Enticed by the Highlander: The Moriag Series

by Hildie McQueen

  “Don’t do this,” Lisbeth wailed, but did not follow him. At least she was wise enough not to push her luck because, at the moment, he wanted to drag her outside.

  Thankfully, there was no one in the bedchamber. He closed the door behind him and sunk into a chair. Lisbeth was right in some respects. Analise did not kiss him, nor did she come near him, except in her sleep. He did wish for something more from his marriage; love, acceptance and children.

  But it seemed his wishes were not to come true.

  Chapter Ten

  One of the lads came running into the great room just as Carrick finished eating. “Milord, a messenger arrives.” Analise gave him a questioning look and he shrugged, not expecting anyone.

  Just then, two of his father’s men wrapped in Gordon tartans entered the room. One moved closer and bowed at the waist. “Laird Carrick, your father is very ill. Your presence is required at Gordon Keep immediately.”

  Carrick motioned for the messenger and the second man to sit and motioned one of the lads forward. “Tell the guardsmen to come immediately.”

  The six warriors entered glancing at the messengers before standing in front of Carrick. One spoke. “Aye, milord?”

  “We will head to Gordon lands at first light. My father is ill.”

  The messengers waited for instructions “Eat and rest, we leave at first light.”

  “Shall I will go with you?” Analise asked him, her eyes on the messengers. “I think it would be most appropriate in case anything is needed. I am well-versed in curing.”

  Her request surprised him but he kept from showing any expression. “I would think you’d be glad to remain behind and away from me.”

  Analise’s gasp made him wish to retract the words. “I will remain then.” Her bottom lip quivered and she pressed them together.

  “Analise, I…” Carrick began, but she stood and looked down her nose at him.

  “No, do not apologize. I will go to bed now. I find that I am suddenly very tired.”

  Analise entered her chamber and threw the door shut behind her. She stormed to the window and looked over the expanse of the land toward the mountains. A tear escaped, trailing down her face and she did not bother to wipe it away.

  Why did she insist on attempting to please him? Every time she tried, he said the most hurtful things. There was no doubt in her mind that once he became laird he’d leave her behind and move to Gordon Keep without her.

  Just then, movement below caught her attention. Two men stood in the shadows speaking in low voices. They did not look familiar. It was probably the messenger and the other clansman. She leaned and attempted to get a closer look, but they moved further into the shadows making it impossible.

  A deep voice reached her ears. “I don’t know why she goes to all this trouble. All she has to do is order him killed pay good coin. I would do it.”

  The second man replied. “Aye, but this way she can control when and how it happens.”

  Who did they refer to? Did a woman plan to hurt Carrick? Analise moved back from the window when the men circled back out and continued their walk.

  She sighed. What could she do, there wasn’t much in the way of helping as Carrick saw her more as a nuisance than a wife. Erin entered, followed by the two lads carrying in a large wooden tub. “I thought you’d enjoy a bath tonight, milady.”

  Ever thoughtful, the maid continued to briskly order the lads to bring buckets of water while she urged Analise to a stool and began to loosen her hair. The maid’s eyes met hers in the looking glass. “You seem sad, milady. Is there anything you wish to talk about?”

  Analise did not take Erin’s request as too much liberty. As she was without friends, she’d confided more and more in the gentle Erin. “I am sad. It seems no matter how hard I try to please him, he finds me bothersome. I don’t believe he cares one way or the other what I do.”

  “Oh, but Lord Carrick is not indifferent to you milady. I believe he does care. He watches you wherever you are in the same room. He is just not used to women and our sensibilities.”

  “No, I think you are mistaken.”

  Erin sighed. “It could be Laird Gordon is giving you time to become accustomed to the new home.”

  “I am not a whimpering simpleton to be set aside and treated like glass. It is evident to me he doesn’t like me.”

  “I say you wait for him to come to bed and speak to him, milady. In the darkness, sometimes it’s easier to speak without having to school one’s expressions.” She met Erin’s sensible face in the mirror and nodded.

  Once her clothing and shift were removed, Analise lowered into the hot bath water and closed her eyes while Erin washed her hair. The heat soothed her rigid limbs.

  “Will you speak to your husband tonight milady?”

  “I will try, Erin. At the same time I won’t expect much.”

  An hour later, Analise settled into the bed and, once again, straightened the blankets. Her eyes flew to the door when she heard heavy footsteps. Unlike other nights, the lamps still burned, bathing the room with soft lights. Carrick entered and looked to her. By the dampness of his hair, he too had bathed. But not in their shared chamber.

  “Are you unwell?” His eyes scanned the room before leveling on her. “Why are you still awake?”

  “I am waiting for you. Thought perhaps we could speak.”

  The muscle at his jawline jumped and his shoulders lifted. “What do you wish to speak of?”

  Damnation, she was doing it all wrong. Erin had said to speak in the darkness. Unfortunately, now she could see how much he didn’t wish to speak with her by his body language alone. “It is nothing serious really. I just hoped to convey that I wish to accompany you to see your father. To be of help.”

  Carrick’s shoulders fell. He sat on the edge of the bed and began pulling his boots off. “If you want to come, then I have no objection. I will go ahead on horseback and not take any breaks. You and your maid can follow in the wagon.” He turned to face her, his breathtaking eyes locking to hers. “Is that all?”

  If only she’d waited until they lay together in darkness. A heated response of her cheeks coloring made her unable to speak. Analise nodded, her eyes traveling from his face to his bare chest.

  Moments later, he blew out the candles and slid into the bed to lie next to her. It cut like a knife into her chest when he took care to keep a distance between them. Analise reached to touch his arm. “Sleep well.”

  “Aye. Ye as well.”

  Soon, his soft snores gave her freedom to move closer to him. By the moonlight, she studied him. Her finger just above his skin, she traced along the scar that went from the corner of his right eye to his lip. What could have caused such a scar? Asleep, his features softened and he seemed much younger, almost carefree. A total contrast to the stern, quiet man. Was he always that way? Had he been different once?

  She gave in and leaned over him and pressed her lips to his. A soft mumble made her jerk away. Thankfully, he’d not woken.

  Two days later, Analise and Erin arrived at Gordon Keep. They were escorted into the courtyard. This time was so different. She now knew what to expect and prepared herself to greet her husband’s brother and stepmother.

  She made her way into the great room and was immediately taken by the sheer size of it and the many people who mingled about. How different to her home it was. And yet, if the laird died, this would be where she and Carrick would live.

  No one greeted her, so she directed the lads she’d brought along to take her trunks upstairs and went directly to the opposite stairwell to see about Carrick and his father.

  She turned a sharp corner at the first landing and ran right into Declan. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you. It’s quite dim in here, isn’t it?”

  His shrewd eyes narrowed and looked her up and down. “I didn’t know you were coming. My brother didn’t say.”

  When he didn’t move out of her path, she took a step back. “Where is Carrick?”

>   “So you are well then? I am surprised to find that you continue to be with him.”

  “Why would I not?” No matter her relationship with Carrick, she didn’t wish to discuss it with Declan.

  His lips curved up, but the smile did not change the narrowing of his eyes. “Why not, indeed. I suppose being the new laird’s wife has allure.” He reached for her face, his fingers tracing down the side. “You are much too beautiful to be tied to him. If things change, I may take you for myself.”

  She knew her eyes widened, but she did not say anything. Instead, she pushed his hand away and looked past him. “Allow me to pass, please.”

  “Of course. It’s the door at the end of the hall.” He gave her a short bow and went around her and down the stairs.

  “What in heavens did he speak of?” Her heartbeat quickening, she went to the door and pushed it open. Carrick stood next to a window and didn’t turn to see who entered. The laird lay on the bed, his once ruddy complexion now pale. The ill man watched her enter but did not move to speak. Analise went to the edge of the bed and studied him, lifting his eyelids then pulled up his upper lip. She leaned over him and sniffed.

  “What are you doing?” Carrick had moved next to the bed, his brows drawn together.

  “Leave her be,” the laird’s words sounded weak. He would not live much longer if it continued.

  “He is being poisoned,” Analise stated and went to the side table. She picked up the pitcher of water and poured it out the window. “Do not allow anyone but Erin to oversee his food and water.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Carrick took her arm. “Why do you suspect poison?”

  Analise moved back toward the laird, Carrick by her side. She pointed to the ill man’s mouth. “The purpling around his lips and eyes are clear signs of poisoning. Also his breath, it smells sweet. I’ve seen it before.”

  Carrick leaned over the laird and sniffed. “Aye, ’tis true.”

  The laird’s wide eyes looked to his son and then to her. His words were slurred. “Do not speak to anyone of this. No one outside this room. If I live, whoever is responsible will be dealt with.” Exhausted from talking, his eyes began to droop. “Post one of your men at my door. Someone you trust.” His head lulled to the side.

  “Who would do this?” Carrick asked in a lowered voice.

  Analise considered telling him what she’d overheard but, at the same time, what if she’d heard wrong. What would a woman have to gain from killing the laird? It was Carrick who would gain the lairdship.

  She went toward the doorway. “I will find Erin and explain that we wish her to oversee the preparation of your father’s meals. Say that he’s requested her stew and that only she can cook it. As far as water and other liquids, the lads can bring those.”

  Carrick nodded, his expression hard to read. “I thank ye.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Analise made her way down the corridor and a stairwell. Going past several doors, she became disoriented as she’d never been in this part of the house. Upon hearing voices, she went in the direction of where two people held a conversation.

  “There is nothing they can do,” a woman hissed. “Distract them so I can go back in and see about administering more.”

  “If you’re caught, I will not help you,” a male whispered back. “I say we give it a few days.”

  “He may get better,” the woman said.

  Analise stumbled back and ran back the way she came ensuring to not make any noise. Her breath came in rasps when she bolted back into the bedroom and Carrick’s eyebrows rose. She went to him and took his hand. “I can’t find my way to the kitchens.”

  “I will go with you.”

  “No. We must not leave him alone. You have to get someone to guard him every instant.”

  Carrick, who remained by his father’s bed, scowled but nodded in response. Just then, the door opened and Gritzel, the laird’s wife, entered. “If you would like to rest, I will keep watch over my husband.” She lowered her eyes not meeting theirs. “He mostly sleeps now.”

  Analise replied, “On the contrary, I came to help so you can rest. I will stay here tonight. Why don’t you go and lay down, you must be exhausted.”

  Unable to form a response, Gritzel looked past her to where the laird slept and nodded. “Very well. But I will be here early in the morning to see about him.”

  She lingered a few moments, never nearing the bed and finally moved to the doorway.

  Analise took advantage of the opportunity. “I will go with you while Carrick remains. I must speak to Cook. You see, I am well-versed in curing and have some ideas of certain herbs that may help.”

  She continued chatting as they made their way to the first level. All the while, Gritzel remained rigid, replying in noncommittal grunts and nods. They’d made it down a second corridor when Gritzel stopped and pushed Analise against the wall holding her by the shoulders.

  The woman’s breath fanned across her face. “You do not understand, nor do you know what happens within this clan. Do not think you can just walk in and usurp me.” Gone was the meek woman from before.

  Now Gritzel’s eyes darkened and her lips pinched giving her a mad appearance. “I am the laird’s wife. I will be the one to care for him, not you or Carrick.”

  “And poison him all the while?” Analise shoved her away. “Is that why you are so adamant?”

  Her eyes widened and the woman’s fingers clenched at her sides. “How dare you?”

  “I dare because I know he is poisoned.” Analise bowed her head to feign difference. “If I offend you, milady, I apologize, but you should be made aware.”

  Gritzel let out a breath. She lifted her chin and looked down her nose at Analise. “I will inquire with Declan. Have the entire kitchen staff questioned.” With that, she lifted her skirts and went in the direction of the great room.

  Analise considered if she should go back and speak to Carrick, but decided instead to go to the kitchens. Once there, she oversaw the preparation of three meals and followed the lads to the chambers on the second floor.

  She helped the laird eat, but he only ate a few mouthfuls before retching. Once Erin cleaned him up, they fed him a bit more clear broth and, once again, he fell into an exhausted slumber.

  “You should eat,” Erin said. She served Analise and Carrick. They ate at a small table next to the large window overseeing a private courtyard. Neither spoke, dining in silence while in thought.

  Unable to remain at the table with her silent husband, she stood and went back to the bed. “I spoke to Gritzel and perhaps overstepped.” Analise placed a pillow behind the laird’s head.

  “What happened?” Carrick neared, his eyes on his father who slept again.

  “She confronted me and said she was to be the one to oversee your father’s meals. I then responded that I believed he was being poisoned.”

  “Do not fret. She should be made aware.” He placed a hand on her shoulder and turned her to face him. “I thank you for all this.” Carrick motioned to his father’s bed.

  His eyes lingered on her lips and she hoped he’d kiss her, but instead he stepped back. “You should rest. It’s been a long day for you.”

  One of Carrick’s men arrived and stood inside the door to stand guard for the night. “Milord, you should rest as well.”

  They walked side by side, Carrick guiding her to their chamber, and she was grateful as she was still not sure how to find it.

  Once inside, she was delighted to find that Erin had ordered a bath for her. She stepped near and dipped her fingers into the fragrant water. It was still quite warm. “Would you like to join me?”

  Carrick looked first to the tub then to her, his eyes traveling from her face down her body. “Aye, I would.” His simple words made her heartbeat quicken. She let out a breath of relief at not being rebuked, then it quickly turned into confusion as to what to do next.

  Her husband neared and placed a hand on the small of her back to bring her clo
ser. His lips covered hers and she fell against him with relief, her hand automatically sliding up and down his back. The muscles rippled under his skin when she slipped under his tunic to caress the expanse of his back.

  Clothing puddled at their feet as one by one they discarded the obstacles between their bodies. Carrick lifted and placed her inside the tub then followed. The evidence of his arousal jutted long and hard. With both hands, he cupped her face and took her mouth once again. “I will bathe you.” His voice was hoarse and deep, sending tingles of anticipation through her. “Will you remain standing for me?”

  “Yes.”

  The water splashed over the sides when he lowered into the water. Carrick’s long lashes shielded his eyes and whatever he thought.

  Her breath caught when he lifted his eyes. “Do not move.” Analise watched as his wet hands slid up her legs to in-between her thighs. He washed her with care. All the while, she trembled in anticipation of what could happen next.

  Her knees wobbled when he splayed her open and leaned forward, his lips pressing kisses between her legs, his tongue delving between the folds of her sex.

  “Carrick.” Her mutterings went on while his wicked tongue did things to her she’d never imagined.

  Finally, unable to stand it any longer, she let out a cry and allowed her knees to collapse. Carrick pulled her against him and took her mouth with his as helped her lower and guided his hardness to between her legs.

  Lost in the myriad of sensations, Analise clutched on to his shoulders allowing him to control the pace of their joining.

  They moved together in frantic lovemaking until he thrust hard once more and found his release, his deep moans echoing in her ear.

  After they finally controlled their breathing enough, they remained connected as he began to work the soap over her skin. She leaned against his chest, enjoying their closeness. The feel of his thick throat against her cheek brought her comfort, safety. When she was clean, he allowed her to wash his back and hair.