Watching him in battle tonight captured her attention; she had never seen a man like him in all her life. She had never witness such explosive prowess before in her life. She was sure he was the one man she could not beat with a sword. Slowly sewing Broderick’s chest closed she took time to reflect upon the battle, the fire crackled behind her as she pierced Broderick’s skin over and over again.
Over two hours later, she had finally finished up on his right hip. Slowly standing up from her stool she stretched her tight muscles and sighed as she rolled her sore neck. Looking down at the sleeping giant before her, she inspected her work with pride. He lay across the large leather chair, sleeping as if he was dead to the world dressed in only his bloodied kilt and boots. The wound was now completely closed from shoulder to hip, she had been thankful that it had not been overly deep. Kneeling back down before her husband she slowly unlaced his huntsman boots and pulled them off each leg, the man needed a bath and rest. Making him comfortable was the least she could do before she changed out of her soiled gown for the night.
Earlier while she worked and Broderick slept, she had let Rhona carry up food and ordered a hot bath drawn in the large copper tub now installed in the corner. Smiling to herself, she looked upon the room with pride; she had turned Broderick’s study into a functional bedroom. She knew they would spend the majority of their time in this room throughout their lives, she wanted it outfitted with all the comforts they could ever need.
Exhaling deeply, she turned around to the fire and slowly worked on her laces, she had yet to see her wound, the location would bring her pain for many months. The arrow had hit bone, she wasn’t sure if her rib was broken or not. If she breathed too deep, the pain lanced through her veins like fire.
Her hand had been cut by the first blow Ivan had dealt her, inspecting her hand in the firelight she silently told herself to wrap it tonight and have Rhona close it for her tomorrow. She was sure her arrow wound would require the same treatment. God she was sore, and exhausted. She wanted a bath and to sleep next to her husband, nothing else in the world sounded better to her.
With her laces loose, she removed her MacMillan tartan and tossed it next to Broderick’s. Slowly bending down she unlaced her boots, kicking out of them she enjoyed the burning fire before her. The blazing heat felt incredible. Removing her bracers next she tossed them next to Broderick’s as she rubbed her wrists. Lifting up her skirts she pulled down her leggings and flicked them with her toe over to the discarded clothing pile.
Sighing with pleasure of bare legs she pulled let the gown fall down to her ankles on the floor. Heavy with blood, she stepped out of the soiled gown and kicked it over to the pile as well.
With only her chemise on, she pulled it off her body in a happy moan. She couldn’t wait to sink into the hot tub and wash away the blood. Twisting her shoulders, she attempted to look where the arrow had struck, feeling with her fingers, she found the hole in her side.
***
Sensing movement before him, Broderick slowly woke up to see his lovely wife shed her clothing before him. Waking up to his wife standing naked before him was something he could learn to live with. He saw the wound on her back as she pulled her chemise off; it was low enough to concern him.
Watching her in front of the crackling fire, he saw her touch the wound and wince in pain. He could see a very faint change in her belly, hardly noticeable naked and surely hidden while clothed. Her body had changed while he was away, she had lost weight, of that there was no doubt. He wondered how hard she suffered with his absence, it appeared more than he realized. The thought of her suffering upset him greatly.
“It appears I’ve died and gone to heaven after all.” He mused, smiling at seeing her jump, he could not keep silent any longer.
“I thought you were asleep?” She turned around quickly and looked at him, her hands on her hips as she smiled back.
“Do I smell a rose bath? When did we get a tub up here?” He asked. Sitting up slowly he looked around, following the aromatic scent of the rose. Hearing her chuckle, she ran her hand gently over his good shoulder.
“Aye, over in the corner by the bed. It is new, would ye care to take a bath with yer wife my liege?”
Standing up in one smooth motion, he had scooped her up against his chest and quickly stepped around the pile of bloody clothing. His chest ached but he didn’t care one bit, having Elisabeth in his arms is all he wanted. Steam rose from the hot bath as he lowered Elisabeth gently into the heavenly water. Watching the redheaded beauty sigh with pleasure he pulled his belt lose and dropped his kilt where he stood. He watched her sink into the hot water with a glorious moan.
Stepping in beside her, he slowly sunk down into the hot water and let out a sigh of relief. They were both covered in blood, their own and others. A cleansing bath was exactly what they both needed.
“Turn around love.” He asked, motioning with his hand, seeing her smile she nimbly maneuvered in the soapy water and lean back into him. Picking up the soap he gently set to work on Elisabeth’s long red hair. Massaging her scalp he took a moment to reflect on their journey.
He had been waiting all night for Elisabeth to tell him he was to be a father, yet time after time the woman said nothing. He was now sure the arrow didn’t strike anywhere near the babe, why hadn’t she said anything? Was she scared to tell him?
Rinsing her hair he took his time washing her lithe body. She has lost incredibly too much weight for his liking, yet she was still magnificent. It was hard to control his urges as he slowly saw to cleaning every inch of her skin. He had missed being near her; he missed her voice and her moans, the smell of her hair and the softness of her ivory skin. He had missed the way her eyes sparkled when she held her sword, or the beauty in her laugh.
“My turn.” She purred, taking the soap from his hands with a bright little smile. Sitting back he allowed Elisabeth to wash his body as he did hers. Her every touch made him want her, it had been too long. He wanted nothing more than to lose himself in her right this very moment.
Closing his eyes, he leaned his head back and allowed himself to enjoy her tender caresses, sighing with pleasure, he felt her small hand wrap around his cock.
***
Smiling down at her husband, she saw his eyes pop open the moment she touched his velvet shaft, licking her lips she straddled her husband. Feeling his hands upon her, she lifted her hips up and slowly lowered herself down Broderick’s thick cock.
“Oh yes, God I missed you Broderick.” She moaned, raising her hips she closed her eyes and tilted her head back as he guided her with his strong hands. It had been so long since they had made love, weeks upon weeks. Feeling him slowly stretch her as he brought her down upon his erect staff her jaw dropped with ecstasy as he tilted higher into her. The fire roared on the opposite side of the room, few candles still burned, together the two rocked as one in the steaming bath.
His battle-hardened hands caressed her as he kissed her lips and kneaded her breasts. Lost for words, Elisabeth felt Broderick bury himself in her as she threw back her head in screaming ecstasy, time and time again. Never had she climaxed so many times, so quickly. She was desperate for her husband, desperate for the intimacy with him that she had missed these past weeks.
Water splashed out of the tub in rhythmic waves as she rode him into the night. His touch, his kiss, everything he did made her hotter and hotter; she had missed his touch so much that her body was responding in wanton desire. She craved his grasp, his bite, his playfulness and roughness; she needed him to brand her with his love. She wanted to feel his hands on her long after he stopped touching her. She felt him run his hands up her breasts as he took each nipple into his mouth as he pounded into her wet core, she could feel herself pulsing against his massive shaft as he pulled in and out. Gasping for breath she heard Broderick whisper into her ear as he bounced her up and down underneath the water, “Mine, my wife, my warrior queen.” Rocking into her to his hilt, he exploded into her womb once more,
sending her into one final climax.
Breathless, she collapsed against his chest. Their hearts were pounding as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple, the two lay in the water until the heat had dissipated. Sated in each other’s arms, they simply held each other and basked in euphoria.
***
Being home again made Broderick feel complete, having his beautiful wife in his arms made it all that more real. Feeling her shiver, he cradled her and stepped out of the deep tub onto the rug. Grabbing a towel, he slowly dried her off as he placed kisses along her body where he touched. Running his warm hand over her growing belly, “You’ll make an incredible mother Elisabeth.” A large smile appeared on his face, he simply couldn’t wait for her to tell him. He wanted to celebrate with his wife, the thought of her carrying his child made his chest burst with pride.
Her jaw dropped and she lowered her hand to touch his that lay on her stomach, “You know?” Tears brimmed her eyelids.
“I’ve known love, I suspected before I left. Kendrix hesitantly confirmed my suspicions hours before you so gloriously galloped into camp.”
She threw her arms around his neck, tears streamed down her face, “I’m so sorry Broderick! I’m so sorry I rode to war carrying your child, I had no other choice!”
Taken back by her emotions, he gently picked her up and carried her over to their bed. Sitting her down gently, he slid in next to her and explained, “Shh, Elisabeth. I understand my love; if I were in your boots I would have done the same thing. Nothing would have kept me from my family, ever. I am not mad my love.” Clearing his throat he pulled the covers over them and tucked her against his side, playing with her long red hair as he admitted, “Now, bartering with me so you could fight Ivan damn near made me break. Watching you fight that man was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, please, never make me do that again.”
“My sword belongs to you now Husband, from this day forth.” She whispered, tears of joy brimming her eyes.
Shaking his head with a grin, “Nae nae Lis, from this day forth ye shall never be without your blade. I want you protected always. Tis not that I dinnae want you to fight my love, I only want you safe.”
Leaning down he captured her mouth and ran his hands over her glorious curves, “Tell me Lis, I want to hear it from your mouth.” He purred.
***
Flickering her eyelids open, she pulled back from Broderick’s kiss and bit her lip as she blushed, his dazzling green eyes looked directly into her soul. She had thought of nothing more than telling him, she had gone over it in her head thousands of times. She had been so close to telling him several times on their ride home, multiple times as she stitched his chest closed, and yet every time she couldn’t get the words out.
Reaching up, she cupped his strong jaw and grinned, “I carry your heir my love,” taking his hand, she placed it against her warm stomach and smiled at him in wonder, “You will be a father Broderick, we will be parents come summer.”
“In all the years, all of what we have suffered, never did I imagine that someday I would be this content, this happy and this loved. You have given me everything I thought I didn’t want Elisabeth. I love you my queen, I’ll follow you to Hell and back with a smile on my face if need be.”
Wrapping her arms around Broderick she snuggled under the warm covers and pressed against his naked body, whispering back, “and you have given me things I have longed for all my life but thought I could never have, a family, a babe and love. I love you my king, I’ll love you to our dying day.”
Epilogue
September 1209
The Highlands, Scotland
Sighing contently Elisabeth lay on her back in the beautiful purple heather field. Eyes closed, she listened to the sounds in the glen. Children laughed, puppies barked and the deep vibrato of men’s voices could be heard in the breeze. The Scottish summer was coming to a close and the weather had never been more perfect. The warm Highland sun beat down upon her face, warming her as the breeze blew through the valley. High in the air she could hear the sweet song of birds as they flew past, smiling to herself she soaked up these perfect little moments, they were some of her most treasured times.
Grinning, she opened her eyes and leaned upon her elbow as she heard someone approach, before her, her husband smiled deeply as he struggled to keep the precious cargo in his arms from falling as they squirmed.
In his arms he held two laughing, green-eyed, one-year-old babes. Seamus Duncan MacMillan and his twin sister Jocelyn Grace, the most beautiful things she had ever seen. Twins, she had two beautiful, headstrong children who melted her heart with one smile. They were the spitting image of their handsome father, with her light green eyes.
Watching Broderick carry both of the giggling babes over to her, her heart filled with joy. Their birth had been difficult, but she would do it all over again. She reminisced about how overprotective Broderick had become at the end of her pregnancy with the twins; he had been a nervous wreck. The twins had just celebrated their first birthday this summer. A large festival was thrown at Castle MacMillan to celebrate the twins’ first birthday. It had been a weeklong celebration with contests and entertainment galore, dancing and merriment livened up the entire Highlands as people came near and far to participate in the joyous occasion. The King of England even came with a beautiful gold crown for each child.
Hearing Broderick curse, she snapped out of her daydream and saw the litter of wolfhound pups entangle themselves in between Broderick’s legs as he continued walking towards her.
Smiling up at her handsome husband she had witnessed Broderick turn into a loving father right before her eyes this past year. The moment the twins were born he held them tight and promised them the world. He had been so loving and careful with the children, his protectiveness and pride in his children made her heart burst with love. Just when she thought she couldn’t love him anymore, he proved her wrong.
Behind Broderick, Elisabeth heard the sweet laugh of Isobel. Running past her Uncle and baby cousins, she swung a handful of flowers as she ran towards Elisabeth, all smiles and long blonde hair. The young lass was fast growing up, she was quick becoming known for her archery. Following behind Isobel was her father, Kendrix who attempted to corral the barking wolfhounds as Conn and Isla, the proud parents, lumbered behind. Laughing at the scene ahead of her, her heart was light with joy; these were the moments she lived for, and today was a special day.
“Aunt Elisabeth, when do we have to go back to the castle to get ready?” Isobel question as she ran up to the blanket where Elisabeth sat, flopping down beside her.
“Soon my love, ye know how long weddings take to prepare for.” She winked at Isobel and looked back at Broderick as he leaned down and handed her Jocelyn before sitting down on the blanket next to them.
Kendrix walked up and held out his hand for Isobel, “Come my love, we need to get back to the castle, allow your Uncle and Aunt some family time my dear. I’m sure Molly will be waiting for you.”
“Alright Da,” she sighed, clearly sad to be leaving her cousins, “I’ll go because I’m excited she is to be my new mum, not because I have to wear another fancy dress.” She pointed out.
Chuckling Broderick took pity on his young niece, “We will be heading home soon Isobel, you’ll have plenty of time to play with your cousins tonight. We shall see you at the wedding dear, if you’d like, you can take the pups back to the stables.”
Clapping, Isobel quickly got up and picked up as many puppies as she could fit in her arms and charged her father with the rest.
Waving goodbye, Elisabeth and Broderick watched as Kendrix and Isobel walked back to the castle together, along with the family of wolfhounds.
“I still cannae believe he’s finally getting married again, I wasn’t sure if he’d ever find love again.” Broderick mused as he nestled his sleepy son in the crook of his arm.
Running her hand over Jocelyn’s cherub like face, she tucked her in closer and leane
d against Broderick, “Molly is a wonderful woman, I am happy to see Kendrix in love, and our little niece happens to love Molly like a mother already. It’ll be a wonderful start to their family. I hope Rhona didn’t need my help this afternoon.” She yawned as the summer sun shined down upon them.
“Rhona has been planning this wedding for weeks, she has her own well trained castle staff to see to the duties today. In fact, you know she specifically told you to take us all on a picnic, I think she wanted you out of her hair for the afternoon.” He chuckled.
Playfully swatting his arm she grinned, “She dinnae Broderick!” The two of them sat in the field of heather outside the castle and enjoyed the lovely weather. Soon enough the coldness and snow would descend down upon them and long gone would be days like this.
Since the children were born, Broderick had made a considerable effort in making sure he had plenty of time on his hands for his family. He delegated when he could and always wanted the twins close by. Leaning her head against his strong shoulder she sighed with happiness at how blessed she was.
In one arm she held little Jocelyn who dozed off into dream world with her brother who was lightly snoring in his father’s arm. Using her free hand, she pulled her gorgeous husband closer by his shirt and kissed him as the world buzzed around them. Her attraction to him never waned; it only grew stronger the longer they were married. Stolen moments like this had to suffice until the nights when they would get lost in each other.
“Ouch!” Feeling her hair pulled, she broke the kiss and looked down into their arms. Seamus was bright eyed and smiling, holding a fistful of her hair in his sweet little hand.
Chuckling, Broderick reached down and untangled the shiny red lock out of his son’s hand, “Seamus, be nice to ye Mum lad.” Ruffling the wee babe’s chestnut hair.
Sighing, Elisabeth sighed with complete happiness, sitting with her family in the fields of vibrant purple heather, she reflected on their journey to each other up till today. Death and sadness had slowly transformed her path in life into her destiny. Fate had led her to Broderick; fate had seen them through battles and meetings with their king. Fate had brought them together, combined they now owed over three quarters of the Scottish Highlands.
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