Branded by a Warrior (19 page)

Deciding to enjoy
the time she had alone
, she maneuvered through Broderick’s forests with ease; the sunlight flickered through the dark clouds hitting her face every now an then. The freedom of being outside the castle walls was welcoming to her soul;
she had felt trapped for weeks. She was unaccustomed to being sealed inside for such a long time.
Yesterday’s trip had turned into a disaster; today she promised herself was a new day. She was the master of her fate.

From in the keep Broderick had heard the grating sound of the drawbridge being lowered as he argued with Siobhan. Leaving her standing in the castle he ran outside to see sev
eral guards running towards him, his wolfh
ounds following closely behind him.

“My L
aird, s
he made us lower the drawbridge, we tried to stop her!” a winded guard explained as Broderick looked at the lowered drawbridge.

“Stop who? Please tell me you didn’t let Elisabeth leave?” he barked, walking past them towards the stables.

“Aye, she’s alone and madder than I’ve ever seen her. She threatened to cut off Ian’s balls if he did not lower the bridge. She left only moments
ago;
your
horse is saddled
my L
aird
.
”

Running to the stable he swung up on his tall chestnut stallion and thundered out of the castle in search of her. What had made her so upset? Had she stumbled upon him and Siobhan arguing?
Did she not remember the fight for her life yesterday? His brother had almost died, and she rode back out into the woods alone?
Now that she had a weapon, did she leave him so quickly?

Following her tracks to the west he urged his horse into a gallop as
he traced her path in the snow. His dogs close behind him.
He rode for what seemed like an eternity before he found
her. His black sable fur stood out amongst all the snow, she
had dismounted and sat near the frozen waterfall
on a fallen log.
The sun illuminated her in a single beam from the cloudy sky. Her hair had fallen loose of its pins, falling gloriously to her waist in.

Elisabeth had heard Broderick approaching from far
away;
turning her head to look at him
she locked eyes
with the formidable laird
.
Sitting perfectly still, she watched Broderick slow his approaching horse as he drew near. She could see him physically calm down once he saw her, he was obviously worried, if not furious with her.

Her long ride had soothed her soul, being alone on her massive horse she had rose through the peaceful woods, shutting out the world around her. There were no children, no warriors, no men,
and no
women, only her and her horse as she galloped to this spot. She had time to clear her chaotic mind, time to regain control of her rampant emotions. During her precious few moments outside the walls of Castle MacMillan she was break free of her role and just be one with nature.

Keeping her eyes upon Broderick, she watched him ride up and gracefully dismount his tall horse.
Walking in front of her he knelt before her and grabbed her small hands and looked into her eyes, “Tell me what is go
ing on my love,” he asked as he squeezed her hands gently.

“Do you
trust me Broderick?” she asked, crinkling her eyebrows.

“Aye Lis, I trust you with my life,” he answered immediately, reaching up and brushing a curl from her face.

Pushing him away she stood up and walked over to the corner of the frozen lake before turning around, “Do you trust me with your heart?” she whispered, tears pooling in her eyes as she eyed the tall warrior.

Standing alone together in the frozen forest he closed the distance
between them,
“Aye, you know that I do lass.”

With a questioning looked she countered, “Do I Broderick? Each night you claim me as yours, you require me to admit my love for you yet
never
have you t
old me that you loved me. Never
.
”

He was aware he had yet to make that declaration to her yet, she hadn’t brought it up once over the course of their days and nights together.
He had been so close to telling her loved her so many times, yet he couldn’t get the words out of his mouth.
Crossing his arms he looked down at the vibrant beauty, “I would die for you Lis, I would give up anything and everything I have for you, only you. I have chosen
you
to be my wife. I owe you my life for saving Kendrix and Isobel; I owe you my life for stopping your brother and I from fighting all those years ago. Are you really going to stand there in front of me and question my love for you? Can you not feel it when I touch you? Did you not feel it when I bestowed those weapons you have strapped to your side? Tell me woman, although I may have not said it, do you really doubt what I feel for you?”

Her heart melted as he spoke, he was right. He might not have said the words but he had showed her in his actions, he thoughtfulness and in his touch. Lowering her eyes, she stepped into him and wrapped her arms around his waist, “Nay, I know that
you care Broderick. I am sorry
.
”

Wrapping his arms around her he squeezed her, “I may
never be able to say the words
you want to hear
,
but never doubt what I feel for
you Lis
.
”

“I heard you arguing with Siobhan in the hallway, I was so upset with her comparing me to Fiona I saw red. I felt like the walls were closing in on me and I needed to ride, my anger took over and I threatened your guards
so they would let me leave
,” she explained, she never wanted him to distrust her like he did so many others.

Tilting up her chin, “I’m sorry you had to hear that, she won’t let go of the issue. I know her tactics Elisabeth.
I can understand your need to ride, but woman, just yesterday you slayed four Douglas warriors on the other side of my lands, did ye not think of the danger of riding alone?”

“With my current mood I would almost feel sorry for any foe who found me today Broderick, with these weapons
,
and my rage, I would lay anyone low who stood in my way without a second thought
.
”

Chuckling,
“Ah, there is my beautiful warrior! Shall we finish the ride and allow you to cool down before heading home? If we are gone too long Kendrix will order the guards to search for us
.
”
Linking hands with her
,
he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it before lift
ing her onto her waiting horse.

“Thank you for understanding and not
shouting
at me, I thought you would be furious” she whispered
as they set out back towards the castle.

Watching her ride beside him, everything about the woman set his blood on fire. He knew he’d never be happy with a quiet obedient wife, he needed fire and ice and his little redhead was just that. She could wield a sword and ride a stallion like a seasoned warrior. He truly did
love her, what he felt for her he had never experienced in his life, it had to be love. Why couldn’t he say it?
He didn’t understand it himself. 

Riding back towards the castle the two crossed the lowered drawbridge together and headed to the stable. Sliding off his horse he lifted her out of her saddle before she could hop off, letting her slide down him he whispered
into her ear, “Go upstairs my love, I’ll join you in a few moments and show you just ho
w much I care
.
”

Winking at her, he swatted her sweet little ass as he watched her blush as she walked towards the keep. Watching her enter the keep he turned to find his brother, he had noticed a different set of tracks
that
had rode up to the castle from a different direction. Finding Kendrix in the armory he shook off the snow as he nodded to his brother, “Who arrived?”

“A messenger, from Kincaid. Did you find Elisabeth?” he asked as he rounded the worktable and joined his brother by the fire and handed him the parchment he had tucked in his tartan.

“Aye, woman has a temper on her. Shall we see what that bloody ass has to say?” he asked as he broke the seal on the letter and quickly scanned through the thinly veiled threat. 

Beside him, Kendrix chuckled,
“Of course she has a temper, what did you do now to upset her?”

Looking up from the parchment Broderick replied,
“She over heard Siobhan casting suspicion on her, she d
ared compare Elisabeth to Fiona
.
”

Raising his eyebrows and pouring them a drink Kendrix moaned, “Oh I’m sure that went over splendid, Siobhan should consider herself lucky she’s not dead. She hasn’t been making Elisabeth’s life easy around the castle. What does the letter say Brother?”

Taking the ale
,
he threw back the drink and wiped his mouth before answering, “Our friend Kincaid dem
ands his betrothed
is handed over or he will personally come to escort her home to Douglas lands,” crumpling the letter up he tossed it in the fire and watched it burn.

Taking a bracing drink of his ale, Kendrix smiled as he asked, “and your reply will be?”

Chuckling at his brother’s question, “My reply shall be the announcement of my wedding to the beautiful warrior queen. I’d die a million deaths be
fore letting that man touch her
.
”

“When shall the glorious occasion take place my brother, the clan is most excited to celebrate your wedding?”

“Tomorrow, we cannot afford to wait any longer. I want her safe and married to me by tomorrow night. I cannot wai
t to send that bastard my reply
.
”

“Perfect, the clan needs a good celebration. Tomorrow it is, I’ll see that the priest is notified and the kitchens prepped for the celebration. I’ll see you later B
rother, I’ll go
let Rhona know.”

Standing up to join Kendrix, “I suppose I should go inform the bride of her
wedding, eh?” he joked as they
walked out of the armory and into the keep.
Walking with his brother they talked of security measures that would need to be taken. Splitting at the keep, they went in different directions.
Taking the stairs two at a time Broderick reached the top of the stairs
to find his dogs laying in
the hallway outside their
bedroom
door
. He was
unsure if she was in their bedroom or her solar
, he chose their bedroom first due to his dogs lying directly in front of that door. Stepping over the hounds he walked in to see her broadsword hung on the fireplace just below where his normally was held.
The sight made him smile.

Casting his eyes over the room he saw her dress discarded on the
bed but
didn’t see her, looking around the chair before the fireplace, he spied her bare feet and l
egs lying before the warm fire, a
n even bigger
smile crept over his face.

Locking the door behind him, he pulled his plaid off his shoulders along with his linen shirt and tossed
them next to her dress on the bed. Removing his weapons he rounded the fireplace to see her lying naked upon his black sable fur. Propped up on her elbow she bit her lip as she watched him hang up his sword next to hers.
Her body was perfection, even her battle scars added to her allure. Her long red hair fell all around her, her perfect ivory skin beckoned him.

Elisabeth smiled up at Broderick; h
is dark hair was disheveled from their ride earlier, his muscular chest made her want to come undone. He didn’t have an ounce of fat on him; every section was chiseled to perfection.
The man before her had quickly become her entire world; he had been everything she was convinced husbands would not be. He had yet to tell her no, he had given her everything she could ever want, including his heart- in his own way. She may have fallen in love with him years ago at the border festival, but what she felt now for the man standing above her consumed her.
Locking eyes with her beloved she crooked her finger at him, she watched a slight grin form on his face as his eyes raked down her with satisfaction.

Pulling off his huntsman boots he removed his leather kilt belt letting it all fall at his feet as he saw her watching him with wanting desire in her beautiful lucid eyes.

Dropping to the floor between her ivory legs, he ran his hands up her exquisite body and asked, “Marry me tomorrow Elisabeth?”

“I’ll marry you whenever you
want as long as you fuck me now
.
”

The wedding
of laird Broderick MacMillan and
Elisabeth
Rosslyn Drummond took place
the following eve.
The winter clouds had broke, the moon shined brightly upon the castle as all prepared for the wedding of the century. Broderick Ian MacMillan, Laird of Clan MacMillan was finally going to marry.
The entire clan was
invited to c
elebrate and attend the wedding; word had spread quickly t
hroughout the
morning
and afternoon
.
The entire clan was busy helping prepare for the momentous occasion.
Kendrix and Rhona had arranged the entire thing within hours. Rhona of course had been secretly planning the entire thing as soon as Broderick had captured the lass’s hand weeks
ago. The smell coming from the kitchen had everyone drooling. Tonight they would feast well! The large
chapel was beautiful
.
G
lowing with bright pill
ar candles,
rose water was used to scent the
chapel
, giving it a wonderful romantic touch. Isobel helped Rhona place bundles of dried lavender along the pews in the chapel. Everything was perfect.

Elisabeth had awoken that morning to
find
Broderi
ck and his hounds already gone.
Looking across the room she spied the sable fur they had made love on, a glint of gold caught her eye.
Smiling, she got out of bed and walked over to the crackling fire and saw what he had left her.

A note
,
along with
a few precious gifts, a
gold circlet sat upon the lush fur next to a pair of beautiful gold dangling earrings, and a matching necklace that was
simply
breathtaking. Shaking her head at his generosity she knelt down and picked up the parchment.

To my heart and soul,

There is no boundary I wouldn’t cross for you, no obstacle that will ever stand between you and I.
I will spend the rest of my life making you happy and keeping you safe.
Please wear these
items
today
as you become my wife,
they once belonged to my mother. She would have loved you Elisabeth, and
she would have been honored to pass them down to you. I know our parents are looking down on us
today with pride in their hearts
. Although you might never hear it from my lips, I love you Elisabeth. I love you more than anything in this world. I cannot wait to become your husband before God and our people.

Forever yours,

B.

Tears streamed down her face as she read the letter over and over
. Her heart burst with love for that man, he had torn down all of her walls and claimed her heart so effortlessly. Clinging the lette
r to her chest she thanked the G
od above for delivering her such a fine man. She had never known such love like this before.

An hour later Rhona had arrived with a fresh bath for her as well as a new gown. Elisabeth clapped her hands as she viewed the creation Rhona had brought with her, it was simply marvelous, Rhona knew her style
,
and had created such a masterpiece.

Slipping into the bath she and Rhona talked about all the activity that was happening downstairs.
Seeing the circlet,
earrings and necklace, Rhona grew misty eyed.

Noticing her react
ion to the beautiful gold items,
Elisabeth smiled at the elder as she
soaked in
the large copper tub
, “He s
aid they belonged to his mother
.
”

Rhona nodded
and dabbing her eyes, “Aye my love, they did. She was such a wonderful woman. So humble and loving to those boys and her husband, she was intelligent and giving, so ve
ry much like you my dear
.
”

Later that afternoon
Kendrix dropped off Isobel around lunch; he knocked on the door and was given permission to come in. Isobel dashed into the room to find Elisabeth donned in a plain tunic for the afternoon while Rhona worked on her long hair.

“Aunt Elisabeth! I’m so excited for your wedding to Uncle Broderick, Rhona is making me wear a fancy dress, do you have to wear a fancy dress too?” she asked as she climbed up into Elisabeth’s lap.

Chuckling at Isobel’s dramatics,
“Aye my dear, I have a fancy dress as well. You will look lovely, I cannot wait to see you look like the little Scottish princess you are my love,” swinging her gaze over the child’s father she asked, “Kendr
ix, I have a question for you? Please, sit” she motioned to the chair beside her.

Kendrix as usual was dressed in his kilt and fully armed, smiling he crossed the room and sat down
, “What can I do for you my sister?”
He grinned.

“Without my Da or Brother alive,
I was hoping you
would you walk me down the aisle to Broderick?” she asked
quietly
, tears starting to b
rim in her eyes.

From behind them
they heard
Old
Rhona sniffle, both Kendrix and Elisabeth looked back to see the old maid
silently crying happy tears.
“Oh you children, you make me proud,” waving her hand in front of her face trying to dry her eyes.

Kendrix looked back at Elisabeth
and placed his
ha
nd over his heart,
“I would be honored El
isabeth
”
reaching down he squeezed her hand
.

Both Elisabeth and Kendrix once again smiled as Rhona sniffled behind them, and
told them both how much she loved them. Isobel rolled her eyes and skipped over to pet the wolfhounds by the fire.

Kendri
x eventually left
the ladies
, leaving Isobel behind to get prepared with Elisabeth. He bid them a graceful goodbye
as he went in search of his brother, with the wedding only hours away
he had much to oversee, and do.
He had many security measures to put into
place;
he wanted nothing to go wrong tonight.

Rhona and Elisabeth helped Isobel get ready for the evening first, with a fresh bath and a beautiful crown of blonde curls Isobel slipped into her new dress. The beautiful green silk gown with golden embroidery looked elegant against her ivory skin.

Looking down at the little blonde haired Scottish lass, “You look like a young lady now Isobel. You would make your Ma very proud, chin up my girl, there are worse things than wearing beautiful dresses” winking down at her, Elisabeth smiled brightly as she saw the lass light up at the mention of her mother.

Inside
her heart ached for Isobel, the poor thing
had never got the chance to know her mother, to feel her hug and mem
orize her face. Kneeling down she wrapped her arms around the wee lass and brought her close, “I love you Isobel, thank you for wearing such a beautiful dress today for me. I’m so proud to becoming your Aunt today,” kissing Isobel’s temple she squeezed the lass.
“I love you too Aunt Elisabeth, to be fair, you should put your gown on too so we can suffer together,” Isobel replied in her usual humor.

Chuckling and standing up, “Very well my dear
.
”

As the evening fell, hundreds and hundreds of MacMillan people left their homes and joyfully made their way to the castle chapel once again.
Men
,
women and children d
ressed in their best clothing, they flocked to get a seat in the large chapel.

Broderick watched as his people filled the massive chapel, everyone was invited, from his warriors to the kitchen staff; his people had waited a long time to see him married.
It was clear to him that h
is people had fallen i
n love with Elisabeth; the entire day he was bombarded with well wishes for the ceremony.

Broderick stood
proud
at the front of the chapel donned in his cere
monial kilt and tartan; he had never felt more nervous in his life as he awaited his bride. H
is
faithful
wolfhounds sat off to his side.
Concerned over the absence of his brother, the prie
st assured him that Kendrix
was here and to not ruin the surprise.

Waitin
g on the alta
r he thought of his bride, h
e hadn’t seen her since he left their bed earlier this morning
.
It had been a long time since he had went all day without seeing the vixen, she had enchanted him, captured his heart.
He hoped she liked the items he left her this morning.
He wondered what she was feeling right this very moment; he could not wait to be bound to her for all eternity. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the mate he had been seeking his entire life, even after he had sworn off marriage. Elisabeth had changed everything for him.

Hearing the harp play, all present stood up as the music lifted thr
ough the cathedral like chapel,
soft candles i
llu
minated the beautiful chapel as all
eyes watched Isobel walk in first.

The crowd smiled as
they watched
their Laird’s beloved niece
walk down the
aisle tossing dried rose petals.
H
andful after handful she smiled back upon the familiar faces of her clan. O
nce at the end
Broderick watched his swe
et niece blow him a kiss and stand
beside Old Rhona at the very front pew.

The crowd
slowly
swung their gaze
back towards the stained glass
doors
as they
were pulled wide
one final time
. Before
every member of the MacMillan clan,
Elisabeth stood glowing as she entered the chapel escorted by Kendrix.

The moment he laid eyes on them his heart burst with pride, a wave of emotions
flooded
him as he watched his beloved
Warrior Queen walk towards him on the arm of his brother.
He hadn’t give one thought about who would walk her down the aisle, with her father and brother gone, Kendrix had seen to the honor.

Broderick’s eyes swept over her as she and Ke
ndrix walked down the candleli
t aisle towards him.
Dressed in an embroidered
gold silk gown
, it
gracefully f
ell off her shoulders baring her scar for all to see.
The broach he had given her was pinned above her heart
with his tartan folded over her shoulder as it fell
down her back
like a royal cape. The priceless
gold cuffs adorned each wrist beautifully
, hi
s mother’s necklace and earrings dazzl
ed in the candlelight as she
approached.

She was glowing
, simply radiant, t
he
gold
circlet was entwined in her
crown of red curls
.
She was the personification of royalty and grace, and she was all his.
His heart burst with pride as he watched her finally reach the end of the aisle.

Stepping down the alta
r, he
shook his brother’s hand
pulled him in for a hug before
taking
Elisabeth’s arm
. Placing her hand upon his arm,
he felt the connection as soon as they touched.
Looking into her liquid emerald eyes, he winked at the stunning vision on his arm and
walked her u
p the stone alta
r to the priest.

Before
the
priest, God and their people, they took
their vows together
.
The
women in the crowd shed tear
s of joy as they watched their L
aird pledge his life to the woman who had captured his heart.
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was anything other than a love match, just like
both
their parents had
.

In the front pew Rhona was quietly shedding tears of joy as she held little Isobel’s hand, beside them Kendrix watched in happiness as the two souls were finally joined.

From the moment Elisabeth
donned her beautiful weddi
ng gown, and
placed the beautiful
gold jewelry upon her skin she
felt a sense of calmness descend around her. She had no nerves she heard brides suffered from. In her heart, she knew she had found her soul mate, the man destined to be by her side for all of her life.
He was her fate
, her destiny
.