Branded By a Warrior

  Her heart melted as he spoke, he was right. He might not have said the words but he had showed her in his actions, his thoughtfulness and in his touch. Lowering her eyes, she stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his waist, “Nay, I know that you care Broderick. I am sorry.”

  Wrapping his arms around her he squeezed her, “I may never be able to say the words you want to hear, but never doubt what I feel for you Lis.”

  “I heard you arguing with Siobhan in the hallway, I was so upset with her comparing me to Fiona I saw red. I felt like the walls were closing in on me and I needed to ride, my anger took over and I threatened your guards so they would let me leave,” she explained, she never wanted him to distrust her like he did so many others.

  Tilting up her chin, “I’m sorry you had to hear that, she won’t let go of the issue. I know her tactics Elisabeth. I can understand your need to ride, but woman, just yesterday you slayed four Douglas warriors on the other side of my lands, did ye not think of the danger of riding alone?”

  “With my current mood I would almost feel sorry for any foe who found me today Broderick, with these weapons, and my rage, I would lay anyone low who stood in my way without a second thought.”

  Chuckling, “Ah, there is my beautiful warrior! Shall we finish the ride and allow you to cool down before heading home? If we are gone too long Kendrix will order the guards to search for us.” Linking hands with her, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it before lifting her onto her waiting horse.

  “Thank you for understanding and not shouting at me, I thought you would be furious.” She whispered as they set out back towards the castle.

  ***

  Watching her ride beside him, everything about the woman set his blood on fire. He knew he’d never be happy with a quiet obedient wife, he needed fire and ice and his little redhead was just that. She could wield a sword and ride a stallion like a seasoned warrior. He truly did love her. What he felt for her, he had never experienced in his life. It had to be love. Why couldn’t he say it? He didn’t understand it himself. There was that small part of his brain that had doubt. Not that he loved her, but of trusting her with everything. Fiona had indeed created a deep seeded wound that showed its ugly face from time to time in his life.

  Riding back towards the castle the two crossed the lowered drawbridge together and headed to the stable. Sliding off his horse he lifted her out of her saddle before she could hop off, letting her slide down him he whispered into her ear, “Go upstairs my love, I’ll join you in a few moments and show you just how much I care.”

  Winking at her, he swatted her sweet little ass as he watched her blush as she walked towards the keep. Watching her enter the keep he turned to find his brother, he had noticed a different set of tracks that had rode up to the castle from a different direction. Finding Kendrix in the armory he shook off the snow as he nodded to his brother, “Who arrived?”

  “A messenger, from Kincaid. Did you find Elisabeth?” Kendrix asked as he rounded the worktable and joined his brother by the fire and handed him the parchment he had tucked in his tartan.

  “Aye, woman has a temper on her. Shall we see what that bloody ass has to say?” He asked as he broke the seal on the letter and quickly scanned through the thinly veiled threat.

  Beside him, Kendrix chuckled, “Of course she has a temper, what did you do now to upset her?”

  Looking up from the parchment Broderick replied, “She overheard Siobhan casting suspicion on her, she dared compare Elisabeth to Fiona.”

  Raising his eyebrows and pouring them a drink Kendrix moaned, “Oh I’m sure that went over splendid, Siobhan should consider herself lucky she’s not dead. She hasn’t been making Elisabeth’s life easy around the castle. What does the letter say Brother?”

  Taking the ale, he threw back the drink and wiped his mouth before answering, “Our friend Kincaid demands his betrothed is handed over or he will personally come to escort her home to Douglas lands,” crumpling the letter up he tossed it in the fire and watched it burn.

  Taking a bracing drink of his ale, Kendrix smiled as he asked, “What shall your reply will be?”

  Chuckling at his brother’s question, “My reply shall be the announcement of my wedding to the beautiful warrior queen. I’d die a million deaths before letting that man touch her.”

  “When shall the glorious occasion take place my brother, the clan is most excited to celebrate your wedding?”

  “Tomorrow, we cannot afford to wait any longer. I want her safe and married to me by tomorrow night. I cannot wait to send that bastard my reply.”

  “Perfect, the clan needs a good celebration. Tomorrow it is, I’ll see that the priest is notified and the kitchens prepped for the celebration. I’ll see you later Brother, I’ll go let Rhona know.”

  Standing up to join Kendrix, “I suppose I should go inform the bride of her wedding, eh?” He joked as they walked out of the armory and into the keep. Walking with his brother they talked of security measures that would need to be taken. Splitting at the keep, they went in different directions.

  Taking the stairs two at a time Broderick reached the top of the stairs to find his dogs laying in the hallway outside their bedroom door. He was unsure if she was in their bedroom or her solar, he chose their bedroom first due to his dogs lying directly in front of that door. Stepping over the hounds he walked in to see her broadsword hung on the fireplace just below where his normally was held. The sight made him smile.

  Casting his eyes over the room he saw her dress discarded on the bed but didn’t see her, looking around the chair before the fireplace, he spied her bare feet and legs lying before the warm fire, an even bigger smile crept over his face.

  Locking the door behind him, he pulled his plaid off his shoulders along with his linen shirt and tossed them next to her dress on the bed. Removing his weapons he rounded the fireplace to see her lying naked upon his black sable fur. Propped up on her elbow she bit her lip as she watched him hang up his sword next to hers. Her body was perfection, even her battle scars added to her allure. Her long red hair fell all around her, her perfect ivory skin beckoned him.

  ***

  Elisabeth smiled up at Broderick; his dark hair was disheveled from their ride earlier, his muscular chest made her want to come undone. He didn’t have an ounce of fat on him; every section was chiseled to perfection. The man before her had quickly become her entire world; he had been everything she was convinced husbands would not be. He had yet to tell her no, he had given her everything she could ever want, including his heart-in his own way. She may have fallen in love with him years ago at the border festival, but what she felt now for the man standing above her consumed her. Locking eyes with her beloved she crooked her finger at him, she watched a slight grin form on his face as his eyes raked down her with satisfaction.

  ***

  Pulling off his huntsman boots he removed his leather kilt belt letting it all fall at his feet as he saw her watching him with wanting desire in her beautiful lucid eyes.

  Dropping to the floor between her ivory legs, he ran his hands up her exquisite body and asked, “Marry me tomorrow Elisabeth?”

  “I’ll marry you whenever you want as long as you fuck me now.”

  Chapter 8

  The wedding of laird Broderick MacMillan and Elisabeth Rosslyn Drummond took place the following eve. The winter clouds had broke, the moon shined brightly upon the castle as all prepared for the wedding of the century.

  Broderick Ian MacMillan, Laird of Clan MacMillan was finally going to marry. The entire clan was invited to celebrate and attend the wedding; word had spread quickly throughout the morning and afternoon. The entire clan was busy helping prepare for the momentous occasion.

  Kendrix and Rhona had arranged the entire thing within hours. Rhona of course had been secretly planning the entire thing as soon as Broderick had captured the lass’s hand weeks ago. The smell coming from the kitchen had everyone drooling. Tonight they would feast well! The l
arge chapel was beautiful. Glowing with bright pillar candles, rose water was used to scent the chapel, giving it a wonderful romantic touch. Isobel helped Rhona place bundles of dried lavender along the pews in the chapel. Everything was perfect.

  Elisabeth had awoken that morning to find Broderick and his hounds already gone. Looking across the room she spied the sable fur they had made love on, a glint of gold caught her eye. Smiling, she got out of bed and walked over to the crackling fire and saw what he had left her.

  A note, along with a few precious gifts, a gold circlet sat upon the lush fur next to a pair of beautiful gold dangling earrings, and a matching necklace that was simply breathtaking. Shaking her head at his generosity she knelt down and picked up the parchment.

  To my heart and soul,

  There is no boundary I wouldn’t cross for you, no obstacle that will ever stand between you and I. I will spend the rest of my life making you happy and keeping you safe. Please wear these items today as you become my wife, they once belonged to my mother. She would have loved you Elisabeth, and she would have been honored to pass them down to you. I know our parents are looking down on us today with pride in their hearts. Although you might never hear it from my lips, I love you Elisabeth. I love you more than anything in this world. I cannot wait to become your husband before God and our people.

  Forever yours,

  B.

  Tears streamed down her face as she read the letter over and over. Her heart burst with love for that man, he had torn down all of her walls and claimed her heart so effortlessly. Clinging the letter to her chest she thanked the God above for delivering her such a fine man. She had never known such love like this before.

  An hour later Rhona had arrived with a fresh bath for her as well as a new gown. Elisabeth clapped her hands as she viewed the creation Rhona had brought with her, it was simply marvelous, Rhona knew her style, and had created such a masterpiece.

  Slipping into the bath she and Rhona talked about all the activity that was happening downstairs. Seeing the circlet, earrings and necklace, Rhona grew misty eyed.

  Noticing her reaction to the beautiful gold items, Elisabeth smiled at the elder as she soaked in the large copper tub, “He said they belonged to his mother.”

  Rhona nodded and dabbing her eyes, “Aye my love, they did. She was such a wonderful woman. So humble and loving to those boys and her husband, she was intelligent and giving, so very much like you my dear.”

  Later that afternoon Kendrix dropped off Isobel around lunch; he knocked on the door and was given permission to come in. Isobel dashed into the room to find Elisabeth donned in a plain tunic for the afternoon while Rhona worked on her long hair.

  “Aunt Elisabeth! I’m so excited for your wedding to Uncle Broderick, Rhona is making me wear a fancy dress. Do you have to wear a fancy dress too?” She asked as she climbed up into her lap.

  Chuckling at Isobel’s dramatics, “Aye my dear, Rhona is making me wear a fancy dress as well. You will look lovely, I cannot wait to see you look like the little Scottish princess you are my love,” swinging her gaze over the child’s father she asked, “Kendrix, I have a question for you? Please, sit.” She motioned to the chair beside her.

  Kendrix as usual was dressed in his kilt and fully armed, smiling he crossed the room and sat down, “What can I do for you my Sister?” He grinned.

  “Without my Da or Brother alive, I was hoping you would you walk me down the aisle to Broderick?” She asked quietly, tears starting to brim in her eyes.

  From behind them they heard Old Rhona sniffle, both Kendrix and Elisabeth looked back to see the old maid silently crying happy tears. “Oh you children, you make me proud,” waving her hand in front of her face trying to dry her eyes.

  Kendrix looked back at Elisabeth and placed his hand over his heart, “I would be honored Elisabeth, you will be the only sister I shall ever have.” Reaching down he squeezed her hand.

  Both Elisabeth and Kendrix once again smiled as Rhona sniffled behind them, and told them both how much she loved them. Isobel rolled her eyes and skipped over to pet the wolfhounds by the fire.

  Kendrix eventually left the ladies, leaving Isobel behind to get prepared with Elisabeth. He bid them a graceful goodbye as he went in search of his brother, with the wedding only hours away he had much to oversee, and do. He had many security measures to put into place; he wanted nothing to go wrong tonight.

  Rhona and Elisabeth helped Isobel get ready for the evening first, with a fresh bath and a beautiful crown of blonde curls Isobel slipped into her new dress. The beautiful green silk gown with golden embroidery looked elegant against her ivory skin.

  Looking down at the little blonde haired Scottish lass, “You look like a young lady now Isobel. You would make your Ma very proud, chin up my girl, there are worse things than wearing beautiful dresses.” Winking down at her, Elisabeth smiled brightly as she saw the lass light up at the mention of her mother.

  Inside her heart ached for Isobel, the poor thing had never got the chance to know her mother, to feel her hug and memorize her face. Kneeling down she wrapped her arms around the wee lass and brought her close, “I love you Isobel, thank you for wearing such a beautiful dress today for me. I’m so proud to becoming your Aunt today,” kissing Isobel’s temple she squeezed the lass.

  “I love you too Aunt Elisabeth, to be fair, you should put your gown on too so we can suffer together.” Isobel replied in her usual humor.

  Chuckling and standing up, “Very well my dear.”

  ***

  As the evening fell, hundreds and hundreds of MacMillan people left their homes and joyfully made their way to the castle chapel. Men, women and children dressed in their best clothing, they flocked to get a seat in the large chapel.

  Broderick watched as his people filled the massive chapel, everyone was invited, from his warriors to the kitchen staff; his people had waited a long time to see him married. It was clear to him that his people had fallen in love with Elisabeth; the entire day he was bombarded with well wishes for the ceremony.

  Broderick stood proud at the front of the chapel donned in his ceremonial kilt and tartan; he had never felt more nervous in his life as he awaited his bride. His faithful wolfhounds sat off to his side. Concerned over the absence of his brother, the priest assured him that Kendrix was here and to not ruin the surprise.

  Waiting on the altar he thought of his bride, he hadn’t seen her since he left their bed earlier this morning. It had been a long time since he had went all day without seeing the vixen, she had enchanted him, captured his heart. He hoped she liked the items he left her this morning. He wondered what she was feeling right this very moment; he could not wait to be bound to her for all eternity. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the mate he had been seeking his entire life, even after he had sworn off marriage. Elisabeth had changed everything for him.

  Hearing the harp play, all present stood up as the music lifted through the cathedral like chapel, soft candles illuminated the beautiful chapel as all eyes watched Isobel walk in first.

  The crowd smiled as they watched their Laird’s beloved niece walk down the aisle tossing dried rose petals. Handful after handful she smiled back upon the familiar faces of her clan. Once at the end Broderick watched his sweet niece blow him a kiss and stand beside Old Rhona at the very front pew.

  The crowd slowly swung their gaze back towards the stained glass doors as they were pulled wide one final time. Before every member of the MacMillan clan, Elisabeth stood glowing as she entered the chapel escorted by Kendrix.

  The moment he laid eyes on them his heart burst with pride, a wave of emotions flooded him as he watched his beloved warrior queen walk towards him on the arm of his brother. He hadn’t give one thought about who would walk her down the aisle, with her father and brother gone, Kendrix had seen to the honor.

  Broderick’s eyes swept over her as she and Kendrix walked down the candlelit aisle towards him. Dressed in an embroidered gold silk gown,
it gracefully fell off her shoulders baring her scar for all to see. The broach he had given her was pinned above her heart with his tartan folded over her shoulder as it fell down her back like a royal cape. The priceless gold cuffs adorned each wrist beautifully, his mother’s necklace and earrings dazzled in the candlelight as she approached.

  She was glowing, simply radiant, the gold circlet was entwined in her crown of red curls. She was the personification of royalty and grace, and she was all his. His heart burst with pride as he watched her finally reach the end of the aisle.

  Stepping down the altar, he shook his brother’s hand pulled him in for a hug before taking Elisabeth’s arm. Placing her hand upon his arm, he felt the connection as soon as they touched. Looking into her liquid emerald eyes, he winked at the stunning vision on his arm and walked her up the stone altar to the priest.

  Before the priest, God and their people, they took their vows together. The women in the crowd shed tears of joy as they watched their laird pledge his life to the woman who had captured his heart. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was anything other than a love match, just like both their parents had in their marriages.

  In the front pew Rhona was quietly shedding tears of joy as she held little Isobel’s hand, beside them Kendrix watched in happiness as the two souls were finally joined.

  ***

  From the moment Elisabeth donned her beautiful wedding gown, and placed the beautiful gold jewelry upon her skin she felt a sense of calmness descend around her. She had no nerves she heard brides suffered from. In her heart, she knew she had found her soul mate, the man destined to be by her side for all of her life. He was her fate, her destiny.

  Walking down the aisle she was so thankful for Kendrix’s steady presence beside her, she was unprepared for the onslaught of raw emotions that crashed into her as she walked towards Broderick. Knowing her father was with her in her heart she took comfort knowing her family would be pleased with her choice for a husband, especially Duncan.