Branded By a Warrior (29 page)

“Thank you,”
she whispered looking into her husband’s eyes. T
urning her gaze back to the delighted child, “see, it can be done my pet
.
”
She smiled down at Isobel who was glowing with excitement.

Clearing his throat
Broderick explained why he had come to find them
, “Isobel, your Da was looking for you, he is in the keep. Run along and find him dear, I need to talk to your Aunt for a little bit
.
”

As Isobel did as requested, Broderick entwined his fingers with
her
as
t
he
y
watched Isobel skip towards the keep. The rare winter sun peeked out of the clouds, the snow covered castle glittered in the sunlight.
Squeezing her hand, he tugged her towards the
castle
.
“Come with me
Elisabeth, we need to talk
. Lets go to the north tower
.
”

Walking together, the couple crossed the bailey and entered the keep, turning down the north corridor; they walked in silence as they moved up the spiral stairs to the Laird’s room.

Elisabeth could tell something was wrong, she could sense it in his posture, in his silence
. Something was very wrong. Choosing to remain silent as they walked into his vast room, she waited for him to speak first; it didn’t take long for him to get to the point.
Safely behind the closed doors of his tower room, he quickly explained what had happened.

“The messenger was from the King
Richard
, I’m being summoned
to Inverness, he is not
pleased and requested me to come with all due hast
.
”
He stood in the middle of the room and crossed his arms.
The worry in his face was evident.

“But it will take you weeks to travel there and back, in this weather it would be treacherous!”
H
er heart slammed into her chest, this could not be happening.

“Aye, he cares not for the weather, only answers. Answers he wants in person apparently, I will have to leave immediately
.
”

“I will go with you
.
”
She stated.

“Nae Elisabeth, I want you to remain here, safe behind these walls. I will be leaving Kendrix behind as well
.
”

Shocked, she knew there had to be more to the story, he never traveled without his brother.
“Why?” S
he knew she only had to ask, he wouldn’t lie to her.

“Kincaid lodged a formal complain
t
to the k
ing over our marriage
,
stat
ing he was betrothed to you.
King
Richard
is irritated we did not gain his approval before marrying
. He is demanding us to both appear before him to explain, I refuse to allow you to be taken from me, thus the reason why I want you to stay here
. I want Kendrix to stay behind with you in the event that Kincaid attacks in my absence
.
”

“If he is demanding us both to go, I should go
.
”
She did not want to
displease the already agitated k
ing.

“I
forbid
it Elisabeth. He could declare our marriage invalid and hand you over to Kincaid; I will not take that chance. The King
of England
is moody and volatile, w
ith you safe behind these walls
he cannae take you from me
.
”

She could hear the conviction and passion in her husband’s voice.
“He could take
you
from
me
Broderick, did you think of that? He could have you executed for disobeying him, we know he’s had men killed for far less!”

Closing the distance between them, Broderick wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her close
, she knew of the irrat
ional behavior of the k
in
g, the stories were horrifying.

“He
needs
me Elisabeth, I am far more valuable to him alive, trust me. He will yell at me for no
t formally requesting your hand. Yes,
he will be irritated you are not with me, but he will na
e
kill me lass
. Kincaid has been a thorn in his side for years, he’s only entertaining Kincaid’s appeal out of obligation his anger has been pricked because he’s had to become involved. In the grand scheme of events, the King
of England
has no time for trivial matters such as Highland Laird’s marriages
.
”

“How long do you think it will take?”
She knew King Richard
would
be concerned
with her marriage,
the reason
why
she co
uld not divulge to her husband at this time. She knew he had to go, and he had good reason to leave her behind. She could not argue his logic.

“Less than
a month, given the weather doesn’t
slow us down
,
”
rubbing her back he added, “When I return, we will prepare to descend on Kincaid and r
epay him for every life he took. T
ake this time while I am go
ne
prepare, ready our warriors with Kendrix
. While I’m gone
, I will count on you two to draw up our battle strategy and prepare the men for war, once I return from my meeting with the King, we will go south
.
”

Closing her eyes she knew he was right, the King needed him, she knew first hand how much the
Richard
hated Kincaid. Staying back at Castle MacMillan would keep her from having to face the King
of England
, it also meant she wouldn’t see her husband for a very long time. The ride to
Inverness was long and daunting and
the weather had yet to break.

“When will you leave? How many men will you take? Have you talked to Kendrix yet?”
She had so many questions.
“I spoke with him before I came to find you, he is not pleased I’m leaving him behind, but he understands. I plan to leave at first light tomorrow morning, I’ll take ten men with me
.
”

His voice was calming and reassuring as he held her, she felt something in the pit of her stomach that made her uneasy about the summons, “Are ye sure it was a true summons? That this wasn’t a ploy to separate you away from your warriors?”

“Aye, it was a royal messenger who had delivered the letter personally into my hand, I have seen him before. The
letter was sealed with the King Richard’
s signet ring, there is no mistake Elisabeth. However, we would be fools to think that Kincaid will not be notified of my departure from the castle. He is well informed by someone here, Kendrix and you will have to stay alert at all times. I have asked Kendrix to become your shadow, I know you do not need protection, but while I’m away I will not be able to focus not knowing if you are okay. Until we have found the enemy in our midst, you are to trust only Kendrix and Rhona with vital information. I will give you the key to this room while I’m away, use it as yours, no one will dare bother you up here, not even Kendrix
.
”

“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 str
ong 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
.
”

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 u
p 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 yawn
ed
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 trav
eling to the k
ing, 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 food
s
, Old Rhona had to have had her hand in this Elisabeth guessed. “I will remember to eat, I promise
.” S
he smiled, pouring them each a goblet of mead as he sat down across from her.

“Eat wife, I will talk
.” H
e 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?” S
he countered; the worry in her voice was evident.

Leaning forward, “You are to protect
our
family, and our clan by any means necessary Elisabeth
.” H
is 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 y
ou
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.
” H
e saw Elisabeth’s
head snap up as he raised his voice
and swore. H
e 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 warrior
s, together, we are unstoppable, t
his
,
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 whisper
ed 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 gri
nned as he watched her jaw drop. H
e 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 h
aven, 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
l
ike a conquering lord with his prize.

“Where are we going?” She giggled.

“Did you fail to notice the large bed si
tting 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, p
eriod
.
”

“Are ye going to put a bed ever
ywhere we spend time my love?” S
he playfully asked.

Tossing her gently on the bed he locked eyes with her and shrugged his shoul
ders, “T
hought about it
.” C
rawling 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
. T
aking time to appreciate his lean body she watched his muscles flex as he slowly crawled in her direction. His green eyes flashed wit
h passion as he grabbed her left ankle and gave it a tug, sending her directly underneath her naked husband.