Ruth A. Casie (11 page)

Once again his heart pounded.
He took a deep breath to steady himself and expanded his senses.
Dare he go deeper?
He had to;
he had to know.

The fight continued
,
and he felt the familiar presence of an ally.
He calmed himself still more and reached out still further.
He could feel the man at his back.
They fought together as a unit
,
close enough that their shoulders occasionally rubbed.
He felt the coolness when the man stepped away.
No
,
the presence remained.
He slowed his heartbeat and he went still deeper.

He looked for any sign to give him a hint of who attacked him.
Robby?
One of the other men?
He began to turn toward the man when he felt white-hot pain in his side below his tunic.
The assassin knew exactly where he’d be most vulnerable.
Agony flooded his senses.
Alex let the memory fade.
There was no more he would find out now.

He relaxed and stroked the stone again. This time the fragrance of berries grabbed his attention. He was painfully aware of white blossoms and the taste of her lips and the feel of her bare skin. Once again she called him to her dream. He willingly obeyed. The feel of her, the scent of her and the taste of her were not illusions. He knew that now. He had yet to understand why she didn’t acknowledge their intimacy. He could wait. He let his mind wander to more tempting things.
Mine
, echoed in his head.

* * *

Lisbeth sat on the edge of her bed and dried her hair with a piece of silk. It was a trick her mother had taught her and Laura. It made their hair shine. She stared at nothing in particular and let her mind wander. A growing mist gathered at the door. She closed her eyes. Unwarranted tears fell down her cheeks. When she opened them, Alex—his gray eyes colored with passion—stared back.

The ring of swords reached her ears.
The flash of metal surrounded her.
The knight’s moves were efficient and practiced.
Another stood at his back.
The large blade caught the sunlight and blinded her to all but the raised jeweled dagger that arched down and plunged into her knight’s side.

Her breathing became shallow and her heart raced as if she had run across the meadow.
Her eyelids slid closed and her body thrummed with anticipation.
Her vision took a sudden turn.
Fear was replaced with safety.
Need was replaced with passion.

She felt the warmth of his lips on hers and brought her trembling hand to her mouth
,
but his lips weren’t there.
She fell back onto her bed.
She had to fight this overwhelming desire for him.
The thought of him sent her to places she could only find in her dream.
Mine
.
She heard his clear and emphatic voice in her head.
The mist swelled along the floor.
She felt his arms around her.
The mist crept up the bed and cradled her.
She waited with eager anticipation.

Her eyes fluttered open.
She stood at the lodge door.
He emerged out of the low heavy mist and stepped toward her.
His stride was sure and strong.
His gray eyes sparkled like lightning.
He drew closer
,
never taking his eyes from hers.
Closer.
She could see his strong soft lips.
Closer.
She reached out—needing to touch him.

He gently took her hand and tucked it through his arm.
They strolled the shrouded grounds amid the swirling autumn leaves.
The bare branches around them were in stark contrast to the one tree that still held late-fall blossoms.

They stopped under the canopy of the flourishing blooms
,
and he reached up and plucked one from a low hanging branch.
He tucked it behind her ear.
His hand lingered
,
caressing her hair.
Slowly his knuckles stroked the side of her face.
The mere touch of his hand sent a warming shiver through her.
His eyes focused on her mouth
,
and she wet her parched lips.
He ran his thumb gently over her lower lip making it tingle from his touch.
She kissed his finger and heard his quick intake of breath.
He eased closer and took her in his arms.
A
sense of urgency drove her.
She ached for more of his touch.
She leveled her head and was again captured by the longing in his eyes.
The very thought set her afire.

The air was tinged with the delicate aroma of the white blossoms.
The fragrance heightened her senses.
He leaned closer and tenderly kissed her forehead.
He raised her head and captured her lips.
Liquid heat roared through her veins.
Every nerve was alive.
Every touch of his lips made her dizzy with delight.
He took her moan into his mouth and completed it with his own.

He kissed her cheek lightly
,
then worked his way to her earlobe and gave it a gentle nip until he took it into his mouth.
His warm breath in her ear sent chills of delight cascading through her.
She sank further into his arms.
He left a trail of velvety warm kisses down her neck.
Another moan
,
more guttural than the first
,
escaped her lips.

The urgency of the wind disturbed the blossoms
,
sending a light dusting of delicate petals raining down on them.
The rising wind matched the swirling desire deep inside her.
He pressed his manhood against her while his lips seared a path down her neck.
She gasped at the sensations and held him tighter lest he disappear.
The top of her gown lay around her waist
,
his hand covered her breast
,
and she thought she would die from the exquisite joy.
His mouth advanced in a warm steady march across her collarbone and down the soft incline of her breast.
He hesitated
,
a
thoughtful expression spread across his face.
She panicked he would stop.
His stare was compelling.
When she looked into his eyes she noted something deep and primal.
A
sense of urgency drove her.
She attempted halfheartedly to control the dizzying current racing through her.
He dipped his head.
His mouth found the softness of her breast.
He slowly licked her hardened nipple.
The sensation was pure and explosive.
She didn’t want him to ever stop.

Her soft curves molded into the hard planes of his body.
He raised his head.
She closed her eyes as he bent to her neck and started all over again.
His hot breath against her ear whispered
“
Mine
”
.
She listened to the tinkling of the hard shell of her resistance shatter into a million pieces.
How would she ever be the same?
Her hands raked his back.
His long
,
low groan made her hot and wet.

The wind picked up—slowly at first.
The white blossoms danced and floated in the air.
The faster her heart beat
,
the wilder the wind blew
,
and the more insistent she became
,
until the blossoms pelted them angrily.
Trapped between the tree and Alex
,
Lisbeth was lost but didn’t care.
She was safe;
the horror and guilt were gray shadows.
She could conquer them with Alex.
Slowly they sank to the ground.
Alex’s back was against the tree
,
and she was still in his arms.

One last gust of wind and the blossoms were gone.
Alex pulled away
,
his eyes glistening with unspent desire.
He tucked her head against his chest.
“
Mine
,”
he whispered.
He kissed the top of her head.

She let out a soft sigh. “Forever,” she said softly. The strong steady beat of his heart lulled her to sleep.

* * *

“M’lady?” Alice gently shook her awake.

“Oh, Alice, you startled me.” Lisbeth sat up in bed. She could still feel his touch against her skin.

“Sorry, m’lady. I’m here to help you prepare for the evening meal.”

She nodded and gave in to Alice’s directions and prodding while she held on to the last of the dream and let her racing heart calm down.

“News of the king’s visit has everyone excited. Many who served your mother have returned, and Ann’s been busy today getting the new workers in place. Do you think everything will be ready by the time he gets here?”

Cold reality quickly filled the empty space created by her fading dream. She let out a heavy sigh. “With enough people to help us we should be able to get everything ready. Did you find the tapestries?”

“Yes. They were right where you said they’d be. Ann and I looked them over. There isn’t much repair needed—a stitch or two is all”

“Good. When the repairs are completed, we’ll hang them. I’ve been busy cleaning the rooms for the king.”

Alice worked at dressing her hair. “Not to worry. Everything’s in good hands. There now. You look fine. I’ll be right back. You’ll want your mother’s earrings.” Alice slipped out the door.

When Lisbeth turned to the looking glass she was startled. Her hand went to the white blossom in her hair. Her reflection faded and the surface of the glass swirled. She stared transfixed at the image of herself in Alex’s arms under the tree, a white blossom in her hair.

“Here we are.” Alice came back into the room, closing the door behind her.

The image on the mirror quickly vanished, and once again she looked at her reflection. “Alice, where did you get the blossom for my hair?”

“It was on the counterpane, m’lady. I knew the bloom was just what your hair needed.” She held the large pearl earrings with diamond drops to Lisbeth’s ear. “I’m not so sure you need these after all. What do you think?”

“No, I don’t think I need them,” Lisbeth said without even looking at the gems. Her dressing complete, Lisbeth started for the Great Hall.

Alex’s door opened as she passed his room.

“Lisbeth.” He bowed.

Lisbeth froze. Alex stood in a puddle of white petals. She blinked and they were gone. She touched the bloom in her hair with a trembling hand.

“Is there anything amiss?” He stepped out to join her and closed his door.

“No.”

She looked into his eyes and saw tenderness. He stepped in closer and gently kissed the top of her head. She willed the moment to never stop. As if in answer, he bent down and hesitantly kissed her check. Her heart turned over. They stood with their foreheads pressed together, not saying a word until he raised his head. A bit unsteady, she took his offered arm. He covered her hand with his and led her to the Great Hall.

“The bloom in your hair becomes you.” His eyes grew openly amused.

She nodded her thanks.

Chapter Ten

Lisbeth grabbed her cloak and hurried to leave. She rushed out of the castle gate and slammed into John and Ann.

“In a hurry, m’lady?” He dipped his head.

“I’m on my way to the lodge. Jamie’s bringing Laura today.”

“M’lady, you can’t go alone,” said Ann.

“Lord Alex gave orders you’re not to leave the castle grounds unprotected,” said John.

She stopped and looked at them both. “Yes, yes, I know but I must go to Laura.”

“He worries about your safety. We all worry about your safety.” Ann wiped her hands on her apron.

“I’ve been travelling through the forest, especially to the lodge, most of my life. Why are you afraid?”

“M’lady.” John held his hat in his hand and worried the brim. “It’s not safe. If you want to go to the lodge, I’ll take you there.”

“You don’t—”

“I insist, m’lady.”

She wrapped her cloak around her tightly. “Then let’s be off.”

They tramped quietly through the forest along the riverbank and up the long trail to the lodge. Along the way she hummed the ancient words and renewed the strength of the charms as she passed.

She caught a whiff of the pungent fragrance before she spotted the graceful smoke from the chimney in the distance. “You can go back, John. I’ll be fine from here.”

“No, m’lady. I will see you inside and wait until you’re ready to go back.”

She rushed up the lodge path, opened the door, and squealed with delight at the sight of her sister. The women flew into each other’s arms and held one another close. Perhaps for a few hours she could pretend nothing had changed.

“I’ve missed you.” Laura squeezed her.

“Laura, we should never wait this long. Where are the children? I brought them some treats.” She freed herself from Laura’s grasp and looked around. She pulled a wrapped package from her pouch. “Remember how we used to take these from Ann when she wasn’t looking, and come here to eat them?” She showed Laura the filched cakes wrapped in a cloth.

“They’re not here. They were asleep. Jamie’s sister is with them. I’ll bring them both next time.”

“Where is Jamie? You didn’t come here by yourself?” scolded Lisbeth.

“Of course not. Jamie had one of his men bring me. He’ll come to get me later.” Laura went over to the table. “The children did send you these.” Laura handed her stones.

“Stones?” Lisbeth moved them around in her palm.

“Ah, not just stones. These are very special.” Laura pointed to each one. “They were chosen, washed and polished just for Aunt Lisbeth.”

Lisbeth squeezed her hand shut. “I will cherish them always.” She slipped the stones in her pouch. “You must tell them that I miss them.”

“I will.”

“I found Mother’s diary. It was in one of the chests we put in storage.”

Laura’s surprised expression turned to concern.

“Please, Laura. Don’t look at me like that. I haven’t read it.” Her breath seemed to be stuck in her throat.

“Put it away. You needn’t read it.”

“For a little sister, you’re sounding like my mother. I will remind you I’m older.” They laughed together. The tension of the moment broke. Lisbeth gave her sister a sober look. “I haven’t the courage to read it, not yet. Perhaps you’re right.”

“I’m glad you’ve returned to the castle. It’s about time.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Lisbeth stepped to the hearth to warm her hands. She didn’t feel the heat.

“You must know the dangers in being in this isolated place.” Laura swept her hand around the room. “You’re not foolish enough to think your charms can protect you here,” she continued. “You haven’t been yourself for some time. I don’t understand. You were full of opinions and always in the thick of things. Now you’re remote and almost timid. Do you remember when Queen Eleanor detained Mother in London? Princess Alice took so ill and the queen insisted mother stay. You took over running Glen Kirk.” Laura went to her sister and put her arm around her shoulder. “And I know you pled my cause to Mother and Father about Jamie when Bryce asked for my hand.” Laura pulled her sister around to face her squarely. “In many ways you are the backbone of Glen Kirk. Now you’re a shell of a person.” Laura took her sister into her arms. “I could understand for a while, right after the accident, but you can’t go on this way any longer.” Laura spoke into her sister’s ear and lovingly stroked her silky hair. “You must accept the fact—mother and father are gone. You must let the king’s men help you. You must move on.”

Lisbeth pulled away to look at Laura closely. “How can you say that? Look at the men the king has sent to ‘protect’ us. Both coveted our house, our land, even the clothes on our backs. I found the first one rummaging through my trunk.”

“And?”

“And nothing. Providence stepped in, and by the end of the week he left and never returned. You and Jamie were there and helped me put everything away.”

Laura took the steaming kettle from the hearth, mulled some wine, and handed a goblet to Lisbeth. They settled themselves by the fire.

“Jamie told me this protector has won the king’s favor and been awarded our Glen Kirk.” She patted her sister’s hand. “Lisbeth, Glen Kirk is his now, not ours. I know this is difficult.”

“Laura, I know you mean well but our lives have become very different. You’re the wife of a great Scottish laird. And I’m...”

“You’re the daughter of Lord and Lady Reynolds. Any man would be eager to be your husband.”

Lisbeth got up and paced the room. “I can’t marry,” she finally blurted out. “I dare not get close to anyone, for their own safety.”

“Are you going to start that again? You can’t will things to happen, Lisbeth. If that were so, Mother, Father and Richard would all still be alive.”

She stopped pacing and faced Laura. “No, I can’t will things to happen, but what I see comes true. I told you what the protector Hubert said. He’d go after the villagers—my coven he called them. I can’t let them suffer. I had to move away from them.”

“Come sit with me by the fire.” Laura patted the seat next to her. “The villagers suffered more for you not being there.”

Lisbeth sat. “The villagers don’t need me. They need someone strong to protect them.”

“Can’t you see? They do need you. Gareth and the soldiers will protect them and you.”

“The king didn’t think that was enough.” She got up and paced in front of her sister. “Laura, for days before our brother was killed, I knew he would die. I soared like a bird above him. When I saw the dark figure and the glint of his blade raised against him, I tried to protect him, but I was helpless. I swore Richard looked at me before the murderer took his life.” She stopped unable to go on. Unrestrained tears ran down her face. Finally, she continued. “I watched him die night after night. I bore witness for days until the king sent us word.”

Laura rushed to Lisbeth’s side and held her tightly in her arms. Both women were in tears.

“I couldn’t help Richard, but I knew what was going to happen.” She tried to comfort her sister. “I knew something was not right before we left you and Jamie, but I didn’t see the coming accident.” She moved away from Laura, wringing her hands. “Mother had a suspicion too. But Father would not hear of it. I did tell the lieutenant who escorted us. I should have done more.”

Laura took hold of Lisbeth’s trembling hands. “Maybe you did see something about Richard, but you couldn’t help him, and you couldn’t help Mother and Father.”

Lisbeth looked at her sister. Her shoulders slumped from exhaustion. Laura would never understand. The visions came with a great burden. Thank goodness Laura would never have that millstone.

“Let’s not argue,” Laura held both her hands. “Another topic. Hmmm...What do you think of this new man?”

“With any luck, Lord Alex will vanish like the others the king sent.”

“Jamie’s not so certain. He thinks highly of him, high enough to bring him to our house.”

“He what?”

“Yes. He’s a bit stiff-necked, but I found him to be a good man with a good heart. Jamie did too or he would never have allowed him into our home. You know Jamie doesn’t give his trust lightly, but he trusts Lord Alex. Keep that in mind. Besides, after I heard how he was humiliated at court, I understood him better.”

“Humiliated? I can’t imagine anyone daring.” Lisbeth’s mouth dropped open.

“It has all to do with a lady. He met Lady Barbara Kincaid the first time he went to court. You remember her. Matilde, her sister, was one of the queen’s ladies. He told Jamie he had never met anyone so beautiful or so witty. Well, in truth, he was newly from his father’s estates and had not met many courtly women.

“He found himself pared with her at many court events. Every time they met he had these, well, uncontrollable thoughts. In desperation he did the only thing he thought appropriate—he proposed.”

“He did what? He had only just met her.”

“He proposed. The next day he was the brunt of every joke in court.”

Lisbeth closed her eyes. She could feel his pain. “How horrifying.” For him it would be the worst punishment anyone could dole out.

“There wasn’t a place he could go that someone didn’t make some comment.”

“What did he do?” Lisbeth still reeled from the thought.

“His brother was leaving for the Welsh War. He volunteered for the same regiment. It took some special discussions with the king, but the regiment took him. They left the following morning. Jamie said he vowed off women forever.”

“You’re serious.”

“Yes. That’s what he told Jamie.”

Several hours later, the sisters were still in deep conversation, dining on bread and cheese.

“Wait, I picked some apples from the orchard while I was waiting and brought some jam,” Laura added eagerly.

“Laura, Bryce spoke to me about a truce between us.”

“A truce?”

“Ever since Mother and Father died he’s avoided me. I don’t know why. Anyway, he asked for a truce.”

Laura laughed. “Do you remember when we overheard him asking Father for my hand? How Father ranted at the man’s audacity after he left.”

“Yes, but Mother told Father not to fret. The last thing they needed, she said, was the two families at odds. She was certain Ramon would get involved and take Bryce’s grievance to the king. How well Mother maneuvered the situation.” Laura sliced the apple and pushed some over to Lisbeth.

“Yes, Mother knew I loved Jamie and he loved me. He needed a little encouragement.”

“Bryce never forgave you for being promised to another. He was doubly unhappy when he found you married to Jamie.” Lisbeth took up the bread. “Perhaps that’s why he’s preferred to stay at a distance from us.”

“I don’t know his intention. I’ve never been comfortable in his presence. He’s arrogant with an air of self-importance.” She looked thoughtfully at her sister, a slice of bread poised in her hand. “Stay alert.”

“Yes, of course. For a while he was the same Bryce we used to tease. I think he wanted to feel that friendship again. But I may be imagining it.” said Lisbeth

“Perhaps you should tell Alex. After all, he’s your protector. Let him handle Bryce.”

“No. They’re good friends. He would never consider there was anything amiss. I’ll take care of this myself.”

“I’ll tell Jamie. He’ll know what to do.”

“What must I do?” Jamie strolled in from the garden.

Laura dropped the bread on the table, flew into Jamie’s arms, and kissed him soundly.

“Now don’t distract me, wife. What must I do?”

“I told Laura that Bryce approached me and asked for a truce.” Lisbeth licked the sticky jam from her fingers.

“And she wants to handle it herself. I told her to tell Alex, but she refuses so I told her you’d know if she should.”

“Did you now.” He kissed the tip of his wife’s nose. “Well, if you’ve told your big sister I would give her my counsel, then I will.” He tucked Laura to his side and faced Lisbeth. “Your little sister is correct. You should tell Alex.”

“But Jamie, I’m certain it wasn’t anything.”

“No, lass. He’s your... protector and should know. I’m certain if you think on it that you will agree.”

“I’ll give it some thought.” Her brows furrowed as she and Laura cleaned up their meal.

“Now, wife, did you two enjoy your visit?”

“Yes, I had a wonderful time, Jamie.”

Lisbeth, her pensive mood gone, ushered them outside. “John.” The retired soldier emerged from the side of the lodge. “We must go.”

The women embraced each other tightly.

“I’ll see you here next week and try to bring the children.”

“Yes I will.” Laura gave her one more hug. “And be careful.”

* * *

The dried twigs crunched under their feet. It was the only sound Lisbeth and John heard as they traveled down the trail. John trudged stoically next to her, his hand poised and ready on his blade.

Apprehension seeped through her and a chill crossed her back. Someone was watching them. The feeling clung to her like a pall.

“M’lady, don’t hold your cloak close. Let the material flow.”

“My cloak?”

“You make it difficult for an arrow to find its mark when the material is loose.”

His request startled her to silence and quick action. Without a question she loosened her grip on her cloak.

John led her off the trail.

“John?”

She noted his anxious expression and understood his silent message. She followed his lead without any further questions. Within minutes, they stood at the edge of the forest at a meadow far north of her usual trail. This was a longer way to the castle, one she rarely traveled. Flat and sparsely forested, the view was unobstructed for miles. Weeks had passed since she last came this way, and the charms for safe passage were weak. She mumbled the sacred words and renewed their strength.

John set the pace with long strides. Lisbeth hurried to keep up. A nagging fear sprung up until she was in a full panic.
Laura.
She turned to look back but John put his hand firmly on her shoulder.

“No, m’lady. Keep going. Lady Laura’s well protected.”

John, his hand still on his sword, didn’t relax his hold on his weapon until they entered the bailey and he delivered her safely to the castle steps.