Storm Trilogy

by Ria Cantrell

  Erik took her hand and led her to a table that had already been set with platters of food. He asked, “Will they be joining us for the evening meal?”

  Rhianna smiled and said, “I don’t think so. Perhaps later, I suppose. I think perhaps we should not wait for them.”

  “Rhi, did it look as if they were talking or arguing?”

  “Uhmmm, neither, actually,” she said, smiling. Erik’s brows furrowed and he said, “Do I or do not have to take a trip to Scotland on the morrow?”

  “Nay, I do not think so.”

  Erik was not seeing the humor in the situation. The last thing he wanted to do was take that trek to that horrible place and here Rhianna was being cryptic.

  “Rhianna, what did they say?”

  Rhianna was nearly bursting with joy, much to the annoyance of her surly husband.

  “They did not say anything, husband. They were making love and I thought it best to not disturb them.”

  Erik grinned and agreed, “Yes, probably a good idea.”

  But the grin died on his face as Drew’s parents approached to partake of the evening meal. They were anxious to learn if Drew had reconciled with Bronwyn.

  “Did you find them?”

  “Oh, uhm, aye. I found them. They…they need some time alone. They have a lot to discuss, I imagine. I think we should enjoy some food and then I shall have lodging prepared for you to rest after your long journey.”

  Elizabeth was still concerned for her son’s wellbeing and she inquired, “Did the girl accept my son?”

  Rhianna glanced at Erik and she then said, “Oh yes, it would seem so. I did not speak to them nor can I speak for Bronwyn, but it would seem that they--I mean they have worked past their silly prideful differences.”

  “A mother does not want her son to have a broken heart. T’is no matter that he is a grown man and a trained warrior. A son will always be that. You will learn when your wee one comes into the world.”

  Rhianna was sympathetic to this mother’s plight. She assured her, “They just need this time--you understand--alone. I think that Drew’s heart will be complete now. I don’t think his heart will be broken again.”

  Rhianna patted Lady Elizabeth’s hand and led her to a distinguished place at the table.

  “I promise they seemed very much in love. They just need this time to be alone,” Rhianna said again. Understanding registered on Elizabeth’s face and she smiled.

  “Oh, yes, of course. I suppose they do need some time to reconnect.”

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  Sated and happy, Drew and Bronwyn languished in bed. Stroking over her hair, Drew said, “You make a man forget his purpose, love.”

  She blushed and said, “Ye’ seemed to find yer’ purpose quickly enough.”

  Drew laughed and said, “Nay, not that purpose. I have people waiting to meet you. My kin came back with me. They are very excited to see you.”

  A small frown turned down Bronwyn’s mouth. Drew quickly kissed it away.

  “What is the matter? Don’t you want to meet them?”

  “Aye, but--what if, I mean, well, I am Scottish, after all.”

  “They know that. It does not matter to them. They know I love you. They will love you, too. Don’t be afraid.”

  Bronwyn nodded and said, “Then perhaps t’would be wise to ready and leave this bed for a time. I dunna’ wish to keep them waiting.”

  Drew kissed her again and with a stroke over her waist, he said, “They would understand, I think. But I agree. I want them to meet my beautiful woman.”

  Those words offered Bronwyn solace and strength. She was his woman. He had proclaimed it and she was so happy he had made that claim. She was his woman and never before had such a claim made her so happy. They rose and dressed; Drew in his still slightly damp traveling clothes and Bronwyn in a beautiful royal blue silk bliaut, cut in the English style. Drew helped lace her into the gown. It showed her delicious shape perfectly.

  It fit tightly around her narrow waist and pooled into a manageable train behind her. Soft tapered sleeves pointed over her delicate hands, while the over-sleeves lined in a rich gold silk, draped like the wings of an angel from her elbows toward the floor. Golden Celtic bands twisted above each elbow, in the knot work of her people. It reminded Drew of the workmanship on her harp. The deep color of the silk made her eyes appear like warm honey and perfectly contrasted beneath her lush auburn tipped tresses, which hung nearly to her waist. Drew could scarcely take his eyes off of her. He said, “I don’t think I have ever seen you in such a dress. You are luscious. I could devour you.”

  Bronwyn giggled and said, “Ye’ already did.”

  “I did, didn’t I? And quite a tasty treat you were, too.”

  Those words caused blush to deepen across her cheekbones. Just thinking about how he did “devour” her still made her blush.

  “The English style suits you.”

  “Well, I am marrying an Englishman after all…and meeting his very English parents for the first time. I would not have them react to me as Sir Erik had.”

  “They know of your heritage. I already told you, it only matters that you love me.”

  “That I do.”

  “Still, you are perfection in that gown. Thank you for wearing it for me.”

  She kissed him and wistfully fastened a band of her clan’s plaid over one shoulder. Drew smiled at her clan pride. He would not have her any other way. It was one of the reasons he loved her so much. Hand in hand, they left their chambers and made their way down to the main hall.

  The evening meal was just being cleared away as the couple approached. Drew’s parents rose; smiling upon seeing how happy they both seemed. Rhianna beamed at them knowingly. It was Drew who actually blushed, realizing there had been no hiding why they had been detained over long. They had made love two more times before returning to the main hall and no doubt their absence had surely been noted. Clearing his throat, Drew made the formal introductions, using Bronwyn’s full clan status.

  “Mother, and Father, may I present the Lady Bronwyn MacCollum, Daughter of Laird and High Chief of the Clan MacCollum, from the Noble Highlands of Scotland.”

  Bronwyn dipped her head and dropped in a formal curtsy before the parents of her beloved Drew. He continued, “My Lady and Intended, Bronwyn MacCollum, please meet my parents, Lord and Lady Brandham.”

  Lady Elizabeth took Bronwyn’s hands warmly in greeting and said, “Finally, I get to meet the girl who captured my son’s wayward heart. And a beautiful girl you are!”

  She was delighted. The young woman was a perfect match for her beloved son; beautiful, charming and sweet. Elizabeth hugged Bronwyn, wishing to be done with formalities. She whispered close to Bronwyn’s ear, “Dear Daughter.”

  Bronwyn was moved by so kind a greeting. She was then likewise hugged by Lord Geoffrey and all her worries about her heritage seemed to evaporate. Drew also announced, “I have once again asked for her hand and Bronwyn has agreed.” Rhianna stepped forward to hug them both and she urged them to sit down and share a toast and a bite to eat.

  They all engaged in polite and amiable conversation. Drew’s parents were interested to talk to the pretty “Lassie” who would soon be their new daughter. After the trestle tables were cleared, the three couples retired to Erik and Rhianna’s private apartments for mugs of ale or warm cider. Drew’s hand kept wandering over Bronwyn’s back, or down her arm. He was comfortable with the physical contact and gentle show of affection. It seemed the most natural thing in the world.

  Bronwyn stole glances at Drew and she opened her mouth to speak, but then clamped her lips shut. Noticing she seemed to want to say something, but had hesitated, he asked, “What, my love? Is something wrong?”

  “Nay, but one thing troubles me, Drew.”

  “I already told you I didn’t….” Bronwyn put her fingers to his lips. She said, “Shhh, not that. Why did ye’ not send fer me?”

  “I was too sick, and well, I was not sure
you would come.”

  Bronwyn’s eyes filled with regret. “Of course I would have come. Nothing could have kept me away. I sent ye’ that letter, telling ye’ how I felt….”

  “What letter? I did not get any such letter?”

  Bronwyn looked from Drew to his parents and they both shook their heads sadly.

  “I sent ye’ a letter, near more than a week’s past. I had forsaken my pride. I told ye’ how much I loved ye’.”

  Drew brushed a tendril of hair from her face and he said, “Sweetheart, I did not receive that letter. I wish I had, for it would have made coming here so much easier.”

  Rhianna’s expression soured with anger. Daria! Surely that spiteful witch was behind this. She did not want to question Bronwyn now about it, but she was going to put an end to this once and for all. She was not going to allow this insufferable woman to hurt Drew and Bronwyn further.

  “When Rhianna said you wanted to go home, I felt like I had waited too long and was too late. If I had had that note, I would not have hesitated to let you know I could not live without you. I was so very silly.”

  Drew kissed Bronwyn and Erik cleared his throat. He was not prudish; certainly not, as he and his wife were prone to showing their affection publically, but he still harbored unease at seeing Drew kissing the Highland woman.

  Changing the subject, Drew boasted, “Bronwyn plays the harp like an angel. Perhaps she would grace us with a song.”

  Once again, Bronwyn’s expression saddened. She murmured, “Drew, I canna’ play tonight.”

  She did not want to remind Drew that she had left the harp behind on the night she left him and ventured into the dangerous forest, nearly getting herself raped and killed. Feigning ignorance Drew said, “Oh nay? Are you embarrassed to play?”

  “Nay, t’is not that at all. Drew, I would love to play. It’s just that, well, ye’ know, I lost my harp that night I….” Her voice trailed off.

  “Oh, did you? That is more the pity, because you have such a wonderful gift.”

  Drew saw regret and sadness mar her beautiful face. He apologized, saying, “I am so sorry. I should have realized your loss.”

  Drew’s heart flipped at the sight of Bronwyn’s sadness. With head bowed, she softly said, “T’is alright. T’is just a thing after all. What matters is that ye’ have returned and that ye’ have forgiven me.”

  Drew nodded, and then excused himself. Bronwyn wondered at his sudden leave and his parents did not meet her eyes. They smiled, however at each other in understanding of Drew’s little secret departure.

  After several long moments, Drew pushed the door open and Bronwyn looked up. He said, “Bronwyn, come out into the hall for a moment. I wish to show you something.”

  Bronwyn excused herself and followed Drew out into the corridor. There, next to the door was a beautifully carved harp. It was adorned in the Celtic design similar to the one adorning her sleeves. It had been polished into a beautiful sheen. Bronwyn’s eyes widened in delight. She raised her gaze to Drew’s and said, “I dunna’ understand…”

  “Nay? I knew you had left yours behind. I stopped at Llerwyn the Harper’s home this morning and he had one he was willing to part with. I thought it was perfect for you. It has the design of your people on it. I wanted it to be a wedding present, really, but I thought you should have it straight away.”

  “Oh Drew! Oh Drew,” Bronwyn exclaimed, bursting into happy tears. Though he knew the tears came from joy, he still hated to see those beautiful eyes with tears of any kind.

  He said, “Even joyful tears break my heart. I wanted to make you happy.”

  “I am happy, ye’ wonderful man. How can I ever thank ye’?”

  Drew smiled and said, “Oh, I suppose I can think of a few ways later, with you wearing nothing but that lacey underpinning…”

  She laughed and kissed him. Picking up her precious gift, she brought it back inside the sitting room. She seated herself with it, almost forgetting anyone else was present. Her fingers lovingly caressed the carved wood as one would touch a lover. It was a magnificent instrument. It was made of beautiful rosewood and it was inlaid with bits of mother of pearl. Her fingers traced the beautiful Celtic carvings down the side of it. She bent her head close to the strings as she plucked it to see if it was in tune.

  With a few minor turns of the harp pins, it was tuned perfectly. Drew watched her, as she suddenly became lost in her own little world, where only she and harp existed. A look of pure joy was present on her face. When Bronwyn was content with its tuning, she began to play it. Her delicate fingers moving the strings of the precious instrument created the most ethereal sound. Drew had thought he had never heard anything so beautiful. That was until she began to sing. She was completely absorbed in the music as her voice, clear and angelic, added to the music she played. She sounded like a heavenly bird. Drew was completely enchanted. He had seen her play before, but never had he heard her sing.

  Everyone present sat enthralled as Bronwyn sang a love song that told a story of star crossed lovers who seemed destined to always miss being together, until the Fates stepped in and finally opened the doors for the lovers’ reunion, allowing them to live for all eternity in each other’s loving arms. When Bronwyn had finished her song, everyone clapped and cooed their praises; everyone except Drew. He had listened, spellbound, and he was speechless. He looked at Bronwyn with pure adoration and love. Bronwyn giggled softly at the lovesick look on his face. She teased, “Did ye’ nae’ like the song, Drew? Perhaps I should have sung aboot’ a fierce warrior off to a bloody battle.”

  “No, no, I just didn’t know.”

  “Know what?”

  “That you sang. I knew of course, that you played, but I think I never heard you sing before tonight.”

  “Ach well, truth be told I dinna’ feel much like singing when I was a guest of yer’ king. Playing soothed me, but I had not the joy or heart for singing.”

  Drew’s father stood and he took Bronwyn’s hand. Bringing it up to his lips, he kissed it and said, “Dear one, you are a treasure. We are so glad to have you as part of our family.”

  Drew knew that it could have gone horribly wrong and that many other people would not be able to accept Bronwyn, but he also knew his family was not of the warring mind as many of the English were.

  “I am happy to be considered as part of yer’ family.”

  Lady Elizabeth also stood and kissed her future daughter-in-law. She whispered, “Thank you for loving my son.”

  “I do love him, it is true, but he is easy to love. He is the man he is because of ye’, I am sure.”

  The older woman’s eyes misted and with a final kiss, she said, “We are off to bed. It is late and it has been a most exciting day.”

  Rhianna stood and said, “Come, I shall show you to your lodgings.”

  She left with Drew’s parents leaving Erik alone with his guard and Bronwyn for the first time since that horrible night weeks ago. He cleared his throat nervously and said, “M’lady…that was beautiful and most….”

  “Civilized,” Bronwyn teased. “Are ye’ shocked a barbarian such as myself could play so genteel an instrument?”

  “Bronnie,” Drew admonished, not wanting to start an ugly scene this night.

  “She is right, Drew. I need to apologize to both of you. I have behaved in a most unchivalrous manner to you both. This lady obviously makes you very happy. She completes you as you do her. She is not the savage I accused her of being. Please accept my apologies for all you have suffered because of my mean spiritedness.”

  Bronwyn crossed the room and put her hand into Erik’s.

  “It was a very bad time for both ye’ and I. I was most unhappy in the winter palace and ye’, well ye’ thought ye’ were going to lose the beautiful and kind Lady Rhianna. Having nearly lost Drew, I understand about the heartache and frustration ye’ must have felt.”

  Drew turned and looked at his beloved Bronwyn, astounded by her graciousness. Erik turned to D
rew and he asked, “And you, my friend, can you forgive me?”

  “Well, I am not as civilized as my lady here. I am afraid I need a bit more time.”

  Bronwyn touched Drew’s arm and she begged, “Drew please don’t. Sir Erik did help ye’ save me. He is yer’ truest friend.”

  Taking Bronwyn into his arms and holding her against his chest, he kissed her hair. He then said, “Alright then. If Bronwyn can put the past aside, I suppose I can do no less.”

  The two men clasped forearms in a truce just as Rhianna had returned to the room. She wistfully claimed, “I am afraid that all the extra rooms are now in use. Drew, you may need to share quarters with someone.”

  Drew grinned at his obvious friend. She was so transparent, but he loved her for it.

  “Well, I shall have to find a willing chamber mate, I suppose.”

  Bronwyn giggled as he planted a kiss to her shoulder.

  “Bronnie, do you have any ideas where I may rest?”

  “Aye, I ken such a place that would be perfect for ye’. I shall show ye’ there.”

  “Ah, I don’t know about that one, Lass. I fear that chamber mate will keep me awake all night.”

  “Aye, ye’ may be right. Well, there is always the great hall, then.”

  “No, I suppose I will take my chances with the one you have in mind.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Daria seethed with quiet fury. She had hidden herself in the darkened passage way leading from the kitchens to the stores below, waiting for the keep to quiet and settle for the night. She had seen Drew’s standard on the road and knew he had returned to the Scottish harlot.

  With all the fuss about his return, no one had paid her much mind, which worked to her advantage, as platters of food were brought to the tables in welcome of the “wayward” and lost Drew.

  Daria slunk into the shadows below the staircase leading up to Drew’s apartments and watched in horror as Drew and the she-dog pawed each other on their way up to bed. She may think she had won the battle, but Daria vowed it had only just begun. With her hooded cloak pulled down around her face, and the dimly lit alcove beneath the stairs, Daria was virtually invisible.