Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (26 page)

Julianna sobbed into her pillow. Her heart tore at her friend’s words, she knew Colin wasn’t about to come to England for her.

“Nay, he never wanted to marry me in the first pace. Colin told me he didn’t intend on marrying. You see, he didn’t want a wife.”

*****

Julianna strolled the garden walkway with King John, admiring the sculptured statues. She’d been there for a week, and was happy to spend time with him. His responsibilities extended beyond London, and he talked about decisions he’d made. He told her he would send her father to the Tower, there to endure, as soon as they located him. She learned that Lord Bentley had left the castle the day of Julianna’s meeting with the king. She didn’t know how she felt about him being placed in the Tower, but she was cheerful knowing he’d not bother her.

The king’s men hadn’t found Lord Devlin and were dispatched again to search the woods, where Julianna directed.

John gazed upon her face. “Joanna has given me a niece to be proud of. You have lived a life of torment for all of Byron’s deeds. I’ve cleared my afternoons so we can spend time together. There is much I want to tell you about your mother.”

“I thank you, Sire, but I’ve decided to return to Aunt Mathilda’s holding. I need to be settled for my baby’s sake.”

“You’re not going to await your husband?”

“He will not come. When you receive word of Laila’s whereabouts, you’ll let me know?”

“Who knows where Byron sent her? We shall keep looking. I’ll have an escort take ye to your aunt’s. I want your safety, now that Byron is on the loose.”

“I’d like that. I’m going to ready for the journey.”

“Promise me, you’ll come if I summon you. I don’t want to wait for months like this time.”

“I shall come, but I will be unable to travel for a long while.”

Who would have thought he would be kind? Of course, she only had to deal with him as her uncle, and she knew he didn’t deal well with those who sought him on business matters. Julianna went to her chamber, and found Tess sitting in a chair by the fire.

“Tess, we’re leaving on the morrow, and will travel to my aunt’s.”

“What about Laird MacKinnon? What if he comes?”

“I’ll not think of him now. I must get ready.”

“I think you’re making a big mistake.”

Julianna tried not to think about Colin as she prepared to leave. After a light fare, enjoying her uncle’s company, she retired to her chamber and went to bed early. She’d have to travel early and needed rest. Her sleep became restless, and she felt someone touch her face. When she awoke, she didn’t find anyone there.

She rubbed her eyes and looked about the darkened room. Taking her robe, she rose and found herself walking the corridor. Memories of that awful night came to her. The gilded-framed portraits still stared at her, but she wouldn’t be afraid. There was no storm this night to scare her. She stopped at a door, and felt small looking at it. Turning the handle, she pushed it open. The room was empty.

Crossing the sitting area, she made her way to the archway where she’d stood so many years before. A flash of a memory of where she’d last seen her mother came to her. She blinked, envisioning her mother beside the hearth. An eerie feeling washed over her, and the hairs on her arms prickled. She curled on the bed, and thought of her mama.

“Mama, I’m sorry I couldn’t help ye. I know he killed you. How you must have suffered.”

“She did suffer.”

Julianna opened her eyes to find Bentley standing by the bedside. He grabbed her arms, and she tried to pull away. “You killed her?”

“I killed her for being lying bitch,” he said, throwing his leg over her lower body.

“She was my mother,” Julianna cried.

“She deserved it. The harlot had an affair, and ye were the result. I felt pleasure in killing her.”

“Please, I’ve done nothing to you.”

“You both thwarted my plans. All I wanted was the lands. You didn’t do as I wanted, and for that you’ll pay.”

“I don’t want the lands, I swear.” Julianna felt around her dressing gown for her dagger, but for once she didn’t have it. Now, she would pay with her life for not keeping her promise to Sara.

“Too late for regrets.” He pulled out a dagger of his own with his right hand, and held it above her. Byron pushed the blade toward her chest, but she struggled against him.

He leaned over her, and her legs positioned between his knees. She shoved her knee at his groin. His dagger hit her left arm when he fell forward. Julianna cried out at the pain, but shoved him off her and ran. She didn’t get far when he knocked her down, pulling her body back. Fear made her scream mute. He forced her back to the bed. Looking beyond him, she saw a candelabra rise behind him, and it struck his head.

He yelled, and a thin stream of blood ran down the side of his face. Byron bent to tie her hands, when a portrait hanging on the wall, suddenly fell and knocked him backward.

Julianna pulled the loosely tied belt from her hands. She went to Lord Bentley and kicked him as hard as she could. Then she ran like hell. She pulled the door open wide, and saw him run to the window. She ran swiftly until she reached the top of the stairs, and screamed for help. Guardsmen came running from all directions. She told them Bentley had tried to kill her.

Chapter Forty-One

Colin stood in King John’s throne room. Never in his life, had he thought he’d be in the King of England’s presence. Alas, he was about to meet the man himself. He hoped the king would let him see Jules. It had taken him forever to get there. After awaiting Steven and his allies, he was delayed by harsh weather, and his men had taken ill. Colin wouldn’t leave until he at least spoke to her. She would be angry by now, and he didn’t know what he’d say.

A door opened. Colin paced the gleaming floor. He couldn’t let the king see him so tense, and tried to relax his stance. The king entered, his footpads barely making a sound. He looked formidable wearing rich clothing, but if they went hand-to-hand combat, Colin could easily take him.

Colin stood alone, braced his legs, waiting.

“You’re Colin MacKinnon?”

King John eyed him, making him sweat because of his scrutiny.

“Aye, Your Highness,
Laird
Colin MacKinnon.”

“Before we get to business, should you not pay homage?”

Colin swallowed, then cursed under his breath,
bugair!
He knew he’d have to do this, but his gut still tightened. He didn’t want to pay homage to a king that caused his people much grief, but there was no other way he’d be allowed to see Jules.

He knelt on his knee, placing his hand over his heart. “I pledge before all men, my loyalty to you, King John.”

The king smiled. Colin’s gut coiled.

“Now that we have that formality completed, what business do you have?”

“My wife is at court, and I wish to see her,” Colin said evenly.

“What took ye so long? I’ve been waiting patiently for you to come.”

Had Colin heard accurately? “Aye, Sire, I was delayed.”

“You are rather tardy. Mayhap too late? I don’t believe she wishes to see ye.”

“I’m her husband. Surely you have no wish to keep her from me.”

The king frowned sternly. “She doesn’t believe you care for her, and doesn’t feel loved.”

“I do care for her, a great deal as a matter of a fact. I need to reassure her that her clan needs her.”

“I know you need her, son, and you will need to convince her of that.”

“I will as soon as I see her. Where is she?”

“She has many properties left to her by her mother. You’ll rest before I tell you where she went. You won’t kill yourself riding hell-bent to her. I cannot have that.” The king called Hubert forward. “Have the Scot taken to a chamber.”

Colin was shown to a room, and soon after, he went to the gate to let his brothers know what happened. He returned to his chamber, and lay on the bed. His body tensed, but he did need rest. He fell asleep envisioning her smile—the smile she’d worn at their wedding.

The next morning, pacing on the extravagant carpet under his feet, he waited anxiously for the king’s summons. He opened his door and saw a page standing against the wall.

“You there, tell the Chancellor I want to see him now.”

The page ran off, and Colin slammed the door. He was getting more agitated by the minute, but another hour passed before Hubert finally came. He told Colin the king had business to attend to, and would call for him later.

“I’ll be with my men.”

Outside the castle gates, Colin sat with his brothers for the remainder of the day. Night came, and still the king hadn’t called him. He spent another night in the castle. This night wasn’t as comforting as the last. He dreamt that he couldn’t find her, awoke from the dream, and didn’t sleep the remainder of the night. When morning came, he became more turbulent. He wanted to rip the damn door off its hinges, find the blasted king, and demand to know where his wife was. He opened the door to do just that, bumping into Hubert.

“His Majesty will see ye.”

“’Tis about damned time,” Colin yelled.

Kneeling before the king again, Colin glared.

“A little anxious are ye?” the king asked.

“I’d like to be on my way.”

“Your wife went to the Shelmore’s keep. I made her promise to visit after she births her baby. Uh, oh.”

“After she what?” Colin felt like he’d been hit by a boulder.

“I do believe I had a slip of the tongue. You didn’t hear that from me. Give me your oath that you’ll bring her.”

“Why should I bring her for a visit?”

“Because she’s my niece, and I want to keep relations. I’m not sure you deserve her. You’ll bring her for a visit and prove to me you’re worthy of her.”

“For the sake of England … as English as she can be …” Colin’s mind reeled at the comments he’d heard her say. His mind snapped back. “She’s having my bairn?”

“That she is.”

“I have to go.” Colin turned to walk away.

“MacKinnon, before ye take your leave, I’ve a boon to ask.”

Colin wanted to run from the castle, he couldn’t believe the king detained him.

“Bentley escaped before he could be thrown in the tower. He attacked Julie’s because she suspected he killed her mother.”

“Is she well? If he hurt her—”

“She’s well, only a scratch to show for his effort. I sent many men with her, and she should have arrived safely at her aunt’s by now.”

“Why did you let her leave?” He couldn’t hold back his anger.

“Have you been able to get her to do what you want?”

“Nay, I haven’t. She’s a stubborn woman.”

John laughed. “I want ye to locate Bentley, dispatch him, and don’t go to Julianna until the deed is done.”

“You have my word.” Colin strode from the hall. He met his men at the gate, and Hubert ran from the castle holding a list of properties where Bentley might be hiding. The sooner he found Bentley, the sooner he could go to Jules.

Colin and his men rode throughout the English countryside, searching for Bentley for days. He grew agitated at the delay in finding him. The two properties he’d been to, hadn’t given a clue to Bentley’s whereabouts. He approached the last of the three holdings, called Heavenworth. The gates were closed.

A man came to the edge of the rampart, cupping his mouth. “What business have ye here?”

“I’ve come at the behest of King John. I’ve permission to enter this keep.” Colin raised the king’s decree.

“Lord Bentley is in residence and has forbid us to open the gates to anyone,” the guard said.

“We’ll have to take it by force,” Colin yelled.

The solider climbed down from the rampart, he held out his hand. Colin handed him the decree, and was amazed at the man’s courage. He didn’t appear to be intimated by Colin’s warriors in the least.

“All right, my lord. I shall open the gates. I ask that ye not kill us, the servants, and villagers who reside here. We have nothing to do with the lord. He came nigh on fortnight and took up residence. He never came afore, and we’re not loyal to him.”

“We shall see,” was all Colin replied.

Colin and his men made their plan of attack, before entering the keep’s walls. He walked calmly through the courtyard and entered the hall. There sat his adversary. Colin waved his men onward and listened.

“I cannot believe I’m stuck in this godforsaken place, held prisoner in my own keep.”

A lady sat next to him. “’Tis not so bad, Byron. We’ll get through this.”

“I don’t see how, Edwena. I know not why the king would help her. She’s only a bastard begotten from a whore. I’ve been his loyal vassal, giving him my knight’s service for his stupid wars. This is how he repays me.”

Noise from the second level drew Bentley’s glance, but he ignored it.

Banging came again, and Edwena’s breath hitched. “Byron, heathens!”

Byron turned to see what she was talking about and saw them.

“Bentley?”

“Who are—” Byron’s demand was cut off when Colin jumped off the steps and pulled him off the chair by his tunic. His feet didn’t touch the floor.

Colin yelled to the lady, “Leave us.” Edwena turned, running from the hall, shrieking.

Gripping Bentley’s tunic, Colin said, “You’re going to account for your sins.”

“Who are you and what do you want?”

“I’m the MacKinnon, ‘tis right ye know who your killer is.”

“Now just a minute here, I don’t even know ye—”

“This is for beating Julianna.” Colin punched Byron in his jaw, but still held him.

Byron’s jaw reddened. “What do you have to do with her?”

“I’m her husband. This is for trying to marry her to Devlin.” Colin punched his chest, causing him to grunt.

“She’s married to Lord Devlin, not you.”

“She’s wed to me, you priss-arse.” Colin punched him again.

Byron tried to retaliate in kind, but he fell backward. Released from his hold, he scrambled to his feet, pulling a dagger free.

“You killed your own wife and tormented Julianna. You will spend time in hell for it.”

“I killed her and I’ll kill her daughter,” Byron’s voice rose. He ran at Colin and tripped, releasing his dagger; it sailed through the air.

Colin wasn’t able to move fast enough to avoid it, and the dagger landed in his shoulder. Byron was now on him. Colin ignored his puny grasp. Grabbing Bentley’s neck, he skewered him in the waist with his own dagger. He shoved Bentley off him, and pulled the blade from his shoulder.

Exhausted, Colin lay back and closed his eyes.

“Are ye dead, man?”

“Nay, Brendan.” Colin sat up, holding his shoulder. He motioned to a man who slunk in the corner.

“M-my l-lord?”

“Have his body taken to the king.”

The man grabbed Bentley’s feet, dragged him, leaving a trail of blood in the wake. A servant handed Colin a cloth to bind his wound. He noticed her hesitation because she kept giving him glances.

“There’s no need to be afeard of us,” Colin told her.

“There’s a girl upstairs. She’s hid since she came.”

“I’ll see to her. Show me which chamber she’s in.”

The woman led him to the last doorway along the hall. He dismissed her, and opened the door. Seeing nothing but blackness inside, he went to a table and lit a candle. Searching the room, he didn’t see anyone. Something fell inside the wardrobe, and he opened the door.

Her raven hair protected her in the darkness, but Colin saw her form as he moved the candle about the chamber.

“Laila?” he called.

“W-who are you?”

“Colin. Come, lass, I’ll not harm ye.”

“Nay, g-go away.”

“I want to take ye to Jules, ah, Julianna.”

“You know where she is?”

“Aye, I’m her husband. She’s worried for ye. Come, I promise no harm.”

Laila stood hesitantly, but waited for him to exit. When she came out from the darkness, he saw the bruises. Her arms and face were covered with welts of black and blue. He whistled softly.

“Are you all right, lass? Are ye in pain?”

“These are old. My father did it when he first came, and I’ve been hiding since.”

“He’s been taken to the king and will pay for his injustices.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her Bentley had been killed.

“S-she married you?”

“Aye, she did,” Colin said, smiling.

“A-are you a good husband?”

Colin chuckled. “Nay, but I plan to be.”

“Where is s-she?”

“She’s at your aunt and uncle’s awaiting us.”

“Is s-she well?”

“As far as I know. I want to get to her posthaste. Are you up for travel?”

“Aye, I can travel,” she said.

“Gather your effects, and, Laila?”

Laila backed away. “My lord?”

“You have nothing to fear from me. I love your sister.”

“Are ye finished here, Colin?” Brendan asked.

“Aye, Brendan, I am. We have one stop to make before we can go home.”

“Aye, we do, we must to get our women,” Robin replied.

Laila carried a satchel, and came through the doors of the keep. His men gave her sympathetic expressions.

“Who is this?” Brendan asked.

“Jules’ sister, Laila. These are my brothers, Robin and Brendan.” Colin indicated who was who.

“Good day, my lords,” she said, curtseying.

“Nay, Laila, Robin and Brendan. You don’t address them formally,” Colin said.

“What d-do I call you?”

“Laird. I’m the laird of our clan, the MacKinnons.”

“Thank you for instructing me. How long will it take us to get to Julianna?”

“A day or so. Are ye certain you can travel?”

“I won’t spend another day here,” she said.

“We must ride hard, lads. I have a lot of explaining to do.”

“Aye, you do.” Brendan grinned at Colin’s tone.

“Cosh,” Colin cursed. He knew he would have a difficult time, and the men enjoyed baiting him.

“Mayhap, Douglas could give ye advice. You know how charming he is,” Brendan suggested.

“That’s befitting, Colin, I remember ye telling me Douglas was good at giving advice,” Robin joined in.

“To hell with that, I’ll get her back my way. Nothing Douglas tells me will help.”

“Now, Colin, I say ye keep her in the woods until she agrees to stay with you,” Douglas advised, smiling devilishly.

“What kind of fool advice is that? I’ll figure something out. What, I’ve no idea.” Colin nudged his horse into action, and the others followed.

“My lady, Laila, you are well?” Bleeth asked, approaching her.

“Bleeth, how come you’re with these men?”

“I have been with Julianna. You are not hurt?”

“I’ll be well, once I see my sister,” she whispered.

Bleeth nodded and moved aside.

Colin watched him and felt contrite for being jealous of him. Bleeth protected the girls as best he could, and Colin was thankful that he had stayed with them throughout their childhood. He rode swiftly, longing to end the journey. He finally concluded how he would get her back. With Laila seated in front of him, he was on his way to his wife, at long last.