“I don’t want you to leave.” Emotions began to surface faster than she could control them. The thought of not seeing him for so long made her tear up as she stood before him.
“Neither do I want to go my love, but we both know I must, I will return swiftly to your side. There is nothing in this world that can keep me from your side, I will do all I can to return as quickly as possible”
Sitting in his lap, she held tight and tried to memorize his smell, his touch, his presence, she knew in the coming weeks his absence would affect her greatly. Sighing she snuggled closer as she changed the subject, “I cannae believe you had me shoot an arrow at your chest, in front of your niece no less!”
She could feel his chest rumble with a chuckle as he ran his hand up her back, and into her hair, “Elisabeth, you are by far and away the best archer I’ve ever seen in my life. If there is anyone I want shooting that shot at me, tis you lass.”
“Duncan and I practiced that shot for years, I have never shot a tipped arrow at someone who has not practiced the catch, tis too dangerous,” she admitted, thinking back at how nervous she had been only a short time ago.
“You had faith I would catch it, or else you would have never loosed your arrow my dear, you love me too much to kill me.”
She could hear the humor in his voice as he teased her, yet he was right yet again, if she had any doubt of his skill, she would have turned the arrow to either side of him to miss. As he trusted her, she trusted him.
Sitting up straight in his lap she cocked her head and smiled at the gloriously handsome man before her, there time was limited together, yet they had duties to preform today, and tonight before she could have him all to herself for the night. Even now she could hear the children gathering in the bailey for their archery lessons, “I do love you, now, come help me corral these youngsters while I teach them not to shoot each other.”
Feeling his strong hands run down her back and over her butt, she bit her lip as he pulled her close and captured her mouth in a sensual kiss that left her wet and yearning for more.
“Come my Warrior Queen, your pupils await. You are doing an excellent job Elisabeth; the clan children all love you. Tonight you and I will have dinner alone, up here.”
Chapter 13
After her lessons with the children, Elisabeth snuck away to her solar to prepare for her final night with Broderick before he left to Inverness. She was tired and morose, trudging up the stairs her wolfhounds followed her closely as she made her way into the solar.
Throwing the door open, she let the dogs in and shut it quietly behind her. The fire was burning brightly, and the warmth was welcome. Today’s lesson outside had been bitter cold, even Broderick’s warm sable fur couldn’t fight off the chill.
Drawn to the fire, she crossed the room and stood before the blaze, allowing the heat to penetrate her layers of frozen clothing. Rubbing her hands together she held them up to the fire seeking the heat as she watched the flames dance before her.
Since Broderick had told her of his summons from King Richard, she had thought of little else today. Unchaining the fur from her shoulders, she tossed it across the bed and walked to the wardrobe to find a gown for tonight. She wanted to please her husband; she wanted their last night together to stay branded on their souls for the weeks to come. When her husband closed his eyes, she wanted him to remember her touch, her smell. She wanted Broderick to long for her, as she would long for him.
Taking her hair out of the long braid she let her fingers run though her silken locks as she looked through her clothing, finding a lovely silk gown she smiled to herself.
An hour later, a strong knock sounded on her door, waking her from her nap before the fireplace. Rubbing her eyes, she yawned as she stood up and fluffed the wrinkles from her green gown.
Fighting another yawn, she faced the door, “Come in Broderick.” As soon as she spoke, the door slowly opened. She watched as he stepped inside, he had changed too. Dressed in a new linen shirt and fresh kilt, his weapons lined his waist as he walked into the room to collect her. He looked irresistible; she wanted to eat him alive.
“Are you hungry lass? I’m told dinner is waiting for us in the north tower, shall we go?”
Elisabeth’s senses awoke as soon as he was near, smiling she crossed the room and wrapped her arm around his extended arm and leaned her head against his strong shoulder, “Aye, I am famished Husband.”
Closing the solar door behind them, they took the stairs slowly as the hounds past them and chased each other down the stone stairs. The torches along the wall illuminated the winding staircase as they entered the keep.
Finding it hard not to burst into tears at the thought of him being gone, let alone traveling to the king, she had chosen to stay silent as they walked the familiar path to the north tower. Holding onto his muscular arm, she clung for strength to not fall apart in front of him.
Slowly ascending the stairs to the north tower, the smell of delicious food captured her senses as they walked into Broderick’s study.
Hearing her stomach growl, Broderick looked down at her, “When was the last time you ate Elisabeth?”
“I dinnae eat much at lunch after you left,” she replied, knowing she was going to get scolded, she smiled prettily at Broderick hoping he’d go easy on her. She had been out of sorts today. After their talk about the King’s summons, she had lost her appetite completely.
“Elisabeth…” his tone was that of a father scolding a child, “You are going to have to take better care of yourself while I’m gone, I cannae come home to a wife who is skin and bone,” he eventually teased as he pulled out her chair and nodded for her to sit down.
The table was full of their favorite foods, Old Rhona had to have had her hand in this Elisabeth guessed. “I will remember to eat, I promise.” She smiled, pouring them each a goblet of mead as he sat down across from her.
“Eat wife, I will talk.” He joked, picking up his goblet and taking a hearty drink.
Elisabeth filled her plate with a sampling of all the delicious offerings before her, her stomach growled again as she dug in.
***
Broderick leaned back in his chair and raised his goblet of mead to his lips as he watched his beautiful wife. Earlier tonight he had spent time with Kendrix, he had taken the time to talk over his plans with his younger brother. This would be the first time he rode without Kendrix at his side. Before he came to collect Elisabeth for their final dinner before his journey to Inverness, he had charged Kendrix with Elisabeth’s safety. He trusted his brother with his life, and in there was no person he trusted more than himself to keep her safe.
Watching her eat he took another drink, “While I’m away, I will count solely on you and Kendrix to see to training the warriors and protecting our people. I know your duties in the castle are vast, if you need anything you only have to ask Kendrix and he will see it done. I would appreciate it if you stayed within the castle walls during my absence, no more rides outside these walls while I am away. The risk is too great.”
“For you, I will agree to your condition.”
Cracking a smile, “Thank you. Also, I am giving you the lone key to this room. This is a perfect spot to construct your battle plans with Kendrix, on the far wall is a detailed map of all of Scotland, borders and known outposts we’ve came across over the years,” pointing to the wall adjacent to the wall of weapons, “I’ve let Kendrix know my wishes for you two to collaborate our attack.”
Starring into her lucid green eyes, the room flickered in beautiful candle light as his eyes raked over her soft red hair and ample chest. She had dressed in his favorite color; she was adorned in the gifts he had bestowed upon her on their wedding date. She looked magnificent; it was amazing to see her transform from a warrior into a lady.
“And if we are attacked while you are away?” She countered; the worry in her voice was evident.
Leaning forward, “You are to protect our family, and our clan by any means necessar
y Elisabeth.” His voice cut through the silent room with cold determination.
His heart ached as he watched her tilt her chin into her chest, she looked so vulnerable, t’was an emotion she rarely displayed. It hurt him to see her upset; it went against everything he vowed.
“I’ve never felt so dependent upon someone Broderick, I’m not sure I can do it without you by my side. Do you know how hard that is to admit?”
“Aye Lis, but you can and you will… You, Elisabeth Rosslyn MacMillan were the damn Warrior Queen of Scotland before you married me, and you are still that woman! Ye dinnae need me by your side to be that woman my love. Marrying me, loving me didn’t change that. You are a fierce warrior my love, that will never change.” He saw Elisabeth’s head snap up as he raised his voice and swore. He had her attention. “I will return, and when I do, you and Kendrix will be at my side when we deliver justice for your family. It is only a matter of days Elisabeth, days. Nothing will stand in our way. On our own, we are formidable warriors, together, we are unstoppable, this, I know in my heart.”
***
Tears rolled down her face as she looked into his eyes, “I cannot lose you now Broderick, I cannae live without you.” He moved so quick she didn’t even have time to react, in seconds he had pushed his chair back, sending it flying across the room. Stepping around the table he plucked her out of her chair, cradling her against his chest. She could feel his muscles ripple as he held her right. Giving herself over to him yet again, he devoured her mouth with such passion it made her wet with desire. Pushing her breasts against him, she playfully bit his lip as she whispered against Broderick’s lips, “I need you in me, now, make me forget.” Sinking her hands into his glorious long dark mane, she felt her body yearn for Broderick’s touch. She needed him to banish her fears and make her forget about the outside world.
***
Broderick’s mind had been racing all day, he couldn’t shake the hundreds of things that could happen while he away. He almost had caved earlier and let Elisabeth come with him to see the King; fear of losing her stopped him.
Holding her luscious body against his chest, hearing her words made him instantly hard. Moving by the fire he sat her gently down upon her feet and in one swift motion, ripped her gown off her body in one fell swoop. Broderick grinned as he watched her jaw drop. He wanted it rough tonight. He wanted to brand himself upon her; he wanted her every free moment of the day to be filled with memories of him fucking her.
He watched in delight as his lovely wife slipped out of her slippers and stepped closer to him. Her eyes were alight with desire as he watched her kneel before him.
Leaning his head back he saw her unlacing his tall huntsman boots, within moments her graceful hands helped slip off his leather boots. His eyes never left her as he watched her work; slowly she stood up, brushing her naked breasts over his hardening cock. He almost lost it right there. Biting his lip he let these erotic moments burn into his memory as she pulled his shirt out of his kilt, enjoying every minute of this, he held his arms up so she could remove it easier.
Leaning down he placed a scalding kiss on her left shoulder where her scar started, stepping closer he ran his hands down her soft skin as he pulled her into his chest.
Feeling her nimble hands on his leather belt, he ran his hand up her ribs and grabbed one of her breasts, taking her hard pink nipple into his mouth. Swirling his tongue around the bud he felt his kilt drop to his feet. Her warm hand was on his thick cock in seconds, nibbling her nipple he heard her moan his name in need.
Reaching down with his other hand he nestled his fingers into her soft curls and found her haven, sinking two fingers into her tight core. He felt her small hand work his cock with expert skill; she mastered everything he had taught her, easily. She was a vixen, a blazing redheaded vixen that had stolen his heart. Smiling to himself, he slowly removed his fingers and picked up his small wife and threw her ceremoniously over his shoulder as he turned to walk to the opposite side of his study like a conquering lord with his prize.
“Where are we going?” She giggled.
“Did you fail to notice the large bed sitting in the corner my love?” Broderick asked as he smacked her round ass playfully.
Feeling her twist around, she looked in the direction he was heading.
“When did that get here?”
“I put it together before coming to collect you, if you’re going to spend the vast majority of time with me in this room for the years to come, this room needs a bed, period.”
“Are ye going to put a bed everywhere we spend time my love?” She playfully asked.
Tossing her gently on the bed he locked eyes with her and shrugged his shoulders, “Thought about it.” Crawling slowly onto the massive bed he eyed her with wanting desire.
***
Scurrying back on her elbows, Elisabeth grinned as she moved up the bed pretending to escape him. Taking time to appreciate his lean body she watched his muscles flex as he slowly crawled in her direction. His green eyes flashed with passion as he grabbed her left ankle and gave it a tug, sending her directly underneath her naked husband.
“There is no escaping me Elisabeth,” he chuckled as he leaned down to kiss her neck softly as he ran his strong hands over her tender breasts.
Running her hands up her husband’s well-formed back she sunk her fingers into his hair as she arched against him and whispered into his ear, “Likewise Husband, there shall never be a day I’ll ever want to leave your side.” Wrapping her slim legs around his powerful thighs she felt his hard cock rub against her wet core.
“Good.” He growled.
With that, she felt him enter her in one long erotic thrust, tipping her head back she moaned in pleasure as he filled her to the hilt. God he was amazing. His thick shaft stretched her to the limits as he sank deep. His possessive hands made her skin feel on fire as he teased her into moaning his name.
The new bed creaked under their rhythm, the glowing fireplace cast a shadow across the room as Elisabeth captured Broderick’s mouth again as he increased his pace. Every touch, every kiss, Elisabeth could feel such passion from Broderick tonight. Quivering with anticipation of the waves of pleasure to come, she locked her ankles behind his back and let the storm come. Basking in the radiance he had ignited inside of her, she tilted her hips so he could penetrate her even deeper.
Squeezing her legs, she brought him even closer as he rocked into her with everything he had, the sensation nearly took her breath away, “Oh God yes, harder Broderick, harder!” She gasped as she clung to his rock hard body, everything this man did mad her mad with desire, she could never get enough of him. Above her Broderick thrust his hips as he showered attention on her breasts, her skin was alight with sensual delight as he left no part of her untouched.
He was tender and rough, demanding and yet so giving. She was sure it was wrong for sex with her husband to feel so damn good, over these past months she craved him. Since he took her virginity, they had found themselves tangled in each other’s arms multiple times a day. It was never enough; the desire had never waned for either of them.
Broderick could shoot her a look from across the courtyard that would make her knees weak. A small caress here and there, his strong hand upon the small of her back, or a stolen kiss throughout the day made it damn near impossible to stay on track.
Watching him above her made her proud to call him her husband, he was flawless. His body was a well-trained masterpiece; his face was that of a God, his long dark hair that always fell enticingly in his face. His haunting green eyes seemed to look directly into her soul; this man was her destiny, her world.
Even after sleeping the man for weeks, she still hadn’t gotten used to his size; he stretched her to her limits every time they made love. Having him inside her made her feel complete. Hot passion flowed between the two of them, bending to his will she threw her head back as her body exploded in glorious climax, screaming his name, her world went still as hot white ecstasy cours
ed through her veins.
***
Broderick watched his wife come undone underneath him, grinning in delight he pumped harder as her tight core milked his cock. “God, I love my Warrior Queen.” His every word followed with a deep thrust.
“Yours,” she whispered as she threw her head side to side as he claimed her once again.
“Mine.” He growled as he drove home, filling her with his hot seed. He dove deeper and deeper until he collapsed beside her. Pulling her into his arms, both breathing deeply, they savored the connection of ecstasy clinging to each other.
The candles in the study slowly had begun burning out; the fire gave a low glow from the other side of the room. Pulling the covers over them, Broderick kissed her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her slim frame. “I love you Elisabeth MacMillan, with everything that I am.” He whispered against her temple.
Feeling her squeeze his chest he knew she was emotional, wrapping his arms around her he pulled her closer and covered their bodies with warm blankets. He had learned so much about her since he came to live with them. The emotional side she showed him, she did not let just anyone see that. He knew she trusted him, she trusted him to see both sides of her, the woman and the warrior. He loved them both.
Sleep claimed both quickly enough, Broderick held her until he was sure she had fallen asleep. Closing his eyes he sent up a prayer to God, and their fallen parents-to protect Elisabeth, keep her safe and healthy while he was away. Now that she was his wife, he didn’t want to ever be without her. She was a vital part of his heart, his world, and soon enough she would be the mother of his children. Keeping her here while he rode south to Inverness would keep her safe, but it would be torture on both of them. God willing, his trip would be successful and short.
Branded By a Warrior Page 20