Binding Vows (24 page)

“How old is the lass?”

“Almost an old maid if ye ask me. She is twenty and one on her last day marking her birth. Why Laird Ian has not bound her to someone is always a question asked at dinner tables.” He looked up and caught Grainna’s gaze. Confusion crossed his brow and she felt his skin start to crawl.
You should
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squirm you lower than life bit of a man.
Grainna shook his trance away, realizing she had slipped into his mind without trying to.

He moved away in obvious discomfort. She would have to be more careful in the future.

They bartered with a bit of her jewelry, and because it’s worth was more than what she had purchased, he gave her some coin.

She walked the streets, keeping her eyes and ears open. She didn’t fear any of the MacCoinnich’s coming into the village with the wedding the next day. So she took advantage of her
luck
and gathered more information.

An eligible daughter?
A wicked smile curved at her lips.
And dwelling only a few miles away?
She contained her laugh.
How poetic.

Grainna stopped at the smith and bartered for a pot. There she saw a young woman, not more than eighteen, smiling up at a man dressed in knight’s clothing. She eavesdropped on their conversation.

“So, ye are Matthew of Lancaster. I’ve heard many stories of ye, my Lord.”

“Ahhh.” The knight searched the busy street.

“I’m sorry, ye have me at a disadvantage, and ye are?”

“Alyssa.” She flashed him a smile.

“’Tis a pleasure.” He gave a quick bow, his eyes skirting to the street, obviously looking for someone.

Alyssa smiled and leaned into him enough to show off the curve of her breast and caught his eye with the necklace she wore. In whispered tones she asked, “I hope ye will not be leaving so soon after the wedding. I would like to get to know ye better.”

Grainna noticed the exchange and the small amount of power the woman used over the man.

Quietly and with swift skill, Grainna slipped into the man’s mind. Yes, the woman speaking with him was Druid, and she was using her gifts on him.

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From what she could tell, the lass was looking for a husband, and wasting her time with the man in front of her.

“Maybe I could stay for a day or two.” His hands twitched at his side. “Or return at a later date.”

“That would be lovely, Sir Lancaster.” She touched his arm, sending a path of red to his cheek.

“Until then.”

Grainna gathered her things and walked out of the village from the opposite way she came. Once hidden in the woods, she picked up her cane and moved with speed to the horse she took from one of the gypsies.

****

With a little help from Ian, the sky cooperated the next day. The ceremony was to take place outside, overlooking the field of green where benches had been prepared so the guests could sit. The maids tied strands of heather together forming sprays of flowers everywhere.

Duncan had been kept from seeing Tara since they parted the night before. It was a frustrating custom Tara wanted to follow, even if it wasn’t his.

He adjusted the plaid of his clan until it sat perfectly upon his frame. His bride had jested with him about his kilt. She would see him in it for the first time when they exchanged vows.

The beauty of a kilt was the ease in which he would bed his wife. Perhaps he would take to wearing the kilt more often if his bride enjoyed his pursuits in the outfit. ****

Tara fidgeted while the women, maids, and in-laws fussed over her. They wove tiny flowers in her hair, and a small wreath sat like a halo on top of her head. The effect was magnificent.

The amber gown, adorned with pearls and gold ribbons, made every feature Tara had glow. The 206

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gown dipped low, and her breasts thrust high enough against the bodice to enchant her husband.

The full, flowing sleeves cascaded over the tips of her fingers.

The most defining part of the gown was the material made entirely of silk, impossible to come by in this time and place. Someone told her, Duncan and Fin brought it back with them from one of their trips into the future. Its worth was immeasurable and admired by all who saw it.

The servants filed out of the room, leaving only Lora and Myra.

“Stunning,” Lora said, looking at her reflection in the mirror. “You will make my son a fine wife.”

Tara put her arms around her mother-in-law,

“Thank you for everything.”

“No, my dear, thank you for loving my son.”

Lora’s voice cracked. “I should go, check on everything one last time.”

Myra stayed behind to keep Tara company before she walked down the aisle. “Are you nervous?”

“Not like I thought I would be,” she said. “I remembered the vows Duncan and I pledged in California, and I’m more comfortable with what I want to say.”

“Tell me.”

Tara closed her eyes and remembered. “They started out with North, South, East and West. There was something about following his light, I’m fuzzy on that part, but then it went on about me giving him my love past my dying day.”

Myra stopped her by finishing her words,

“Where two hearts beat, there is now but one. This tie that binds us together shall never be undone.”

“Yes, exactly! How do you know?”

“You said those vows to him before?” Myra paled. Her eyes shifted to Tara.

“Yes.” Tara’s spine started to tingle.

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“And he to you?”

“Yeah, why?” Tara felt a shimmer pass over her at the memory.

“You are already wed to my brother.”

“That’s what he keeps saying.” Tara waved her off. “Nay. You are truly wed already. Those vows are sacred wedding vows, Tara. When spoken by one with Druid blood, they are binding beyond any which could be said in a church or in front of a priest.”

“I don’t understand.”

Myra sat. “Druid wedding vows can never be undone. Once pledged, they will bind you to the person you said them to, instantly. If the two of you part, your soul will reach out for the other. Without the other one, you would die. These vows bind for eternity, in this life and the next. There is no ‘til death do we part.”

Tara knew the color washed from her face when she felt the blood drain from her head. Her knees hit the back of a chair. Sinking into it, she spoke with trembling lips. “And Duncan knows this?”

“Of course. We are all taught this early on. Few Druids make this vow, because of the bind it makes.

My parents shared the same vows which is why they can talk to each other with their minds.” Myra placed a hand on her head. “I should have known you did the same. It all makes sense now.”

Tara wrung her hands together, remembered the cord that burned when they said the vows to each other. Remembered the flash and the instant she could read his thoughts. “Why didn’t he say anything?” she asked. “Oh God, maybe he doesn’t love me. Maybe he is simply drawn to me?” Her hands started to tremble.

“Nay, Tara.” Myra caught her hands and made her look her in the eye when she spoke. “The vows 208

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bind you. Aye. But they don’t make you love. That is free will.” Myra fumbled. “Don’t you see? Duncan chose you before he brought you back. He could have stopped you and didn’t. He knew what he was doing.

Grainna would have bound you to a stranger, and flesh to flesh maybe you would have given into him, but when he left, you would have been empty. You would have died, only to dwell in eternity looking for a man you did not love.”

“I had no idea.” How could anyone damn another to such a fate?

“She is evil beyond anything we can imagine.”

Myra pulled the bulk of her black hair behind her.

“Now, enough of this. Let us change a few words in your vows. Sacred vows should not be spoken in a ceremony like this, it is entirely too public and would bring to light who we are.”

“It all seems unnecessary, knowing we are already wed.”

“Nonsense. You look so lovely. My parents want to see their son wed properly. And look at all the happiness, which has surrounded the hall these last weeks. I know it’s your day, but the rest of us are enjoying it as well.”

“I need to talk to Duncan. We can’t go forward without...” She stood and started to the door.

Myra stopped her. “Do you love my brother?”

“More than life.” Her heart jolted with the reality of her words.

“Do you believe he loves you?” Myra stopped her pacing by standing in front of her.

Flashes from her time and his, passed in her head. The moment he made her his, the moment he vowed to be with her for eternity. The smile he gave her when they last saw each other. “Yes. He loves me.” “Then what does it matter? Vows said today or months ago? Your love will survive eternity if given 209

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a chance.”

Tara looked in her sister’s eyes. “You’re right.

You’re right. I’m nervous.” She put a hand to her fluttering stomach. “So very nervous.”

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Chapter 18

The music changed and announced Tara’s arrival. She had asked Ian to walk her down the aisle. She would have been too apprehensive to walk alone. Besides, she still held Ian responsible. He had shoved her hand into Duncan’s and started all this.

Thank God.

Behind her, Amber held the long train of her dress and smiled at the attention bestowed upon her. Duncan looked proud and a bit stern as he stood before Brother Malloy, who seemed anxious to unite the couple in front of him. He made little rolling gestures with his fingers in an attempt to move Tara along.

But today was her wedding day and nothing was going to rush this moment for her. Nothing!

Duncan looked dashing in his kilt. She knew he owned one, and had even attempted to get him in it a time or two, simply so she could get it off of him.

Today, she was marrying a man in a skirt. Who would have figured? The thought had her hiding a grin. He wore his plaid, as did his brother who stood at his side. Even Ian bared his knees for everyone to see. They were a proud lot of men.

And she was proud to be aligning herself with them.

Duncan held his arms in front of him with clasped fingers.

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handed her over to his son. He beamed his approval, then took his place with Lora to watch the ceremony.

Brother Malloy cleared his throat and began,

“Lords and Ladies…” ****

It took Brother Malloy’s angry cough to separate the couple after their vows had been exchanged.

Even then, the kiss went on until the crowd clapped their approval. Only then did Duncan release Tara .

At the reception, the room lights of a thousand flames brightened the hall long into the night.

Musicians played and people danced.

Amber led the children in games and ran them throughout the rooms, keeping them entertained.

Cian plotted with friends he would one day ride with into battle. Tonight, however, he conspired with them about the young maidens they planned to corner in the yard.

Myra and Finlay toasted the couple, wishing them long and fruitful lives. Bets were placed on how soon it would take for the future heir to be announced.

Ian and Lora held hands and secretly conversed about their future grandchildren.

I pray a child comes soon.
Ian spoke without words.

Not long by the look of them.
Lora assured her husband. They both glanced to where their eldest son stood with their newest daughter.

Duncan stole a kiss in the middle of the dance floor.

****

The Keep’s females escorted Tara to the bridal chamber, previously known as his bedroom. The exit took place with as much pomp and circumstance as the wedding ceremony itself, while Duncan held back, entertained by the boasting of the men. All ranted on about how he should perform his marital 212

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duties. Or better yet, how to make sure his wife awakened on the morrow with a smile upon her lips.

Being apart from her had been torture. Her thoughts, swimming in his head, kept him in a state of constant arousal. Even during their wedding feast, she’d asked him mentally what he wore under his kilt, while she playfully placed a buttered vegetable to her lips. Slowly she swirled her tongue around the morsel of food until his need bordered on pain.

How lucky he was to have found such a seductive prize. Giggling women and maids bound down the stairs letting Duncan and the men know the bride awaited her groom.

“At last,” he said, half to himself but loud enough for those standing close by to hear.

“Much wine was poured here tonight. Go man, lest she falls asleep,” Sir William urged.

“I doubt that will be the case,” Gregor said.

The men cheered and chanted when Duncan mounted the stairs. Once outside the doors, Duncan hushed them all and waved them away.

None would dare to peek at what lay beyond.

With the excitement of a man starved for release, Duncan slowly opened the door and peered into the room.

The glow of the firelight and candles flickered shadows on the walls. His eyes wandered the room.

That was until he stepped inside and saw her standing next to the hearth in a billowing night dress. Her hair brushed free of all adornments framed her face and body.

“Hello, wife,” he managed, his voice already choking on his desire. It had been a painful week without her in his bed.

“Hello, husband.”

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baffled, he slowed his pace and accepted the goblet of wine she handed him.

“Sit. I have a wedding present for you.”

Her mischievous smile had him searching her mind for the secret she held. But inside he only saw the vision of him in her head. Visions of his kilt and the constant question as to what he wore underneath. “You are all the present I need.”

She turned, took a few paces away from him, and then turned back. “I’m so pleased you think that.” Her delicate fingers traced the length of her body from navel to throat.