by Mia Pride
Knowing the truth of his claim, shame washed over her and she put her head down. “I am sorry, King Brocc,” and she tried to cover her flushed cheeks with her cool palms.
Seeing his black brow fly up at her use of his formal name, she quickly realized her mistake. “I mean, Brocc,” she corrected and started to chew nervously on her lower lip.
“Why do I make you so nervous? Is it my title? I never wanted to be king. It was thrust upon me after the death of my uncle, and I am only just getting used to it, myself.”
She breathed deeply, but did not respond.
“Is it because I have asked you to marry me? More than once?”
“King, I mean, Brocc…your forward questions are only increasing my nervousness.” She looked up at him and then looked quickly away again, realizing that his large warm hand still gripped her own small fingers. His skin was dark in contrast to her own fair complexion. Every part of Brocc seemed larger or different than her and she couldn’t help but study the expanse of his shoulders or how his arm muscles threatened to bust the seams of his tunic.
He ran his fingers over her knuckles repetitively, refusing to break his gaze. “Are you upset that I asked you to marry me? Or upset that you refused?”
Indignation coursed through her at his casual arrogance. It only solidified her belief that he liked the chase Una gave more than he liked Una herself. “Really, Brocc! Are you always so certain of yourself? Mayhap I prefer a husband who does not flash his smug grin at every passing lassie! Mayhap I was too busy tending to the needs of my ailing mother!” She tapped the table nervously with her free hand, half afraid she had insulted him and half hoping that she had.
“Your mother wished you to marry me,” he said wryly. “It would have made her happy to see you settled down before she passed, Una.”
“Well, I am afraid I did not see all things in the same light as my mother. I could not have left her side. It was impossible.” Her anger was slowly increasing and she knew Brocc was enjoying their banter, just as he had as a young lad. The man was infuriating and never ceased to taunt her in some way or another.
“Indeed? And, what about now? Is it still impossible?” he asked with a low voice.
Suddenly, all playful arrogance had disappeared from his voice. His abrupt seriousness took her by surprise. “Is what impossible?” She knew he was referring to marriage, but refused to cooperate with his interrogation.
“You know very well what I am referring to, Una. Look around you. I have nay wife! Did I ask any other women to marry me? I’ve been alone in this home every night, waiting for you to accept me.” She could see the truth flicker in his eyes and she prayed he could not hear her breathing quicken.
“Is that what this is? Are you only feigning to help me recover from my grief? Did you ever truly care? Or was all this a ploy to get me into your bed…I mean, home?” her face grew bright red with embarrassment as she stumbled on her words. Her back straightened as she turned her body away from him, “I have heard rumors enough to know that you may have an empty home by day, but you certainly do not have an empty bed by night!”
Brocc let out a soft grunt as he grabbed her shoulders and turned her back to face him, “Since when does it matter to you who warms my bed, Una?”
“I assure you that it does not matter to me in the slightest.” She crossed her arms with a stubborn huff. Looking up at him, she saw vulnerability flash quickly across his face, almost imperceptibly, but it was enough to snap her out of the moment and bring back her manners. She put a delicate hand out and wrapped it around his strong forearm, causing him to look up at her with a twinkle of hope in his eye.
“Brocc, I am sorry for my outburst. It was cruel and unwarranted. You are correct, I have indeed consumed too much mead. I do not know what happened to my manners. I assure you that you have been most hospitable and I am grateful. I know you seek a wife, but I do nay seek a husband.” That was a lie. More than anything, she wished for a man to love and love her back, to have a family and a home. She had always dreamt that that man would be Brocc. But Brocc could not be that man. He was the sort of man who set his sights on something and refused to give up in a game of wills until he won. But, what then? He would only tire of her and discard her for the next young lass to grab his attention.
Looking around the large interior of the house, an idea crossed her mind. “However, now that Isobel has taken leave, you will need help and I long to make myself useful to you while I live off your generosity. Please allow me to take over and I promise to earn my keep.”
Brocc grumbled at her request and crossed his large arms over his chest in a huff. “Una, if that is what you wish, then do as you please. But I assure you, you would enjoy the role as my wife much more than the role as my servant.” The suggestive tone in his voice froze her in her place. A hot flush swept up at her cheeks as an image of her in his bed forced itself unbidden into her mind. The heat spread from her belly outward, consuming her body in a liquid heat.
As if knowing how he affected her, he pulled her closer so she almost sat upon his lap and slid his warm fingers against her neck, pushing her hair behind her ear. A shiver shot through her body as she instinctively leaned into his touch. His voice whispered softly in her ear, sending waves of warmth up her nape. “But you are just avoiding the inevitable, Una. You will be my wife.”
Chapter 2
“Will these floors never be clean?” Una grumbled as the sweat dripped down her forehead, soaking into a stray chestnut wave that had fallen across her face as she vigorously scrubbed the floors. Having wooden floors seemed like such a luxury until it became her task to clean them…a task she had willingly taken on, she reminded herself for the hundredth time.
The same tattered rag she wore every day was tied around her head to keep her hair in place, but as usual, it had slowly shifted as she cleaned, allowing wavy tendrils to float around her face and neck. She blew the dangling soft curl to the side with a huff while her brown wool tunic clung to her damp body, itching her delicate skin. She could not wait to retire to her chamber to take a hot bath. If only she could get these floors clean…
The hearth was illuminating the room with an orange glow while a cauldron of pork stew simmered slowly, releasing tantalizing scents of garlic and onion into the air. Her pork stew was King Brocc’s favorite meal, but she would not be enjoying any of it, at least not with him, for she preferred to eat alone in her own chamber. She would gladly dine alone for the rest of her life if only to avoid the betraying reaction of her body to his presence.
Just one sennight into her new role as his servant, Una realized that Brocc was not exaggerating when he had said it would be hard work. His home was large and consisted of a downstairs area containing the central hearth, a large slab of stone that served as a surface to prepare foods, large wicker baskets to store dried grains, meats, and any other dried fruits and vegetables they could obtain, and a long rectangular table surrounded by furs and cushions to sit upon.
A tall wooden ladder led up to a top loft area containing extra storage baskets and more beds. Being the chieftain of their tuath meant not only being a strong leader and warrior, but hosting large festivals and thus, accommodating many travelers from other tuatha. It was now Una’s responsibility to see that each area of the home was clean and ready to host.
Two short corridors extended off the side of the house, one on the right and one on the left, each corridor containing two private rooms, including hers. Brocc’s chamber was, of course, the largest containing a massive wooden bed with thick hide curtains hanging for privacy and luxurious furs piled upon a straw mattress. Tending to his clothing, preparing his meals, and all the other menial tasks of her day were slowly wearing her down, though she would never tell him so.
Walking over to the hearth to stir the contents of the cauldron, Una spotted Brocc with a bowl of stew and a smile as he sat on a cushion near the table. “Una, come join me. I feel like this arrangement will only work if you will agree t
o be my equal.” She looked up at him warily, the same stubborn golden brown lock falling over her face. She blew it to the side with an exaggerated push of breath and he gave an amused grunt. “You are adorable. Do you know that?”
“Hardly,” she said with a wry smile as she rubbed her aching lower back with her hand and chewed on her lower lip in deep thought. “I am not certain what is adorable about me at present. My dust covered clothing, my disheveled hair, or the dirt smudges on my face.” She wrinkled up her nose and went cross-eyed, trying to locate the dark smudge on the tip of her nose that had been catching the corner of her eye all evening.
Brocc laughed and rose, striding over to her with a grin on his face. Taking her hands, he led her over to cushions. “Please, you really must sit and eat with me. Tis been another sennight of you keeping formalities and retreating into your chamber with your meal. I cannot accept this arrangement unless you promise to stop acting the role of a servant!”
“You are too kind, King Brocc.” She looked up at him through a veil of dark lashes as she blushed at the stern look on his face.
“Do you persist in calling me by my title only to goad me?”
“Is it working?” she said with a suppressed giggle, trying hard to stop a smile from forming on her lips.
“Terribly well. Here.” He placed a bowl of her stew in front of her. She could smell the herbs drifting up from her bowl and saw small chunks of carrots floating amongst the shredded meat and gravy. Her mouth began to water and she realized it had been awhile since she had a real hot meal. “Tis beyond me why you have decided to play such a subservient role, especially when I have expressed my desire to not only treat you as my equal, but make you my wife.” He raised an eyebrow as he sat down abruptly next to her, his thigh brushing against hers.
She stiffened in an effort to control her shiver. “Are we to have this conversation again? I have already told you that I cannot possibly play both roles and I—”
“I don’t want you to play both roles, Una! I only want you to be my wife!” he placed a finger over her lips to stifle her when she began to speak. “Listen to me, Una. I can find a servant anywhere.”
“Are you saying I am replaceable?” she asked with reproach as she pushed his fingers away from her lips with force.
“As my servant, aye. Although, you are the most beautiful servant I have ever seen. Tis very distracting. I would be better off with perhaps a more matronly servant…”
Una’s lips twitched in frustration and her green eyes squinted as she listened to his annoying speech. Finally, not having any sort of clever retort, she decided that a good eye roll would be the best response. Before she knew what was happening, she felt his lips upon hers, feather soft, hesitantly waiting for her to pull back or come nearer.
As if under a spell, her lips responded instinctively, parting as his tongue slowly slipped into her mouth. It was a sweet, soft kiss that sent a tingle down her spine. As she grew more responsive, he placed his hands in her tangled hair, removing the old rag that had been unsuccessfully holding it back. He ran his fingers through her soft floral scented waves as she placed her hands on his shoulders, leaning in to deepen the kiss.
She could feel herself becoming lost in the moment as his kiss became more persistent and he started to grip her more firmly against him. Brocc grabbed her off the cushion by the waist and sat her on his lap. With his lips locked firmly on hers, his hands started to roam her body, first grabbing a handful of her breasts and then sliding down her body, cupping her backside and squeezing as his mouth started to burn a trail of hot kisses down her throat.
Pulling back suddenly, Una gasped and leaped out of his lap. “This is exactly why I hide in my chamber every evening, Brocc.” She adjusted her dirty brown wool tunic, tugging on the fabric around her hips to straighten out the twisted jumble. “Thank you for reminding me why I must keep my distance.” Una’s face flushed and her hands trembled with the effort to control her breathing, but she threw her hair over her shoulder and straightened her back as she sauntered down the left corridor, entering her chamber.
Her heart thumped wildly in her chest as she plopped down on her bed, covering both flaming red cheeks with her trembling hands. What had just happened? After being alone in his home for a fortnight now, she had felt his gaze upon her many times, and though it unnerved her, it also sent a thrill through her body to know she wasn’t alone and that a man of his quality could be attracted to her. She struggled constantly to keep her distance and luckily, he was away from his home most of the day tending to the business of Darini. But by nightfall, he would arrive home again smelling of musk and ale and an enticing scent that was all his own, and it appealed to her every sense, weakening her resolve.
Once her mother became ill, Una had given up everything to care for her every need. Now that her mother had passed, Una realized she had no friends and her only suitor was a man that intimidated her beyond reason. She scoffed to herself. As if she were the only woman who swooned every time he walked past. Wasn’t that precisely why she must keep her distance? Any one of those lassies could easily turn his head away from her one day and he would never look back.
Aye, she was very attracted to Brocc. However, attraction was not love, and she could not agree to marry the man simply because he created a strange fluttering feeling in her stomach whenever he walked past. What just transpired between them had shaken her to the very core and awakened something deep down inside of her, something she never knew existed. Her chest tightened and her heart rate would not slow. She had never been kissed before and it was so much more stirring than she wanted to admit. Touching shaky fingers to her burning lips, Una decided she must keep her distance from him.
It was time to move on. She could find a man who was less intimidating, perhaps common born, just as she was. He could make her happy and provide a basic life for her, the life she was used to. She had been content with her previous position in life. This, however, was becoming a hardship. She could not agree to marry him and she certainly could not continue living here alone with him, avoiding him and his amorous advances daily while scrubbing his floors. This would not do at all!
Brushing her hair with a metal comb while looking into her bronze looking glass, she scrutinized her reflection. Plain. Nothing more than a plain woman looked back at her. She would never be able to hold the affections of a man like Brocc for long. It was time to make her own way. She would venture forth into the village on this night. Hopefully, she could meet new people. It was a daunting thought and her palms began to sweat. But if not now, then when? It had to happen tonight. But first, she needed to bathe and remove all evidence of her position as a servant.
Feeling refreshed having removed all the day’s dust and grime from her body and wearing a new dress, Una twirled around in delight as the lavender linen flowed around her ankles. The collar was wide, baring her neck and shoulders with billowing sleeves that draped down past her wrists. She needed all the confidence she could muster. Una clasped her sparkling amethyst jeweled clip into her hair, holding back just a few curls while the rest still flowed freely about her neck and shoulders, framing her face.
Stepping out of her chamber, she looked around carefully, wondering if she should tell Brocc of her plans for the night or leave without a word. Deciding that it was best to confront him head on, she walked down the corridor. “Brocc?” She looked all around, even in the usually deserted corridor on the right, but saw no sign of him. Her heart sank as she realized she was all alone.
He left without speaking to her, and that left her with a very heavy feeling in the pit of her stomach. She wondered if he had gone off to seek the warmth of one of his more willing lassies and her stomach fell even further, almost making her feel ill. Why was she so worried about where he was, or who he was with? She scolded herself for even caring. Wasn’t this precisely why she decided to go out tonight?
She took one last glimpse at the empty home, then decided it was for the best that Brocc h
ad gone. He would surely only complicate matters by urging her not to go out alone. But he was neither her master nor her husband and she could do as she pleased. She had no idea what lay in store for her, but she knew she had to, for the first time in years, mingle with the people in her village. She could no longer hide behind her mother’s illness as an excuse to be alone. She wrapped a cloak around her shoulders, securing it with a bronze pin, and walked out of the house feeling the thrill of freedom and adventure thrumming through her veins.
Though she had not been to the gathering hall in some time, she knew quite well that much of the tuath could be found there in the evening. Would she even know anyone? What would she do when she arrived? These were her people…people she had intentionally avoided and neglected to know all these years. Would they accept her now, or reject her as an outcast?
She tried to shove these disturbing questions out of her mind, but she started to wring her hands together in nervousness as she heard the bawdy laughter drifting through the cold winter air. Her blood pumped wildly as she approached the entrance of the hall. Taking a deep breath and rubbing her clutched hands together for warmth, she stepped inside. I must be brave, she chanted to herself as she pushed her feet further into the room. Firelight flickered off the walls from the tallow candles set upon the tables, illuminating the interior of the gathering hall.
Some of the more inebriated members of her tuath stood around small fires outside, clearly unperturbed by the howling wind and the cruel winter chill. Apparently, enough ale could dull one’s senses to such a point. Good, she thought. She would seek such distraction on this night. However, she would much prefer to seek it within the warmer environment of the long rectangular hall. It may be more crowded, but crowds meant warmth…and hopefully new companions. Una’s senses were overwhelmed by so many new sights, sounds, and smells.
The heady scent of ale and sweat hung in the air and she wrinkled up her nose at the invasive smells. Lights were reflecting off the walls, casting ominous shadows on the faces of strangers. A few people turned their heads to glance her way, but went right back to their conversations. Loud shouts of laughter rang in the air and no matter how apprehensive she felt, the sounds of people enjoying themselves filled her heart with hope.
