Fractured Love...
Broken Promises
By J. Lee Coulter
Fractured Love...
Broken Promises
By
J. Lee Coulter
Copyright 2013 J. Lee Coulter
License Notes
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Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Epilogue
Chapter One
Ina’s face paled as she struggled for breath. This can not be! She must have misheard him! That has to be it. Her ears did not hear him correctly. A hysterical giggle slipped past her lips. She had worked too hard these past twenty-three years to keep it a secret...even from her husband...to have the truth revealed now. Nay. The Fates were jesting with her...tis all!
“Maither! Are ye ill?” Coll hurried to her side taking her arm to steady her.
She peered into her handsome son’s face for a moment. Ina stroked his strong jaw, relishing the look of love and concern bestowed upon her...knowing that she would never see it again once she revealed her secret. And reveal it she must!
Coll led her to a chair, settling her trembling body down before she collapsed.
“What is it, Maither? Ye appear as if ye have seen a ghost!”
Her throat constricted as her lips parted to speak the words that would cause her son’s eyes to fill with loathing. No sound escaped them. A goblet was thrust in her line of sight. She took hold with a shaky hand as she glanced up at the bearer of the offering. Fingal!
“What ails ye, wife? Do ye nae approve of Heather Macrae? I hear that she be a fine lass with noble bloodlines. Tis a good match for a second son! The Macraes need ta unite with a strong clan since her faither died. They have nae menfolk ta lead them, that is why she must wed Coll.”
She shook her head. Ina had heard him correctly then! Come what may, they had to know the truth.
“Coll can nae wed Heather...twould be a mortal sin!” Her voice was barely above a whisper.
Coll laughed nervously.
“Is this a new sin I have nae heard about before? Why would it be sinful ta wed the lass I love?”
Alarmed, she clutched her son’s tunic!
“Ye have nae bedded her have ye? Please tell me nay!”
He shook his head with a frown.
“Of course nae, Maither! I would nae dishonor her that way. I have done naught more than kiss her hand! Ye are worrying me...please tell me what bothers ye.”
Settling back in the chair, Ina took a long drink of the honeyed wine to bolster her courage. A confession was needed here...to her husband...and her son. Fingal took her porcelain hand in his own as he knelt beside her.
“Tell us what trouble’s ye, Ina.”
Tear-filled eyes met his as she spoke the words she had prayed she would never need to utter.
“Coll is...is...Rory Macrae’s son.”
“Nay! Ye be mistaken, Maither! Tis nae true!”
“I wish it were nae...for your sake...but I tell ye true. Before I wed your...Fin...Rory seduced me. Ye were born almost eight moons after we wed. Everyone thought ye came early, but I kenned the truth before I ever went ta Fingal’s bed.”
Ina could not bring herself to look at them. She had no wish to see the hate and disgust mirrored in their eyes. She wept silently into her hands. A few moments later, strong arms wrapped around her, pulling her into her husband’s comforting embrace. She sobbed as he reassured her as best he could.
Coll was crushed. His face stricken, he beseeched Fingal with his eyes. Heather was his sister! He had harbored carnal thoughts of his sister! How could he live with himself? How could he ever face her again? He knew he could not. He must leave as soon as possible. There was no other way.
“What shall I do, Faither? She needs this alliance. Her other suitors were nae worthy, but I must leave. I can nae stay.”
He shook his gray head.
“Nay. Ye will go to the Macleod’s and wed young Ailsa. Her father is most anxious for an alliance.” He thought for a moment, then continued. “Blane will wed Heather.”
“Blane!” Coll bellowed. “He has nae wish for a wife! All he desires is ta serve the king! Ye have nae even seen him for three years. Do ye even ken where he be?”
“Aye. I sent a request ta King David a fortnight past ta relinquish his service of him. He be on his way home.”
Ina’s head shot up. “Ye kenned?”
He sighed. “I suspected...tis all.”
“I am so sorry. I thought that there was nae need for anyone ta ken.”
“Ye made a mistake as a lass...it happens.”
“Can ye ever forgive me, Coll?”
He stared at his mother’s lined face filled with remorse. He could not bring himself to hate her, even knowing that he would never have the woman his heart desired...his sister. He banned the thought from his mind.
“Ye could nae have seen this coming, Maither. I just wish I had known afore I came ta care so much for her. But aye, I forgive ye.”
His heart twisted inside him as he held her in his arms. He would need to make a clean break with Heather. Coll decided to write a missive and have Blane deliver it when he offered for her. She needed to accept his brother’s suit...not pine over the loss of what might have been.
It will be good to be home again. I have been away too long. Mayhap I will find me a bride and have some weans. I grow weary of serving the king. I can nae find the same zeal for the battles that I had in me youth. Tis time ta settle down.
Blane had been surprised when King David informed him of his father’s request. He feared that perhaps he was ill, although he had not said so. But he could think of no other reason for the missive.
He stretched his tired muscles as he adjusted in the saddle. I will ken soon enough, he thought as he topped the rise and stared down at Cameron Castle. Home! He spurred his mount to a canter as he hurried to close the distance.
A wide grin spread over Fingal’s face as he met his first-born in the bailey, clasping arms in a hearty greeting.
“Ye look well, Son!”
“As do ye! I thought something was amiss with ye when I read your missive.” Blane’s black brow rose in question.
His father gave a curt shake of his head. “Nae here, Blane. Come inside and get settled. Eat...then we will speak over our ale.”
“Well...I am a wee bit parched...and me gullet has nae seen a decent meal for a sennight.”
“Then come and eat your fill.”
Blane gave him a suspicious look.
“Why do I feel like a pig being fattened afore the slaughter?”
Fingal chuckled as he led him inside. His son looked hale after being absent for so long. At six and a half feet, father and son met eye to eye. But Blane topped him on weight...being over sixteen stone compared to his fourteen. And his was all muscle! There were few men who matched his stature in the Highlands.
“
Blane! Thank the Lord ye are finally home!” Ina greeted him as they entered the great hall.
“Tis good ta be home, Ina. Ye look well.”
He had never totally warmed up to his father’s second wife. She had entered their family when he was seven, and though she had tried to be friends with him, he had always felt that she was attempting to replace his mother. He knew it was foolish to hold these feelings as an adult but...some things just stay with a person... no matter how irrational. He was always courteous, though, and that pleased his father.
“As do ye. Come...eat...and warm yourself by the fire.” She smiled graciously at him. “If ye men will excuse me, I will leave ye ta get reacquainted.”
“Thank ye, wife.”
Blane visibly relaxed once she departed. Something was up. He could feel it in what was not being said. But he knew Fingal would speak more freely with the absence of Ina’s presence.
“What is going on, Faither? Why have ye summoned me?”
He shook his head. “After ye eat I’ll explain all...nae a moment sooner.”
“Very well,” he yielded. “If it be bad news then I wish for a full stomach first.”
Fingal laughed. “I can nae possibly wait that long, Blane! I have never seen ye with a full gullet.”
Laughing with him, he sat at the table. “I suppose ye are right, Da, but I’ll give it a try.”
Several hours later, found Blane and Fingal sitting in silence as he absorbed the revelations of his father.
“Are ye certain tis true?”
“Aye. I had always suspected it but Ina has confirmed it. Sadly, tis true enough.”
His father seemed tired...and old. What a burden to bear for more than twenty-three years. He could not fault Ina. He knew the ways of men, and she had been barely twenty when she wed his father.
“What of Coll? He cares for the lass?”
“Aye but he kens that it is misguided. He has gone ta the Macleod’s and wed Ailsa just a few days past.”
Blane nodded thoughtfully as he studied the problem.
“Is she aware of all this?” He swept his hand widely.
“She kens naught of this...and I wish ta keep it that way. All she need ken is that Coll is wed and that the king has ordered your union...ta protect his interests.”
He arched his black brow. “Is that true?”
“Of a sort. He sent the edict but has given ye leave ta refuse...if ye wish.”
“Tis nae fair ta the lass...Coll just leaving without a word. He should have told her something... anything, ta soften the blow!” Once again, Blane was left to clean up his brother’s muddle! And now he wasn’t even his brother! He scowled as anger began building up inside him. He was expected to wed and bed a lass with a broken heart. It did not sit well with him.
“Coll left a missive for her ta try ta explain his change of heart. We will deliver it on the morrow.”
“So soon?”
“Aye. Tis best ta put the unpleasantness behind us quickly. They need your protection, Blane.”
He grunted. He would fortify their defenses and train the warriors so they could protect themselves until the time came for him to take his position as head of the Cameron clan. By then, perhaps, he would find a suitable steward to manage the place. With his thoughts sorted, he finished his ale and stood.
“Very well, Faither. I bid ye good eve.”
“Good eve, Blane, and...thank ye. Ye ken that ye do nae have ta do this?”
“Aye...I do. The lass needs me, as well as the Macrae clan. Twould nae be honorable ta do naught when tis in me power ta help.”
“Ye are a good son, Blane.”
Chapter Two
He sat astride his black destriar at the edge of the tree line... motionless, observing the fair-haired beauty making her way across the glen with her hand-maiden. Occasionally, she would stop and pluck something from the ground then continue on, as they returned to the keep.
He and his father had arrived there an hour earlier to be informed that Heather was out gathering herbs before the first frost came. Blane rode out to ensure her safety while his father made the arrangements with Lady Macrae. His presence was not necessary and it gave him an opportunity to assess his bride without interruption. So far, he liked what he had found.
Her figure was trim but not skinny with enough bends to border on curvaceous, as far as he could tell beneath the cloak she wore. She carried herself with dignity and grace as she strolled through the glen. A sudden gust of wind caught her cowl, whipping it from her head revealing red-gold tresses that nearly reached her knees. She laughed as she struggled to replace the errant garment. It was a pleasant tinkle in his ear.
Mairi gasped in fright as she spotted him watching a few yards away. Heather spun around in alarm but she did not run. She raised her chin haughtily as her eyes met his in challenge. He did not move a muscle nor utter a single sound.
The corner of his mouth quirked, threatening a smile but he did not relent. She has spirit...and courage. Tis good.
Heather trembled inside as she stared at this black-haired giant. He was the biggest man she had ever seen! The stranger was broad shouldered with thighs like tree trunks...a powerfully built warrior. And handsome, as well! Even the scar slashing his left cheek could not detract from his looks. But it was his eyes that held her captive. Those bottomless emerald orbs that spoke volumes to her soul in a language she did not comprehend. Without thought, she took a step toward him.
“M’lady!” Mairi cried out as she grasped her arm. The spell was broken. With a curt nod he disappeared into the forest.
“Who was that, m’lady?”
She shook her head.
“I do nae ken. Perhaps he was lost...or just passing by.”
“Well I would nae want ta be on his bad side. He appeared verra dangerous!”
She laughed shaking her head. “Och Mairi! Ye think a wee puppy looks dangerous! Ye should nae judge by appearances. Come. It grows late. Tis time ta return home.”
Heather could not shake the image of the high-lander from her mind as they hurried along. She had felt a connection with him but she could not name it. A thrill raced through her every time she brought his face to mind. The man exuded power from every pore! Perhaps that was it.
She admonished herself as Coll invaded her thoughts. They were practically betrothed! It was wrong to harbour such thoughts of another man. She felt as if she was being unfaithful to him. Warm thoughts of her intended brought a smile to her lips as she dwelt upon his sweet nature. They were close friends, and she was certain that one day that would develop into love.
Hearing voices in the solar as she reached the second level of the castle, she handed her cloak to Mairi and entered. Glancing first at her mother’s worried face, her smile left her. Something was amiss!
Her eyes darted to the two men seated before Lady Macrae as her heart began to pound in her chest. Recognizing Laird Cameron, her thoughts were instantly of Coll. Was he hurt...or worse?
Her knees began to buckle as her thoughts ran wild but she stopped the collapse with steely determination as she addressed Fingal.
“My laird...what news have ye?”
Green eyes the shade of jade met hers, filled with sorrow. He regretted the words he needed to impart.
“I bring news of Coll’s recent wedding ta Ailsa Macleod...and your own betrothal decreed by King David.”
Her face turned ashen as her legs gave out. Blane caught her as she fell and placed her on the cushioned bench.
“I did nae think she would swoon...forgive me my lady.”
“I did nae swoon!” She protested vehemenently. “My legs simply gave out after me walk in the glen! Ye spoke nae news that would wound me! Coll and I are merely friends...naught more. I am a bit put out that his wedding was so sudden.”
“Ye must blame me for the suddenness, lass. I do nae believe in wasting time once a decision is made. He did send ye a missive though. I hope he explains ta your satisfaction.” Handi
ng Heather the parchment, Fingal turned to her mother. “The nuptials will be in three days, my lady. My wife is bringing stores and extra help with the preparations in her entourage. They should arrive in the morn.”
“Nuptials?” She squeaked. “Who is wedding in three days?
“Did I forget ta say, lass? Forgive me. I wish ta introduce Blane ta ye...your betrothed.” His craggy face beamed with pride as he gazed at the giant.
She gasped as her eyes traveled upwards more than six feet to connect with the emerald eyes that had stared her down earlier. Nay! It can nae be! I am expected ta wed this mountain? How can I do this ta Coll?
Then she remembered that he had already wed another. Shaking her head in disbelief, she turned pleading eyes on her mother.
“Why so swiftly? Could it nae wait six moons so we can become acquainted?”
Blane had not spoken a word as he studied her reactions to the news they bore. She did nae seem overly upset about Coll. Perhaps the feelings were one-sided. She appeared more nervous about him and the speed of the wedding than anything else.
Once again a smile tugged at his mouth. His voice was soft and deep as he replied with a rich Scots brogue.
“Nay, my lady. Ye and your clan are vulnerable here. There is much work ta be done ta fortify the castle and the men need training.”
She glared at him. How dare he ridicule her home and her clan! Heather bit her tongue to stay the retort that beckoned as she crushed Coll’s missive in her fist. Gritting her teeth, she attempted to remember her manners.
“Very well. If ye will excuse me, I would read this in private. I will see ye at sup, Maither.”
“Alright, dear. I pray ye will be in a better frame of mind by then.” She gave her daughter a warning look. Laird Cameron’s offer was very generous and Nessa was not about to let an obstinate child stand in the way. After she departed, Lady Macrae turned to the warriors.
“I hope ye will forgive her. Tis the shock of it all that has caused her rude behavior. She truly is a pleasant lass by nature.”
“Do nae fash yourself, my lady. Tis under-standable. I believe we will retire ta our rooms and prepare for sup. Good eve.” With a nod they left the solar.
Fractured Love... Broken Promises Page 1