He closed the door and trekked down the narrow passageway to the stairs. Musicians were playing the lutes and harp, the women singing a lively song, one Kuresh recognized easily. Whenever the soldiers returned from battle in victory, the women often graced them with the spirit-lifting song. He smiled as he descended the stairs, met by applause and raised cups as he appeared at the archway opening into the hall.
Kuresh had a mind for detail, recalling faces easily. Some of the men present were unknown to him, but he trusted Laird Jamie’s judgement. Though he did not understand why strangers would wish to attend the ceremony. Born a prince, he never used his title in the Highlands, though some of the women he’d bedded liked to whisper it, for it gave them a thrill to think they had been loved by a man of royal blood. The thought made Kuresh laugh aloud. The women of the Highlands were beautiful, free in a way he had never imagined—hard on the outside, but as sweet and biddable as lambs on the inside.
Except for her…
His gaze stopped on Lady Miran. Taller than most women, she stood out in a crowd, the way he often did. Her golden hair and green eyes haunted him too often in the middle of the night. Twas when he imagined her sharp tongue, any feelings he held for her quickly dissipated. Or did they? She was dressed in a forest-green gown, her fine hair braided and coiled into a becoming style atop her head, and he could not help but stare admiringly. A gold chain adorned her slim neck and a matching chain belt hugged her waist and hips. He wet his dry lips, forcing his desire for her out of his mind. But it seemed too late, for his body always responded to her presence.
He’d purge that pain from his body later, either through bedding a willing maid or by taking a swim in the frigid loch.
“Prince Kuresh,” Laird Jamie called, rising from his seat at the high table. “Step forward, we have been waiting for ye.”
Why had his laird and friend chosen to call him a prince today? As he walked down the aisle that split the rectangular-shaped hall in half, with trestle tables lining both sides, the men standing bowed to him.
Kuresh reached the dais that contained the high table, where he sat most every night to eat. He bowed to Laird Jamie and Lady Helen. “You do me a great honor, my laird.”
Jamie grinned. “Ye do us the real honor. Tis why I reminded everyone of who ye used to be. Yer sacrifice will no’ be forgotten.” Then he motioned to the people. “See what admiration ye inspire?”
Kuresh once again looked about the room.
“Thank ye for saving my life,” Helen said with a smile. “Ye are a welcome addition to our household. A true leader and friend.”
Kuresh bowed; her words touched his heart.
“Tis the first time I know of a foreigner being welcomed into our clan. I can only assume, since there is a bylaw allowing for such a practice, that somewhere in our clan history, we welcomed strangers into our family.”
“I will not disappoint you.”
“Tis not my worry,” Jamie said. “I fear failing ye, for I have seen where ye come from, the palace ye lived in, the future ye gave up to come here.”
Kuresh stood straight, shoulders back, head held high. Pride weaved its way through his strong body. “I believe God brought me here.”
“Then who am I to deny a man his fate?” Jamie said. “Priest.”
Father Brandon shuffled forward, a holy book in his hands. “Kuresh.”
Kuresh didn’t dislike him, for Father Brandon had dedicated his life to serving the people of Clan MacKay. Though he didn’t understand why a man would willingly choose to be celibate. Only eunuchs, tasked with guarding the royal harem, were damned to such a life. “Father Brandon.” Kuresh lowered his head out of respect.
“I welcome ye here,” the priest continued, “before God and these good people to take an oath to Clan MacKay.”
“Wait!” Jamie said. “Let us not forget another honored guest.”
Kuresh followed his laird’s gaze to a far corner of the hall. There, dressed in MacKay plaid, his once long, dark hair cropped short, was Kuresh’s younger brother, Nasim. Kuresh felt his smile grow. Warmth radiated up his body, for he had not seen his brother in months.
Nasim rushed across the room and threw his arms around him, kissing Kuresh’s cheeks. “Brother!”
“Nasim. When did you arrive?”
“Only this morning,” he said. “At the invitation of Laird Jamie.”
“I am happy to see you.”
“You are sorely missed by Laird Alex. I bring missives from him and many of the people, gifts, too.” Nasim stepped back and looked up at his brother.
“Though I miss Alex and his family and the men I served with, this is my home now.”
“I would expect no less,” Nasim said. “After the ceremony and celebration, perhaps you can give me a tour of the lands. I want to see everything, know what you do here. I will leave in the morning.”
How he wished he had more time with Nasim. Soon, he hoped, once Laird Jamie’s household was established, he’d take more time for himself and family. “Then you are not against what I have chosen? To give up my name?”
Nasim shook his head. “Kolay gelsin,” he said in their native tongue. May it be easy for you.
“Are ye ready, Prince Kuresh?” The priest asked.
“Yes. I am ready.”
Chapter Three
Miran frowned when she saw Nasim step forward. Not that she harbored any ill will toward the man, he had never disrespected her. Only his brother, Kuresh, had. But seeing Kuresh made happy for any reason did not sit well with her. He dinna deserve the honor of becoming a MacKay. That should be reserved for a man who understood all of the traditions that had made her clan one of the greatest in the northern Highlands.
Kuresh had made it abundantly clear on many occasions that women were inferior—meant to fulfill two obligations, warming a man’s bed and giving birth to children. He had even asked her which one did she think she was fated to perform.
Neither, she had said bitterly.
Her answer surprised him, for he remained silent for many moments before he spoke again. “You wish to be a child forever?”
“I wish to be myself,” she said, walking away before he had a chance to insult her.
“What name have ye chosen, Prince Kuresh?” Father Brandon’s voice brought her back to the present.
“Leod,” she whispered loud enough for her cousin to overhear.
Jamie shook his head. “Doona make a fool of yerself, Miran.”
“I willna.” She focused on Kuresh again, waiting to hear what the black-hearted barbarian had chosen for himself.
“Kai,” Kuresh announced.
Kai? An unusual name, though Scottish. It meant fiery. And as she stared at him, his turbulent gaze met hers briefly, causing something to stir in her belly. Not resentment, not hatred, and surely not appreciation. The strange sensation spread throughout her body, causing heat to rise in her cheeks. She fanned herself, and that’s when Kai—Kuresh, smiled at her before he returned his attention to the priest.
Damn him to the lowest realms of Hades. He’d made her blush and he knew it.
“Do ye swear fealty to Laird Jamie MacKay, to Clan MacKay, to God, whoever ye recognize him to be, and promise that any enemy of our laird and country is an enemy to ye? That yer old life, yer former family, whether parents or siblings, willna interfere with yer duties, and that from this moment forward, ye are a member of this clan, willing to sacrifice yer life in order to keep us safe?”
“I so swear.”
“Kneel,” Father Brandon commanded.
Kai dinna hesitate.
Father Brandon rested his right hand on Kuresh’s head, prayed in Latin, then flicked holy water over him. “Rise, Kai MacKay.”
The hall exploded with applause, and Miran made her escape once Jamie and his wife, Helen, were distracted. Nothing and no one could force her to stay and wish that beast-of-a-man well. Instead, she went outside, wanting to breathe in the crisp morning air and feel the winter sun on her f
ace.
Several guards waved as she walked down the pathway to the loch, pleased to finally be alone. Within a sennight, she would ride out with Kai—under duress of course, tasked with seeking out maids to serve in Jamie’s household. An important responsibility she took seriously, but why had her cousin thought it necessary to punish her by forcing her to go with Kuresh?
“Kai!” she said aloud. “A senseless name for a brute I will always know as Kuresh.”
“Call me whatever pleases you, Lady Miran. Knowing I am on your mind is reward enough.”
She closed her eyes, willing the devil away, hoping she was simply hearing things carried on the wind. “Ye are not real.”
“I am flesh and blood.”
She turned slowly, finding Kai standing behind her. She scowled at his invasion of her privacy. “I dinna invite ye here.”
“Do I need an invitation to come to the loch? Does it not belong to the clan?”
She rolled her eyes. “It belongs to Laird Jamie.”
“As do you.”
She wouldna let his words upset her. The man spent every spare moment he had trying to irritate her, espousing how women should be silent and obedient. “Ye know nothing about me, Kuresh.”
“Kai.”
“I prefer Leod.”
He growled, moving closer. “Do you wish to take another swim in the cold water?” He tilted his head, his intense eyes promising he meant what he said.
Though she dinna doubt the sincerity of his threat, inside, she celebrated that she had the ability to discomfit him as much as he did her. “Ye have no right to threaten me—I came here in search of solitude. Ye should return to the great hall and celebrate with Jamie. I am sure he misses ye already.”
Kai rubbed his chin. “I came here to see why you refuse to accept me.”
She turned away, gazing across the icy loch. “My opinion shouldna matter.”
“Miran…”
“Lady Miran,” she demanded.
“Lady Miran,” he said coolly. “We are soon to travel together. Would it not be prudent to find a way to make peace?”
“Peace?” She whirled about. “From the moment I met ye, ye did everything within yer power to frustrate me. Not to befriend me.”
“You are not an easy woman to get along with. You are often shameless.”
She clicked her tongue in anger. “Shameless? Exactly what are ye accusing me of? When have I conducted myself with immodesty, sir?” Oh, she would have her say now, for the invader—that’s what she truly considered him—had insulted her character in a way she couldna allow. Miran guarded her maidenhood as fiercely as Jamie guarded his holdings. “Well?” she pressed. “If ye wish to name the circumstance, I am eager to hear it.”
“Perhaps I chose the wrong word.”
Twas it possible? The dark warrior was admitting he made a mistake?
“Shameless aligns me with a woman of loose morals, sir,” she chastised him. “A whore.”
Kai’s eyes widened with surprise. “Those words should not come out of your mouth!”
“Nor yers!”
He shook his head and sucked in a discontented breath. “I am a man.”
She waved her hands about. “I’ve waited for ye to announce yer sex again.” She pressed her fist against her breast, mocking him. “Ye are a man—set above woman and beast.”
“Miran,” he said in a low voice. “I do not wish to argue with you. But if I must, if you continue to fight me, know that Laird Jamie has given me broad powers over you, not only to protect you, but to teach you respect.”
She laughed nervously. “There is nothing for ye to teach me. And if there is, I doona want to learn it from ye.” She turned to go, but Kai gripped her arm and stopped her.
“Listen to me…” He tugged her against his muscular body, overshadowing her with his intimidating size and strength.
“Release me at once!” Her lips trembled, because the one thing she couldna deny or overcome were the feelings Kai elicited whenever he had his hands on her. And for as much as she tried to avoid him, she often found herself in circumstances where he was able to touch her.
“Lady Miran…”
“Let go of me.”
“If you will be still.”
She kicked his shin, forgetting she was wearing her soft-leather boots, so it hurt her toes, not his leg. “Christ!” she yelled.
Kai frowned, then leaned closer to her face. “If you refuse to stop using such language…” His mouth closed over hers, his soft, warm lips teasing her mouth open.
His tongue slipped inside her mouth, gently at first, exploring, demanding…
Miran bit down on his tongue, tasting blood, feeling his body jerk with pain. He cursed in whatever language it was he spoke, his features darkened with rage. She wouldna wait for his reaction. Nay, she fled as fast as she could go, running past the guards at the gates, entering the manor house breathless, and certain she’d embarrass Jamie, and hurried up the stairs, not caring who was watching.
“Miran!” Someone shouted after her.
She couldna stop. She wanted to be alone, away from prying eyes, away from that dark-haired heathen with hypnotic eyes and a handsome face. Once she was safely ensconced in her bedchamber, she drank a cup of wine, trying to wash away his taste. That minty-sweet taste uniquely his own.
Jamie and Kai had returned to the Highlands with a ship laden with treasure from Constantinople, including a collection of exotic plants which grew within the walls of the manor house now. And every morning, Kai could be found in the indoor garden off the kitchen, picking and eating various herbs and leaves he claimed kept a man virile and healthy.
Jamie did the same.
Who knew what kind of poison her cousin ingested.
Nervous, she unbraided her hair and started to comb it out. Would Kai retaliate? Report her bad behavior to Jamie? If he did, Jamie would be left with no choice but to punish her severely to serve as a lesson for other maids living under his protection. No woman was permitted to disrespect or assault an honored captain of the guard, especially one who was a prince. Unless she was fighting for her life. Twas the only exception. And she had violated that rule more than once already.
Kai shouldna have followed her to the loch. In fact, the man needed to turn his attention elsewhere. Then something wonderful crossed her mind…a definite solution for her problem with the captain. Knowing there was no way to change Jamie’s mind about her accompanying Kai on the trip, perhaps she could take advantage of the time and search for a wife for him.
Aye, the kind of woman he was always telling her she needed to be. What man could resist a chance for his daughter to marry the captain of Laird Jamie’s army? Twas the most coveted position in her clan other than laird. And they would be visiting some of the poorer villages along the coast. She smiled, suddenly hopeful. What a blessing it would be if she chose a pretty lass from one of the fishing villages.—Not only would her family’s circumstances improve, but Miran’s own life would return to normal.
Kai had unwittingly provided Miran with the details she needed to choose a comely woman for him. He preferred lighter features, blonde hair, blue or green eyes, and a voluptuous form. Aye, she’d seen a couple of the maids who flirted with Kai, women who had likely shared his bed. She rolled her eyes. One had been a redhead, the other had golden hair like hers, but both were heavy-breasted.
She poured herself another measure of wine and took a delicate sip, quite pleased. No one must know of her plan, not even Helen, who could keep a secret when asked. Kuresh-Kai—she must force herself to remember his new name—would never expect her to do such a thing. And if Miran had her way, by spring, he would take a wife.
Or, was she being silly fantasizing about such a thing?
Chapter Four
For a second time, Kai found himself seated with Jamie in the great hall after most people had gone to sleep, drinking ale and nursing his wounded spirit that he kept well hidden—and a bruised shin. For such
a slight lass, Miran could kick as hard as a horse.
“She assaulted ye how many times?” Jamie asked, looking frustrated and disappointed.
“Do not blame her.”
“Nay?”
“No.”
Jamie scratched his head. “Ye are protecting her for a reason.”
Kai met his laird’s curious stare. “I kissed her.”
“Kissed her?” Jamie repeated. “How?”
Kai cleared his throat, not enthusiastic about providing such details. “With my mouth.”
Jamie rolled his eyes and took a long drink of ale. “Aye—is there any other way to kiss a lass?”
Kai didn’t provide an answer.
“Ye stole another kiss from her. That’s what happened, aye?”
Kai nodded, realizing anything he added to the conversation would only implicate him more. For whenever the lass came too close or shouted at him undeservedly, the only thing he could think about doing was kissing her. Not only to silence her, but to convince her he meant her no harm, that she should consider him a serious candidate for her future husband. Though other men admired her, even lusted after her from a distance, they feared her temperament. As any prudent man should, for Miran MacKay had a fiery soul, as hot and dangerous as the desert sun. Only Kai believed he could tame her. But not under the watchful eyes of his new laird and lady.
“Ye are well familiar with the traditions of the Scots.”
“Aye,” Kai said like any Highlander.
Jamie’s lips hitched into a grin. “The lass is my responsibility. Her happiness is important to me. Her safety is…”
“No one will harm Miran as long as I am alive.”
Jamie sighed. “I believe ye.”
“Good.”
“But this game the two of ye play is dangerous.”
“Game?”
“Aye. The mutual denial. Ye ignore the finer points of courting a lass, falsely leading her to believe all ye want from her is sex. And in return, she hates ye.”
“Would you have me bend a knee in front of everyone and beg for her hand in marriage? She would laugh in my face, wiping away the respect I’ve earned from everyone in this household.”
Highlands Forever Collection: A Highlander Romance Bundle Page 39