Declan's Bride: A Highland Romp

by Hildie McQueen

  He couldn’t help being filled with pride when several men watched her walk by. However, upon noticing Alasdair’s intense study of his wife, Declan scowled.

  “Ye know he does that only to goad ye,” Gordan said and then looked across the room where a comely wench served food. “Who is she?”

  Declan tore his gaze from his wife and looked to the lass. “I believe Moira said there were several new servants, she must be one of them.”

  Once again, he directed his gaze to Alasdair. The man stood to allow Cairstine to walk past.

  Alasdair said something to her and she nodded, smiling at whatever drivel he spouted.

  Declan rose and went to her. Taking her arm, he ensured a neutral expression. “Come with me, Wife.” He said the last word with emphasis.

  Alasdair lifted a brow. “I complimented yer beautiful wife. ‘Tis normal to do so when such a lovely woman is near.”

  “Right,” he gritted out and guided her away.

  “Whatever is wrong with ye?” Cairstine whispered. “He didn’t overstep in the least.”

  “I do not care for the man. Keep yer distance from him.”

  Instead of a reply, she huffed and looked away. Declan noted Alasdair smirking at her obvious annoyance.

  “Ye fall for it every time,” Gordan said. Declan wanted to bash someone’s face in.

  Cairstine smiled at him and slid her hand down his arm. She nudged his shoulder and gave him a soft smile. “Are ye pleased with my attire tonight?”

  “Aye, ye look beautiful,” he replied, softening.

  “What of my hair?” she asked, again her finger traced a circle on his forearm.

  He studied her face. “Everything about ye is perfect.”

  The coloring of her cheeks and soft smile made him glad to have pleased her.

  Declan leaned to her ear. “I grow impatient to see more of yer perfection later in my bed.”

  At Cairstine’s soft gasp and biting of her lower lip his ire was instantly replaced by desire.

  Before long, the guests who remained from the Hogmanay celebration and wedding and the Murray family listened to the music. All the while, the Murrays played host to Clan McDonald. No one would leave the room until the lairds retired, except the women who were allowed to leave when they wished.

  His mother and sister stood and motioned for Cairstine, who’d yawned twice already.

  “Go. I will be up shortly,” Declan said.

  She stood and made her way out of the room. Thankfully, Alasdair was in a deep discussion with Gordan and didn’t pay much heed.

  “We will remain and discuss more,” his father announced much to Declan’s displeasure. By the time he went upstairs, Cairstine would be sound asleep.

  Chapter Ten

  A soft snore woke Cairstine and she realized Declan had come to her bed during the night. On his back with an arm over his eyes, he was sound asleep.

  Her lips curved. Today, she’d ask him if he would prefer they share the chambers instead of maintaining two since her husband seemed as reluctant to be alone at night as she was.

  Unable to keep from it, she pressed a soft kiss to his lips. In response, he smacked them together and snored again. The reaction was most endearing.

  For several long moments, she continued watching him sleep. Early morning was her favorite time.

  The only sounds were of the penned beasties rising from their slumber outside and the soft words of servants out tending to the early morning chores.

  Everyone would soon rise and the first meal would be served. Once that was completed, she’d not see her husband until the last meal unless he remained about in the keep, which he usually didn’t.

  Snuggling against him, she closed her eyes, enjoying the few minutes of peace and quiet. When his arm tightened around her waist, she let out a sigh. Or perhaps there would be a few special moments filled with whatever sounds she and Declan would make.

  Declan was not at his best. His middle made him grimace as he swung the sword. However, he did not want to lose any fighting ability. It could be that the soreness would remain for a long time, so it was best he train and become accustomed to it.

  Not too far from him, Alasdair trained against Gordan, both comparable in skill and size. Although his brother was one of the best swordsmen, Alasdair seemed to keep up with him well.

  Sweaty and tired, he lowered his sword after another few moments of sparing. He headed to the area in the courtyard where there were a pot of water and cups for drinking.

  “I hear ye got gored.” Alasdair caught up with him. “Yer new wife must be a patient woman.”

  The best thing would be to remain silent and ignore the idiot’s comments. However, the pain, coupled with being irritated at not being able to perform with the sword, had worn down his defenses.

  Declan turned and shoved the man back. “Lift yer sword and let us see how able I am.”

  Alasdair’s laughter was cut short when Declan swung his sword, barely missing the man’s throat.

  Alasdair’s eyes narrowed. “Ye need to reconsider this.”

  “Defend yerself.” Rage roared through him and Alasdair seemed to realize he would not stop and he blocked the second fall of Declan’s sword.

  Declan swung again and again. Each time, Alasdair blocked him with ease and every block made Declan angrier. The man did not strike back.

  “Fight me.”

  “Declan!” Gordan raced closer. But he stopped as, once again, Declan and Alasdair clashed, sword against sword.

  Already tired and aching, Declan knew he would not last long. But anger gave him just enough energy to swing once again.

  Swiping across, Alasdair blocked him yet again. “Declan, ye should stop.”

  Declan stumbled backward and growled in anger when Alasdair lowered his sword.

  “Stop this instant!” Cairstine appeared, rushing to stand in front of Declan, her hands outstretched toward Alasdair.

  Eyebrows lifted, Alasdair took a step back. “I mean him no harm.”

  Declan had to force himself not to shove her aside.

  “Cairstine! Go inside at once. This is no place for ye.” Humiliation coupled with anger made his voice shake.

  “Have ye gone mad? Ye’re in no shape to fight like this.” She ignored him and swung to Alasdair. “And ye, what are ye thinking?”

  “I apologize, milady.” Alasdair bowed at the waist making a great show of looking chagrined.

  With his jaw clenching this time, Declan did push her, not hard, but enough to get the message across. “I said get ye away from here, woman. This is between men. Now go to our chambers and await me there.”

  “Ye should not...” Gordan started, but stopped when Declan glared at him.

  Cairstine had not moved, but looked up at him with a stricken expression.

  His anger was so great, he could barely speak. “Do ye and he,” he motioned to Alasdair, “have some kind of agreement to humiliate me? To make me a fool?”

  Her eyes widened and she stepped backward. Cairstine’s entire face crumbled. Turning on her heel, she dashed toward the keep. Stumbling over the uneven ground in her haste, she managed to keep her balance as she ran to the back entrance.

  Eyes bored into his back as he, too, walked toward the keep, but to the opposite side. The last thing he needed at this point was to run after Cairstine. That would only enforce the thought that he was weak and unable to control not just his sword, but also his wife.

  It seemed during the worst of times that he always ended up at the short wall where he could look out to the sea. The salty air usually soothed him. However, it did not on this day.

  The hurt he’d seen on Cairstine’s face had removed almost every trace of his anger. He’d spoken to hurt and humiliate her, not because he actually thought she and Alasdair had ever even spoken. Now he wasn’t sure how to repair the damage done.

  This marriage was a mistake. Since the beginning, it had all been the result of his brash actions and lack of
maturity. Now, not only did he pay the price, but his wife did as well.

  Cairstine was everything one could wish in a woman. Beautiful, caring and passionate. She maintained her position as wife of a laird’s son well. Although only a few days had passed since marrying him, she was already well liked and accepted by the servants and other clanspeople.

  With a start, Declan realized he was coming to care a great deal for his wife. The knowledge made him recognize just how unfair he’d been to lash out at the person closest to him.

  “I apologize.” Alasdair had approached without him realizing it.

  Declan did not face him. Exhausted, he let out a long breath. “For what?” he snapped, unable to keep from grinding his teeth.

  “Everything.”

  This time, Declan did look over his shoulder, puzzled at the reply. Alasdair’s expression was different. The arrogance was gone and replaced with lowered eyebrows and what looked to be actual regret in his gaze.

  The man lifted and lowered his shoulders. “Do ye remember the time we were but ten and five? The games. Ye beat me at archery?”

  It had been his first time competing and Declan often thought back to the games. It had been the first time he’d felt like a man. Not only had he won the archery competition set up for the younger lads, but he’d also had his first kiss. Unfortunately, her brother had interrupted them.

  He jerked around to face Alasdair. “This is not about the competition is it?”

  Alasdair lifted his chin. “Nay. Do ye even remember her name?”

  Searching his memory, all he could remember was the pretty lass with a wide smile and that she was very willing to go with him to the forest.

  “Ye do not because she meant little to ye,” Alasdair continued. “Ye broke her heart.”

  So the idiot had been interested in a lass. And because she’d chosen him, Alasdair held a grudge for over ten years. Declan decided not to goad him since it seemed to be quite serious. “It was but a flirtation. Nothing happened between us.”

  There seemed to be hope in Alasdair’s face as he looked to Declan. “Truth?”

  “Aye, just a kiss.”

  By the lovelorn look on Alasdair’s face, even if he and the lass had joined, it wouldn’t matter. What confused Declan was why the man had not approached the woman in all these years. Not that he cared as much as it was good to finally understand why Alasdair had always provoked him.

  Declan waited, unsure of what to say. “Ye should find her,” he finally said. “Yer feelings are obviously still strong.”

  Alasdair looked to the ground. “If I do, I owe her an apology as well.” The warrior lifted his hand and Declan took it. Gripping each other’s wrists, there was a silent understanding. Although they’d never be friends, they were no longer enemies either.

  After last meal, Declan went to his chamber. He stood in front of Cairstine’s door and lifted his hand to knock. It was best to confront the situation and speak to her, so he opened the door and entered the darkened chamber.

  Cairstine was fast asleep. He watched over for a few moment and then leaned and pressed a kiss to her temple.

  The McDonalds left at dawn the next morning. There was much to do for each of the clans. The agreement had been reached that the Murrays would consult with the McNeil and the Lyon, while the McDonald would oversee the building of an outpost for guards. Each clan would send five men to keep guard during the winter season.

  Winter upon them and there wasn’t time to lose, the building would take place immediately and the first of the guardsmen would leave within a fortnight.

  Declan leaned back in a chair as he and his brother joined the council in discussions over who would go where.

  It was decided Declan and five men would go to the Lyon keep, while Gordan and his men would visit the McNeil.

  They went over more details and the conversation continued. Cairstine and his sister descended the stairs, not paying them any heed. They spoke in soft voices ensuring not to interrupt as they made their way toward the kitchens. Today, Cairstine wore a serviceable gown in deep shades of brown. No matter her dress, she looked beautiful as always.

  Several men’s gazes lingered on her, but she seemed distracted and didn’t so much as look in their direction.

  He’d yet to speak to her, unable to find the correct words to convey what he felt. There was much to learn about her and, so far, everything was pleasing. The one mistake had been to intercede on his behalf in front of his fellow guardsmen.

  Although she’d acted out of fear for his safety, a woman should know her place. Women were never to step foot where men trained for battle.

  “Ye should speak to her,” Gordan commented.

  Declan diverted his attention to the map spread on a table in front of them.

  One day, Gordan would marry and Declan looked forward to whispering stupid remarks into his ear. For now, he’d bide his time. “I will.”

  He’d not sought out her bed the night before and had barely slept. The hours had passed slowly and he’d tossed and turned without finding rest. Already, he’d become accustomed to the feel of her warmth in the night and how she snuggled against his back while he slept.

  He met his father’s pointed gaze.

  Declan blew out a breath. “When do I leave?”

  “Today,” his father replied. It was exactly the answer he didn’t want to hear.

  “Very well. I will gather my things.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Cairstine watched from the balcony of her chambers as the men mounted and prepared to leave. Two parties were to go in opposite directions. One led by Gordan and the other by Declan.

  He’d yet to speak to her since the occurrence and she doubted he would before going. It was not a dangerous outing, so she didn’t worry about him being hurt. However, he’d been chosen to go to Clan Lyon and they were not on the friendliest of terms.

  Scanning the area around where the men and horses were gathered, she did not see his familiar dark hair. Although he’d recovered well from his injuries, he still was not at a place where she would not worry if they were attacked along the route. Then again, the man had seemed to handle himself well the day before.

  She had made a huge mistake. From childhood, it had been repeated to her time and again. Never should a woman interfere in the battles between men. The day before, terror had seized her and, without thinking, she’d dropped the basket from her hand and had rushed to intervene for Declan.

  Her mother-in-law, although understanding why she’d done it, had also admonished her for the action. And although everything was smoothed over between the women, her husband had yet to speak to her.

  Flora Murray had warned her Declan was slow to calm. Her mother-in-law also told Cairstine that her son was quick of temper but was never one to hold a grudge for long. She hoped so because the night without him in her bed had been most unnerving. Twice she woke thinking she heard him enter only to discover it was her imagination.

  Now, as he prepared to leave, it would be two or three nights more that she’d sleep alone.

  Gordan mounted and signaled his guardsmen forward. Atop his steed, the man looked every bit a Highland warrior. He wore his tartan proudly around his body and pinned to his breast with the Murray insignia.

  Before leaving, he turned toward the keep one last time. Whether it was to bid someone farewell or just to get one last look of home, she didn’t know. He then led the party forward.

  The second group stalled, the men still checking their horses and ensuring the straps of their saddles were secure. Declan was not with them, although someone led his horse to the group. The young lad spoke to someone and they looked up to the balcony where she stood. No, her husband was not there, not with her.

  A tear slid down her cheek and she brushed it away and sniffed. How could it be? The first time her husband departed for more than a day and he would not seek a farewell from her.

  Then again, instead of being down where the family w
as, she brooded alone in her chamber. Cairstine whirled around and dashed to the door. Upon opening it, she hurried out only to stop at finding Declan walking toward her.

  “Ye’re in a hurry,” he murmured. He took her by the shoulders the beautiful blue gaze meeting hers.

  She looked up to meet his gaze. “I did not want ye to leave without wishing ye well.”

  His lips curved. “When I didn’t see ye below, I thought...” His brows lowered and he studied her face. “I should not have been so harsh. Forgive me.”

  With a loud sniff, she wrapped her arms about his waist. “’Tis I who is sorry for going out there. It was not my place.”

  The feel of his strong arms around her soothed her at once and sent tendrils of awareness down her body. “I missed ye last night.”

  “As I missed ye.”

  Cairstine wanted to drag him into the bedroom and tear every bit of clothing off of his body. The thought made her face heat.

  He tipped her face up and kissed her. By the savage way his lips and tongue took her mouth, it was evident how much he did, indeed, miss her the night before. Finally, he broke the kiss. His breathing was harsh, making his wide chest expand and contract. “When I return, we will share not only our bed, but ye will move into my chambers. Aye?” The last word made her smile.

  “I prefer to move yer things into mine,” she quipped back.

  When his lips curved and he nodded, she smiled wider. “Very well. See that it is done.”

  With one last kiss, he took her hand and brought her with him down to the courtyard. Cairstine stood between her mother-in-law and sister-in-law. They both put their arms around her waist, seeming to understand how hard the separation from her new husband would be.

  His dark hair glistened in sunlight as he mounted and, like his brother, Declan stood out amongst the guard as a natural born leader. There was no weakness in this man as he motioned his guard forward and commanded with a strong voice. The men did as he bid. Then, at the last moment, he looked over his shoulder and met her gaze. The left corner of his mouth lifted before he turned and rode away.