Warrior of Fire

by Michelle Willingham

  ‘I must speak with him.’ She began walking towards the tower, and the guard shadowed her. When she reached the door, she found it locked. To the man, she commanded, ‘Open this now.’

  He shook his head. ‘You would not be safe with him.’

  ‘He protected me for several days,’ she protested. ‘Don’t be foolish. Open the door, and you can stand here to guard me.’

  The man shook his head. ‘No, my lady. I am sorry.’

  She eyed him and then sat down in front of the door, gathering her cloak around her for warmth. ‘I suppose I’ll wait, then.’

  He strode away from her, obviously believing she would never stay outside in the cold. Snow flurries drifted downward from the sky, and she rested her cheek against the wood. ‘Are you there, Raine?’

  ‘Oui. I am here.’ His voice sounded weary, and she was terrified of what had happened to him.

  ‘What did they do to you?’ She got on her knees, speaking through the locked door. ‘And why are you a prisoner?’

  ‘They chained me in the dark because I could not tell them of my commander’s orders.’

  She couldn’t understand why the MacEgans would do such a thing. It made no sense at all, for Raine had done nothing wrong.

  ‘Why did you come to Laochre?’ she asked. ‘Did something happen?’ There was a shifting sound, and she heard the metallic jangle of his chains as if he was moving closer to the door.

  ‘Why do you think I came, chérie?’ His voice was low, but there was a trace of warmth within it. Carice pressed her hand to the door, and it was almost as if she could sense his hand on the opposite side. This man had become a friend to her, and seeing him imprisoned was wrong.

  She wanted to imagine that he’d come to escort her to the west, but it was unlikely. He did have orders to obey. Queen Isabel’s warnings held truth in them—a Norman soldier could not do as he wanted. His life was sworn to the king’s service. ‘I think you came back to see that I arrived here safely.’

  He didn’t answer, but she suspected that he could not admit such a thing, even if it was true. Raine de Garenne was a Norman soldier, not a man who held any feelings towards her. Even so, she wanted it to be true, for he had fought to keep her protected.

  ‘I wish you were here to help me travel away from this place.’ Her voice held her wistful imaginings, and she lowered her palm from the door. ‘My offer stands, if you’re willing.’

  ‘Whether I am willing is not the question,’ he said. And in the answer, she realised that his duties imprisoned him as surely as these chains did.

  Carice shivered against a gust of wind, and saw that the soldier had turned back to watch her. When she didn’t move, he crossed the inner bailey to stand before her.

  ‘You should go back to your chamber, my lady. It is far too cold for you to remain here.’

  ‘I will be glad to obey, if you will grant me a few moments inside with Raine.’ She needed to know what could be done to get him out of this place. And while she suspected that the Norman army intended to invade Tara, none of that mattered to her, for she would be nowhere near the High King. And neither would Raine, if she could convince him to come with her.

  He didn’t behave like a soldier, she realised. More like a commander or even a Norman lord. There was a sense about him as if he would never yield or break.

  The soldier eyed her. ‘If I grant you a little time, you must vow to return to your chamber.’

  She offered him a blinding smile. ‘I so vow it. And I thank you for whatever time I may have.’

  ‘If you break that promise, I will carry you back against your will.’ With that, the guard unlocked the door.

  Carice pushed it open and saw that it was impossibly dark within the space. ‘Raine, I am here.’ She didn’t want to startle him, particularly if he couldn’t see her. To the guard, she asked, ‘May I have a torch?’

  He left to get one, and Carice took off her cloak, bringing it to Raine. In the dark, she knelt down and spread it over him. His skin was icy, his muscles rigid from the cold.

  ‘I’m so sorry that this happened,’ she began. ‘Why did they lock you in here? I still don’t understand.’

  Before Raine could answer, the guard returned with the torch. Carice took it from him, setting it within a sconce on the wall. He eyed her and said, ‘You may remain only for a short while, my lady.’

  The moment her eyes adjusted to the dim light, her mood turned grim. Raine’s wrists were bound in iron chains, and he had nothing to protect him from the cold night air. She moved to sit beside him and took his hand in hers. His fingers were freezing and she tried to warm them. ‘What can I do to get you out of here?’

  ‘I will get myself out,’ he said. The dark timbre of his voice made her wonder exactly how he planned to do it. And she didn’t want more death.

  ‘I will talk with King Patrick and see what can be done.’ She rubbed his hands, trying to bring warmth into them. ‘I am sorry you were treated like this. Especially after all you did for me.’

  He gripped her hand. ‘Do you still want me to take you away from here?’

  His question startled her, for she didn’t know if it was possible, given his position within the Norman forces. ‘Would your commander allow this? I thought you had to return to them.’

  He regarded her, and the intensity of his gaze made her look away. ‘No. He would not allow it. But if they believe I was held prisoner and could not return...’

  She understood what he was implying. If he claimed that the MacEgans had held him captive here, the Normans would know the truth of it. ‘It will not take long,’ she said. ‘If we ride swiftly, we can be there within a few days.’

  The thought of journeying with Raine brought about a rush of eagerness. Yet she felt a slight worry about his reasons. Although he had offered once before, she hadn’t wanted to accept his help, after learning what he wanted.

  ‘Why do you want to travel with me?’ she asked. ‘Is it because you want information? I have told you already, there is nothing I can tell you.’

  ‘That isn’t the reason why.’ His thumb slid over the pulse point upon her wrist. The simple touch undid her senses, and she pushed back the rush of longing.

  ‘Then is it gold or silver that you want?’ Her uncle, who dwelled on the Dingle Peninsula, would give a reward for her sake, she was certain. It would not be much, but enough for his trouble.

  ‘No.’ The chains rattled slightly as his hands moved to her waist. ‘That’s not what I want.’

  Her heart thundered within her chest, and she didn’t know if she was imagining the interest in his voice. ‘Then what is it?’

  He paused a moment before his hands fell away. ‘There were...people I wanted to protect once. I failed in that. But I can protect you.’

  She started to protest, ‘It’s dangerous. And I don’t think—’

  ‘Does there have to be a reason?’ he prompted. When she said nothing, he added, ‘We both know the MacEgans will not want to cause trouble between your clan and their tribe. It is easier if you allow me to be your escort.’

  He was right, but she still wasn’t certain about the answer he had given. There was something missing, something he wasn’t telling her. She took a step backwards and was startled when the world seemed to tip. Raine caught her before she fell.

  ‘You look pale. Are you still unwell?’

  She took a moment to steady herself. There truly wasn’t a good way to answer his question, for she was always unwell. Instead, she responded, ‘There are good moments and bad. I’ve learned to live what’s left of my life from hour to hour.’

  He didn’t appear pleased to hear that. ‘You should go back to your chamber and rest.’

  Aye, he was right. ‘I will. Give me a few hours, and I will try to arrange your release.’ If that w
as even possible. She didn’t know how King Patrick would agree to free him. ‘But what shall I say to the king? He wants answers from you.’

  ‘Tell him I will break my silence.’

  Carice moved in and removed her cloak, placing it around his shoulders. ‘Try to stay warm until then.’ She tucked the wool against him, and he caught her wrists with his chained hands. In the freezing darkness, a sudden heat rose up within her skin. She was conscious of every breath between them, and her breasts tightened against her gown.

  It was a foolish response, but one she could not suppress. Raine took the edges of the cloak and drew them around her, cocooning both of them in the wool. Her heartbeat stuttered within her chest, while her body yearned to move even closer. On impulse, she hugged him, hiding her burning cheeks against his chest.

  God help her, she was wanting far too much. Her feelings were shifting past the brink of friendship into something more. And it was dangerous to both her wayward heart and her mind.

  Don’t, she warned herself. He is going to leave.

  She knew that, but she also knew that every fragile moment of life was to be treasured. In a matter of hours, she could be curled up in a ball once more, her stomach raging with pain. Moments like these were rare, and she wanted to savour the feeling.

  An aching caught inside her, while her emotions weakened beneath the weight of yearning. She knew there was no future with this man or any other. If she dared to let herself dream, it would only break her heart when he left her. And he would leave. He had to return to his duties, and she was fleeing a marriage from the most powerful man in Éireann.

  Not to mention, she was dying.

  Raine’s palms moved up her spine, and her fingers tightened around him in response. She had no right to reach out to this man.

  But when he caught her mouth in a kiss, all her resistance melted. The heat beneath her skin transformed into a shocking fire that burned within her. She felt her body melting against him, like candle wax beneath a flame. She wanted to be closer, and when his tongue slid inside her mouth, she felt the echo within her womb.

  He spoke against her lips. ‘The guard is watching us.’

  ‘Is he?’ She kissed him back, welcoming the invasion of his tongue. He threaded his hands into her hair, claiming her mouth with a raw power that consumed her. Never in her life had she ever been kissed like this.

  And she wanted more.

  Chapter Five

  Raine held the cloak through the rest of the night, the scent reminding him of Carice. The guard had forced her to go, but the warmth of her body lingered. He didn’t understand why she got under his skin, but he couldn’t resist the urge to kiss her. And he knew, all too well, what might happen if they travelled alone together.

  He reminded himself that no harm would come to her when he brought her to Rory Ó Connor. She would be protected, as the High King’s bride. And Rory would never have the chance to lay a hand upon her—Raine would make certain of that.

  Morning light filtered through the bottom of the wooden door, and he heard footsteps approaching. The door swung open, and the sudden light was blinding. Two men came inside the tower, but he had not seen these guards before.

  ‘King Patrick wishes to speak to you again,’ the taller man said. ‘Come with us.’ They bound his hands with rope before unfastening the manacles and chains. Raine bent down to pick up the fallen cloak, and before they could protest, he said, ‘This belongs to Lady Carice. She will need it.’

  One of them took the cloak, and they led him back to the donjon. The ground was blanketed with snow, and it coated the top of the walls. He walked up the stone stairs leading inside, hiding his annoyance at his hands being bound.

  Once he entered the Great Chamber, the scent of food nearly brought him to his knees. What he wouldn’t give for a piece of roasted meat or warm bread. His mouth watered, but he held back his hunger when he was brought to the king. Patrick sat upon a carved wooden chair with his wife Isabel beside him. This time, Lady Carice was seated at the queen’s side.

  When Carice caught sight of him, she smiled. Though her face was wan from lack of sleep, there was a brightness in her blue eyes. Despite all that she’d suffered, her beauty tightened the breath within him. It was a dangerous game he was about to offer, one formed of lies and betrayal. If she agreed, she would despise him when it was over.

  He was a cold-hearted bastard who didn’t deserve to walk upon the same dirt. The kiss he’d taken had been born of the desire he’d struggled to hold back. This woman was a trusting innocent, and he, a man whose life was clouded by a ruined past.

  And yet, Carice’s smile took apart all his plans to stay away from her.

  ‘I understand Lady Carice went to speak with you during the night,’ King Patrick began, using the Norman language. ‘Why?’

  ‘She asked me to escort her to the west, away from the High King’s men.’ He knew not what she had said to Patrick, so it was best to keep to the truth.

  ‘One of our men can bring her there,’ the king responded. ‘She would be safer with Trahern or Connor.’

  ‘It is her choice to make.’ Raine knew the man had every right to be suspicious. Oui, Lady Carice would be far safer with the MacEgans. But he faced the king and let the man draw what conclusions he would.

  ‘You never answered my questions last eve. Are you prepared to speak now?’ The king leaned in, resting his forearms upon the table.

  Raine thought a moment, trying to decide how to begin. He turned to Queen Isabel and addressed her first. ‘I understand that your family is Norman, my lady.’

  She glanced at her husband and nodded. ‘I was, yes. But my loyalties lie with my husband.’ Her voice held a warning, as if he should tread carefully.

  Raine acknowledged her with a nod. ‘Then you understand what a Norman soldier must do. And what happens to him if orders are disobeyed.’ He kept his posture stiff, never taking his eyes from hers. ‘Or what happens to his family.’

  The king and queen sobered as they understood his meaning. Carice’s smile faded, and she asked, ‘What happened to your family, Raine?’

  He met her gaze but merely shook his head. This was not the place to speak of such matters. Instead, he directed his attention to the queen. ‘I have no choice but to obey my orders. And if I betray my commander by revealing them, it is not only my life at risk.’ He kept all emotions from his voice, revealing nothing. ‘As I told you before, I was granted a few days to bury the holy men who saved my life from the fire.’

  The king seemed uninterested by that and pressed again, ‘The Normans are gathering at Tara. I want to know why.’ His voice was edged with steel, making it clear he expected answers.

  Raine hesitated, choosing his words carefully. ‘It is no secret that King Henry wants command of Erin. But he does not wish to use force to seize it. An attack upon Rory’s men is not his intent.’ Those were the only truths he could give.

  ‘I sent several of my men to accompany Killian MacDubh and Lady Taryn of Ossoria on their journey to speak with the High King,’ Patrick said. ‘Are they in danger?’

  ‘Not from the Normans,’ he admitted. And this was true. Sir Darren’s interest lay in the death of the High King and nothing else.

  ‘Why did you refuse to speak to us last eve?’ the king queried. ‘You could have avoided an uncomfortable night.’

  ‘Because I needed time to make my own decisions. My orders are to return to the soldiers. If I do not, the penalty is death. And my family will suffer for it.’ He eyed Carice. ‘But I am willing to take a greater risk.’

  ‘And what is that?’

  This time, he looked at Carice and offered, ‘I have agreed to grant Lady Carice’s request to escort her to the west before I return to my duties.’

  ‘It is not necessary,’ the king began to argue, but
Carice raised a hand and intervened.

  ‘Forgive me, Your Grace, but I would prefer to go with Raine. It means that none of your men would be held responsible for my disappearance.’

  The queen’s look grew discerning, her lips tight with worry, though she said nothing.

  ‘If I take her alone, it is easier to remain hidden,’ Raine said. ‘But in return, I would ask that you let others believe that I am still your captive.’

  ‘Then your commander would not hold you responsible for your absence.’ Patrick exchanged a glance at Isabel, but the queen’s attention was upon Carice.

  ‘Is this what you want, Lady Carice?’ The woman’s face had grown serious, almost as if she wanted the answer to be no.

  ‘I trust Raine,’ Carice said, braving a slight smile. ‘He will not harm me.’

  At her words, the burden of lies grew heavier. He intended to use Carice, delivering her into the hands of her greatest enemy. She would never forgive him for this.

  But perhaps when the Ard-Righ was dead, he could bring her to the sanctuary she wanted, as a means of atonement.

  She will never trust you again, his conscience asserted. She would rather die than travel at the side of a murderer.

  He vaguely heard the voices of the king and queen mingled with Carice’s, as they spoke of the journey. But when he looked upon her beautiful face, he remembered the stricken faces of his sisters.

  ‘Raine, don’t let them take us,’ Elise had begged. Her eyes were shining with tears as the soldiers had seized her and Nicole. ‘Please.’

  He’d lowered his weapon, staring into the eyes of the Norman commander. It was Sir Darren de Carleigh, and there was no sympathy in his expression.

  Raine had forced himself to step over his parents’ bodies. ‘My sisters are innocent of this,’ he told Sir Darren. ‘Let them go.’

  ‘Your father was a traitor, and the king has given his orders for all of you to be taken and questioned.’