There was commotion as people found their places. To Merida’s astonishment, not only did Lady Mackenzie remain in the room, but also the priest and two other men she didn’t know. She met her mother’s gaze, but then looked away when her mother smiled.
Why was everyone so happy? She was about to be humiliated.
Tristan entered. As usual, his expression was unreadable. He didn’t seem at all discomfited by the current situation. At the side of the bed, he removed his tartan and allowed it to fall to the floor. The silence in the room was deafening.
Merida decided the best thing to do was to keep her gaze on Tristan and when she did, she found strength. He slid into the bed and immediately came over her. Then to her shock, he took her mouth, his lips pressing against hers with passion.
Unable to keep from it, she wrapped her arms about his neck and shoulders, holding him and using him as a barrier from the witnesses.
As Tristan continued to kiss her, he pushed her chemise up and settled between her legs.
“No,” Merida said firmly. “I will not do this in front of people.”
“Ignore them. Close yer eyes,” Tristan murmured while pressing his lips to just beneath her ear.
“I said no.” Merida pushed him back. “Tell them to leave or I will scream.”
There was a twinkle in Tristan’s gaze and he lifted up. He then turned to the people in the room. “Leave us. We will provide proof of consummation.”
“It must be witnessed,” the minister said.
Tristan turned to look at the man. “If ye do not leave, I will throw ye out the window myself, old man.”
After one last glare at them, the priest hurried out.
There were rumblings but, one by one, everyone else soon followed.
At the soft closing of the door, Merida let out a breath. “Now ye may proceed.”
Tristan chuckled. “Ye are admirable, Wife.”
Wife.
The sensations of his hands traveling down her body, the pressure of his lips over hers took over and, soon, Merida was kissing him back. Every inch of her skin cried out for his touch and she dug her fingers into the fabric of his tunic.
He somehow managed to spread her legs wider apart. How, exactly, Merida was not aware. When he rubbed his sex against hers, she squirmed at the reaction her body had. Tendrils of heat pooled in her core and down her legs.
“Wrap yer legs about my waist,” Tristan instructed and she did as he said.
There were soft murmurs outside the door. It sounded as if some people were becoming unsettled. Not caring what they felt, Merida wanted to laugh at someone else experiencing discomfort.
Tristan slid one hand between them and took himself in hand. Curious to know how he felt, she did the same and he allowed it. Touching her way down his front, she then wrapped her hand around his sex. His member was hard and thick, making her wonder how it would be that he could enter her and fit.
Once again, he took her mouth, pushed her hand away and guided his shaft to her entrance. “Relax,” he said between kisses.
When he drove into her, Merida cried out in shock. The pain was sharp, but momentary. Soon, her mind went to how fully he filled her, the strange sensation of being stretched and joined with him, not quite unbearable.
“Take yer time, relax,” Tristan said, keeping still.
Then as she began to relax, he began to move. He pulled out and then thrust back in several times until she wanted him to do so faster.
Outside in the corridor, there was a clearing of throats, but it didn’t stop Tristan from continuing. Merida, however, wondered if people had their ears to the door, or perhaps peered through the keyhole.
“Look at me.” Tristan turned her head to face him. “Tis only us here that matters.”
It was only moments later that he stiffened and spilled. Merida wasn’t sure what to do. She’d been enjoying the moment until recalling the witnesses and, after that, she could not relax.
“Ye may enter,” Tristan called out, sitting up. Merida scrambled up to the pillows and wrapped her arms around her knees. “Idiots,” she mumbled.
Her mother and Lady Mackenzie entered to inspect the sheets, but didn’t near the bed. The women spoke for a moment and then pronounced the marriage was consummated without actually looking.
“I am not sure how I feel in this moment,” Merida said to Tristan who lay beside her. “What happens now?”
He turned to face her. “We spend more time here together in the chamber. We are not expected at first meal.”
A shiver went down her body at considering that she’d share her bed with him all night. Merida tapped his shoulder. “Did ye enjoy it?”
“Not so much.”
“Me either.”
His lips curved. “I will ensure ye do next time.”
Surely, there wasn’t anything different to be done. Although she enjoyed his kisses and caresses, the actual joining was not what she’d expected. It was overwhelming and a bit uncomfortable. It wasn’t exactly something she would like to do again.
“Ye think too much,” Tristan said, rolling to face her. “There is more to joining than what we did earlier.”
Unsure if he said it to ensure she allowed it again, Merida frowned. “What else could there possibly be?”
“I will show ye,” Tristan replied and tugged at her chemise. “First, this must be done away with.”
Once the chemise was off, he then tugged his own tunic over his head. They lay next to each other, bare as the day they were born. She ran her hands down his chest, remembering the wounds that almost killed him. “They remain quite red,” she murmured.
The candlelight was enough that she could see that although very visible, his wounds had healed. “Ye had a good healer,” she murmured, noting the lack of darkening around the wounds.
“I had two very good healers,” he replied, pulling her hand to his lips. “Did I ever thank ye for saving my life?”
“Yes, by living.” Merida smiled.
“Ye must take me to meet the man who returned me to my family so that I can thank him properly as well.”
Merida nodded. “Aye, I can. He lives on McLeod lands however.”
Instead of speaking more, he traced the pads of his fingers up from her waist, hesitating at her left breast. Then, ever so slowly, circled the tip, sending awareness from where he touched throughout her body.
Once the pink tip of her breast grew rigid, Tristan leaned over and took it into his mouth. His tongue followed the same pattern his finger had, but the sensations were stronger and Merida gasped in air while threading her hand through his hair.
Need slammed into her and she arched up to his touch. Inexperienced in how to react, all Merida hoped was that he would know how to quench the fire.
She stiffened at his hand traveling up her thigh, unsure if she was prepared for another intrusion. But when his slid a finger through her folds and found the center, she cried out at the wonderful stirs that assaulted.
There wasn’t a way to explain what happened. All Merida knew was that never in her life had she experienced so much at the same time. Tristan circled the nub in the center of her sex until she began calling out his name.
“More. Oh, Tristan.” Merida was losing control but, at the same time, it was terrifying.
When he mounted her and teased at her entrance, Merida lifted, needing to be filled, wanting more than anything the beautiful ending that teased at the edges of recognition.
Ever so slowly, he pushed in, taking time to ensure she adjusted. All the while, his mouth teased at hers, his hands holding her breasts, both thumbs circling her nipples.
“Yes,” Merida said over and over. She knew it would be different this time. Already she was overfilled with pleasure.
Finally fully inside, Tristan let out a long moan and began moving, his hips lifting and lowering in a steady rhythm. He pulled out almost completely before thrusting in until fully inside as Merida urged him to continue, to move fas
ter and take her to full completion.
Her cries intermingled with his grunts of pleasure as they continued, each urging the other over the cliff to what awaited.
Although terrified when everything began spinning, Merida could not control herself any longer. With a loud cry, she let go, floating high before crashing down. Every single part of her body was rigid in anticipation until, finally, the last waves of her climax ebbed.
Tristan’s movements were hard and fast, his race to finish seeming to elude him. Merida grasped his shoulders to keep from being slammed against the headboard, but on he continued, his muscular body becoming drenched in sweat.
He was a majestic sight, skin gleaming, his face tight and muscles bunching with each movement. Stirrings like before surged, but this time not as strong as he lifted her bottom and held her in place so that he could enter deeper.
When he finally stiffened, sending currents of pleasure through Merida, his hot seed spilled over onto the bed.
He collapsed atop her, panting, and Merida ran her hands down his back, her sex tightening around his as she finally settled from the lovemaking.
“How wonderful,” Merida said, barely able to keep her eyes open.
“Mmmm,” Tristan replied, rolling off of her and pulling her against his side.
Moments later, soft snores filled the chamber as a maid tiptoed in to douse the candles.
Both slept until late the next morning, not having to find an excuse for missing the morning meal. Sometime during the night, Merida had wakened and explored Tristan’s body.
She’d mimicked his movement, sliding her hands up his torso, teasing the tips of his chest until he’d begun to breathe harder. Emboldened by his reactions, she’d then dared to touch between his legs. The sack and dormant staff were so different than anything she’d ever known. At her curious touch, he’d become aroused.
How interesting that at noticing his reaction, her body immediately responded. The lovemaking had begun with him sliding into her, moving lazily and without hurry. It was so different that Merida understood there were many ways, depending on the mood, to make love.
Passion took over and, soon, his movements became faster until both climaxed together.
His hands traveling over her body woke her to find that the sun was up.
Surely he didn’t mean to make love again. Merida pushed his hand away. “We cannot. Tis light.”
Tristan’s soft chuckle made her giggle. “Why do ye laugh?”
“People can make love whenever they wish, not only during the night hours, Wife.”
“Oh,” Merida replied, but did not utter another word because his mouth took hers.
Chapter Thirteen
His uncle was given a chamber inside the main house and Tristan found him looking out the window, seeming deep in thought. He didn’t turn upon Tristan entering.
“We should leave immediately,” Tristan said. “I do not wish to remain here any longer. The Mackenzie has gotten his way. There is naught else for us to remain.”
His uncle turned. “Did ye not enjoy yer wedding night?”
“That is not what is important.” Tristan did his best to not dwell on the fact that he had quite enjoyed his time with Merida.
“I agree we should leave, but scouts should be sent ahead to ensure the travel will be safe. Ye will travel with a wife, Tristan, and not to mention, a lass from another clan.”
He wasn’t convinced of any dangers. Not only had his messenger gone back, but his uncle and several guards had returned without any problems. “Nay, we leave within the hour. We can travel until dark and continue on in the morning.”
“Very well. I will inform the guardsmen to prepare to leave.”
In truth, he would have preferred to travel ahead and reach his keep before the party that would include his McLeod wife and whoever she brought along. Not to mention the many stops they’d have to make since women were not accustomed to riding nonstop to a distant destination.
In his opinion, it would have been best that way since it would allow for him to prepare his clan for the presence of a McLeod among them. Even without preparation, it would be a difficult transition not just for his clan, but also for Merida.
His uncle left to go see about the guards and Tristan went on to the great room to find Merida’s father and inform him they were to leave.
As soon as he sat at the table where the McLeod and his wife were, a servant brought him drink and food. He nodded his appreciation, but his mind was already preoccupied with the ride ahead. Nonetheless, it would be a long ride and knowing it was best to eat, he pulled the plate closer.
“We must leave immediately. Within the hour.” His announcement was met with shocked looks.
“So soon?” Lady McLeod got to her feet. “Can ye not wait a day at least.”
“Nay,” Tristan replied. “We have lingered overly long already. There is much to do back at my homelands. Spring arrives and I have duties to see to.”
The McLeod stood and looked to the doorway. “Ye do not give me time to send for my guardsmen, a scout to ensure safe travels for my daughter. I cannot afford to give up any of my escorts right now.”
“It will be well. I have enough guards to keep yer daughter safe.”
As his wife hurried away, the McLeod gave him an annoyed look. “I hope that in the future, ye take yer wife more into consideration.”
“Tis what has to be done, whether a long or short farewell, ye were aware that Merida would leave with me. I will ensure for her safety. Ye and yer wife are welcome to come visit.” He hesitated. “Or I will bring her to ye. It may be safer that way.”
“That will take some time. Ye are well aware of it. Neither of our clans has been fully informed of what transpired here.”
Tristan clenched his jaw and let out a breath through his nostrils. Never did he think to have to explain his decisions to a McLeod. And yet, the McLeod was in his rights as a father to make demands over his daughter.
The man’s eyes narrowed and he lowered his voice. “Know this, if any harm befalls my daughter, I will not care if I die, but I will find ye.”
He stormed away.
Too annoyed at being chastised, Tristan barely tasted the food. He stood and went to find the Mackenzie.
Once he was allowed into the Mackenzie’s study, Tristan gave him the same news as earlier. Unlike the McLeods, the Mackenzie was understanding of his need to return to his keep. “See that yer brother comes to visit later this season.”
“Aye, I will,” Tristan replied and waited a beat. “Know that although we are allies with ye, we do not feel beholden to ye. Our lands remain ours, as do yers. However, if ever the need comes for ye to need anything, we will respond.”
Unexpectedly, the Mackenzie chuckled. “Ye make a good leader. Yer brother is fortunate to have ye to speak on his behalf. Likewise, Clan Mackenzie will be available to ye.”
Tristan wanted to ask if the same offer was made to the McLeods but knew the Mackenzie would rebuff the question. Instead, he nodded and left.
Already, his mind was ahead, planning the best route to return quickly but also ensure for easy travel with a cart and wagon.
*
Merida had just finished dressing when her mother and Paige burst into the room. Upon seeing her mother was crying, her chest tightened. “What has happened? Is Da…”
“Tis not that,” Paige interrupted. “Ye’re leaving.”
“I know,” Merida said, consoling her mother. “Let us spend the day together. I wish to talk and perhaps go for a walk to the loch.”
Her mother shook her head. “Tis not possible. Yer husband is preparing the mounts. He means for ye to leave immediately.”
“What?” Merida rushed to the window, threw the covering aside and leaned out. Sure enough, in the center of the courtyard were her husband, his uncle and a contingent of Ross guardsmen. They looked to be packing up the horses, tying bundles to their saddles and walking back and forth to a wagon.
Her mother neared and pulled her into an embrace. “At this point, it matters not. We must help ye prepare.” She turned to Paige. “Fetch Elsa and Hilda and two lads to come help us pack and send another to fetch food for Merida to break her fast and also ask that a food basket be prepared for her to take.”
Too shocked to speak, she could only stand in the center of the room and blink back tears. This was not how she expected the day would go. Not only did Tristan not say a word to her, but also for him to go forth with such an important decision without allowing her opinion resonated of how much her life was to change.
It took a lot of fortitude not to race out the door and confront Tristan. Instead, she went to the nearest trunk and searched for a traveling outfit.
Time seemed to speed through. Between Elsa and Lady Mackenzie’s maids, all the packing was completed promptly, her hair plaited and put up in a sensible style and she was ready to go.
Head held high, she walked to the doorway. Her companion, Elsa, sniffed and she turned. “Do not cry. Ye had a choice to remain behind. I did not.”
Elsa’s eyes widened. “Aye, I am sorry. I will try not to cry.” She wasn’t successful as a tear trickled down her reddened cheek.
Merida let out a sigh. “Try not to cry when we get outside then.” Ensuring to avoid looking at either her mother or Paige, she marched out, down the stairwell and through the front door.
Unlike her current mood, the day was perfect. Warm with just a few fluffy clouds hovering in the bright blue sky, spring was apparent. A light breeze blew that would make traveling easy, bringing a respite to both traveler and horses from the bright sun.
Ensuring to keep her gaze flat, she did not look to Tristan, but to the lads who carried her trunks. “See that they are on one side of the wagon. My companion needs a comfortable place to sit. Place folded blankets there.” She pointed and then turned to another set of young men who brought Elsa’s smaller trunk and a basket.
“The small trunk can be put next to mine. The basket should be placed up toward the front so that Elsa is able to reach into it.”
A Hardened Warrior Page 10