Storm Trilogy

by Ria Cantrell

  ~~~~~~

  As the night grew late and the festivities wound down with Bronwyn singing a song, the travelers were ready to retire. Bronwyn kissed her brothers and father goodnight. Finally she kissed Drew and whispered, “It will be hard to sleep without ye’ knowing ye’ will be sleeping elsewhere tonight.”

  “I know, but it is only for a little while. Then you will sleep beside me always. Rest well, my beautiful girl.”

  As Bronwyn broke away and started to head up to bed, Drew stepped forward, almost unable to let her go. He felt the heavy hand of Jamie pressing into his shoulder. Even if he had changed his mind and thought to follow Bronwyn up to bed, he seemed pinned to the spot. He turned and smiled even though he felt miserable.

  “Let her go, man. Come have a snort with us.”

  “I wasn’t going with her. I just wanted to hold her for a minute longer.”

  “Look, just wait for her da to go to bed. He knows she is all grown up and that ye’ and she have, well, ye’ know. But dunna’ rub his face in it.”

  Drew did not know what to say. Instead, Jamie clapped him on the back and said, “Come, have a drink with us. When my father retires, ye’ can go to her.”

  Drew grinned and said, “Oh sure. If I want my head severed from my neck in the morning.”

  Jamie laughed a full belly laugh that bespoke the truth. This man was no longer his enemy, it seemed, but his brother.

  “Nay, man. It seems she needs ye’ as much as ye’ need her. Ye’ have my word.”

  “It’s not you who will gladly separate my neck from my body. While you are the oldest, I think that big brute with the black temper would be all too glad to oblige.”

  A faraway look came into Jamie’s eyes at the mention of Rory’s black mood. There was something he wasn’t saying and it had to do with Rory. He said, hastily, “Well Ruiri went off. He will be, shall we say, sleeping elsewhere, I think. Last I saw him, he had his arm around a comely wench and he was on his way out of the hall with her.”

  Drew smiled and nodded knowingly. Before Bronwyn, Drew would have ended his evening much the same way. Jamie then said, “Ruiri is not a bad man. Ruiri has not been dealt a fair hand. Come. Have that drink and we will tell ye’ a little bit about it”

  When Drew finally let himself into his apartments, it was nearly morning. There was only a few hours left of darkness. Drew looked at the sleeping angel in his bed and he almost did not want to chance waking her. He thought to leave her and try to catch a few hours of sleep elsewhere, but as he stood there gazing at her, she moved her arm from out of the bedding and that caused the top fur to slide from her delicate shoulder.

  Drew could see she was not wearing a night-rail. Hot desire coursed through him as she lay there so innocently exposed to his gaze. He had to be with her. Undressing quietly, Drew carefully slid into bed beside her. Instead of feeling her bolt at his touch, she sidled ever closer to him and softly nestled her backside into the comfortable niche his body created. She was wearing those soft lacey things and he was undone.

  Drew rose hard and full instantly, but he vowed to himself to just hold her and not wake her. Desire or no, he was tired and a little bit drunk. Those boys could drink him under the table. He was starting to succumb to the drink and they weren’t even the least bit impaired.

  When Bronwyn felt Drew grow hard against her, she started a little. Drew soothed and said, “Shhh, honey, it’s just me.”

  “Drew?”

  “Were you expecting someone else?”

  “Nay, I just thought ye’ said…what are ye’ doing here?” Bronwyn turned and could see Drew was grinning at her. She sat up and said, “Ye’ better get out of here. If my brothers find ye’, they will grind ye’ up and bury the evidence.”

  “Not to worry, my angel. Jamie told me to come to you. He knew you were just as miserable as I was to be apart. He just thought I should wait for your father to go to bed.”

  Bronwyn was not convinced. She said, “T’is not Jamie I am worried about. Ruiri….”

  Drew kissed her worried lips and said, “I know. I was also concerned about him, but it seems that Rory is entertaining a lady so it would appear that we are in no immediate danger of discovery.”

  Bronwyn then put her arms around Drew and kissed him. Sliding down beside him, she began to move under him. He stopped her and said, “Nay, nay…not tonight. It is late and I really just wanted to hold you.”

  “But ye’ are…”

  “Aye, I am indeed…but I fear I am too tired to finish. Just rest with me.”

  “I am glad ye’ came.”

  With a grin and a wink he said, “But I didn’t.”

  Chapter Forty-Four

  The keep bustled with activity. Rhianna was overseeing the decoration of the main hall for the wedding feast. She had filled it with spring flowers and garlands. She had all the candles replaced and lanterns readied for a night of late revelry. She had ordered all the floors scrubbed and polished, sprinkled with fresh rushes which filled the room with a spicy clean scent. She was so happy that her best friends were getting married, that she wanted to make every moment perfect for their wonderful day.

  Rhianna saw to it that swaths of MacCollum clan plaid were draped on both sides of the fireplaces. She made certain that Drew’s colors were also entwined with the plaid fabric draped about the hall and entry doorway. She had finalized the feast selections with the cooking staff and she made certain that every detail was carried out to the utmost perfection. Erik kept an eye on his wife to assure himself that she was not exhausting herself with all the preparations. In seeing how happy she was, he let her continue in the festive plans so long as she promised to rest at the first sign of fatigue.

  Bronwyn was going to be wearing Drew’s colors: green and gold with a band of blue to show allegiance to Ragnorsen. Neither knew the other had foregone their own colors in order to wear the colors of each other. Rhianna thought it was so romantic and sweet. The bride and groom were both prohibited from the main hall and chapel. Rhianna wanted to surprise them both. Bronwyn was kept busy being fitted and pampered with a mineral scrub and bath.

  A repast was being served for the wedding party in Erik’s private apartments. It was the first and final time that the bride and groom would be permitted to see each other until the next morning. When Drew saw Bronwyn, he took her into his arms and kissed her. He playfully stroked down the bridge of her adorable little nose. She was fairly bursting with radiant joy and elation. Rhianna grabbed hold of Drew’s elbow and said, “Might I have a word with you?”

  He let the lady of the keep lead him out into the corridor and he asked, “Is all well, beautiful lady?”

  “Aye,” she said looking up into the handsome face of the man who had become her friend. It was difficult to be firm with him, because he was as charming as her husband. Still she spoke strongly.

  “You are not to see Bronwyn after this meal.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I mean just that. If I find you sneaking into her chambers tonight, I shall ask Rory to deal with you. It is ill luck and she needs her rest for her big day.”

  Drew was charmed with his friend’s superstitious warning. With his most disarming smile, he said, “You would not turn me in to those bloodthirsty Scots, would you?”

  “Aye. Any other time I would be happy to look the other way but not tonight. She has been through too much to risk the Fates stepping in and ruining things. Now you may spend as much time with her during our midday meal and a little after, but that it is it until you see her walking down the aisle. Poor little thing looked exhausted at breakfast. It would seem someone kept her awake.”

  “And just how did you know I snuck back in to see her? A conjuring of your witchy mind?”

  Rhianna smiled sweetly but her voice belied her resolve. “Nay. I happened to be up and saw you leaving her room before day light. Thank goodness it was me and not one of those MacCollum boys.”

  “Aye, you are right. I will
be more discreet.”

  Rhianna fixed a glare on him and said, “No you will not! Andrew Brandham you will keep out of her room tonight or I shall post Rory as a sentry at her door.”

  With a hand over his heart, Drew feigned being wounded. He said, “You are a cruel, cruel woman.”

  “Now Drew, you know I love that you and Bronwyn have found each other. Nothing warms my heart more to know that you enjoy each other, but not tonight. After the wedding, I don’t care if you and she make love wherever and whenever you want.”

  Drew raised his eyebrow. Rhianna said, “Within, reason, of course. Well, do I have your word on this?”

  “Aye, Lady. I give you my word. I will truly try to control my raging lust and you need not post Rory as guardian. I will not see my bride until the wedding.”

  After their pre-wedding luncheon, Drew took Bronwyn outside the door and kissed her. He said, “I need to say goodbye here, my love. Rhianna has forbidden me from seeing you now until the wedding. She even threatened to post Rory at your door to assure that I will keep my promise and not sneak into your room this night.”

  Bronwyn giggled at the thought.

  “Well, ye’ best heed her then. I’ve no wish to have you beaten to a pulp on our wedding night. I want ye’ hale and strong for I have plans that need ye’ to be pain free.”

  “Oh, aye? I think I shall have you keep that promise, too, my love.”

  Bronwyn stifled a yawn. Drew smiled and said, “Tired, my love?”

  “Well they have been keeping me busy. Ye’ know what I would really love? To find a place to curl up and have a bit of a nap.”

  “Actually, I think it would be lovely to find a quiet place and have a rest with my beautiful lady.”

  She laughed softly at her big tough warrior wanting an afternoon nap. As she looked up into his eyes, she saw he did seem weary. Touching his deliciously square jaw, she said, “Come with me. I know just such a place.”

  “Bronnie, we can’t. Rhianna will have my hide.”

  “Never mind that. Come,” she said, taking Drew’s hand and leading him to the solar. Drew looked around and he said, “I don’t see a place for both of us to rest.”

  “We will make a place.”

  She began gathering pillows and cushions and laying them on the floor. She then unfastened her plaid and she draped it over the mound of cushions, creating a make-shift pallet.

  “There, a cozy little place to rest.” She knelt down on the pallet and extended her hand to him. He removed his boots and belt and he sat down next to her. Despite the lumpy appearance of the makeshift bed, Drew found it to be quite comfortable. Bronwyn was sitting there in just her shift and bodice. She looked like an angel beckoning him. He took her hand and kissed it.

  “Lie down now, my love and take yer’ rest.”

  Drawing her down with him, the comfortable feel of the pillows and the coolness of the room actually helped them to relax quickly. She rested her head on his shoulder and he gently tucked her hand in his, placing it over his heart. They fell asleep in each other’s arms burrowed inside Bronwyn’s plaid.

  ~~~~~

  Rhianna was looking for the missing couple and she was feeling her anger rising. Damn them! Drew had promised. She knew about new love and passion but for heaven sakes, even she and Erik were able to control themselves when they were supposed to. She told Erik to find them, feeling like she could oversee Drew’s pummeling with great joy at this point. She said, “I don’t care if they are making love, get them out of bed immediately.”

  “Rhi, why is this so important?”

  Rhianna did not want to say that she was having premonitions again. There was another tempest forming and this time, the couple may not recover from it. She did not know what it was, but the boding of ill will seemed ever present.

  “I just do not want ill luck to follow them. It tempts the Fates.” Erik had long gotten used to Rhianna’s sometimes superstitious feelings. He had learned that when she had these feelings, she was usually right. Shaking his head, Erik said, “You and your Old Ways. They are so much a part of you. Christian or not, my beautiful sorceress, you are more pagan than not.”

  He kissed her and then said, “Alright, I will find them. But try not to be so hard on them. Don’t forget what it’s like to discover the joy of the joining.”

  Blushing, and thinking about their own night of love they had shared the previous night, Rhianna said, “How can I forget that? Just find them, please.”

  ~~~~~~

  With each passing moment, Erik’s dread grew. He had not found the missing couple in their rooms. To make matters worse, he ran into Rory, who was also looking for his sister. Erik lied and said she was probably getting pampered as brides should before her wedding. Rory looked at Erik quizzically.

  “And ye’ are looking fer’ Andrew?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well no doubt where the one is the other shall be. I will help ye’.”

  Erik wanted to throttle his beautiful wife for putting him in this predicament. If Rory found them making love, all hell would break loose. With trepidation, Erik made his way up to the solar, just feeling for certain they would be there. As he pushed the door open, he and Rory stood there astonished. The couple was inside, alright, but they were not making love. They were wrapped in Bronwyn’s plaid, fully dressed and both were deeply asleep.

  Erik looked at Rory and shrugged. Both men felt a little foolish and did not really want to wake them. Obviously the two of them were exhausted because they did not even stir when Erik opened the door. For the first time since meeting him, Erik saw a tender look cross Rory’s usually stern visage. It was quite clear that his love for his sister was very deep.

  “Well, what shall we do now? I just don’t have the heart to wake them.”

  “Nor, I. Poor wee bairn…like she dropped in her tracks. And he...I think I may have misjudged him. He is so tender with her.”

  “He loves her very much, Rory. He would die for her.”

  Rory knelt down beside his sister and spoke to her in her language. Drew woke with a start and stammered, “We were not doing anything. I swear it.”

  Rory spoke to Drew, also in Gaelic, saying “I know, I can see that.”

  Bronwyn clutched her plaid around her. Erik looked bewildered as the three conversed in the foreign tongue of Bronwyn’s land. Drew helped Bronwyn to her feet. Refastening her plaid, she turned to Drew and kissed him and then said, “It’s time for me to go. When next we meet t’will be to become yer’ wife.”

  “I shall count the seconds, my beautiful angel. Go and be a bride. I love you my darling.”

  Clearing his throat, Erik said, “Come Drew, Rhianna was looking for you.”

  With a sheepish grin Drew replied, “Oh no. I think I prefer a beating from my Scottish friend here than a tongue lashing from the Lady Witch.”

  Rory smirked and said, “Suddenly, I have no heart to thrash ye’. I think the tongue-lashing will be far harsher than any beating I can give ye’. Besides, I need to bring yer’ bride to her da. Erik, perhaps ye’ can tell yer’ woman to go easy on the lad.”

  “I think I would rather take a beating, too than to cross her right now.”

  “Is she terribly angry with me?”

  “What do you think? You broke your word to her.”

  Drew gulped visibly and said, “Rory, I think I will take that punishment now.”

  “Sorry, Laddie. Even carryin’ a bairn, I’ve no wish to cross that one. Ye’ best take yer’ medicine, Lad. I want no part in that,” Rory said, laughing. Then taking Bronwyn’s hand he said, “Come, Rose. Yer’ Da’ wants to see ye’.”

  “Is he angry with me, Ruiri?”

  “Nay, honey. He wants to have the talk all fathers have with daughters on the eve of their nuptials. Go easy on him, Lass. He is rather melancholy today. I dunna’ think he is ready to lose his little girl.”

  Bronwyn went with Rory to see her father while Drew went off with Erik, only he looked
as if he was being led to the block.

  Chapter Forty-Five

  Bronwyn saw her father warming himself by the fire. He looked pensive and nostalgic. She went to him and kissed him.

  “Ye’ wanted to speak to me, Daddy.”

  “Aye.”

  He seemed at a loss for words. Rory kissed her cheek and said, “Let me leave ye’ to each other. Be kind to one another. Both of yer’ hearts are so tender right now.”

  When Rory left, Caleb looked at his daughter. The strong and powerful laird suddenly looked misty-eyed. He said, “Ye’ are so beautiful. Yer’ ma’ would be so proud of ye’ today.” Bronwyn touched his face and said, “Ye’ still miss her, even after all these years.” It was a statement of fact.

  “Aye. Every day. She was my greatest love and now I see the way ye’ look at yer’ Drew. T’was the way yer’ mother looked at me.”

  “I really love him, Daddy.”

  “I know ye’ do. He adores ye’ too.”

  “What is troubling ye’, then Da’? Is it that I will be livin’ in England?” Caleb swallowed hard, suddenly feeling a lump of stone to have lodged in his throat.

  “Of course it is that and more. I will miss my angel so much; as much as I miss her mother, for she is my second greatest love.”

  Tears welled in Bronwyn’s eyes. She hugged her father and then he said absently, “He is such a big man and ye’ are such a wee thing.”

  That made Bronwyn laugh tearfully. Her father was the biggest man in the clan besides her brother Rory, but he was capable of great tenderness.

  “Daddy, ye’ have nothing to worry about. Drew is ever gentle.”

  Caleb gave a soft little laugh himself and said, “A man is supposed to talk about the wedding night with his daughter only…”

  Blushing, Bronwyn said, “I am in no need. I am older than most brides. I know Drew completely. He would never hurt me. He takes great care of me. Many brides face that night with fear, but I know no fear with Drew. I only know joy and tenderness. I have no doubt that tomorrow night will be no different.”