Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (20 page)

“Aye, ye would know.”

Chapter Thirty-One

Julianna’s first day of marriage was rather dull, considering Colin slept the entire day. Sara tried to occupy her, but there wasn’t much to do. Bleeth seemed to be avoiding her, and she couldn’t find him. Later that night, she entered their chamber and Colin rolled over, giving her a glare.

“You’re awake at last.”

“Shhh, don’t speak so loud,” he whispered.

“I brought you a drink.”

“I don’t want it.” He groaned.

She giggled. “It will make ye feel better, I promise.”

Colin took the goblet and chugged the contents. After he finished, he smiled. “That was God awful. It was Steven’s fault. When I get out of this bed, I’m going to give him a pounding. You fell asleep, so I went to the hall, and he challenged me. What was I to do?”

“Mayhap, think twice before giving into his challenge again?” She laughed.

He laughed at her implicative tone. “Steven and I used to carouse when we were younger. I don’t deem we can wield our cups like we used to.”

She kissed his head. “I shall get you food. By the way, Steven has not made it out of bed, if it makes you feel better. It has been dark for hours. I suppose you won’t rise until the morrow?”

“I don’t hold that I could. Bring me food, and neither of us will leave the chamber.”

Julianna couldn’t resist asking, “By the way, who won?”

“Steven was well into his cup when I joined him.” His smile widened. “Damn him, I remember what we wagered, too, and I’ll collect the payment first thing in the morn.”

Colin was as good as his word. After Julianna fed him, she spent the night snuggled by his side. He whispered to her and held her lovingly. Strangely, it felt kind of nice being married to him. She was content to lie in his arms.

“Has Bleeth left yet?”

She turned in his arms and soothed him with a caress. “I told him he should go, but he won’t, not yet.”

“Where will he go?”

Her hand stopped on his bicep. “He plans to search for his family on the isle. I will be saddened to see him go. He has always protected me—”

“You have me now,” he stated emphatically. “I will protect you.”

“Aye, but he is my family, too. I want him to be happy.”

“Will he be happy when he finds his family? He won’t return, will he?”

She laughed at his surly tone. “You don’t like him, do ye, Colin?”

“Hell, no. He’s in love with you.”

“I know.” Julianna sighed. “I don’t believe he shall act on that. He told me to follow my heart, knowing I would marry you.” She fell silent and lay in his arms, thinking about the previous day, her wedding day.

Julianna never thought she would be happy being wed, but Colin was a good sort, and she could get used to his caring. She smiled in the darkness as he hadn’t let her light the candles. She wanted to tell him how much she cared for him, but didn’t know how to and fell asleep.

When Julianna opened her eyes, she found herself alone. She hurried to the hall, but only found Sara there. Taking a piece of bread from the table, she stuffed her mouth and walked to where her friend was standing. Sara was peeking out the hall door, leaning so she could see.

“What are ye doing?”

Sara jumped a good foot off the floor. “Oh, gracious, ye startled me. I’m watching our husbands. Come, look.”

Julianna stood beside her and saw Colin standing on the steps with Steven.

“Of course I’m going to do it, Steven. After all, you deserved it for making me drink so much. Christ, I still felt besotted. It’s time to repay our bet.”

“Repay what, Colin?”

“You challenged me and lost. You were the first to sleep. Do ye remember what we wagered?”

Steven didn’t look happy, nor did he look as though he remembered any such wager.

“What in the name of all that’s holy, did I agree to?”

“Ye must run to the loch and jump in …” Colin laughed, shoving Steven’s arm, he added, “naked.”

Julianna looked at Sara and covered her mouth, trying to hold in her laughter.

Steven’s eyes pierced Colin, and he cursed. “A wager is a wager.” He pulled his tartan free, slipped his tunic over his head and took off running.

Colin laughed. “Look at his sorry arse, running down the hill.”

Julianna and Sara laughed, too, but stifled it when Colin turned to look at them. They jumped backward, but it was too late, he’d seen them.

Colin pulled her through the doorway and kissed her then whispered, “I’ll be back.”

As soon as he left, Julianna and Sara followed. They hid behind trees along the path to the loch. Sara kept shushing her, because she couldn’t hold in her laughter.

Colin picked up Steven’s clothing along the way. When he reached the loch, he stood next to Steven, on the bank.

“Now all ye have to do is jump in.”

Steven grunted. “Aye, but it looks cold. Can’t we say that I settled our bet?”

“Nay, rules are rules. You lost. In you go.” Colin pushed Steven into the loch.

“’Tis freezing,” Steven shouted.

Julianna laughed a bit too loudly and caused Colin to glance their way. Sara pressed her against the tree, hiding herself as well.

“It doesn’t look that cold,” Colin replied.

Steven jumped onto the bank and sat shivering. Colin took pity on him, and gave him his tartan.

“Steven, thank ye for the farce. You know I’m grateful.”

“I told you about that? Faigh muin! You’ve things to deal with before ye can settle down.”

“Aye, I want to finish it straightaway. Living with Jules is going to be pleasurable.”

“Pleasurable? I’d say you did enjoy your wedding night.”

Colin laughed. “I did, at least, until you talked me into drinking. Come, before you catch a chill, wee laddie.” He shoved Steven’s shoulder to emphasize his jest.

Steven punched him in return, and they began the jog back to the keep.

Julianna and Sara ran as fast as they could and went through the back entrance to the hall. They quickly took a seat at the table, laughing, and out of breath.

Later that morning, Colin, Julianna, Bleeth, and the MacKinnon men departed. Julianna was anxious to see her new home. Perhaps once they were settled, Colin would get Laila. Then she’d never have to go back to England.

Julianna grew excited and could hardly sit still. Colin kept squeezing her arm to get her to stop moving, but she couldn’t help fidgeting. They rode for a few hours, and she didn’t understand how his home could be so far from the KirkConnell keep when the loch had only taken them an hour or so to reach.

“Colin, when will we arrive? We’ve gone a long way.”

“We’re close now. I, ah, want to explain.”

“I cannot wait to see your keep. Is it large?”

“Large, aye, but it—”

“Colin, no matter what, I’ll like it.”

“I haven’t spent much time there. Now look yonder, there it is.”

Julianna looked ahead. The land surrounding the keep was barren with no trees or shrubs for miles. Rocky crags jutted from the ground, and the land rose to the base of the keep’s outer wooden walls, which was surrounded by a large blackened moat. No flags adorned the turrets. It looked stark, almost evil. She wondered why they hadn’t carved gargoyles in the stone. There were no windows at the front of the keep. Would she live in darkness? She shuddered at the monstrosity. It would be better once they entered the portcullis, she thought, but her breath ceased at what she saw on the other side. Living with him was going to be hell.

The keep loomed high in the sky, and she craned her neck to see the top. Large? His home was enormous, and she tried not to panic. Colin’s clansmen came from the keep, huts, and cabins, at his whistle. He jumped from his steed’s back, and an older man, who seemed extremely glad to see him, attacked him. He slapped Colin’s back with such force, she thought he’d fall over.

“Walter, how goes it?”

“Colin, you’re home at last. Everything is well,” Walter said. “Where’s the lass?”

Colin turned, walked back to her, and lifted her from the horse. He pulled her to the keep’s steps, holding her hand in the air, he said, “Clan of MacKinnon, my wife.”

That was it? Surely he meant to tell them her name, but before she could tell him to do so, the Scots-people cheered a deafening roar. Colin pulled her in his arms and kissed her. The people’s cheers rose even higher. Walter climbed the steps to join them.

She stepped inside the hall, and couldn’t believe her eyes. Tables were situated around the room to form a large square, flanked with benches. The walls were filled with battle instruments; swords, daggers, decorated shields, dented battle shields, small and large axes, claymores, spears and gauntlets. Her breath hitched at the sight.
Breathe
. She realized it was a warrior’s keep and women hadn’t lived there.

Looking around, she spotted a large shaggy animal. She had no idea what it was, but it had horns. It was an ugly creature. Its white shaggy hair matted with black spots.

“What’s that?”

He noticed where she looked. “George.”

“George? What is it, and what’s it doing inside the keep?”

“He’s a goat, Jules. He always comes in—no one can keep him out. It’s good luck to have a goat inside, so we don’t try to oust him. You’ll get used to him.”

I certainly will not.
Her face turned white. An animal, nay, a goat in the place where she would live, not likely, but she refrained from showing her aversion.

“Are ye unwell, Jules? You look about to fall over.” Colin pulled out a bench.

“I am tired,” she murmured.

“Walter, Julianna is now the lady of the keep. Will you arrange to have ladies come to her? They shall assist her in the keeping of the place.”

“Aye, I will.”

Julianna smiled at the soldier. He looked as though he wanted to leave, but in a soft voice, he spoke to her.

“Milady, I’m Walter Ross, your laird’s commander-in-arms. If there is anything ye need, you’ve only to ask.”

“Sir Walter.” Julianna curtsied. He had a smile on his bearded face that also shown in his eyes. His dark hair and light eyes made him appear formidable. She sensed he was a good man for Colin to put him in charge when he was gone.

“Nay, Milady, call me Walt as does Colin.” With that he turned on his heel and left.

“Colin, is there somewhere I can rest? I’m exhausted from our journey.” Her only thought, to escape the glaring weapons.

“Aye, I believe my chamber is on the top floor, the last in the hallway.” He took her hand and led her to the stairs. The weapons glowered. He was of warring, and would have a bloody arsenal in his home.

Colin found the door, opened it, and pulled her inside. When she braved a look, a large-scaled bed filled the room, with a MacKinnon plaid covering it. One corner flanked the hearth, and a mid-sized chest sat beside it. There was one window in the far wall covered with an animal hide. Nothing else adorned the walls or room.

“You have things to attend to, I’ll just rest for a little while.”

Colin set her on the bed and grinned. He knew she was overwhelmed by his home, but he didn’t remark on it. Julianna giggled when he removed her slipper, lifted her foot, delicately massaging it, then removed the other, and repeated the gesture. Positioning her legs horizontal, he sat next to her, and kissed her cheek, her mouth, then her nose. All the while, she watched him.

“You rest, I’ll check on you later.” Colin rose and left.

Julianna sighed sleepily. She had a lot of work to do, but she’d get started later. All she wanted to do was sink back on the covers and close her eyes. She felt content, even though she was in a bloody fortress.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Down in the hall, Colin shouted for Walter and waited. Walter ran into the hall, approached, and punched him in the arm.

“Lad, ye married a bonny faerie. You’ve some telling to do.”

“Walt, you know I never intended to marry, but I had no choice. She’s in trouble with her king, father, and who knows who else. I’ve pledged to keep her safe, and the only way I could do that was to marry her. If only she could … never mind that. I’m glad the clan accepted her. I have you to thank.”

“Trouble, ye say? If anyone can protect her, you can. Tess offered to come, said she was too old to be in her ma and da’s croft.”

“Tess hasn’t married since we were away?”

“Nay,” Walt replied.

“Robin will be glad to hear that.”

“Aye, he was.” Walt grinned. “Aye, Robin caused all sorts of discomfort for her. I think she does like ‘em, och she doesn’t know her own mind.”

“I wasn’t sure if he would come to see her. Do you think he’s serious?”

“Seems he is, but you know Robin.”

“What’s happened since I’ve been away? Have the McFies caused any trouble?”

“They’re always causing trouble, but Ellic’s been quiet.” Walt leaned on the table and teased him. “We must settle the matter so ye can embark on a different quest.”

“I have been inattentive, but now I can finish what I started. My da’s honor will be avenged.”

“You should forget the feud and let the matter rest.”

Colin couldn’t believe Walt said that, and he wasn’t able to contain his angst. “Nay, Walt, I’ll never forget! We’ll ride in a few days. I don’t want to spend time with Jules until the matter is settled.”

“You’ll have plenty of time with her after. I must ready the lads. They’ve anticipated this, and have been training hard. Shall I go and tell them?”

“Aye,” Colin replied. “Let them know we leave in two days.”

Walt marched from the hall. Colin looked about himself. His castle was a warrior’s keep. It did need a woman’s touch, and he hoped Julianna would be up to the task. Three lassies came in through the portal and skulked toward him. He heard a giggle, and eyed Tess. The other two he couldn’t place, so he addressed her.

“Tess, take a chamber above stairs, near the front of the keep. You’ll assist Julianna.”

“Aye, Laird, I’m happy to. Is there anything you need?” Colin shook his head. “We’ll start cleaning the kitchens then. Dame Hester’s excited to have someone to cook for; you’ll likely have a feast placed before you tonight.”

“Have a bath readied for Lady MacKinnon,” Colin directed.

“Aye, Laird,” she said as he left the hall.

Hours passed, and Colin has checked on Julianna several times, but she continued sleeping. On his return from the field, he went up the steps and slipped inside his chamber. Standing beside the door, he watched her awake with a start. She didn’t seem to realize where she was.

“Julianna, you’re here, in my home.”

She nodded absently, scurried to the edge of the bed, and grabbed her satchel which was sitting beside the chest.

“Oh, there’s a bath. I didn’t hear anyone enter.” Dipping her hand in the water, she tested the temperature.

Colin flopped on the bed, resting his chin on the palm of his hand. He nodded to her, and watched her undress. With each piece of clothing discarded, his heart raced. He couldn’t take it, and turned his back to her, looking at the empty hearth.

“I want to look good since this is the first time I’ll be in the company of your clan. They all cheered your marriage, and I won’t disappoint them.”

“All that matters is that you don’t disappoint me, and you don’t.” Colin heard the water moving, and her splashing. Using extreme will, he stayed where he was.

After a long pause, she spoke again. “I don’t?”

“Nay, how can ye disappoint me?” He concentrated on the sounds of her bathing and the water lapping over her skin.

A few more minutes passed, and he heard her step out of the tub.

“It was so kind of you to have a bath prepared for me.”

“Julianna, you don’t have to be so darned polite. I didn’t think ye would ask, being this is the first time you’ve ever been here. Are you almost finished dressing?”

He heard her giggle, and then she stepped around the side of the bed.

“Aye, I’m about done.”

“Good, I’m a starving man and need some food.”

“I would like a tour of your home. I should know where the kitchens are. You do have kitchens, do you not?”

Colin laughed, rolling off the bed. He took her in his arms and kissed her lips softly. “You’ll get a tour later. Aye, we do have kitchens.”

Her beautiful blue eyes fluttered when he kissed her again. He knew he shouldn’t, because he was hungry for food, but her lips looked delicious and he wanted to nibble on them.

She pulled away. “I do hope you don’t expect me to cook. I should warn ye, Colin, I’m not a good cook and haven’t ever prepared a meal.”

“You don’t have to worry about it. Come.” He led her to the hallway, and as they descended the stairs, he heard her gasp. Colin thought perhaps his men were a bit overwhelming.

They reached the bottom where Colin left her standing beside the rail, because Walt had called to him. The entire time his commander gave his report he watched Julianna.

He saw Tess approach Julianna and smile. Her dark-auburn hair was plaited and wrapped in a bun. She wasn’t as tall as Julianna, but she certainly as beautiful. He half listened to Walt and strained to hear their conversation.

“My lady, my name is Tess. I’ve been assigned to assist ye.”

“Tess, what a lovely name. Is the evening meal being served?”

“Supper will be served when you arrive at the table. The men are grumpy because they must now await their lady.” She laughed. “I’m happy you’re here. You must hurry before they begin fighting.”

Julianna looked stunned by Tess’ acceptance. He should have told Julianna that none of his clan would ever be unkind to her.

“Please, call me Julianna. It’ll be nice to have a friend here. The men do sound cross, Tess.”

Colin took a seat at his table and waited for her to join him, but his wife disappeared in the crowd. He poured himself a drink, and realized he had to find her. Standing, he noticed she stood on the second step, well away from the men that lingered at the bottom. He motioned to her, crooking his finger, giving her a grin. She approached the table, and he stood, taking her hand and kissing it. He could be gallant on occasion. She smiled, thanking him for rescuing her.

The tables were finally served after she’d taken her place. Dishes of meats, cheese, and warm breads were placed before them. Soon after, ladies placed pottage, and fruits on the tables. Everything was prepared to perfection and tasted delicious.

Colin knew she’d begun to relax when in the center of the formation of tables, a group of men played musical instruments. He watched her hum along to the music, but her eyes narrowed, looking at something across the room. Across the room George was nibbling the edge of Benjamin’s plaid.

Throughout the meal, he found himself watching her. She looked beautiful with her hair arranged. His pulse quickened whenever she glanced his way. Would he ever cease wanting her? Hell no, he’d always want her. He’d forgotten that he needed to tell her about his departure, but he decided to wait until they were alone.

Colin had eaten a second helping, and then noticed his brother, Robin, looking at Tess as she walked by. His brother pulled her onto his lap and kissed her on the lips. Tess pushed away, her face reddened, and she appeared to want to bash him. Instead, she dumped the flagon of ale over his head, and hit his shoulder with it. She turned and fled the hall.

Colin found his brother’s humiliation comical, and so did Brendan and Walt. “Robin, you best soothe her. She’ll kill ye the next time she sees your unsightly face.”

“Cosh, Colin,” he cursed. “She’ll come around. I’ll have to persuade her, is all.”

“You’ve got more to do than persuade. Better cover your balls, else you’ll lose them,” Douglas shouted.

“Aye, Douglas, give him advice. You’re ever the charmer. Instruct him on how to properly woo a lass.” Brendan jested.

Bleeth joined in the laugher from his seat beside Brendan. Colin had all but forgotten him. He noticed Brendan’s ease, because his brother wasn’t one to accept anyone, yet it seemed they had formed a friendship.

“You’ve had your fun. Faigh muin,” Robin cursed low. “I’m off to do my own kind of wooing and I don’t need advice from ye, Douglas.” Robin strode angrily through the door.

Colin, seeing most sought their bed, decided to do the same. “Jules,” he called.

Outside, a flash lit the sky, announcing a storm converged, and she seemed to grow uneasy. Lightning flashed again, making her gasp, and she wouldn’t take her eyes from the window casement.

“Jules?” He nudged her. “Let us be off.” Still, she didn’t respond. He took her hand and led her to their chamber. Colin tensed at the thought of telling her of his leaving. He undressed and entered the tub. The water was cold, but he didn’t mind. As he washed, he decided to say it.

“I must leave in two days.”

Rain fell hard, and flashes of lightning lit the casement. Colin watched Julianna curl up on the bed. Her eyes widened, watching the window. He repeated his words, and she turned swiftly.

“Did you say something?”

“Lass, are you afeard.”

She nodded. “’Tis the storm. Can ye hear it? The angels are clapping.”

“I have to leave soon. Our clan is at war with the McFies and I’ve been remiss in my duties.” What was her expression? When he chanced a look, she stared at the window. “I said I must leave.”

“When will you return, Colin?” Thunder rumbled, and made her recede further under the blanket.

“It may be a while, but I want you to make yourself at home. The dwelling needs updating—you can do that whilst I’m away.” Thunder rumbled outside their window, making her scream. “No need to be frightened, I’m here.”

“I’m f-fine. You want me to amend your keep?”

“Aye, I haven’t had time to see to it. Will you?”

“Of course, Colin, I will be happy to. I’ll miss you. You’ll be safe, won’t ye?”

Colin continued to scrub his chest, while talking to her. “Aye, I’m taking many men with me, but there will be many left to see to your protection.”

“What is the war with the McFies about?”

He didn’t like that she had become so fearful, but he would oblige her and hopefully take her mind off the storm.

“The McFies killed my da and I vowed vengeance. I’ve almost accomplished my goal and the sooner I finish it, the sooner I can return. I long to beget sons.” He rose, and moved next to the bed.

“And daughters. Don’t forget about daughters, Colin.”

“Aye, daughters. We shall work on that right now.” He pulled her against him, soaking her with his wet body.

“You’re a lusty man, Colin MacKinnon. You make me feel the same.”

He made sweet, slow, passionate love to his wife, and she enjoyed every minute. They both climaxed together, and lay exhausted in each other’s arms.

She whispered in the darkness, “A ŕunmo chroí!”

He heard her vow and his heart tensed. She’d told him in his own language that he was the love of her heart. Had she said so only because of their lovemaking? He wouldn’t foolishly think she would open her heart. He fell asleep with those thoughts pressing his mind, and for the first night since his da died, he slept in his own bedchamber.