Kara Griffin - The Pith Trilogy (27 page)

Chapter Forty-Two

Julianna entered the hall and saw many guests. Mathilda had planned a gathering to cheer her, but Julianna didn’t want company. She longed to be alone. Even Tess couldn’t cheer her. She wasn’t up to the gay revelry, and missed the Highlanders, but she didn’t belong there. Her path meandered this way and that. Spiritless and confused, she suffered through the night. She pushed her tray aside then sensed it. Someone stared at her. The
feeling
came, the familiar streak ran up her spine. MacKinnon warriors filled the room.

“Why are they here?”

“I best find out, they don’t look happy.” Mathilda rose from the table, and approached.

He watched her; she felt it. She searched, but couldn’t find Colin in the crowd. The men parted and there he stood. He looked tired and indignant. Her heart fluttered. She watched him march to her, his eyes never leaving hers. He stood next to her chair and she waited for him to speak, knowing he was angry by his stance.

“Julianna MacKinnon, you lied and … you left me. Come.” He pulled her from her seat.

The hall grew silent, and all watched their exit. He led her into the night. She ran to keep up with him. Pushing her upon a stone bench, he frowned.

Colin sat next to her, keeping his eyes averted. “I’m displeased.”

“I know you’re angry, Colin.” Julianna couldn’t bear his ire. She turned away, but he moved to her other side.

“I came home to find ye gone. I pledged to keep you safe.”

“Is that all you care about, your pledge?” Julianna asked harshly. “I can keep myself safe. I don’t need you, Colin MacKinnon.”

“You do need me. Then I gather my men and make for the king, only to find ye gone again.”

A sob escaped her. “You went to England? I didn’t think you would.”

“You told me I was the love of your heart. Did you think you could say that and leave me?”

“I did love you, but you don’t … You’re only beholden because of your pledge. I release you of your pledge, Colin.” She cried harder, and couldn’t control her tears.

She heard him sigh. “Not only did I pledge to keep you safe, but if you remember, I pledged to honor you until death takes me. I did not take that lightly, Jules. I care for ye, and I—”

“Not once did you tell me you cared.”

“Jules, you mean everything to me. Each time I was with ye, I couldn’t control myself. I always loved ye, since the day I saw you at Steven’s wedding.”

Julianna’s eyes widened. “You do?”

“Aye, I do.”

She kept herself from hugging him. “You remember that night at the wedding?”

“Aye, it was the night I was visited by a faerie.”

“What about never marrying, and your vow to your father?”

“I became enlightened on the vow I made to my da. I’ve taken it back.”

“Taken it back, but you said you never break your pledges. Why?”

“Walter told me what my da did, and now I realize he didn’t deserve vindication. He killed my ma. I thought my ma wouldn’t give her heart to him, and that’s why my da loathed her. It was much more than that. I always believed if I gave my heart as my da had, I’d be let down as he was. I was wrong. Walt and my ma had a bairn together. Brendan is his son. I cannot tell him. It’s killing me. I know I can trust you’ll keep that secret.”

“I’m sorry about your ma. What about the feud with the McFies?”

“Ellic McFie told me the truth. ‘Tis finished. I want to go home, have
bairns,
and love you.”

“I do love you, Colin. I was disheartened because I didn’t think you’d come. As to bairns, I am …” She had now idea how to tell him. Julianna wasn’t sure how he would react.

“I know about the bairn.” He frowned then forced a tight smile.

“You know?”

He nodded. “Which reminds me, how could you leave me while carrying our bairn?”

“I couldn’t let anything happen to Sara.”

“Why didn’t you tell you were the king’s niece?” he demanded.

“I didn’t know. My mother had a friendship with him and I thought … he was my father. As it turns out, he’s my uncle. I had heard stories, and couldn’t face him. I thought he would put me in the Tower. My mother implied he wouldn’t help me, but I had to face him for the KirkConnell’s sake.”

“You’re a brave lass, but ye should have explained.”

“Bentley captured Tess and me, he forced me to marry Devlin. I married him even though I was married to you, Colin. It was the only way I could escape.” She didn’t dare look at his expression. “What happened when ye met the king?”

“He kept me waiting for two days before he’d tell me where you were. I was impatient to get to ye and he well knew it. Before I could leave, he sent me on a mission.”

“What mission?”

“He sent me after Bentley. The king said he’d hurt ye.”

“Aye, his dagger struck my arm, but it healed.”

Colin grasped her arm, then the other. Looking at the small scar, he rubbed his thumb over her delicate skin.

“I couldn’t sleep and went to my mother’s room, where she stayed the night she was killed. He attacked me and I couldn’t get away. He pulled me to the bed and tried to stab me. It was strange; I thought I saw my mother’s ghost. I felt her presence, Colin. A candelabra struck Bentley and a painting fell off the wall. There was no one else in the room. It really frightened me because it was unaccountable. I believe she protected me.”

Colin hugged her. “I believe ye. I’m sorry that banshee killed your ma, Jules.”

“He confessed. Did you find him?”

“Aye, we went to three of your keeps, and found him at Heavenworth.”

“Did you kill him?”

“Damned right I killed him.”

“I’m glad he’s dead. Are you happy?”

“About what, lass?” He trailed his finger along her chin.

“The bairn. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.”

Colin jumped from the bench and lifted her, swinging her around. “Julianna MacKinnon, you’ve made me the happiest man in the whole Highlands. I cannot believe you’re having my bairn. I saw you hold wee Jamie. You looked beautiful holding him. I remember thinking it would be nice to see ye holding our own.”

She giggled, then sobered. “Colin, you saw me that morning? Then you heard me talking to Sara?”

“Aye, and I hoped it would be to my advantage, if you spoke Gaelic, but you never did let anything out.”

“I’m glad you’re happy about the baby, Colin. What about my uncle? I’ve come to care for him. He’s asked me to visit.”

“Jules, I’m happy about the bairn, but not … I cannot believe you’re related to the king.”

“That’s exactly what I am,” she retorted.

“For God’s sakes, how is this possible?”

“My grandmother had a liaison with his father. My mother was King Henry’s daughter. They met when King John was in hiding, before he took his crown, and they formed a friendship. Now that he knows I’m his niece, he’s a little over protective.”

“Over protective, cosh! Now he’s my relative, faigh muin.”

“It’ll be all right, Colin.” She laughed.

“He was different from what I thought he’d be. Do you know what he’s done to my people?” He sighed. “How can I let that go?”

“We won’t go to England often. My mother would want me to keep relations with him, and I did promise to visit. My father, Lord Acton, died during the crusade, and never knew about me.”

“Are you upset about never knowing your da?”

“Nay, but I was told he was a good man. It doesn’t matter now. I want to go home, Colin. Tell me that ye love me, I need to hear it.”

“Jules, a ŕunmo chroí! I never thought it would be possible to give my heart to anyone, but ye have it. That is my pledge for eternity.” Lifting her, he touched his lips to hers.

“I do love you, Colin. Do you forgive me for leaving?”

“Aye, you’ll not leave our home without me again, Jules. Say it. I need to ear you speak it, even though last time you didn’t listen.”

“I won’t leave our home without you. I promise,” she told him as her lips touched his again.

He pulled back. “I forgot to tell you that I found Laila at Heavenworth.”

“You d-did?” she stammered. “Tell me you brought her.”

“Of course, she’s in the hall awaiting ye.”

“I must see her.” Julianna took his hand, pulling him along.

She hurried inside the keep and ran to her sister, who looked glum. “Laila!” She hugged her tightly, caressing her hair.

“Julianna, is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“Did you marry him?” She pointed to Colin. “He’s a gargantuan.”

She nodded. “He takes care of me. Do you wish to go home with us? You don’t have to, but—”

“I want to go with you, Julianna.”

Colin tugged her arm. Julianna stood, and he pulled in his arms. He kissed her longingly in front of everyone. “I need to be alone with you.”

She smiled, wanting the same. His men and her family watched them run past them like children. When they reached her chamber, she remembered Tess.

“Tess, he came,” Julianna said happily. “He loves me.”

“That’s wonderful, milady.”

Colin looked at Tess, stringently.

“Colin, she risked her life coming with me and never left my side.”

He walked to Tess and held her shoulders. “Ye have my thanks, Tess, for keeping Jules safe. You’re a bonny MacKinnon,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“I knew you would be along eventually, Laird.” Tess glared then smiled. “What took you so long?” Tess realized she wasn’t going to get an answer, so she closed the door behind her.

Finally alone, Colin disrobed her. He kept commenting on the change in her body. She’d filled out around her waist. He caressed her belly, and she giggled at his touch. His gaze turned lustful, and his eyes filled with excitement.

“I always feel like this with you,” he said.

She was able to undress him, even though he wouldn’t let go. Colin was eager to have her, and he didn’t take time to woo her. Julianna laughed, knowing he had missed her.

“I want to feel you, hold you, taste you, and kiss you, all night.”

She laughed when his mouth trailed her arm. “Do you promise?”

“I promise to do that and more.”

*****

The following morning, the Highlanders left for home. Colin and Julianna once again traveled the well-worn path to Scotland. Julianna chuckled at her thought. She’d found her path, she did belong in Scotland. When they reached the Highlands, their breaths caught.

He held her close and whispered in her ear, “We’re home.”

When they emerged from their chamber, later that day, they entered the hall and heard a commotion. Robin, on his knees, said the most absurd things.

Colin wrapped his arms around Julianna from behind, and whispered in her ear, causing her to blush.

“Tess, I cannot live without ye. Marry me? I won’t have any other woman.”

“Robin, are ye mad? Get up,” Tess said it so low, everyone strained to hear. She grasped his tunic to pull him up, and the hall grew quiet. The wind whistled in the doorway.

“I shan’t move from this spot, lass, until you promise to marry me.”

Tess looked about the room. All gawked.

“Tess, I love you more than anything.”

She put her arms around him, hid her face against his neck. “Aye, I’ll wed ye.”

Robin lifted her and carried her from the hall. The clan cheered. Julianna smiled, knowing it would come to that.

“Colin, where’s George?”

“I had a pen made for him. I know of your escapades in keeping him from the hall.”

“I have to release him, he doesn’t deserve to be penned.” She ran from the hall to release her friend.

Colin laughed as he stood by the door and watched her release the beast. “I’ll never figure you out, Jules.”

“George, I’m sorry, you’ll not be penned. You can come inside anytime.” She patted his head when he strode through the gate. George looked at her and walked away from the keep.

She smelled the air, and looked at the colorful scope of the trees, and sky in the distance. Bleeth leaned against a tree, nodding in greeting.

She walked to him and stood beside the tree. He remained quiet, and she sighed. He hadn’t spoken to her the entire journey home and he’d kept his distance.

“Bleeth, we must speak about your angst. I know how you feel, but I can’t help what I feel. I thank you for all ye have done, but ‘tis time—”

“Ye wish to send me away?”

“I wouldn’t do that. If you want to stay then …” She lowered her gaze, feeling saddened by his ire.

“I cannot stay, not whilst you are married to him. If I leave, I won’t return ever.”

“I am sorry, Bleeth, to cause ye distress. I never meant to hurt you.”

“Are you certain you love him?”

“Aye, I do. Are you going to search for your mother?”

“I will travel to the isle.”

“If you ever need me, please send word, and let me know what’s become of you.”

“I shall. You will tell me true, if that Scot doesn’t treat you right?”

“Colin loves me, Bleeth, he’ll treat me right.” She placed her hands around his waist, hugging him tightly. She brushed his black locks from his face and smiled.

“I will go now.” He pulled away from her, touched her face. “I will always love you, Julianna.”

“Goodbye, my friend.” Julianna stood watching until Bleeth vanished. A tear rolled down her cheek. She’d miss him.

Colin came up behind her, and placed his hands on her shoulders.

“Where’d Bleeth go?” he whispered.

“He’s gone, Colin. I shall never see him again.”

Epilogue

Highlands, Scotland

October 1216

Autumn dew covered the trees, making for a chilly morning. All the MacKinnon clan’s people waited. “Any news?” they kept asking, and had taken vigil outside the laird’s keep. No noise came from the castle. Within the birthing chamber, Colin’s anguish showed on his face.

“I cannot concentrate with you looming over me. Go to the hall,” Julianna pleaded.

“I won’t leave ye.”

Her muscles tightened at the contraction. “Colin MacKinnon, get the hell out.”

“I’ll go, love. If you need me call.” He hoped she would call him back, but he made it all the way to the hall, not hearing her call once. His brothers sat at the table, looking concerned.

“Is she well, Colin?” Brendan asked.

“She’s almost there. I cannot take this, I’m going back.” Colin rose from his seat.

“You best stay, let the women tend her,” Robin said, then sipped his drink.

“I swear, I’ll never do this again. If you could have seen …”

“You couldn’t keep your hands off of her. Women were meant to do this. I don’t think any battle pain could match it.”

“Cosh, Robin, shut up. We’ll have enough trouble keeping him here until she births the bairn. Colin, sit down, drink up. I’ll make a toast. To the next wee MacKinnon warrior and laird,” Brendan said.

“Damn, Brendan, that was fairly eloquent. I never heard you speak so.”

Brendan’s face brightened. The men drank the contents of their cups. Colin’s nerves settled, until he heard her scream. He shot off his chair and ran to the steps. Robin and Brendan forced him back to the table. He struggled to free himself.

“They’ll let us know when you can go up,” Brendan said.

“Nay, let me go.” Colin wasn’t able to contain himself.

“Colin, you might get harmed. I say you’re far better off right here,” Robin said.

He took a breath. “Aye, Robin, you’re right, Jules looked murderous. Someone pour me another drink.”

“Who wants to challenge?” Robin asked.

“I’ll not accept, not since my last challenge with Steven.”

“I cannot believe you and Steven got that drunk. Is that what marriage does?”

“Nay, Brendan, Steven was in the mood to drink that night, but I won the challenge.” Colin laughed.

“So it wasn’t the marriage?”

“Nay, Brendan, I accepted it. Marriage won’t kill ye.”

“I won’t ever marry a lady like Julianna or Tess.”

“Why not, Brendan?” Colin asked pointedly.

“I’m not exactly brimming with Douglas’ charming shit,” Brendan replied. They laughed at that.

Robin looked at Brendan. “Speaking of Douglas, where is he?”

“Douglas is teaching Gil the art of wenching,” Brendan said.

“Gil could use the help,” Colin said.

They kept him talking. “How’s Ellic?” Robin asked.

“I saw him the other day, he’s asking for an alliance.”

“Are we going to give it?” Brendan asked.

“His warriors haven’t returned, and he feels weakened to other clans.”

“Aye, I think we should, Colin,” Robin said.

“I’ll meet with the council. I am glad we sent Laila to stay with Steven and Sara. The lass seemed happy to go. I think she’s sweet on one of Steven’s warriors.”

“I saw the king’s messenger arrive. Surely the king didn’t summon Julianna. What did he want?” Robin asked.

“Hubert sent a message that the king died at Newark. Jules was torn up about it. Henry will be crowned king, even though he won’t be able to rule his kingdom until he comes of age.”

Neither brother responded. Though their sister-in-law was saddened by the news, everyone in Scotland rejoiced. They heard a door open and close upstairs, then footpads.

“Please, let her be all right.” Colin’s heart slammed in his chest.

Jinny reached the bottom step, and was waylaid. “Tell me,” his voice shook, and his eyes held hers.

Jinny smiled. “She’s fine, and birthed the bairn. You’ll wait until she can be readied. She made me come and tell you only that.”

Colin released his breath. “The babe is well, too?” Jinny nodded. He went to the table, picked up a pitcher, and chugged it.

“Aye, he’ll feel better now. I hope we don’t have to carry him to see his wife and child.” Brendan laughed.

“Come on, buck up, man. Ye better wash up. You want to look attractive for your wife, especially since what you done to her.” Robin shoved Colin, and ran outside. Colin chased after him.

He’d taken a few minutes to wash and tell his clan the news. Once outside the chamber door, he hesitated. Jinny opened the door, and told him to talk softly, lest he scare the babe. She smiled and left.

“Colin, come,” Julianna said.

It was all he needed to hear. He sat next to her, and kissed her forehead.

“Look at your new warrior.” She pulled back the plaid.

He saw the most angelic face. The babe had light hair, its eyes were closed, and he seemed content. “Jules, he’s a fine bairn. I’m proud of you.”

“He?” she countered.

“You said a warrior, did ye not?”

“Oh, aye, she’s going to cause you all kinds of problems.” His wife giggled.

“Sweetheart, she’s beautiful and looks like you. She has your hair, and looks like a wee button, a wee bonny button. Bonnie,” he said her name.

“Now tell me you love me, and you love our daughter.”

“Aye, Jules, I love you and our daughter.” He kissed her then leaned to kiss his bairn. Her small wee head was lovingly cradled by her ma. Someday his little warrior would be like her mother. The bairn opened her eyes and let out a loud cry. Julianna handed him his daughter. Colin held her in his burly arms, feeling awed by it.

“I swear, Jules, she’s never going to go through what our mother’s, and you went through.” He lifted Bonnie and looked at her. Aye, she looked like her mother. That was fine with him. He was the luckiest laird atop the Highlands. He had fulfilled his pledge.