorry that I did not share this information with you lass. I believed I was protecting you, have patience with me my love. I am new at being a husband. I will risk my life for you any chance I get, like you; I do not take me vows lightly. I promised to protect you and keep you safe, you are my life now Elisabeth.”
They had gotten so far tonight, she felt incredibly close to him. They had talked of their past, and their families before, but tonight their bond seemed to solidify.
Encircling his jaw with her small hands she tenderly kissed his lips, running her hands into his soft dark hair as they melted into each other.
Breaking their kiss, Elisabeth took a deep breath as she summoned the courage to tell Broderick what had been on her mind all day, closing her eyes briefly she could feel her heartbeat quicken.
Looking up, she bit her lip as she stared into his emerald green eyes, “Years ago I had to push aside the thought of becoming a mother. I chose my sword over a husband, a decision that did not come without consequence. I never looked back, I couldn’t. For years I waged war alongside my brother, yet when I saw a wee bairn in his mother’s arms, my heart would break, time after time. Something inside me never wanted to give up on the idea of having children, internally I could feel my warrior side clash with my maternal side.” The roll of heavy emotion swept over her, with it, it brought a fresh glimmer of tears. The years of heartbreak came rolling back to her as she continued to explain to Broderick. “When my family was murdered, I vowed to avenge them, and my clan. Everything here has happened so quickly, it wasn’t until today when you mentioned children that it occurred to me that having a family was our future. The reason I never married, why I still had my virginity at three and twenty was I knew being with child would prevent me from riding with Duncan. He would have never budged, just as I know you will not either. Having your child would prevent me from riding at your side when the warriors travel south, how can I honor a vow to my family and honor my vows to you?”
Broderick sat with her upon his lap, the fire glowing in front of them, he watched as she poured out her heart, raw emotion apparent in her voice. Heavy tears ran down her beautiful face as she confessed her worries to him. Running his hand up her small back he squeezed her tightly into his chest, he understood.
“Do you think you are with child now?”
“I dinnae feel any different, I’m assured by Rhona I would notice a change in my body.”
“Kincaid will pay for what he did, as will his warriors. Be it your sword, or mine, he will die. I understand your need for revenge; I understand your desire to deliver that revenge personally. You are correct, I would not want you to ride when you are with child, but neither can we prevent God’s will.”
“What if I become with child before we go south?” she asked, her voice trembled.
“Then I deliver your revenge, I am an extension of you now Elisabeth. If you carry the next Laird of MacMillan in your belly, I will ride with the warriors to swiftly deliver revenge on your behalf”
Closing her eyes, she knew he was right, but it still hurt.
“Elisabeth, if your parents were here, and your brother, what would they say? Would they tell you that you must risk your life, and the life of a wee babe in your stomach should you be pregnant? Or would they tell you that your life and the life of your babe are far more important that if you are there when Kincaid dies?”
Although his words were not harsh, they were blunt, and honest. He had a damn good point, and she knew it. Her family would always want her to pick life, to not live in the past and embrace the future. She could almost hear Duncan’s very words when Broderick spoke.
“They would tell me to chose life, always life.”
“Aye they would lass, we do not know what the future holds for us, and we cannot predict the future. You may very well not be with child in a few short months, and you will ride at my side, where you belong. If by chance you do become with child before we descend upon Kincaid’s lands, you will ride in my heart when I go south.”
Reaching up she kissed his jaw as she melted into his arms, with him, he abolished her fears, and he calmed her senses. He was her perfect mate, her balance.
Chapter 12
The following week went quickly for Elisabeth, mornings were filled with drills and sword work in the bailey, and afternoons were spent with Isobel and her new bow. The evenings were filled with overseeing the castle, as was her new role. After dinner she and Broderick usually escaped to the north tower so he could work with her personally in the privacy of his study. Since she had opened up to him, their relationship had grown immensely. Each night after they bathed together, they made love until their bodies collapsed in sated joy. Her heart had settled with the knowledge that if she indeed did become with child before they waged war, her husband would deliver swift justice to Kincaid and his men on her behalf. Although, it was not a perfect solution, she had made peace with it. Broderick had been right, her parents and brother would want her safe, they would want her to have a family, and they would not want her putting life on hold in order to seek vengeance.
Besides the few rude experiences with Siobhan, life was becoming a beautiful reality for her. She had made many new friends with women her age over the week, she had saw the warriors snap to attention when she walked past. Broderick never hovered while they drilled; he allowed her space and respect. Many times this week she could she him smile when she bested his men, one after another. There was no one who could best her arrows, not even Broderick. She had taken great pride in proving herself to her husband and his men, even though none had asked for her to do so. She felt she needed them to see her skill first hand; it had certainly helped quickly gain the warriors respect.
Broderick had taken her on frequent rides as weather permitted through the week, when time allowed. They had found a harmonious balance between being husband and wife, Laird and Warrior Queen.
Her afternoon sessions with Isobel were a delight; soon enough several other children had joined the sessions asking to be taught. With their parent’s permission she went from teaching Isobel, to teaching children age five to twelve. Before she knew it she had amassed a group of vivacious children all wanting to learn. It had been frustrating, humorous, and rewarding all at the same time. Soon enough Kendrix and Broderick came to help herd all the children while Elisabeth taught. The three held afternoon sessions for the MacMillan Clan children together in the bailey now on a daily basis. Seeing Isobel’s feelings hurt at having to share her aunt, Elisabeth promised Isobel an hour of private lessons behind the stables.
&n
bsp; Over the weeks as she spent time with the children, and Isobel, the thought of having children didn’t make her panic. She knew she would be a mother soon enough, the thought of carrying Broderick’s children made her glow with excitement. She knew he would be a wonderful father, the thought of seeing Broderick holding their bairn made her heart burst with happiness. Her hatred and vengeance never disappeared, but she knew she could not hold onto it forever. Soon enough Kincaid would be dealt with, and after that she had a life full of Broderick and their future children to look forward to.
Elisabeth’s favorite part of the day was her private lesson with Isobel; little Isobel was a natural, just like she had been as a child. The bow Broderick had made for Isobel was a perfect fit. It hadn’t taken Isobel long to excel under her tutelage.
Earlier this morning Elisabeth had flown through the drills with the MacMillan warriors as usual. Afterward, the family had met in the kitchen where Rhona had prepared another hearty meal to get them through the cold winter day. While eating together, Broderick had been called to the front gate; an urgent messenger had arrived and required his immediate attention. He excused himself and left Kendrix, Elisabeth and Isobel in the kitchen with Rhona as he saw to his duty.
By the time they had finished their meal, Broderick still had not returned to the cozy kitchen. Silently Elisabeth wondered what had taken her husband away for so long, it was very unlike him. She had assumed he would return after he gathered the message from his guards.
Walking hand in hand with Isobel to the stables, she prayed everything was okay. Focusing on the lesson at hand, she was excited to teach Isobel’s lesson today, she was going to teach her a very dangerous shot, yet very important. Rounding the stables, they walked over to their training area that was always vacant and quiet, perfect for teaching her little niece in private.
Branded by a Warrior Page 18