Текст книги "In Love with a Warrior"

Автор книги: Kara Griffin

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Текущая страница: 10 (всего у книги 20 страниц)

Chapter Seventeen

Night crept ever closer, but James wasn’t concerned about dangers. They’d reached Donal’s land early that afternoon and would soon reach the wooden palisade surrounding the keep. Emlyn appeared weary, and he was glad to finally have arrived. Torchlight led the way to the gatehouse where several Ross clan sentries stood guard. Grey rode ahead of them and without a word, the guard opened the gates.

Donal Ross, the great laird, many called him, was renowned for his ability to moderate many peace treaties between warring clans. He was also Grey’s champion and had been a revered friend of Grey’s father. Grey led them to the enormous shelter where they’d leave their horses. The structure was open on all sides but one and boasted a high-pitched roof. Many a horse occupied the rows of stalls.

James helped Emlyn from her horse. He held onto her for two reasons. One, because after riding for so long she’d be incapable of standing on her own. And two, because he wanted to.

“Will this laird offer sanctuary? I worry …”

Her question made several of his comrades laugh.

“Aye, Donal is friend to the Gunn’s. Come, let us to the keep.” James held onto Emlyn’s dainty hand, letting his fingers glide over the rough patches. She didn’t have the soft hands of princess, nor of a keep’s lady. Why that made him frown, he knew not.

As they walked along, many of the Ross clan members called out greetings to Grey. They knew most of Donal’s clan and their welcome was often as vivacious. James kept Emlyn at the back of their procession. He wasn’t as certain as Grey that Donal would offer his hospitality.

“It is beautiful here. The torches and banners lend to its appeal,” she said, looking around them as they perused the lane.

“Adeline takes great care of the keep and its grounds.” When she frowned at him, he explained, “Adeline is Donal’s wife.”

They reached the massive doors of the keep which had been left open. None of the guards stood inside.

Grey led them inside to the hall. “Milady, I’ve come to see Donal.”

James shifted his position to look around the tall bodies of his comrades. He saw Adeline sitting by the hearth with two of her older daughters. The smaller children sat upon the floor playing with blocks. James smiled and gave a quick wave to them. He and his comrades had made the blocks for the lads and had gifted them upon their last visit. The two lads were nearing the age when such pursuits would be put aside and their training would begin.

Adeline stood and approached Grey. She pulled him into her embrace and hugged him close. “I am gladdened to see you, Grey. How are you and Bree, and the Gunns?”

His laird picked her up and spun her around, causing the lady to shriek. “I know not, for I’ve been traveling. Is Donal home?”

“You always seem bigger than the last time I saw you. Why is that?” She squeezed his hand when he set her on her feet. “I expect Donal soon. He went to visit Alexander.”

“We need to await him. Shall you allow us to stay within the walls until his return?” Grey reached the buttery and dunked a cup in the barrel. Only he would be brazen enough to take hospitality without being offered it.

“Of course. I shall bed with the lassies. You shall take our chamber.”

Grey shook his head, and bowed to her. “Nay, we cannot do that, milady. We only need a place within the keep for Lady Emlyn.”

Adeline approached. “James, you’re looking as handsome as ever. Will you present your lady to me?”

He felt the eyes of Duff, Kenneth, Sean and Colm peering at him and noticed their grins.

James could’ve laughed at the assumption, but he realized she was somewhat astute. “Milady Ross, this is Lady Emlyn, daughter of the great chieftain of Wales, Llywelyn Iorwerth.”

Emlyn stepped forward. “My lady.” She stood next to him and when he remained silent, she elbowed his side.

“Ow. And this bonny lady is wife to our ally and esteemed friend, Donal Ross, Milady Adeline.”

“James, you always had a way with words and are verily gallant. Much more than your comrades here, except for you, of course, Laird Gunn.” Adeline gazed fondly at Grey.

Grey grunted, but then laughed. “She’s akin to an aunt to us, Lady Emlyn.”

As Adeline spoke, Duff, Sean, Colm, and Kenneth whirled her around with their hugs. Her laughter followed as each of them bid their greeting.

“It is my pleasure to offer hospitality to Emlyn. She may bed in my lasses’ chamber. Now come. I’m sure you must be ravenous.”

Grey was the first to sit at the overlarge trestle table in the center of the hall. They each followed and took a seat.

James sat next to Emlyn and suspected she felt out of place, for she was quiet and said nary a word since they arrived.

“We’ve known Donal and his wife since we were lads,” James told her.

“Aye,” Adeline said, “I so wanted one of my daughters to wed into the Gunn clan, but the Gunns never appeased me.” She raised a brow and seemingly glared at him.

James pulled at his tunic, because he knew of her wishes, and had always been able to avoid the issue.

“Anne, go and fetch refreshments for our guests.” Adeline began clearing the table of their earlier supper. “I’ve given the keep’s maids a night away as it was just me and the children.”

“Come, milady, sit with us. We are not guests, but family.”

“Mikal, Donal, ye shall ready for bed. Betany, see to the lads.” The children retreated to the stairs. “What brings you here so late in the day?”

Grey continued to drink his ale, and nodded to Sean when he offered to pour him more. He brought the flagon of ale to the table and began serving them.

Colm guffawed. “Sean, ye take to domestics well. I will be sure to speak of this to Milady Frances.”

“Cosh, enough of your jests, Colm. Keep at it and I’ll take ye outside and show you how amiable I can be.”  Sean looked to want to thrash Colm, but he took a seat next to him and James gave him a sympathetic gaze. For their comrade often took matters beyond and never felt contrite about his banter. But that was Colm’s way and they were all used to it.

“Milady, we need to speak to Donal of our mission the king requested of us.”

“I deem that is why he went to meet with Alexander. He said he was most displeased that you Gunns were sent on such a mission.”

James focused on her words and scowled, as he realized what she said made sense. Of all the clans in Scotland, he had to wonder why they’d been sent. “Mayhap Alexander still holds us in disdain.”

Adeline leaned on the table. “That is why Donal went to see him. He also wanted to speak of your meeting with Marshall. He was quite displeased by Marshall’s request.” She looked pointedly at Emlyn, but didn’t say more.

“We will find out soon enough how his visit went when he returns,” Grey said.

Anne, her daughter, returned with a tray and handed it to her mother. She kept her gaze on him, and James hastily turned his face to watch Emlyn. He knew of Adeline’s hope that he wed Anne for she’d remarked upon it whenever he visited. But James didn’t hold the lass in any esteem. She was too timid and quiet. He’d heard her speak barely a word in his presence. Besides that, James had never considered marriage for he was too busy with his duties as guardsman.

“Donal said he would return within a sennight. He’s been gone for six days already. I expect him within a day or two.”

“That is good to hear. I’ll speak with him as soon as he returns.” Grey finished his ale and stood.

The tray of foodstuff finally made its way to him and Emlyn. But there was only one sweet cake remaining and before he could reach for it, Emlyn snatched it and popped it into her mouth.

She giggled and gave him a sorrowful glance. “Too slow, James.”

“I would’ve shared it with you.” He chuckled when she set her hand near his mouth and held a small piece in between her fingers. She put the sweet cake in his mouth and let the pad of her fingertip slide over his lip. Damn, she was sexy even when she did such an insignificant thing as that.

James wished they were alone so he could kiss her.

A bang sounded at the opposite end of the table and he looked up and found Anne staring at them.

“Anne, be careful with that tray. Take it to the kitchens and be off to bed with ye,” Adeline said.

She hastily picked it up and rushed from the hall.

“We shall bunk in the garrison. When Donal returns, have me fetched immediately.” Grey motioned to the rest of them and they vacated the hall.

James stayed behind with Emlyn.

“I would rather stay with you and the Gunns.”

Adeline approached and perceived Emlyn’s request. “I cannot allow a lass of your years in the garrison. Donal would never permit such and neither shall I.”

“Then allow me to fetch my satchel. What chamber am I to sleep in, my lady?” Emlyn moved closer to him.

“It is the second door from the top of the stairs. There’s an empty bed for you. I shall see you in the morn.” Adeline left them.

James said nothing as he waited until she disappeared from view. “Did you really want to retrieve your satchel?”

“Aye. I would like to wash and change my garments.”

“Come. I will walk with you.” James put his arm around her when they reached the outside.

The night was warm enough to go without a cloak. It was rare to have a night such as this during September, but he’d take the warmth as long as he could for he realized a cold winter was around the corner.

“I am uncomfortable in their keep.”

He barely heard her for her words had been spoken low. James stopped walking and watched her bonny face. “You shouldn’t. The Ross’ are to be trusted. You will be safe.”

A serene gaze came upon her face. “I do feel safe. It is just the lass … Anne. She seems to have affection for you.”

James hid a grin at hearing her say such. That meant that Emlyn did have a fondness for him, even if she didn’t admit it. “Mayhap she does. It has always been her mother’s desire that we wed.”

“I can see you wed to such a woman. Aye, she’d care for your needs, bear you bonny bairns. You would want for nothing.”

“I want for nothing now,” James said in a serious tone. “It is not my quest to wed such a woman. She’d bore me within days. Aye, I like a more spirited woman.” He tapped her nose and chuckled.

Emlyn shoved him. “Are you teasing me? I find your jest not humorous.” She took a step away and turned.

James reached her side and stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. “She does not do to me what you do.”

“Oh? And what is that?”

James yanked her from the ground and pulled her toward his chest until she was firmly against him. “Send fervor through me.” Before she could retort, he kissed her. He couldn’t cease, for he’d wanted to kiss her for hours and now that he was, he wouldn’t relent.

Emlyn forced him to cease when she pulled her lips from his. “We should get my satchel.”

“I want you.” James hadn’t meant to be so forthright, but he wanted her to know his intension. More than anything at that moment, he wanted her naked and in his arms.

“And I you, but we cannot.”

“The hell we can’t.” James kept her body crushed to his, unwilling to release her yet. As muscular as Emlyn was, she was dainty next to him and didn’t weigh enough to thwart him.

“My body couldn’t handle it.” She set her hands on his shoulders and kissed the side of his neck. “I am weary.”

James groaned when the heat of her breath played over his skin. He knew she was right for they’d rode for days and her body likely was fatigued. He lifted her and carried her in his arms. “You’re aright, lovely. You need rest.”

“I can walk, James. I’m not that tired.” She giggled when he refused to set her down.

“Allow me this pleasure? I want to feel you against me.”

Emlyn set her cheek on his shoulder and clasped her hands around his neck. They reached the stable, and he found their horses. He reluctantly set her upon her feet, feeling the sensual way her body slid from his.

James reached for both her satchels and she quickly stopped him from doing so.

“I’ve only the need of this one.” She took the satchel that contained her garments and left the one holding her weapons behind.

James grinned when she took her helmet and sword out and added them to the satchel containing her war instruments.

“I deem I won’t have need of these while we’re here.”

“Nay, you won’t.” He moved closer to his horse and stroked his head.

“Your horse doesn’t hold fondness for me.”

He chuckled. “He holds fondness for no one but me. But I’ll tell you a secret. Oran has a liking for parsnips. That’s how I won him over when Grey gifted him to me. He was a wild colt, an ornery beast, but he settled somewhat with age.”

“I shall remember that.”

“I worry that I’m too hard on him for he’s aged now. I keep a supply of parsnips in my bag for him.” He reached inside and fed the horse his reward.

“He looks strong and capable.” Emlyn inched closer to his horse, and he set her hand on the side of his neck.

“You see, he can be a gentleman. I’ll soon need to retire him.”

“He deserves such kindness if he’s served you well. Will you walk back to the keep with me?”

James nodded. “Of course, lovely.” He gave a pat to Oran before taking her satchel from her. They walked along quietly, and he liked the silent rapport between them. He’d never felt so at ease with a woman. Emlyn seemed to feel the same as she smiled at him as they ambled along. When they reached the doors of the keep, he handed her satchel back. “I will dream of you this night and nothing but.”

Emlyn touched his arm. “As will I of you.”

*****

Rain pelted the ground and its overflow sent a stream of water covering the garrison floor. James lay upon his bunk, watching the ripples thrashing against the wood. He was hesitant to move, for he’d gotten little sleep. Emlyn’s body taunted his visions, along with Marshall’s threats.

He knew he had to do everything within his power to keep her from him. With a yawn, he stretched, and closed his eyes, hoping for a bit more rest before he’d begin his day.

“James,” Grey called. “Donal returned early this morn. He awaits us.”

Muttering under his breath, he sat up and stretched, for the bunk he’d laid upon was too small to fit his body. His legs and back ached, but he shook it off as he stood. “What is his mood?”

Grey laughed when James twisted his body and head. “Sore?”

“Aye, I vow I’d rather sleep on the ground. What of Donal?”

“Damned if I know. I haven’t seen him yet. Adeline told me he wants us awaiting him in the hall when he comes down from his solar.”

James followed Grey from the garrison, his boots soaked through by the time he reached the outside. “Let us meet him then.”

There was no use in trying to stay dry on the way to the keep. Rain came down heavily and drenched his body within seconds. Donal’s keep’s entrance was located within steps of the garrison, but he was sodden by the time he reached the hall.

“There be a torrent this day.” Donal handed them both a tartan. “Best dry off here and for God’s sake, take off your boots. Adeline will crow about her clean floors for hours if you dirty them.”

James used the tartan and dried his arms, chest, and hair. He set about removing his boots and placed them by the entrance of the keep.

Grey left him in the hallway and retreated to the hall with Donal. He heard their discussion which mostly was of pleasantries. But James continued to try to remove as much moisture from his body as he could.

When he finished his task, he looked up and saw Emlyn descending the stairs. Rendered speechless, he grinned and thought he’d never seen a lovelier lass.

“Good morn,” he said when she reached him.

“And you. Have you nothing to say of my attire?” She raised her beautiful brow at him. “Lady Ross forced me to wear it.”

James pulled her closer and kept his hands on her waist. He leaned close and whispered in her ear, “You are quite lovely. Were we alone, I’d have you out of that gown and wearing nothing but me.”

She gasped and pinched his arm, and pulled away from him. “Is that all you think of, removing my garments?” Emlyn grinned, showing her bonny teeth behind her widening smile.

“Aye, tell me you do not wish to be out of that gown, for I won’t believe you.”

“James, what’s keeping you?” Grey shouted from the great hall.

“I must go, lovely. Grey and Donal await me. Will you be well enough until later?”

Emlyn set a hand on his arm, stopping him from moving away. Her touch was warm against his cold skin. “Aye, I am spending the morn helping Adeline in the kitchens. I shall suffer through it, if you permit me to train with you when it stops raining.”

“Oh, the kitchens,” he said with a laugh. “I know it is a daunting thought, Emlyn. But nay, I cannot permit you to train with us. Remember your promise to bear no arms on this journey?”

“I promised no such thing,” she said, and curled her lip in a pout. “Surely you’ll allow me an hour’s reprieve from your request.”

“Mayhap. We shall see.” But James had no intension of letting her near a weapon.

“Did I not rescue you from the foe who almost killed you?”

He frowned knowing what she spoke was the truth. “Perhaps you did.”

She leaned against him and kissed him full on the lips. James got caught up in it, so much so, he completely forgot about his laird and Donal. Emlyn’s tongue snuck into his mouth and he groaned, wanting nothing more than to abscond to a private place where he could—

“James, cosh, you have a habit of keeping me waiting lately,” Grey said, coming into the hallway. “Ah, I see the reason.” His laird chuckled and yanked his arm, forcing him to release Emlyn.

“Good day, Lady Emlyn. James is busy.”

“Until later, lovely.” His laird pulled him into the hall, and James noticed Donal’s dark look. “Laird Ross.”

“James. Sit and tell me what the Iorwerth chieftain bespoke. Grey told me some of it, but I am hesitant to believe him.”

James sat next to Grey and began relating what had happened while they were in Wales. By the time he finished the tale, a large trencher of foodstuff was set before him, along with a tankard of ale. The young maid giggled when he thanked her.

Donal remain staid and quiet, and appeared deep in reflection at what he’d told him. James picked from the tray and finished off his ale when Donal spoke.

“It is settled then. You will wed the lass as her father bid, this night. For on the morrow, you will need to be away.”

James couldn’t hold back the scowl that came to him. “Why? You will not offer Emlyn asylum here until this is over?”

Donal pressed his hands against his temples and then through his hair. “I wish with all my heart that I could. But Alexander will be stopping here before he treks off to meet Marshall.” His gaze turned grim, his eyes cast on them with a look of regret. “He and Marshall have an accord. As long as Alexander stays out of Marshall’s way, he shall not bother any of the fiefs or lords of Scotland near England’s border.”

“Cosh, he has Alexander by the noose then,” Grey said.

“Verily, and Alexander will not interfere. If our king finds out she is here …”

James grew morose at this news. “That means he will hand over Emlyn to Marshall if he finds out she is here.”

“Indeed it does.” Donal nodded. “Alexander received a missive from him, thanking him for sending his men, you, in retrieving his betrothed. He invited Alexander to his keep in Schrosberie so they may further their relations.”

Grey muttered a curse. “When do you expect him?”

“In a few days hence, this is why you must leave on the morrow. You will wed the lass this eve and go when the sun rises. But you cannot go to the Gunn keep. Once Marshall learns you have Emlyn that will be the first place he will search.”

James wanted to bang his head on the table to put an end to the troubling thoughts running ramped through it.

“What bothers you? I know you well, James, and I can see you are troubled.”

He scoffed. “Troubled. You have no idea. She hasn’t agreed to wed me, for I haven’t even broached the subject with her. Emlyn will not accept me. She deems she will not be any man’s lass. Won’t Marshall believe Llywelyn didn’t send her? We can just tell him so.”

“That is what Grey will convey when Alexander comes and why you must away with her. There must be a place where you can go until this is over and you can return to Gunn land.”

“There’s only one place I can think of,” Grey said.

James recognized that look on his laird’s face. It was the look he often wore when he was about to interfere. He grew even more morose. James wasn’t going to like hearing what his laird would say.

“You will take her to your father’s farmstead.”

James stood, letting the foulest explanative he knew escape him. “Fucking hell. Nay, absolutely not. I refuse to go there. You know that, Grey. There must be somewhere else I can take her.”

“But you must for it is the only place our king and Marshall would not deem to think of. I’m not asking you to stay there forever, James, just until this passes. I’ll send for you as soon as you’re free to bring the lass back.”

“As long as it is only for a short time,” he conceded. “I will agree.” James had considered going to his father’s farmstead when their mission for the king ended. He supposed a few weeks, possibly a month at the most, wouldn’t kill him.