The Chieftain's Daughter

by Leigh Ann Edwards

  “I am of a mind to believe that they were wed, but this does nothing to prove that your new wife is a product of that union. The witch could have been with any number of men besides Teige O’Rorke, and even if the family crest is found it will not prove she is his daughter only that he gave his wife the crest. The fact that she may have hidden it away speaks nothing toward proving this woman is his child!”

  “So in truth, uncle, you are admitting no manner of evidence will ever sway your way of thinking or make you believe Alainn is an O’Rorke, and therefore if you do not accept her as nobility, the curse will never be ended? The O’Briens shall never produce a child that will be allowed to live!” Killian accused.

  “Don’t allow it to weigh so heavily upon you, Killian! It is not even certain the child she carries within her is yours; surely she’s as free with giving herself to many men as her mother was!”

  Killian’s face turned ashen and he looked at his uncle with an abhorrence he’d never felt until this moment. He’d despised what his uncle tried to do to Alainn, he’d disagreed with much of what the man had done lately, but never before had his feelings toward him crossed the brink of violent hatred. They now did and with a mighty vengeance. He noticed the room had gone completely quiet as each person digested the information that had been divulged by the chieftain.

  “How long have you known Alainn carries our child?”

  The chieftain stuttered and stammered, apparently realizing he had misspoken while attempting to convince Killian.

  “How long?” Killian asked yet again, his voice growing ominously quieter and not louder in his obvious rage.

  “A week or so... perhaps a fortnight!” he finally admitted.

  “Aye, so when you arranged for Alainn to be wed to the farmer you knew she carried my child, and last night when you ordered my wife lashed, you knew full well she was with child, yet you issued the order, just the same?”

  The chieftain’s eyes narrowed to match those of his nephew’s.

  “And by what means did you come by this information?” He continued with the interrogation as he glanced around at those in the room trying to interpret who might have known the secret and who would have told his uncle.

  “It was me who confirmed his suspicions!” Alainn quietly spoke up.

  “So he knew the truth of it even before you thought to tell me?” His voice had grown lower as he rebuked her, but she only nodded sadly when their eyes met. Killian’s eyes were filled with such unquestionable ire and torment every person present wondered what he would do to either calm or avenge his temper. He chose the latter.

  “I have proposed the challenge between you and I, uncle, and you have drawn up the conditions, but I will make an amendment to the conditions. Our bout will not simply be to first blood, but to the death!”

  The room, already quiet, went deathly silent. Alainn attempted to take her husband’s arm, but he pulled away from her. “Don’t you even attempt to dissuade me on this count, Alainn! You’ll keep your opinions to yourself regardin’ this matter, and I’ll thank the entire lot of you to do the same!”

  “Killian, this is completely preposterous! I will not kill kin over a woman.”

  “No, indeed you will not, uncle, for ’tis you who will be dead at the end of our challenge. Mark my words, for it will be so!” He then directed his anger to the priest. “And you’d best keep away from me and my wife in the next days for I admit full well I’d take great pleasure in ending your life, as well!”

  “Killian!” He heard both Rory and his aunt call after him as he marched angrily from the room. He turned, not to address them, but his wife.

  “You will meet me in my, in our bedchamber, for we’ve a matter to discuss!”

  The expression on his face and the look in his eyes clearly indicated she would be wise not to oppose him on this, and she watched as he turned and left without another word.

  Alainn slowly lowered herself once more to the chair where she’d been sitting. Riley wore an expression of dread as did his mother. Niall O’Rorke was staring at Alainn and his smile told her he was well pleased to learn of the child she carried, but his serious eyes revealed his concern regarding Killian’s words. Hugh O’Brien or his priest had not said another word and the silence was deafening to Alainn. Her knees trembled precariously as she attempted to stand, but she knew she must obey Killian and go to his bedchamber. Rory stood as well and went to her.

  He gently put his arms around her and held her close as he spoke. “I did not know of the babe, Alainn. Sure, the curse will be ended and you’ll bear a fine healthy child!”

  “I wish I could be so certain, Rory, for I think your father will never accept me. If he should die without accepting me I am uncertain what the outcome will be, and if Killian dies, I doubt anything will truly matter to me ever again!”

  “I’m certain it won’t actually come to that, Alainn!”

  She appreciated him attempting to console her, but she recognized the doubt and the fear in his voice and in his eyes as well.

  “I must go to him now!”

  “Aye, I think it would be advisable!” Rory agreed.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  When she opened the door to Killian’s immense bedchamber, she hesitantly peered inside, but he was nowhere to be found. Alainn located a chair and sat down to await his arrival. It was some time before he returned and when he did it was obvious he’d located the ale wife and clearly sampled her wares before he’d come to deal with his wife.

  When he saw her sitting there uncharacteristically obedient, he almost wished she appeared combative or belligerent for that would have been preferable to the melancholia and uncertainty he noticed in her azure eyes.

  He anxiously walked back the entire length of the chamber, hoping to calm his temper and decide how to best contend with his willful, young wife. He stared at her often, yet did not speak a word. Much time passed, and he continued to pace. He seemed unable to decide what must be done.

  “Remove your garments and get into my bed this instant!” He finally ordered in an enraged tone.

  Her eyes grew wide with startled disbelief at his unusually demanding request, but she did not move a muscle and remained seated.

  “I am quite serious, Alainn! For when I’m beddin’ you, sure ’tis the only time I truly know what is to be done with you.”

  He sighed and then looked at her once more in exasperation as she sat stock still.

  Although he did not raise his voice, his temper was evident. “Perhaps I might begin to deal with you as most men are inclined to handle their wives? If I should order you about or mistreat you, oppress you and keep you under my thumb, would you then become more accommodating in our dealings? Clearly, I am at a loss as to how to contend with you!”

  He stared at her with exasperation on his face and he took to pacing once more before he resumed his displeased lecture. “You oppose me often and, though I don’t pretend to like it, I know how strongly you feel regarding husbands who are controlling and overbearing, so I attempt to not place harsh restrictions upon you in the hope you won’t think I am unreasonable. But when you continue to keep things from me, things I have the right to know...when you insist on disallowing me to protect you, on handlin’ things on your own and allowin’ me absolutely no say in matters, it infuriates me more than you know and I’ll not take kindly to that any longer.”

  He was quiet for a time, though he continued with his pacing.

  Alainn remained frozen to the chair and for the first time since she’d met Killian, she felt a deep chasm forming between them.

  He stopped and stood staring at her momentarily and then continued on with his fury. “ ’Tis time you began to heed to me. You are my only love, and my truest friend! In truth, Alainn, you are my life, but you are now my wife as well, and I plan to have some say regarding what you do. And so...hither now... for I intend to have you, sure it is my right as your husband to take you when I please. Now you heard me, disrobe this i
nstant and get into that bed, before I am made to tear off your clothes!”

  She glanced down at Killian’s overcoat that remained about her shoulders and the already torn gown. She was uncertain how to act or to respond to his peculiar unsettled mood, his rare harsh tone, and his willful request. Always when they had shared a bed it was of mutual desire and passion, and unquestionable loving respect. What Killian was requesting at this moment seemed void of any of those elements. She slowly stood.

  She averted her eyes from him as she trembled and her bottom lip quivered as it often did when she fought to still her tears. He turned away from her and would not meet her eyes. She hesitantly approached him and placed her arms around his waist. She laid her head upon his back and softly wept. When he felt her warm tears soak through his tunic to his skin, he finally relented. He encircled her with his arms and rested his chin upon her head, though he sighed deeply and remained silent.

  “If you desired a woman who possessed qualities of submissiveness and obedience, you have chosen very badly, Killian!”

  He looked down at her, gently wiping the tears from her melancholy eyes.

  “Aye, well, if that had been what I’d been looking for in a woman, I’d never have given you a second glance, for you’ve never been either, Alainn. But I think, even you are unaware how severely you rile me. Please explain to me how the man who tried to rape you, a man who you openly despise, came to know you carried my child before I was told!”

  “I did not actually tell him of my condition. It was the night we returned from your castle when your uncle discovered us together in my chamber. When you lay unconscious on the floor, he threatened to have you hurt for attempting to harm him. I struck a bargain with him, in return for no ill befalling you. I told him I would do whatever was within my power to end the curse. He questioned my motives and then apparently came to know I had a personal vested interest in ending the curse, he drew his own accurate conclusion.”

  “He’s known for that long?”

  “Perhaps he truly believes the child is not yours, Killian. He doesn’t trust me nor know how deep my feelings run for you, that I have and will always be faithful to only you!”

  Killian remained disillusioned and questioned her further. “You have not yet flayed me for my manner in dealing with him. You’ve not mentioned the new condition to the challenge. I cannot believe you do not have many unkind and disagreeable thoughts on the subject.”

  “You have done what you felt you must! I am most fearful, but I will attempt to neither oppose nor disrespect you. Not on this, when I know what importance this holds for you! And I have great confidence in your abilities. But, Killian, will you truly be capable of ending your uncle’s life when it comes to that?”

  He did not respond for he’d wondered that himself ever since he had altered the conditions of the challenge. He chose to avoid the subject and broach another that would be perhaps even more difficult to discuss. “You must truly listen to me closely now, Alainn.”

  He’d taken her oval face in his hands and he looked down at her and into her eyes with an intensity and seriousness she did not care to see.

  “Do not speak these unwelcomed and unnecessary words, Killian!” she whispered as she attempted to turn away.

  “But, Lainna, you know these words are most necessary; we must discuss this now. If by some cruelty fate does not allow tomorrow to end as we hope...”

  “Do not speak further on this, Killian, for sure I will not listen.”

  “But you must, Alainn. If tomorrow is to be my last, you must promise me you’ll stay ever distanced from my uncle. Do what you are able to end the curse, and I pray you will be capable of keeping our son safe. Go to live with your grandfather. Niall will treat you well and see to your best interests. Take advisement from him. Listen to him well!”

  He continued to speak, though she did not respond. “Your grandfather will surely see to it Danhoul remains close by to provide guardianship and protection when it is needed. Niall knows much of druid ways and he and Danhoul will be capable of assisting you in magical matters as well. Sure your grandfather will take great consideration in helping to choose an adequate husband for you.”

  His eyes clouded and his voice cracked at these words. Killian searched her face for an indication she was truly listening to him for she had lowered her eyes and would not meet his gaze.

  “Perhaps he may advise you to marry Danhoul, and sure the boy would not question that for he seems to like you most well, and you’ve much in common with your shared abilities.”

  “Marry Danhoul?” Her eyes flashed in displeasure as she looked up at him once more. “What absurdity is that? I’ll marry no one bar you, not ever.”

  He did not push the issue of speaking further regarding her taking another husband for he felt a distinct jealousy in dwelling upon Alainn marrying another and curiously most especially the young druid.

  “Tell me, you’d do as I say! Promise me, you will,” he pleaded.

  Alainn finally gazed into his eyes and offered her opinion. “If tomorrow is your last day, do you have any notion how soulfully grieved I shall be to live out my life without you? Do you have any indication how woefully angry and entirely displeased I will be with you, Killian O’Brien?”

  “Aye, I’ve an inkling. You once told me you’d never let my soul find peace if I died before you, and I’m sure you’ll remain true to your word on that count, but I think I would be at peace just knowing you and our child are safe. And I’d be well pleased for our souls to spend eternity together, my love.

  “Aye, our souls shall be united always, Killian, my only love.”

  Tell me you’ll heed me, Lainna! Promise me you will.”

  “I promise!” she finally whispered through her bitter tears.

  He released her from his arms and his brow was furrowed with the weight of the undesired, yet necessary conversation. He glanced down at their unclean garments, the same ones they had worn while in the dungeon, and strode toward the door.

  “Where are you off to, Killian?”

  “I’m after finding servants who might assist me in finding a bath and some hot water for I feel we’d both benefit from a soak to ease our minds and our bodies. Though it won’t be the same as the spring in the fairy glade sure we’ll make the most of it, Lainna.”

  “Aye, ’twould be lovely, Killian.”

  Alainn was most pleasantly surprised to see a large wooden bath being carried into the chamber followed by no less than a dozen servants hauling pails of steaming water with which to fill it. After a lengthy time and many trips, the tub, clearly big enough to accommodate the two of them, was filled. After the servants had left the room, Alainn smiled at Killian and his thoughtfulness.

  They disrobed and climbed into the enormous bath where they lay together in the gloriously warm water and soaped each other with a pleasingly scented soap Alainn had procured from the herb chamber. They hoped to ease the anxiousness and distress of the past day and a half. Alainn hummed softly as she leaned back against her husband and felt his arms encircle her, each content to silently keep their thoughts to themselves. After they’d been there a time and the water had begun to cool, they stepped out and dried one another off, neither one breaking the silence.

  Their eyes met and both revealed a knowing serious quality. He lowered his lips to hers and he kissed her deeply, thoroughly, and then carried her to the bed where they would spend this night together, and they both prayed that it would not be their last.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Alainn stood on the small open area outside the arched window of the east solar while Killian dressed and donned his armor in preparation for the approaching challenges. They’d remained in the bedchamber for the entire evening and through the night. Killian had a maidservant bring food for them after they’d made love, but bar that servant, they had seen and spoken with no one. Alainn inhaled deeply of the fresh morning air. The sun had just begun to rise and the hazy mist looked beautiful
ly enchanting across the rolling green hills.

  She trembled whenever she dwelled on what this day might bring. She was attempting to be courageous and confident for Killian’s sake but, in truth, she felt like a hundred daggers were being driven into both her chest and her belly. Though she could not foresee what the day had in store, she felt a cold clamminess and a steadily increasing dread within her. Three consecutive challenges were entirely unheard of and the third was to be to the death.

  She’d slept fitfully, dreaming of the morning star, pith-axe, and the broadsword, all weapons flying at her and Killian as they attempted to flee from his uncle and from an ominous dark cloud that hung over them. And, as of the way of dreams, it was muddled and confusing and made little sense. One moment she was holding their child in her arms and the next the priest stole him away and threatened to sacrifice him. Soon after, their baby appeared to be a small child with the face of one of the boys the priest had beaten so severely only two days ago.

  Alainn glanced over toward the far-off field where the battles would be held. The morning dew remained heavy and the air held a chill within it. She shivered and pulled her shawl more securely around her shoulders. She still wore only her nightdress for she’d barely felt she had the strength to manage even the menial task of dressing herself. She pulled apart her plait and raked her fingers through her long hair all the while trying to discern where she might spend this morning. She wanted to go back to bed and cover her head with the many quilts and sleep until day’s end. She doubted sleep would come to her and through the open window she would be capable of hearing the many distinctly disturbing sounds of battle.

  She turned when she heard Killian step out toward her. He was fully clad in battle gear and how strong, proud, and handsome he appeared to her. His green eyes compelled her to look into them. She flung herself at him in a most unladylike manner and felt the coolness of the metal armor against her thin garment.