Medieval Ever After

by Kathryn Le Veque

  Jennie’s smile was contagious. What a wonderful thing Alex had done for his sister. She couldn’t believe a man would have the foresight to help a wee lass deal with the loss of her parents by filling her time with new puppies. She shook her head at the thought, unable to imagine Kenneth or Niles doing anything with such consideration.

  “Jennie, I imagine you miss your mother a great deal. It is difficult to lose your parents anytime, but you are so young,” Maddie whispered as she looked at Jennie through tear-stained lashes.

  “Aye, I miss my mama and da very much. Sometimes I dream of sitting on my da’s lap, or hugging Mama. Those are my favorite dreams because I can still feel them after I wake up. But Alex and Brenna and Brodie and Robbie have been so good to me. I know they are spoiling me sometimes, but I like it. Promise me you will not give my secret away, Maddie. I like it when they spoil me. Especially Alex. He is as big as my da was. He always lets me sit on his lap, and sometimes I pretend he is my da even though I know he is not. Some of the servants tell me I am too big to be sitting on his lap, but I don’t care. I always feel safe there.”

  Maddie could not prevent the sigh from escaping her lips. It was undeniable—Alex was so strong and comforting, tender and protective. While riding with him that day, Maddie had experienced a strange feeling that being in Alex’s arms was where she belonged. She was safe there, just like Jennie had said. Only she had not admitted it to herself until now. Still, it could never be…

  Maddie winked at Jennie’s smiling face. “Well, now you have another lap you may sit on, lass. You are always welcome to sit on my lap, and I do not think you are too old.”

  Jennie helped Maddie out of the tub and handed her the linen. “I hope you like it here, Maddie. I want you to stay with us. You can be part of our family now. Please say you will stay.”

  Maddie toweled herself dry and stared into Jennie’s eyes. She did not want to lie to the lass. “I hope everything will work out for me, lass. You have been a great help, but I think it is time we get ready for the evening meal. I will get dressed and come down to the hall when I am ready. And I thank you for your help.”

  RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Kenneth arrived at the Comming keep with his men about a day and a half after he left his castle. The guards at the portcullis yelled down, “State your purpose.”

  “Open the bloody gates now, or I will whip you myself when I get inside!” he bellowed at the belligerent warrior. “I need to see the Comming now. We’ve problems.”

  After consulting with the Comming’s steward, the guards led Kenneth and his men into the bailey. They left their horses at the stables and headed for the great hall.

  “You and your commander only, the rest must wait outside,” Comming’s steward barked. Kenneth left Iain in charge of the men and motioned for Egan to go with him.

  Och, how he hated taking orders from people beneath him. Who did these lowly people think they were? Didn’t they know who he was?

  After all, he was the MacDonald laird. Actually, that was rather amusing to him. He had no more MacDonald blood in him than Niles Comming did. His mother’s audacity was entertaining.

  His mother’s parents had owned a tavern years ago. His grandparents had made their only daughter, Mildred, his mother, work almost every day after she was five summers old. He chuckled about that. His mother was much better at giving orders than she was at working. When she was about ten and five, his mother decided she no longer wanted to work at the tavern. She was tired of scrubbing floors, scouring pots, and washing linens. With all the men coming and going in the tavern, she had learned how much more she could earn on her back.

  She had liked the MacDonald laird, James. He was big and handsome, and she believed she could trick him into marrying her. A group of lairds were drinking in the tavern one night, and she plied the MacDonald with her sweetest smiles as she poured her father’s strongest whisky into his tankard. When he climbed up to his room, she followed and offered herself to him. Laird MacDonald was totally agreeable, except for one small problem—he passed out.

  Even that didn’t stop Mildred. When she managed to get herself pregnant soon afterwards, she blamed it on Laird MacDonald.

  Kenneth’s mother and her da had been smart enough to confront the man in front of his peers. While Clan Chief MacDonald remembered Mildred’s face, he did not recall much else. He finally relented and admitted the bairn could be his. And he agreed in front of witnesses that if his wife did not bear him any sons, her son would be the MacDonald heir. Kenneth chuckled to himself. His mother had reminded him every day he was supposed to be of noble blood and he deserved to be one of the ruling classes. And now her plans had come to fruition.

  Only Maddie presented a problem. Now that she had left the keep, he was not sure how he would handle Niles Comming.

  Moments later, Niles flew down the stairs. “This better be important, MacDonald. What’s the problem?”

  “Maddie has disappeared. I had to leave the keep the other night after a fire broke out in one of the cottages. When I returned, she was gone. She must have been kidnapped.”

  “Kidnapped? Have you received a ransom note, you fool? How can you no’ keep hold of a mere wench like Maddie? You better find her!” Niles bellowed in Kenneth’s face.

  “There’s been no ransom note yet. But who else would want her? She has no value.”

  “No value? She is a bonnie wench, and I liked her when I took her. You promised her to me!”

  “She probably ran away. You left enough blood on the sheets for five virgins. What in blazes did you do to her? You scared her away. She is refusing to marry you now.”

  “She is refusing?” The Comming reached out and grabbed Kenneth by the throat. “Well, you had best find her. We have an agreement, and I intend for her to be my wife. I will be able to handle her; I see you cannot.” Niles released Kenneth and shoved him across the room. He paced the hall, running his hands through his hair.

  “Mayhap another small MacDonald clan has her. They were all loyal to your father. Or mayhap she is trying to return to England. Her maid is English, is she not?”

  “We already checked the other MacDonald cottages. No one has seen her,” Kenneth said, rubbing his throat. “And I beat her maid senseless. She could not tell me anything. I was hoping you had some ideas. You know the clans in the area better than I do.”

  “The only one I know who is foolish enough to challenge us is Alexander Grant. He never got over losing my sister, and I heard he was in the area. Perhaps he wants revenge.” Niles ran his hand over his chin. “It has to be him. He knows I am the best swordsman in all of Scotland. He would love to be rid of me.”

  Kenneth raised his eyebrow. “Are you certain of that?”

  “Have you been talking about our betrothal? If the Grant chief knows about it, then it could only be him. I told you to keep your mouth shut about it till ‘twas done. We should have wed when I was there. ‘Twas your idea to wait. ”

  Kenneth jumped quickly to the defensive. “I have no’ told anyone, but servants gossip, you ken. And we could have done the wedding if the bride had been capable of standing, you fool.” Niles did not need to know he’d mentioned the betrothal to Alex Grant.

  Niles stared at Kenneth, then smirked. “Ah, perhaps I was a bit rough on her for her first time. She’ll learn to do my bidding.” Niles smiled as he stared off into the distance. He shook his head before turning back to face Kenneth. “Mayhap we should search the area tomorrow, see what we can discover. But if Maddie ran away, she will live to regret it.”

  Kenneth’s brow furrowed. The very thought of her running away made him furious. When they found her, he would make her scream. Blazes, but it buggered him when she was silent. She withstood blow after blow without a sound. Just unnatural.

  Kenneth turned to Egan. “Tell Iain we leave in the morning. The men can settle in for the night.”

  He had to admit—Maddie had toughened. Or ha
d he weakened?

  He would fix that.

  RESCUED BY A HIGHLANDER

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Maddie arrived in the great hall and found Brenna and Jennie already seated at the table. The hall was filled with Grant warriors and other families from the clan, but instead of feeling crowded, it was welcoming. Grant hall was quite beautiful, very warm and inviting. The rushes on the floor were clean and fresh. Several thick, colorful tapestries hung on the walls. She recognized one that her mother had worked on with Brenna’s mother. They were all spectacular, and many of them depicted Grant land in the different seasons. The one featuring the snow-covered valley was her favorite. She glanced over at the hearth. Several chairs were grouped near the fire, all with soft cushions.

  No one at the dining tables shouted their discontent as they waited for the meal. The large, boisterous group patiently awaited food while chatting with friends and family. So many things differed from her home—there were no loud vulgarities ringing through the hall, no lewd words or touches forced upon the serving women, and no spitting in the rushes.

  Maddie seated herself across from Brenna, and Jennie quickly moved to sit with them. The Grant men sat drinking ale by the fire, conversing with some of the guards, but Alex’s gaze locked with hers from across the room. He immediately headed for the table, his brothers following him. Making a polite bow, he looked into her eyes. “My lady, you are lovely this evening.”

  Maddie nodded her head and murmured, “Thank you, Laird Grant.” She wore one of Brenna’s pale green gowns. Green usually was a good color for her, and the gown flattered her curves. Blushing at the compliment, she found herself hoping Alex was not just making polite conversation.

  She chastised herself. Why did it matter? Despite how safe he made her feel, he was a controlling brute, and she ought not forget it. She glanced at the other men in the room, feeling suddenly overwhelmed, and then stared down at her hands.

  It mattered because it had been a long time since she cared how she looked. No one at Kenneth’s keep cared about her except for her maid, so her appearance had ceased to matter to her. Besides, Kenneth would not spend a coin on a dress for her if he could spend it on himself. Now she found herself dressing with Alex in mind. Of course, she knew it was foolish of her. He had no interest in her—except, perhaps, as a target for his bellowing.

  But she wanted to matter to someone.

  Alex sat to her right, brushing against her briefly, and she pulled her arms close to her body, her skin burning from the contact. The thought of all the strong guards seated around the hall invaded again, but the scent of Alex and his soap wafted toward her. You are safe. He would not allow anyone to hurt you. Breathing in deep, she focused on the man next to her, letting his calming presence wash over her. She boldly peeked through her lashes at his profile as he spoke to his sister. How could one man compose her and shatter her all at once? What spell had he cast on her? An overpowering urge to brush a lock of hair back from his face coursed through her. She stifled a gasp at the thoughts running through her mind. Did she actually want to touch him?

  The memory of how his warm arms had felt around her waist washed over her. Even then, his presence had comforted her—his touch had made her feel protected, not threatened.

  Yet he wanted to make her his prisoner. She could not bear that, however pure his intentions.

  ***

  Alex noticed that Maddie pulled away from him the moment he sat down next to her. She could not be more obvious, although at least she could not walk away from him at the table. Hugh was right. He had certainly made a mess of things in the stables today. He vowed to do better.

  The lady was a vision of loveliness. The green gown, her long golden tresses, and her blue eyes almost stole his wits. He was determined to try harder. Sweet words for a sweet creature, old Hugh had said. He scratched his head as he tried to recall the old man’s advice. Or was it soft words, soft creature? Blast it. How was he to remember such drivel? He had more important things to do than fuss over words. Couldn’t the lass understand his priorities?

  Catching her gaze again, he decided to try to get through to her. But it was so hard to think with her sweet scent filling his nostrils.

  The rest of the men took their seats, and Brenna motioned for the servants to bring out the food—a feast of stew, platters of brown crusty breads, and baked apples.

  Robbie spoke first. “So, my lady, how do you like our home? We are all hoping you will stay with us. Or do you have other plans?”

  Alex cut in quickly, “She is staying with us.” He abruptly turned and smiled at Maddie. Soft words, soft creature.

  Jennie jumped up from her seat and clapped her hands. “Aye, I am so happy, Maddie. I so want you to stay!”

  Maddie cleared her throat quietly before addressing them. “You have all been so wonderful to me. But I am afraid I cannot impose on your kindness forever. Once I am sure Kenneth will not cause me any more trouble, I will find a place for myself somewhere.” She gave them a weak smile and started to nibble at her food.

  Alex waited to see if anyone else would respond to her. Didn’t they all see that she belonged here? She belonged with him. He searched his family’s faces. Silence greeted him, along with expectant gazes from his brothers and sisters.

  They thought he should be the one to say it.

  After a few minutes, he sighed and turned to Maddie. “My lady, you belong here. I will not hear of you going elsewhere.”

  That should take care of everything. She will have no doubts about where she belongs. Hugh would surely agree with him that his comments had been soft enough for her. Why, he had almost whispered them. He was certain Maddie would accept his decree and agree to stay without argument. He smiled with satisfaction, confident his reasoning was sound.

  Four faces darted to look at Maddie. Alex’s brow furrowed as he stared at his family. What was bothering them now? They were incredibly rude and their fixed stares irritated him. He watched as Maddie ate a few more bites. Her skin flushed, but why? She must be excited to know she has a new home. He grinned at his success, barely managing to stop himself from wrapping his arm around her shoulder and pulling her in tight.

  “I am sorry, Laird Grant, but I will not stay where I am treated as a prisoner.”

  Dead silence fell on the table. Alex’s jaw dropped open. Prisoner? Where had that come from? He stared at Maddie, then at the faces of those gathered around the table. Jennie’s expression stopped him cold. He recognized it—tears were soon to follow.

  Wee Jennie looked back and forth from Alex to Maddie several times before blurting out, “Alex, you made Maddie cry today. It must have been you. Why are you so mean to her?” Tears welled in her eyes as she pinned him with a fierce glare.

  Alex froze in astonishment. What in blazes are they talking about?

  “If you will excuse me, I do not feel well,” Maddie said as she slowly stood.

  Alex was on his feet in a second, but when he reached for her arm, he poured all the gentleness he was capable of into his touch.

  Maddie jerked back from him nonetheless. She stared up at him with some unnamable emotion in her eyes.

  “My lady, I am sorry. Would you favor me with a stroll outside, please?”

  Madeline’s chin rose as she averted her eyes. “Are you sure it is safe enough for me to go outside with only one man?”

  He could only blame himself that she was able to throw his own hasty words back at him. It only made him more eager for the chance to explain himself. “Please, my lady, we must talk.”

  Maddie nodded and proceeded toward the door. The entire hall fell silent as Alex followed her and linked his arm with hers. She flinched a little, but then settled into his touch. He squeezed her hand slightly—his way of acknowledging that he knew this was not easy for her—and led her out of the hall

  They strolled in silence for a few minutes toward the gardens, listening to the hoot of an owl in the distance. A full moon brightened the
night. Shivering a bit, Maddie leaned against him. He was stunned, but he wrapped his arm around her, cursing himself for not realizing it was probably too cold for her tender skin. He rubbed his hand up and down her arm in an attempt to warm her.

  “I must apologize for my brusque manner earlier today.” Alex fumbled with his words. He was desperate not to make any more mistakes.

  She halted and turned to face him. “There is no need to apologize, but I think perhaps it would be best if I went to a convent. When is your priest due to visit? I am hoping he can help me.”

  He could not believe what he was hearing. He experienced a strange and painful tug on his heart when he thought of her leaving him—for a convent of all places.

  “First of all, Maddie, I think we are past formalities. Call me Alex. Secondly, how could you possibly ask such a thing?”

  “As you wish, Alex. I cannot stay here forever. You know I appreciate all that you have done for me, but it is not right for me to continue taking advantage of your family.”

  He searched his mind frantically for a sound argument for why she needed to stay with him, but he could not think of one. His mind was too addled by the thought of losing her.

  “You do not belong in a convent.”

  “How can you make that statement? You do not know me.” She stopped and gazed up at him, her eyes searching his.

  Again, he had no answer for her. This connection he felt was not something he could explain. It was in his heart and he had never before given much thought to matters of the heart. But perhaps there was another way of explaining what he felt.