His lips curled at her jest.
“Unpleasing? Oh, that’s an opinion that would be better formed after much exploration.” James closed the distance between them and drew her into his arms. She delighted in his touch. “And exploration like that could take hours…or days…or a fortnight…” As he said each word he placed a kiss on each exposed shoulder and on her forehead. He smelled good enough to devour. Masculine. Virile.
“Aileana, I want you. Now. I don’t want to wait another night.” His voice was a soft whisper against her skin. “Please ask me to leave.”
Between his scent and his voice, she could resist nothing he offered. “I cannot. I want to finish what we started in the carriage.”
She had no idea where her courage had come from. She only cared about his strong arms surrounding her and his skilful mouth on her trembling flesh.
“Ask me to leave,” he said. “I won’t stop unless you ask.”
She replied by pulling his face close to hers and brushing her lips against his, but pulling back just as he was about to seal the kiss. This man had driven her crazy, yet she couldn’t imagine loving any other. She arched towards him and was aware of his thick erection pressing against her belly. Oh aye, the time was now. Wedding night be damned.
She moved her body back and forth and was thrilled when he scooped her up by her bottom and strode to the bed. She began tugging at his clothes and noticed the look in his eyes as he watched her. She’d seen it before but now recognized it for what it was. He might not admit it, but she suspected he felt as much for her as she did for him.
“Aileana, if you do not ask me to stop—”
“I will not my lord. You’ve wronged me and I intend to let you make up for your mistakes.”
“Oh Christ woman, what you do to me.”
In one fluid movement, he shoved her shift up to her waist and hauled his hose down. A wild shiver passed through her as he spread her legs wide and grabbed her hips. He slid his erection across her slick opening. Her flesh quivered in response, her body quaking beneath his gloriously hard body.
The loud knock at the door startled them both. He cursed but did not move an inch away from her. She could see the anger welling in him.
“If we don’t speak, perhaps they will go away,” she whispered.
“Lady Aileana, I must speak with you immediately.” The king’s tone was demanding and he knocked louder.
James hopped off her like she was a hot ember and straightened his clothes in record time.
“A moment, please Your Majesty, as I am not properly dressed,” she said.
James stepped back from her. “I should go.”
Oh he was not leaving her like this and with that man on the other side of the door. “No, you will not. I feel no shame in anyone finding you in my chambers and you promised to finish what we started.”
“Then for pity’s sake cover yourself. His Majesty will not stand on the other side of the door for long and your delicious curves are far too exposed in that garment for my liking.”
“Indeed.”
James looked positively stricken. At that moment, Aileana held more power over him than she ever had. The question was: would she use it? She donned her dressing gown and opened the door.
The king strode into her chamber, barely glancing at James. The man was agitated and the tryst he’d interrupted did not appear to be the cause. He paced before them.
“Your Majesty, how may I be of assistance?”
“Lady Aileana,” he said. “Lady Aileana Chattan. Niece of Iain Chattan and daughter of Angus Chattan.”
Oh God. Shame burned her cheeks as she recalled her reason for despising this man.
“Aye, Your Majesty.” She couldn’t help the sarcasm in her tone, or the tension which forced her chin to rise. James moved to her side and slipped his arm around her shoulder. She didn’t quite know what to make of the man who stood before them. His was a strong and determined face. She’d heard many stories of his ruthlessness and preferred in this moment to recall the ones of this undying passionate love for his wife.
“My King, were you not aware of Lady Aileana’s lineage when I appealed to you before?” James asked.
“I was not,” he said. “Lady Aileana, surely you are aware of the sacrifice your father offered for the sovereignty of my crown and this great nation.”
“Sacrifice?”
“Aye, my lady, sacrifice. Were it not for brave men like your father, I may have never returned to claim my crown.”
It was not how she had heard the story. Could she believe him and let go of bitter feelings for a past she had not witnessed?
“My father died whilst acting as surety for your ransom, Your Majesty. How many others who left their homes have since returned?”
James’s arm tightened and she imagined his eyes had just widened some. She didn’t care. She had an opportunity to learn the truth and by God he deserved the challenge she threw at him in her father’s name.
“Aye he did and I owe him a debt for it. That debt falls to you as his heir and I offer it to you humbly. As for the others, I will repay the debt to their families soon enough.”
King James, never breaking eye contact, sunk to one knee before her.
Chapter Eighteen
Aileana woke early to cheery birds singing in the distance. She rose and donned her robe. Her body tingled, her blood humming in her veins. She dragged her brush through her hair and debated sneaking to Gwen’s room, needing the woman’s council more than ever.
How was she to reconcile King James’s show of appreciation for her father’s sacrifice? Were today not her wedding day, she would question James on the matter. There was no way a discussion with him was possible until later, and she supposed, they’d have other things on their mind.
A knock sounded at the door and Gwen entered followed by a flock of the queen’s ladies-in-waiting. This flurry of activity would no doubt keep Aileana focused. The first of them came with the large tub followed by several pitchers of heated water scented with rosehip and lavender. Her tension ebbed. She was scrubbed from head to toe, leaving her skin a healthy pink.
Aye, this helped. She had never been one to pamper herself, but this treatment stilled her scattered thoughts. She was directed out of the tub by maids holding cloth sheets to brush the water from her skin. They led her toward the small hearth where her limbs were relieved of their coverings and smothered in rich rose scented cream. Gwen brought over a tray consisting of fruit, cheese and meats all of which were placed out for a luncheon at her home.
She enjoyed nibbling on the delicious spread while Gwen directed the maids on how to brush dry her hair. After some attempts, Gwen became impatient and took the brush into her own hand. She wrapped sections of Aileana’s hair around thick pieces of cloth and secured them close to her scalp. Her hair would take a few hours to set like this, which was why the ritual began so early.
Aileana’s thoughts drifted to James. Their interlude last evening made her quiver. Tonight nothing would stop her from giving in to her most carnal desires for him.
Could she last that long?
This would be far from a private affair so she had no choice but wait. Oh how she longed to be alone with him, though. She had always thought she would have some trepidation about lying with her husband for the first time, but never imagined it would be with someone she loved. If only he could love her in return.
He had feelings for her, anyone could see that. Could a man like him even fall in love? He’d been with so many women. Knowing he would be a skilled lover was good and bad. He knew ways to achieve pleasure she couldn’t even imagine. Even Gwen had hinted at things which shocked, yet she could envision doing them with him.
His experience also meant she may encounter some of his conquests. The idea of anyone else touching him was uncomfortable enough, witnessing women gawking like he was the evening meal was almost as bad.
By the time Gwen had almost finished her hair, the tub had been re
moved and most of the servants with it. Now, only she and four of the queen’s private maids remained.
Aileana wanted to share her surprising visit from the king with Gwen, but was unable to do so without privacy. Hopefully, her friend would understand her cryptic comments.
“I’m grateful to you for my privacy last evening.”
Gwen’s brow furrowed. “Of course. I understood you were tired.”
“Aye, I was tired, but my dreams were filled with tormenting images.” Would Gwen understand? Aileana didn’t dream and Gwen knew this.
“I see my lady. What sort of images?” Gwen leaned in closer.
“The first was that of a stag. He was strong and brave and pure of heart. I was a doe and he wanted me to trust him and become his mate.”
“Aye, my lady, I understand that dream.” Gwen’s lips curled. “And the stag, did he rut with the doe?”
Aileana gasped. Leave it to Gwen to say something scandalous. Still, a thrill raced through her at the implication.
“The stag would have, but was interrupted.”
“By whom? A second stag?” Gwen’s grin widened and her eyes filled with a mischievous glint.
“Of course not!” Aileana laughed. “The stag and the doe were devoted to one another.”
“Were they now?”
“Aye, but they were interrupted by a red lion.”
Gwen cocked her head to the side. “Indeed.”
“The lion wished to pledge his loyalty and service to the doe, for the sacrifices of her herd.”
Gwen’s jaw dropped. She looked astonished.
Aileana knew the feeling. She’d come to Linlithgow Palace expecting far less than appreciation of her family. Could she trust the king? She hadn’t had opportunity to speak of it to James, but would. He knew how she felt about the man. Was it an act? Was this how he garnered allies and if so what did he expect to gain from her? She was more curious than ever about him.
“My lady, I have difficulty finding the right words. Your dream was astonishing.”
“It was. I confess I am unsure what to make of it myself.”
Gwen probed no further, but her brow knit until Aileana’s head was full of curlers.
Throughout the morning, a few servants popped in and out, but it wasn’t until Abigayle arrived to dress Aileana, nervousness set in. She smiled as Abigayle secured the back of her silk under-bodice. Fifty satin buttons, Abigayle boasted. The effect tightened the material around her chest and enhanced her bosom. This undergarment had been sewn for the queen before her pregnancy and would not fit her for several months. It fit Aileana like a glove. James would not smile, but she would enjoy the time it took for him to undo them.
Her gown was designed in two separate parts, the bodice and sleeves separate from the houppelande. A black velvet belt covered the seam just underneath her breasts and was secured at the back and extended to the floor.
When she was dressed, the maids and Gwen began the task of removing the cloth hair curlers. Dozens of golden curls cascaded down across her back. The movement was luxurious in contrast to the tight bindings. Her hair was crowned with a gold circlet which dipped at the middle of her forehead.
When she turned to admire herself in the looking glass, she gasped at the sight that met her eyes. She had never imagined herself looking so regal.
She turned to Abigayle with gratitude caught in her throat. Abigayle’s eyes grew wide and she looked uncomfortable. “You truly are a magician, Abigayle. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work.”
Abigayle appeared almost embarrassed by the heartfelt thanks bestowed upon her.
She bowed her head. “You are most welcome, m’lady.”
With that, the seamstress gathered her belongings and left the room.
Earlier, Calum had delivered a flat box Aileana was to open when she was almost ready. The delivery also contained a note concerning Gwen, but she was instructed to wait on that as well.
Gwen moved forward, her eyes filled with tears and placed the box in Aileana’s hand. Gwen then removed the cross she’d given to Aileana for protection.
“You won’t need this today,” she said.
She looked at her friend and at herself in the mirror and pulled out the note Calum had passed her earlier.
“Gwen, I want you to go and get yourself ready please. You need not attend me any further this day as I wish you to be a guest at my wedding. Please be sure to take your time before returning for me. I believe I may need a few moments. Oh and by the way, there’s a box in the side chamber for you. It was dropped it off earlier.” Aileana tried to actual casual, but her heart thudded.
The note from Calum told Aileana of the box and asked if she could relieve Gwen of her duties for the day so that she could be his guest. It had been difficult to give nothing away.
Gwen took the box and placed it on the bed. She pulled the scarlet ribbon, lifted the lid and peered inside. Her face dropped as she stared. Aileana moved toward Gwen wrapping one arm around her shoulders. She offered the note, to which Gwen shook her head.
“What does it say?” Gwen’s voice lowered to a whisper. The tears in her eyes made Aileana’s heart constrict.
“Looks like you may need some help getting ready too. Calum wishes you on his arm today.”
Aileana turned to the four maids.
“I trust you can assist this lady?”
They giggled and nodded and ushered a slack jawed Gwen out of the room. She’d been right about Gwen and Calum. Something budded between them. Gwen deserved every happiness. She’d taken her family’s plight in stride and never complained about her sunken status.
Aileana’s thoughts paused on James as she admired herself once again in the mirror. The box Gwen had handed her still rested in her hand. She opened it to find a beautiful three stringed pearl choker with a gold pendant secured in the centre stamped with the MacIntosh coat of arms. Matching pearl earrings completed the set.
She read the note and smiled at the foresight of her brother-to-be. Calum had stated these belonged to his mother and had been sent to Edinburgh for cleaning and repair after the betrothal. Her lips curled. He had played a significant role in seeing her marriage to James come to fruition. She’d thank him later.
Gwen returned and the time had come to leave for the chapel. Aileana choked back tears when Gwen entered the room. The maids had been up to the task. Fine intricate braiding rested on Gwen’s thick dark hair which was brushed to a shine. The braids were offset by a delicate gold wreath attached to a whisper thin gold edged veil. Her dress was the colour of fine wine and fit to perfection with its empire waist, flowing skirt and floor length sleeves similar to her own.
“You deserve to dress like this every day,” Aileana said.
Gwen smiled and with trembling lips mouthed, “Azalea, amaryllis, aster—”
They smiled as they left the room together and continued to whisper many more flower names and made it up to ‘k’ by the time they reach the chapel.
The queen intercepted them just outside and gushed at the ‘stunning result of Abigayle’s work’ as she put it. She congratulated herself on her quick thinking the previous evening in assigning the dressmaker to the task.
The king arrived and gave Aileana an appreciative once over, offering his arm. “Lady Aileana, it would be my honour to escort you to your groom.”
Was he jesting? Accepting his allegiance was one thing, but replacing her father on this day, was a leap she was not about to take.
“Your Majesty is too kind. I cannot impose upon you in such a way.”
He smiled. “Of course you can, my lady. I will not have you unescorted.”
His insistence was no surprise. She imagined he was more than used to getting his way and had no choice but smile and accept his arm with as much grace as she could muster.
From nowhere, Calum appeared and stopped dead in his tracks once he viewed Gwen. He smiled and offered her his arm.
“You look stunnin
g sister.” Calum spoke to Aileana, tearing his eyes away from Gwen for the briefest moment. “I see you are as delicate as my mother was. The choker fits you perfectly. I’m glad for my brother. I know you will make him happy.”
Calum turned back to Gwen, his gaze devouring her. Aileana had to look away.
“Shall I escort you inside, my lady?”
She couldn’t imagine how Gwen must have felt in that moment because her own heart was about to burst out of her chest with happiness at Calum’s genuine appreciation.
The king urged them forward.
Aileana’s thoughts turned to her uncle. He was the reason she walked up the aisle toward James MacIntosh instead of Gawain. His assessment of both men had been accurate. She sent thanks heavenward to her uncle for his good sense.
She walked forever to get to James. The chapel’s ornate beauty was nothing compared to the man waiting for her at the end of it. His tunic was the same shade of blue as her gown. Intentional no doubt. She smiled, remembering the ridge of buttons on the back of her bodice.
Aileana stood before James, focusing on the lines she was to repeat. She gazed into his eyes and found more promise and sincerity there than she had ever seen. He repeated his words with emphasis on love, honour and forever and a shiver of anticipation ran through her. Before long, the ceremony was over and his mouth claimed hers. Just as she responded, he pulled away and winked at her. He was quite skilled at making her forget where she was.
They were led out by the king and queen and Aileana wished they could turn right toward her chamber instead. Within minutes they were in the great hall to where tables were prepared with more food than they could eat in a sennight. The hall was filled with guests, including several lords and ladies of the lowland region unknown to her but conversing at ease with James.
The feasting continued well into the afternoon. At times, James leaned close to her and whispered comments like, ‘mine’, or ‘Lady MacIntosh’, or what had become her favourite, ‘wife’.
She tried to be polite to those who congratulated them, but her thoughts drifted to the man beside her and on more than one occasion, he said her name twice to collect her attention. His voice set her belly fluttering and the look in his eyes set her pulse racing. In a few short hours, she would be his in every way possible.
Bound to the Highlander (The Highland Chiefs Series) Page 19
