The Fae Princess and Guardian to her Earthbound Kind
On the cliffs near Loch Carron, Scotland, a month later.
Under an endless array of twinkling stars and a gloriously heavy moon, Cherub stood unseen on the cliffs as the ocean swelled with white-tipped waves that glowed a silvery-gold in the moonlight below. Kirk, her soul bound mate, towered over her from behind, his big body a heavenly wall of heat as her cloaking remained extended over them both. “Ella Matheson sails this way with her brother.” She rested back fully against him. “Directly toward Duncan MacKenzie.”
“You believe these two truly are soul bound?”
“Aye, although their mated bond will be a difficult match to make with their clans so at war.” The wind rushed all around, fluttering her white fur cloak about her legs and lifting her blond hair and snagging it within Kirk’s bristles. Something within the rising wind also tickled further at her fae senses and arms raised, she allowed the air, the element she controlled, to bring to her each and every secret it held. “They’ll meet at the tavern this night.”
“Might we watch that meeting?” Kirk nuzzled her neck and she tipped her head to the side to give him greater access.
“We might be too busy.” She moaned as he nipped her flesh.
“In what way?” He tugged the shoulder of her gown lower, slid one hand beneath the soft velvet and cupped her breast.
“I believe you know in what way.” Heat rippled through her and her need for even more of his delicious touch flared strong. “Duncan is Ella’s match in every way, just as you are mine.”
“Will we be guiding them in the days to come?”
“Aye, as is needed, but we’ll remain hidden for most of the time.”
“I love remaining hidden with you.” Kirk scooped her up, strode to the lush grass behind them and lowered her to the ground.
“As I love remaining hidden with you, my temping bear.” With one hand on his chest, the other curled around his nape and the sweetly sensual night breeze washing over her, she gave herself over to her chosen one.
“I want to feel your skin against mine.”
“I want that too.”
He leaned in and kissed her, every wickedly muscled inch of his body pressed hard against hers and together, they got lost in their love, their bodies and souls entwined as one and their need for each other an unstoppable beat that neither could ever deny.
This was love. The soul bond.
This was what she wanted for each and every one of her fae blooded kind.
This was what she would deliver.
Chapter 1
First Encounters Are Never Forgotten
Nearing the entrance to Loch Carron, an hour later.
The foamy tips of the rolling waves glistened gold in the moonlight as Ella Matheson sailed her skiff with her brother. “’Tis quiet out on the water this night.”
“Unusually so.” Ethan scanned the rugged shoreline with its high cliffs and forested hills. “’Tis almost like the calm before the storm.”
“Well, we are nearing MacKenzie land, so we should expect a storm sooner or later.” Usually of the battling sort. She turned the rudder a touch. Ethan had been with her that night on Dunscaith’s battlements a month past when Duncan MacKenzie and his devious father had attempted to take the MacDonald’s stronghold.
“You still dinnae have an answer do you?” Lifting one curious brow, Ethan eyed her.
“Do you mean about Duncan?”
“Aye, it took you telling him twice to leave afore he did. Never have I seen a man no’ jump immediately to do your hypnotic bidding. His relief at hearing your compelling command was also clear to see. I dinnae believe he had any knowledge of his father’s plan to attack, his surprise at Colin’s arrival the same as the MacDonald’s.”
“Death would surely have been his if I’d no’ intervened.” The MacKenzies had been well outnumbered. Why they’d even thought to attack with so few men had confused her at first, made her hesitate before she’d issued her compelling commands.
“Aye, and now we sail directly toward his land. Let’s pray we dinnae run into him this night.” Hand to his brow, Ethan peered toward the thick line of the woods edging the high cliffs where the forest rose sure and strong, the tall pines swaying in the brisk ocean breeze.
Only a mile or two away Duncan’s stronghold sat, although Ardan House wasn’t hers or Ethan’s intended destination and never would be. Aye, they sailed to the tavern belonging to William and Mary, the only two MacKenzie allies they’d ever have in this war between their clans.
“There is naught more I love than sailing these seas.” Ethan dipped one hand over the side of the skiff and skimmed the waves with his fingers. The wind rose and whipped his dark mop of curly locks all about. A warrior he was, as tall and strong as Papa had ever been.
“Aye, for me too.” She breathed deep of the salty sea air. Up above, the moon snuck behind a shadowy cloud while toward the tavern, a thick curl of smoke drifted into the night sky.
Over the swell, she guided their boat toward the stone landing and as they cruised in, Ethan lowered the sail then nabbed the oars and rowed the last few feet. They bumped gently against the landing and Ethan uncoiled the mooring rope, bounded out and secured their skiff to its mooring.
“Pass me the bags.” Ethan held out his hands for them, his heavy black coat swishing about his legs and the sharp length of his sword glinting inside the draping folds.
She wriggled the bags out from under the seat where she’d stowed them. Bulky yet fairly light since they were filled with naught but wool, she lobbed first one sack to him and then the other before jumping onto the landing beside him. Taking care, she snuck a glance across the other side of the sea-gate where a war galley bobbed with two guardsmen keeping a watch from the bow. At the top of the center mast, a flag rippled in the breeze, one displaying the MacKenzie clan crest upon it.
“Keep your head down,” Ethan whispered in her ear.
“They are harmless enough to you and I considering our skills.”
“Still, we’ll take all care.” He slung the bags over his shoulders and motioned for her to go first along the landing.
Patting her woolen cap to make certain not even one errant lock of her long hair had escaped, she walked toward the beach then up the grassy rise in her black breeches and riding boots that laced all the way to her knees. On the higher land overlooking the ocean, the tavern sat with the forest rising sure behind it.
Uphill, she trekked and as she reached the gravelly courtyard, she halted as a squeal rang out from somewhere nearer the far trees. The moon highlighted the outline of a warrior standing under the canopy of a wide elm, his hand curved around the hip of a maid in a green kirtle. He groped her breasts, while another warrior leaning against the wall of the stables twenty feet away, hooted his encouragement.
Naught infuriated her more than seeing a lass being so terribly manhandled. She stormed toward them, determined to compel the warrior to leave the maid be and take his own cock in hand if he wished for some relief, only the lass giggled and rocked her hips against the warrior’s.
Ethan caught her arm, shook his head. “She wishes for his attention, Ella.”
The lass moaned as the warrior freed himself and hoisted her skirts.
Unfortunately, she’d stumbled across her fair share of warriors taking maids wherever they pleased. Either in a darkened niche in their chief’s castle, the stables, or some other such place. Ethan was right.
“Come.” Ethan nudged her toward the tavern. “We have bags to deliver.”
“Dinnae you ever tup a lass like that.” She snorted under her breath. “You’ll wait for your chosen one, just as I have and continue to do.”
“One day you’ll find him.” A sure look crossed his face.
“Aye, and when I do I’ll blast him for making me wait so long.”
“That I long to see.” Grinning, he looped one arm around her shoulders and steered her under the
curved overhang of the tavern’s front door.
On the rushes at the entrance, she stamped the dirt from her booted feet, opened the large paneled door and walked inside. Along with a rush of warmth from the roaring fire came the riotous babble of voices which always infused this tavern. Within the main room warriors, farmers, and travelers aplenty enjoyed bread and stew as they chatted, each table separated from the other by wooden screens which allowed a touch of privacy.
“I’ll take these bags through to William. Stay out of trouble while I’m gone.” Ethan tweaked her nose.
“I always stay out of trouble.”
“Ha, of course you do.” Chuckling, he strode down the corridor leading toward William’s solar where he could always be found if he was not in the main room conversing with his patrons. William might be a MacKenzie, but he was also loyal to clan Matheson, his mother having been of fae blood. Mary, his wife, had been from their fae village and one of her mama’s dearest friends.
Mary swished around the tables in her blue gown, her lacy shawl slipping from one shoulder as she poured ale into tankards. Ella raised a hand and waved out.
Surprise lit Mary’s face as she caught sight of her. She set her jug down, hurried across and smothered her in a fierce hug. “’Tis so good to see you. Hannah didnae come with you?” She peered toward the front door.
“Nay, no’ this time. Mama has no’ been feeling her best, but she’s weaved a great deal of wool this month and Ethan and I have brought two bags full for you to take to the market. Ethan’s already gone on ahead to give it to William.”
“William has the coin from the last sale. We fetched a fair price.” Mary squeezed her cheeks. “Look at you all dressed as a lad again. When will I ever see you in a gown? I cannae remember the last time.”
“’Tis far easier to sail the seas this way, as well as remain unnoticed while I do.”
“Well, that is true and I wouldnae want you to take any undue risks, no’ that William or I would ever allow any harm to come to you here. Oh,” she babbled in a rush, “we also must speak of an important matter.” She lowered her voice and pulled her back into the darkened niche under the stairwell. “Word is a fae compeller halted the recent attack by Colin MacKenzie at Dunscaith. I take it that was you?”
“Aye, ’twas me.”
“I was pleased to hear of it, that you’d halted the feud from becoming far worse.” Mary nodded. “Although what Colin MacKenzie was thinking by sailing in after Duncan and causing such a raucous, I’ll never know. He had asked his son to enter into a betrothal agreement with the MacDonald’s eldest daughter and that was what Duncan intended on doing.”
“Duncan never knew of his father’s ploy?”
“Nay, and our laird has no’ spoken to his father since that night.”
“Do you know the laird well?”
“Duncan’s here, right above-stairs meeting with some of his men in one of our private rooms. Even though you halted the battle at Dunscaith, he’s still been under attack from the MacDonald’s nephew in the weeks since. Gavin sneaks onto Duncan’s land, has slaughtered his cattle, a fair number of head.” Mary knotted her lacy shawl at the front. “Duncan hunts him, intends on teaching the man a lesson.”
“I had no’ heard of Gavin’s attacks.”
“Aye, he’s a menace that man is.”
A menace clearly she and Ethan needed to find and speak to, or more importantly, compel. If there was something she could do to ease the tensions between the clans, then she’d do it. “Leave this with me, Mary. I’ll see what I can do to aid you all.”
“’Twould be much appreciated.”
Footsteps pounded from above them and a dozen warriors wearing the MacKenzie tartan and heavy weaponry marched downstairs and entered the main room. At the head of the group strode Duncan himself. She’d never mistake him. He stood a good two hands over six feet, his massive two-handed claymore bobbing in the baldric strapped across his broad back. With his great plaid hooked around his waist and looped over one shoulder, he appeared every inch the mighty warrior she’d witnessed fighting in battle.
“I must go and see to the laird and his men. Stay here until I return.” Mary tucked a loose red lock from her top-knot behind her ear, snuck out and joined the men. She led them across the room to the tables underneath the far window, although Duncan remained standing at the base of the stairs, unmoving.
Muscles rippled as he rolled his shoulders, then as he turned, the light from the fire caught the dark stubble grazing his jaw and lit it a heavenly blue hue, the ends of his short black locks as well.
“Who goes there?” He peered into the darkened recess where she remained.
Oh goodness. She hardly needed to come face to face with him again, and certainly not here on his soil. Carefully, slowly, she backed away then ducked down the passageway and snuck inside the closest door and shut it behind herself.
Leaning back against the grooved wood, she let out a relieved breath and surveyed the antechamber. This private room with its lit fire and large central table surrounded by six high-backed chairs often housed men as they enjoyed a game or two of cards after a meal, but thankfully right now it remained perfectly clear.
She pushed off the door and walked past two burgundy padded armchairs in the corner next to William’s treasured chess set sitting on a low table between the two chairs. A flask of wine and two silver goblets sat next to the board with its wooden chess pieces, all lined up for a game. Mayhap someone had requested the room. If they had, she couldn’t remain here for too long.
The door whooshed open and Duncan filled the entrance, his brilliant blue gaze narrowing in on her. “Well, well, it appears you wish to hide from me, lad. Whatever for?”
Drat. It appeared there would be no steering clear of Duncan this night. She crossed her arms with a slap and muttered, “I’m no’ a lad, but the very lass who saved your big hide last month.”
His gaze flickered with surprise as he skimmed her from head to toe. “The only lass to save my supposedly big hide of late, happened to be a compeller by the name of Ella Matheson.” Small wrinkles fanned out from his expressive eyes as he studied her. “Remove your cap.”
“I’ll do no such thing.”
“Do you fear me?”
“Hardly.” She always stood her ground, no matter her position.
“So I noticed during our battle on Skye. You’re also the very lass I’d hoped to find one day and express my gratitude to, although I never considered I might encounter you right here on my land. Would it be Mary you’re here to see? She was a Matheson afore she wed William, and even William’s mother holds a touch of fae blood.” His drilling gaze intensified. “Are you close kin at all?”
“Mary and my mama are friends. William and Mary are both kin and always will be.”
“Interesting.” He closed the door with a soft click and slid the bolt home. “I’ve a great desire to know more about you, Ella Matheson, and it appears I’ve only just scraped the surface.”
“Then you’d better first learn that I cannae be intimidated.” She tipped her head toward the bolted door. “That bolt willnae keep me from leaving should I wish to.”
“I didnae lock the door to keep you contained, only to keep anyone else from entering while we speak.” He cocked a brow. “You scuttled in here so fast I barely caught the sight of you fleeing.”
“I didnae flee.”
“Of course you did.” He stepped closer, almost towering over her. “That made the chase even more intriguing though.”
“I simply wished for a moment of privacy.” The man exuded power from every inch of his tall form, although with only one uttered word she could bring him to his knees if she so desired. “What is it you wish to speak to me about?”
“Your powerful skill and how you used it to ensure the battle came to a swift end.” He uncrossed his arms and gestured to one of the armchairs. “Sit, please. I truly mean you no harm. I owe you my life, will forever be in your debt.” H
e sank down into one of the armchairs and picked up the wine flask. “It appears we have refreshments. Do you care to join me for a drink?”
This man intrigued her, and far more than any other man ever had. She eased into the chair opposite him and motioned for him to pour.
“Thank you. I see you prefer lad’s clothing, Ella, if I might call you Ella? I certainly do apologize for mistaking you for a lad just now.” He poured ruby-red wine into both goblets, held one out to her and lowered his tone to a suddenly husky level, “Such attire suits you, if I might say so.”
“You’re flirting with me again, as you did at Dunscaith.”
“I’m simply stating a fact, although should you wish to believe I’m currently flirting, so be it.”
“You’re a wretched man, Duncan, that’s if I might call you Duncan?” She accepted the wine from him and took a hearty sip.
“Of course. First names it is then.” He sipped his wine, tapped his leg. “I never intended for things to escalate at Dunscaith as they did, only my father made that nigh on impossible with his unexpected arrival.”
“Mary said you wished to enter into a betrothal agreement.”
“Aye, although that’s now no longer possible.” He leaned forward, elbows braced to his knees and his goblet held securely between both hands. “Sitting here with you is something I never imagined possible. Do you travel alone often?”
“I’m here with my brother. Ethan and I had business to attend to with William and Mary.”
“Have you sailed from your fae village or Dunscaith Castle?” He took a hearty swallow of his wine then chased a bead of red at the corner of his mouth with his tongue.
Oh my, he had such deliciously full lips. Not that she should be noticing his lips.
“Ella?” One raised brow.
“Pardon?”
“I asked if you’d sailed from your fae village or Dunscaith Castle?”
“I only visit Dunscaith from time to time. Ethan and I live with our mama at the village.” She cleared her throat. “Mary informed me of Gavin MacDonald’s attacks when I arrived. ’Tis the first of heard of him slaughtering your cattle, but you can be assured I’ll do whatever I can to halt him. Ethan too. My brother and I always act as one in our desire to seek peace.”
Highlander's Caress: Medieval Romance (The Fae Book 2) Page 2
