Watching him, her heart easily melted, catching his eye, she saw him wink at her. Bottle in hand he walked slowly over to her, his dark hair fell gloriously to his shoulders. The muscles in his arms flexed as he gripped the bottle and eyed her with desire in his green eyes.
Joining her at the wall, he handed her the bottle and held out his hand for his grandfather’s ceremonial claymore. Taking the bottle from Broderick she handed over the heavy sword in exchange. Watching him twist the large claymore in his hand easily, she took a drink from the bottle she asked, “Why don’t you use this as your bedroom Broderick? This room is five times the size and suits you perfectly.”
Setting the claymore back upon the notches on the wall Broderick explained, “This tower is the closest to the front gate, under attack it would be the first to take fire. My grandfather wanted his family in the farthest tower from the drawbridge to give them more time and a safer position if ever the walls were breeched,” reaching up he plucked a ruby hilted shortsword down and held it out for her to see, “This belonged to my grandmother, she too knew how to wield a sword. My grandfather made it for her, just as I made yours.”
Snapping her head up to look back into his eyes, “You made my weapons?”
Nodding, he handed the ruby sword to her and took the bottle back out of her hands and took another bracing swig, “Aye, my queen will only have the best.”
Looking up at him in utter amazement, she asked, “Why didn’t you tell me that you had made them for me?”
Shrugging, he simply smiled, “Come to the center of the room Elisabeth, I want to show you a few things you didn’t learn today during drills.”
Intrigued, she placed the ruby sword back in its resting place upon the wall and followed her brooding warrior into the center of the vast room. The room was large enough for them to practice swords, the center of the room was free of any supports, and the high arched ceilings towered above their heads. There was room for many men to practice simultaneously the room was gigantic.
Turning back towards her, Broderick motioned for her to stop so there was a space between them, “There are hand signals we use during battle when we cannot speak, I’m sure you and Duncan had signals, correct?” He asked.
Nodding in agreement, “Of course,” she replied watching Broderick a few meters away, the fire glowing behind him. Unbuckling the chain on her fur, she slowly removed it; tossing it on the leather chair she refocused her eyes upon her husband.
“I want you to learn our signals as if your life depended on it Elisabeth. We have many calls and signs that are essential when riding with the MacMillan warriors, you need to know all of them.” His tone was of utmost seriousness; his presence commanded her attention as he spoke.
The teachings of her mother flickered in her brain, grinning she bartered, “For every sign I learn, you must tell me one thing about yourself that I do not know, or answer one of my questions.”
Crossing his arms his eyes came alive, “and will my wife answer my questions and share her past?”
Smirking at his quick intellect she nodded in agreement, “Aye, I’ll even let you start. You may ask me a question, or allow me to share something about my past that you don’t know,” bowing slightly to her brooding husband, “shall we begin?”
Elisabeth had known the key to fully understanding Broderick would mean diving into his past. Knowing his past would help her understand why he reacted the way he did. Without a doubt in her heart, she knew he loved her. She knew he trusted her very much, but his past still haunted him, causing him to react as he did tonight.
Today had been taxing on her, with the morning filled with training with the MacMillan warriors, then the emotional upheaval of Broderick mentioning a child and the chaos that had ensued inside her. Her long horseback ride with Broderick and her emotional breakdown while locked inside her solar. The letter from Kincaid had been her true breaking point, something she still needed to discuss with Broderick. The gross accuracy of him knowing her movements within Broderick’s castle scared her. She knew Broderick hadn’t forgotten about that, the threat upon Isobel was indeed something they would discuss, later.
Clearing his throat, “I assume you know the universal stop and go signals, both basic and usually used by all.” Motioning with his right fist each of the signs. His voice softened as he talked to her.
Standing before Broderick she agreed, “Aye.” Repeating each signal flawlessly, as they were universal she had known them as a child. Smiling at her husband she asked, “Would you like to ask a question, or have me share something?”
Without hesitation he questioned, “You told me that you won a bet with your father allowing you to choose your husband, what was the bet?”
Smiling to herself, she knew this evening would be entertaining to say the least. Broderick obviously had a barrage of questions, happy to be finally having these conversations she replied, “My parents tried for years to get me to marry a man of their choosing, after training with Duncan I grew increasing irritated with the idea of marrying. I challenged my father to an archery contest, if he could produce any man or woman who could out shoot me I’d allow him to pick my husband, if I won, he would allow me to marry at my own will.” Smirking at Broderick as she watched him take in the scene in his head before adding, “I have never been beaten, ever.”
“That sounds like a challenge my love.” He smirked, before moving into his next lesson, “My men and I use an assortment of calls when riding or hunting, or getting ready to lay siege. The owl is to announce your position to other MacMillan warriors in the woods,” quietly he mimicked the owl call he and his men used frequently. “The next is the distress signal, something goes wrong or there is danger or you are in need of help, we use the fox call,” again, he mimicked the majestic fox call before her as she watched and soaked it all in. “Lastly is our attack signal, the call we make to unleash hell upon our enemies, the wolf. My men all knows these calls by heart, I want you to master everyone of them Elisabeth, for me.”
“Anything for you Broderick.” She eased into her questions, she didn’t want to start too strong with him, “How old were you when Siobhan broke your betrothal and married someone else?”
“Fifteen, our contract was signed when we were wee babes. I was never nice to her as we grew up, eventually once I understood what a betrothal really meant I grew to hate the idea of having my wife chosen for me. When she ran off and got married I thanked the stars for saving me,” Broderick replied with no emotion, it was clear he felt nothing for the beautiful woman he was once destined to marry.
Stepping closer again, Broderick’s voice lowered as he spoke to her, “When ordering the warriors, you will need to know directional signals to give them Elisabeth. Lets say you want to order twenty men to flank back behind the enemy, you would signal like this,” motioning his fist with distinct hand motions.
Elisabeth watched Broderick’s motions like a hawk, she intended to master each move, each call, and she would not fail. Elizabeth repeated the movements flawlessly before him.
“Who was the first man you kissed?” He asked, his eyes focused on only her. Still practicing the signals, Elisabeth looked up to catch her husband’s eye as a blush crept across her face. Standing up straight she brushed a falling curl out of her face and bit her lip as she looked up into her husband’s handsome face. How was she to answer that question?
“His name Wife?” Stepping closer again, he placed his hand around her hip and slowly pulled her body up into his rock hard chest.
Exhaling slowly she felt her body melting into him, “A dashing young laird who mistook me for someone else in the dark of night at the border festival many moons ago,” she whispered. She knew there was no hiding the truth; a secret that she had never shared with anyone was about to come out. Broderick was far too intelligent to let her get away with that answer.
Tipping up her chin, Broderick kissed her forehead, “I doubt any man could mistake you angel, you are one of a kind. Now
tell me his name.”
Running her hands up his arms she continued, “He thought I was someone else and kissed me senseless, damn near took my virginity thinking I was someone else. The very next day he tried to declare war on my brother and I had to turn over my sword to Duncan to stop all hell from raining down upon two peaceful clans.” Looking back up at him, she waited for him to make the connection, to remember that night.
Cocking his head to the side he pulled away so he could see her face clearly, his brows were furrowed, “It couldn’t have been.” He paused, “It was you?” He asked, his voice but a whisper. Elisabeth could see him mentally scanning through his memories of that night.
Nodding she explained, “I was eighteen, it was my first festival and I had come across Kincaid and Fiona plotting against you and Duncan. Night had set and I had gotten turned around in camp, I saw your flag first and ran to tell you what I had overheard. When I entered your darkened tent, you assumed I was Fiona and kissed me senseless before I could even speak.”
“I remember. That kiss we shared ignited a fire inside of me. A fire I thought was set by Fiona, not Duncan’s little sister,” wrapping his arms back around her he kissed her forehead, “You never said anything Elisabeth, why? I almost had you on your back, nearly naked that night!”
Pushing away from him, she furrowed her brow and crossed her arms, “Do you have any idea the presence you command Broderick? You were Laird MacMillan, devilishly handsome and the greatest warrior around, I was under your spell! I was young, and in shock. I had never let another man get that close to me ever before. Your touch, your kiss, it melted my heart, it made me feel things I never knew existed,” a tear rolled down her cheek as she continued, “What should I have said? Oh excuse me Broderick, I am not Fiona, I’m Duncan’s little sister and I came here to tell you she was plotting your death. Thanks for the near ravishing but I really must be going now!”
Leaving the center of the room she walked over by the fire to sit down in the chair, the hounds were fast asleep beside the fire.
“Those stolen moments with you in my tent forever changed my heart Elisabeth, I had no idea it was you, if I did, you would have been my wife that very next day!”
Looking over her shoulder at him as he continued.
“I had never felt my soul pull towards someone like it did when we kissed. Yes, I thought it was Fiona, t’was the only reason I fought so hard for her. When she jilted Duncan and I, my heart was shattered. I didn’t know until now, that it was you who touched my heart all those years ago. Why didn’t you tell me before now?”
Looking back at the fire she whispered, “It doesn’t change the past Broderick.”
Walking across the floor he strode over to her and knelt beside her, gathering her hands he kissed the knuckles on both of her hands, “Nae, but it gives my heart peace knowing I had found you five years ago. That what my heart felt all those years ago was meant for you, now that wicked whore Fiona. It is no wonder when I brought you home after finding you in the forest how I instantly felt pulled to your side. It was because my heart had already known what my mind dinnae.”
Burying her head in his neck she admitted, “At the waterfall, when Duncan and you refused to listen to me, I was running out of options to stop you from killing each other. I wanted to tell you so badly, I wanted to bring your pompous ass down to your knees, but I refrained. I knew if Duncan found out how close you were to bedding me that night he would have killed you. Instead, I promised my brother my sword for a year if he walked away.”
Tilting up her chin, “You saved my life that day Elisabeth.”
Batting away his hand, “I did it for my brother, not you Broderick.”
Smiling, he brushed one of her locks behind her ear and offered, “Admit it wife, I claimed a piece of your heart that night, otherwise you would have seen Duncan lay me low.”
“Aye, a piece of it. Now you have claimed my entire heart. Why did you bring me up here Broderick? Why are you teaching me signals as if I would be giving commands?” She scanned his eyes as he knelt before her.
His dark hair carelessly falling to his shoulders, he ran his hand through his locks as he told her the ultimate truth, “If myself or Kendrix is ever unable to command our army, you are next in command. If he or I die, are away, or any reason we cannot command our warriors, you will be responsible for my army and my people.”
“Why would you do that Broderick?” She asked as she sat back into the chair, the information had floored her. Looking at the brooding giant kneeling before her, she searched his face.
Standing up, Broderick pulled Elisabeth up from the chair, looking into her eyes he slowly removed all of their weapons and sat them beside the table one by one as he explained, “I trust you Elisabeth, even though my actions on occasion do not reflect that. You are an amazing woman, and warrior. I trust you to have the best interest of our people at heart. I trust you to command my warriors in my absence.”
Still standing, he had pulled all their swords and knives from their belts and laid them beside the table. Scooping her up into his arms he sat down in the chair she had just occupied. Nestling her on his lap he wrapped his arms around his her pulling her closer, “I’m sorry I accused you of corresponding with Kincaid, my emotions got the better of me lass, in my heart I know you would never do that. I promise that I will do better.”
Leaning her head onto his chest she snuggled closer to her warm husband and soaked in the heat emanating off the fire, “Where did you get that letter Broderick? How does he know about my training this morning? How does he know I’m close with Isobel? He knew so much; it was as if he’s been here. There has to be a enemy in our midst.”
Rubbing her back his voice was low as he replied, “Siobhan gave me the letter as I walked in, and she said a messenger arrived from the Douglas clan. The letter is very troubling to me Elisabeth, not only did he threaten you, he also threatened my niece. He obviously has a spy, thinking back I wonder if this spy has been here the entire time.”
Lifting up her head, she looked up into his eyes, “It is her Broderick, I just know it, and Siobhan is the connection.”
“Aye, don’t think I’m fooled by her Elisabeth. I’ve had her watched since your poisoning.” He admitted.
“You’ve had her watched?”
“Aye, I’ve been laird for over ten years Elisabeth. There is a reason why my clan thrives, why we have stayed at the pinnacle of power in the Highlands, I see all. It’ll be a cold day in hell when something gets past me again my love; I protect my clan and those I love with every fiber of my being. I’m constantly vigilant. The poison in the pitcher the night of our wedding was intended for only you, the dosage of poison wouldn’t have killed me.”
“How long have you known that Broderick?”
Sighing loudly, he leaned his head back in the chair and looked up at the high arched ceilings, “The night you fell ill both Kendrix and I sampled it. We both drank far more than you did, and it didn’t bother us at all. We are much larger than you, thus our bodies could handle the poison easily. It is clear that you were the intended target, not I.”
“Why would you risk your life Broderick? You both could have died!”
“There have been other missives Elisabeth, but none addressed to you. I believe that he has someone installed within our walls, relaying information to him. He knew far too much detail to have guessed,” encircling her tighter, “I am truly sorry that I did not share this information with you lass. I believed I was protecting you, have patience with me my love. I am new at being a husband. I will risk my life for you any chance I get, like you; I do not take me vows lightly. I promised to protect you and keep you safe, you are my life now Elisabeth.”
They had gotten so far tonight, she felt incredibly close to him. They had talked of their past, and their families before, but tonight their bond seemed to solidify.
Encircling his jaw with her small hands she tenderly kissed his lips, running her hands into his soft dar
k hair as they melted into each other.
Breaking their kiss, Elisabeth took a deep breath as she summoned the courage to tell Broderick what had been on her mind all day, closing her eyes briefly she could feel her heartbeat quicken.
Looking up, she bit her lip as she stared into his emerald green eyes, “Years ago I had to push aside the thought of becoming a mother. I chose my sword over a husband, a decision that did not come without consequence. I never looked back, I couldn’t. For years I waged war alongside my brother, yet when I saw a wee bairn in his mother’s arms, my heart would break, time after time. Something inside me never wanted to give up on the idea of having children, internally I could feel my warrior side clash with my maternal side.” The roll of heavy emotion swept over her, with it, it brought a fresh glimmer of tears. The years of heartbreak came rolling back to her as she continued to explain to Broderick. “When my family was murdered, I vowed to avenge them, and my clan. Everything here has happened so quickly, it wasn’t until today when you mentioned children that it occurred to me that having a family was our future. The reason I never married, why I still had my virginity at three and twenty was I knew being with child would prevent me from riding with Duncan. He would have never budged, just as I know you will not either. Having your child would prevent me from riding at your side when the warriors travel south, how can I honor a vow to my family and honor my vows to you?”
***
Broderick sat with her upon his lap, the fire glowing in front of them, he watched as she poured out her heart, raw emotion apparent in her voice. Heavy tears ran down her beautiful face as she confessed her worries to him. Running his hand up her small back he squeezed her tightly into his chest, he understood.
“Do you think you are with child now?”
“I dinnae feel any different, I’m assured by Rhona I would notice a change in my body.”
“Kincaid will pay for what he did, as will his warriors. Be it your sword, or mine, he will die. I understand your need for revenge; I understand your desire to deliver that revenge personally. You are correct, I would not want you to ride when you are with child, but neither can we prevent God’s will.”
Branded By a Warrior Page 18