“Is this true, Helen?”
She wouldna let Kuresh take the blame. “Nay. When Kuresh tried to block the way, I struck him.”
Jamie’s eyes narrowed. “Ye struck my captain?”
She lowered her head, ashamed of what she had done, but not for the reason she had done it. “I ordered him to get out of my way after he threatened to carry me abovestairs. Nothing was going to get between ye and me, Jamie. I couldna wait helplessly while ye were out there looking for Laird Munroe.”
“But we dinna know who it was yet.”
“In my heart I knew.”
“How?”
“I know my father.”
“What if it had been an army?”
“Then I would have gladly died with ye.”
The women in the crowd gasped.
“Ye foolish, brave lass,” he said, shaking his head. “What am I to do with ye? Ye canna strike a captain and not expect to be punished. And ye canna get away with defying yer husband, for what if every woman dishonored her father or husband and did as she wanted?”
She risked looking at Kuresh, thinking he would never want to speak to her again. But to her surprise, he nodded at her, showing his support. Had he truly forgiven her foolishness?
“I have another question,” Jamie addressed his captains. “Why are so many people gathered in the great hall at this hour?”
“Many wished to wait to see if you would live, milord,” Kuresh said. “The others came to see our guest.”
“Guest? Who?”
Even Helen scanned the lower tables for a new face.
“Me,” a male voice said from the far side of the hall, near the kitchens.
Helen turned and nearly fell out of her chair at the sight of her eldest brother, Collin.
“And who are ye?” Jamie stood.
“Collin Sutherland.”
Jamie immediately drew his sword. “Ye dare darken my hall?”
Collin seemed unaffected by Jamie’s anger. “I am on a mission of peace for the earl.”
Kuresh leaned close to Jamie and whispered something in his ear that Helen couldna hear.
Jamie nodded and sheathed his weapon. “There is nothing yer sire could possibly say that would make me believe he desired peace with the MacKays.”
“I dinna say all MacKays, Laird Jamie. Only ye.”
Helen started to say something, but Jamie silenced her with a wave of his hand.
“Did the earl send Laird Munroe here?”
“Not directly.”
“Doona speak in riddles.”
“He made a fair wager with the laird.”
Jamie’s brows arched. “A wager?”
“If Laird Munroe returned to Dunrobin Castle with my sister unharmed, then my sire would have blessed their union. From the day Helen disappeared, my father knew where she had gone. Lady Keely was highly favored by my family.”
“Especially by yer lowly, bastard brother, Struan.”
Collin chuckled. “He was young and overly ambitious. Ye would find him a changed man if ye met him today.”
“A dog on a leash can appear docile, until it is freed.”
“Aye. But I wouldna lie.”
“And what did the earl stand to gain if Laird Munroe failed?”
“This…” Collin produced a scroll from under his tunic. “Read the contract. As for the second missive, it is for Helen.”
Kuresh retrieved the parchment and gave it to Jamie. Helen watched as he unrolled the documents, reading every word slowly.
“This isna a contract about a wager!” Jamie said, gazing at Collin.
“Nay, but it is the betrothal contract my sire approved between Helen and Munroe.”
“The contract was never legitimate, for yer sister never signed it.”
Collin chuckled. “What woman ever signs her marriage contract? Even the queen wasna afforded such a privilege.”
Jamie snorted. “The law is meant to protect the people.”
“When it doesna inconvenience the nobility, as ye will soon learn as a laird.”
“How does this have anything to do with me and yer sister, my beloved wife?”
“Ye asked what the earl stood to gain from his wager. The same thing he had to gain if Munroe married Helen and died an untimely death.”
Jamie looked at the contract again. “Ships!”
“Aye, many ships. My father never intended for Laird Munroe to keep Helen—he wanted him dead. And by sending him to the McKays, the earl knew he would die.”
“Ye used us and endangered yer own sister to gain ships?”
“My father is a wealthy man because he takes chances, Laird MacKay. Helen is unharmed, and she is yer wife. Because the earl is a fair man, he asked me to give ye this.” Collin tossed a leather bag to Jamie.
Jamie caught it and dumped the contents out on the high table. “Gold.”
“A small fortune,” Collin said. “In truth, I followed Laird Munroe here in case ye failed to kill him. My men are only a few miles away. I’ve been waiting for ye to wake up for two days. The missive meant for my sister contains a secret blessing for her marriage to ye. Although the earl canna openly acknowledge yer union because Helen disobeyed him, there is a chance at reconciliation someday. Until then, this gold is meant as her dowry. Additionally, her belongings have been packed and will be delivered soon.”
“We share a common enemy now,” Jamie said.
“Who?”
“Duncan Munroe will seek vengeance on me and yer father for killing his uncle.”
“Nay,” Collin said. “Duncan Munroe is a coward and owes us his life, for he is now laird.” Collin dinna wait for Jamie to dismiss him; he turned away and started for the doors.
“Collin!” Helen couldna stay quiet any longer. She ran to her brother, and Collin opened his arms.
“Helen,” he soothed. “Live well, sister. Who would have believed ye to be the one to remind our sire what true love really is?” He kissed her cheeks, took another long look at her, then walked out of the hall.
Chapter Twenty-Six
His beautiful wife couldna hold back her tears, so Jamie went to her, scooped her into his arms, and carried her abovestairs. She had suffered enough. Though she had been wrong for disobeying his orders, her motivation had come from the heart. For that, he loved her even more, if that was possible.
They curled up on the bed together, Helen holding the missive from her father.
“Will ye read it now?” Jamie asked.
“Nay, I am not ready.”
“Tomorrow?”
“I doona know.”
“What if the words ye’ve been waiting to hear from yer da all yer life are contained in the missive?”
She gazed at him, tears still fresh in her eyes. “Why did Collin leave? I doona understand.”
Jamie wished he had the answer. “Perhaps he will come back after he has fulfilled yer sire’s wishes. Collin doesna strike me as the kind of man who would forget his only sister. I saw the love in his eyes, Helen, heard what he told ye about ye being the one to remind yer father what true love really is.”
She sniffled. “I doona know if I can forgive the earl for using me to gain ships. Or my brother for going along with it.”
Jamie hugged her. “The earl is a selfish man, he gambled with yer life. I canna respect a man who doesna think of his family first. Yet, he let ye stay with me. As for the gold, what would ye have me do with it?”
“Tis yers.”
“Nay. I doona want the earl’s gold. How much blood did he spill to get it?”
Helen sat up. “Could we use it to help the poorest crofters? To make improvements to their cottages? To buy them warmer clothes and shoes?”
Jamie smiled at her enthusiasm and kindness. “Not to purchase silk gowns and slippers for ye? Perhaps a new mare? Rich furnishings?”
Helen slapped his chest playfully. “If the earl is sending my things, I will have everything I need, Jamie. Even if I dinna, I want to sha
re our happiness and good fortune with our people.”
“Say the last part again.”
“Our people?”
“Aye. Ye’re a MacKay now, lass. And I like hearing ye say our people.”
“I am sorry for what I did, Jamie. I doona know if I can make it up to ye and Kuresh, or the other men.”
Jamie rubbed her back. “Promise never to risk yer life again or to strike Kuresh, for he comes from a place where women canna even look a man in the eyes without being punished.”
“He is a proud man.”
“Verra,” Jamie said.
“In that place he comes from, how would a woman be punished for looking at a man?”
“Depends on the lass’s father. Tis why they cover their women from head-to-toe in dark robes and a veil, so no one can see them.”
“I am glad we live in the Highlands.”
“Aye,” Jamie said. “And now I’ll have that promise.”
“I promise to never disobey ye—as long as someone hasna threatened yer life.”
Jamie growled and wrestled his wife onto her back, hovering over her, struck by the determination in her eyes. “Ye’ve changed.”
“Aye?”
“I doona think I can call ye Helen of the Highlands any longer, it doesna fit.”
“Then what will ye call me besides wife?”
“My lioness of the Highlands. Mo theaghlach, mo dhuthchas, mo bheatha.” My family, my blood, my life.
“I love ye, Jamie.”
“And I love ye.”
He rolled over, pulling her on top of him, and she laid her head on his chest. He knew he’d never let her go, and wished they could stay like this forever. But tomorrow, Jamie would deal with the rest of the Munroe men, and would choose a reward for his fearless captain and best friend, Kuresh. The man could have whatever he wanted, for he had saved both their lives.
As if she had read his mind, Helen said, “Have ye seen the way Kuresh stares at Miran?”
“Nay. Does the lass look at him?”
“Aye, but only if she thinks no one is watching. She’s verra private and rarely speaks about herself.”
“I am glad she came here,” Jamie said, kissing his wife.
“Both of them deserve to be happy.”
“Aye. And so do I.” He raised her skirts and caressed her leg, loving the velvety smoothness of her skin and the tiny sounds she made whenever he touched her. “Did ye forget my promise, my sweet lioness?”
“What promise?” she asked, looking down at him.
“To put a babe in yer belly before it grows warm.”
She sat up, and Jamie lifted her wool gown over her head, followed by her shift. Helen kicked off her slippers, still straddling him.
“Would ye like me to teach ye something new about bedsport?” he asked.
“There is more?”
“Och, aye,” he said. “Help me with my tartan.”
Once his manhood sprang free, he gripped her hips and lifted her onto his length. As she lowered herself and he filled her, he guided her, showing her how to roll her hips with his, how to please herself by controlling how fast and deep he went. She leaned over, her golden hair cascading around him like a protective cloak.
He stared up at her. He had known from the start that she would be his, that they were destined to be together. Love like that was undeniable, even if he was a MacKay, and she a Sutherland. And as God and fate would have it, she was a MacKay now—his wife—his brave lioness, the woman he’d love forever.
Epilogue
A week later…
“I have offered ye gold, land, my own war horse, a ship…” Laird Jamie rubbed his unshaven face. “Kuresh, how can I reward yer bravery? Tell me.” Why did his right hand have to be so difficult? Jamie deeply admired the russet-skinned warrior, a prince by birth, educated by the best tutors from Europe. He spoke four languages, could negotiate like any seasoned statesman, and women loved him. Perhaps a wife?
Kuresh shook his head. “I wish to take a trip.”
“To Constantinople?”
“No,” the captain said. “I want to see more of the Highlands, to understand my new home—to become a part of the people and the land.”
“That isna a proper reward for saving my life and Lady Helen’s. Though ye have my blessing to take as many men as ye need and go, for I think it a wise undertaking to learn more about the place ye have chosen to live.”
“People fear me—my dark skin, hair, and eyes. They call me diabhal.”
Jamie chuckled. “Are ye nay a devil? Duncan Munroe swore ye were. And I am sure as yer blade cut through Baran Munroe’s worthless neck he cursed ye as one.”
Kuresh grinned. “He deserved to die. And if you wish, I will travel to the isles and bring Duncan’s head back for you.”
Jamie knew well that in the future he would clash with the new Munroe laird. For Jamie had humiliated him in front of hundreds of people and would eventually find out it was he who had done the whipping. “I will deal with the man in my own way. We have unsettled business between us.”
Kuresh bowed his head. “I have another request.”
“Tell me.”
“I spoke with Petro on many occasions about Highland tradition. I served with Laird Alex for seven years in my homeland and here. I have no desire to return to the desert. But if I am ever to be taken seriously, to be honored as a true Highland warrior, I must take a Scottish name.”
“I can give ye a few suggestions,” Miran said as she entered the near-empty great hall from the kitchens.
Kuresh immediately spun about. “You’ve called me beast and monster, woman.”
“Ye earned those titles, telling me a woman shouldna speak unless she’s spoken to.”
“I gave you valuable advice—to help you find a husband.”
Miran braced a hand on her hip, frowning. “I doona want a husband.”
“I believe you need one, woman. One who will teach you how to behave properly.”
Jamie sat back in his chair, watching his cousin and Kuresh interact. Helen had warned him that the two dinna get along overmuch, but she had also told him about their mutual attraction, which wasna so obvious now.
“Go back to the kitchens,” Kuresh commanded.
Miran blew out a frustrated breath. “I am nay a maid ye can order about.”
“I am the laird’s right hand.”
“And I am his cousin—invited here as his wife’s companion. Perhaps I should ask ye to fetch me some water!”
Kuresh stomped over to where she stood and gripped her by the arm. “If it’s water you seek, I will be happy to escort you outside and to the loch where I will dunk you beneath the frigid water until you promise never to talk to a MacKay captain so disrespectfully again.”
Miran pushed him away. “Nay… Let me take ye to the loch, tie ye up in a bag filled with rocks so ye sink to the bottom and drown like the vermin ye are.”
There was a tense moment of silence and Jamie stood, ready to rush across the chamber in case Miran slapped Kuresh or he decided to toss her over his shoulder and follow through on his threat.
How had he missed their interactions after all this time?
“If ye doona wish to hear the name I was going to suggest for ye…” Miran said.
“And what title would you choose for me?”
“Leod.”
Kuresh cast a quick glance at Jamie. “I have never heard this name. What does it mean?”
Jamie tried to contain his laughter. “Beautiful warrior,” he lied.
Kuresh narrowed his eyes. “Beautiful warrior?”
“Jamie!” Miran said. “Doona fib to yer captain.”
Jamie wagged his fingers at her in warning, but Miran dinna listen—she never did.
“What is the true meaning of the name?” Kuresh asked her.
Miran stood on her toes and whispered something in his ear.
“Ugly?” Kuresh’s angry voice boomed.
That’s when he
picked her up and flung her over his shoulder.
A small crowd had begun to gather because of all the noise, and as Miran squirmed and kicked to get away, Kuresh ignored her and headed for the doors. No one challenged him, not even Jamie. For he believed his cousin, as much as he loved and admired her, needed the lesson Kuresh had threatened to give her.
“Jamie!” Helen joined him near the entrance to the great hall. “What is Kuresh doing to Miran?”
“Something I should have done long ago,” he said, taking his wife’s hand and following the onlookers outside.
Kuresh marched to the half-frozen loch. “Do you have anything to say to me, Miran?”
“Lady Miran,” she corrected him.
“Do you?”
“Ye are the ugliest creature I have ever set eyes on! Now put me down!”
“As you wish, Lady Miran.” Kuresh tossed her in the shallowest part of the loch.
Miran screamed and spluttered, splashing like a crazed duck as she surfaced. “I will find the right moment to exact my revenge on ye, Kuresh.”
The captain dinna say a word. He removed his fur cloak and threw it on the ground in front of Miran. “Put this on before you catch your death, woman.” Then, he strode away.
Helen ran to Miran and picked up the cloak. She shook it out. “Come, Miran. I’d better get ye inside by the fire.”
Miran let Helen wrap the fur about her shoulders as her teeth chattered. “Jamie.”
“Aye?” He dinna want to get between Kuresh and Miran. They needed to work out their differences alone.
“I hate him,” she said. “Send him back to Laird Alex, please.”
“Nay,” Jamie refused. “He is an asset to this clan, the best sort of man I’ve ever met.”
“Ye are blind.”
“Miran,” Jamie said, “perhaps I should let him take a whip to yer arse, as I did to Duncan Munroe’s.”
“Come along now,” Helen urged, and they started back toward the manor house.
“In fact…” Jamie began. “I know how to make peace between ye.”
Miran stared at her cousin. “I doona want to make peace with that man. I wish him a painful death.”
Jamie ignored her. “Kuresh is planning a trip across the Highlands, and I will ask him to recruit new soldiers along the way. Why not combine yer efforts? I will send ye with a few other women to find maids who wish to work for me.”
Highlands Forever (Books 1–3) Page 36
