Undeniable Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 4)

by Kara Griffin

  He swore not to give a care for the lass. His heart had been guarded in the years since his liaison with Alexia. Instead of focusing on her, he turned his attention to listening for foes, watching the lane ahead, and reasoning a sound plan. But with each time she moved, he found himself drawing closer to her. He was failing miserably to stay disconnected.

  By nightfall, he was certain of one thing … Dallis Buchanan was beginning to matter to him.

  Chapter Four

  He shouldn’t matter – that’s all Dallis kept thinking throughout the ride to Alnwick. She got a woeful sense, one she couldn’t shake. What she was about to do didn’t sit right in her heart or her stomach. Brodin Grant was walking into Percy’s trap and there was nothing to prevent his capture. As much as she wanted to be honest with him, she had to consider her gran and Flora. They mattered most to her, and yet, she was drawn to the brooding Highlander.

  There was only one end she wanted to reach and that was to secure their safety and freedom. Yet she couldn’t help but be attracted to Brodin. His manner begged for her tenderness. Given time, she might infiltrate the shield he protected himself with and get him to lighten. Dallis shook her head, rejecting that thought. He wasn’t hers to mend. Not only did his soul need tending, but he was so handsome she barely breathed when she gazed at him.

  His eyes alone caused her to sigh for the bright-blue orbs seemed to regard her with adoration. There was something more in his gaze, longing or compassion? Never mind his fair and handsome face, his body fit and as fine as any soldier’s. When she’d touched his arm, she’d drawn a startled breath. He was strong, capable, and … perhaps a wee bit damaged.

  He shouldn’t matter to her. As she warred with herself, Dallis tried to harden her heart toward him. But it wasn’t in her nature to be unkind even if she deceived him. Merciful God save her because there was nothing she could do. She wouldn’t tell him the truth and she refused to let him turn back.

  Dallis sat quietly by the tree where they’d stopped to take rest, observing him. “Are you hungry? I brought a good amount of food.” Fortunately, she had time to snag the heaping of foodstuff from the tray in Rohan’s chamber. Oddly four different lads brought her trays of food. She wouldn’t be impolite but kindly thanked them and set the food on the table within the chamber. No one could eat as much fare as what she’d been given.

  He nodded.

  She placed a tartan on the ground and set out the food. No matter where she went or whom she was with, she always made a welcoming place. He joined her, sitting across from her, and took the biggest chunk of bread.

  “Why did this Percy abduct you and your grandmother?”

  Dallis looked up from ripping a piece of bread, astonished by his question. “We were on our return to Scotland when he found us on his lands.”

  “What of your escort? You were protected, were you not? Or did you travel by yourself?” Brodin took the bread from her and nodded.

  “Aye, of course, we were protected. We took a dozen or so Buchanan men with us, but they were easily apprehended by Percy’s soldiers. I assume he killed them. My grandmother, maid, and I were taken to his stronghold nearly six years ago.”

  “Six years is a long time. I suppose he kept you because you are bonny?”

  She blushed at his compliment, but that was far from the truth. “Sir Percy only serves himself. Even if I possessed beauty, he wouldn’t care.”

  Brodin leaned close. “Is the man blind or plain senseless? What purpose do you serve?”

  How could she answer that without giving herself away? “He’s not blind. But I know not what he hopes to gain by keeping us imprisoned. Mayhap you are right and he only covets me for he’s suggested that I share his bed.” She had to say something and that was about all she could come up with, without letting him know her real intent. Her face heated with such an admission, she had to fan herself.

  His beautiful manly brows scowled. “Have you?”

  Dallis hastily swallowed the bit of bread she’d eaten. “Nay the man is repulsive. Even if I found him attractive, I wouldn’t allow him liberty.”

  “Are you a maiden meant for the church?” His scowl deepened.

  She giggled low. “Oh, nay, not the church. I haven’t met a man yet that has stirred me to want to … be with him … in that way.” Dallis sensed her face brightened again. How did the conversation go awry, to one of ill-reputable subjects?

  He grinned. “Och, well, I understand. No woman has stirred me for some time. Until now.”

  She dropped the bread she held and hurriedly wiped the crumbs from her skirts. “That is a noble thing to say. I won’t consider marriage until I meet a man I can love. And right now my only concern is rescuing my gran and Flora.”

  “You put others before yourself. I admire a trait that bespeaks such courage.”

  Dallis shook her head adamantly. “Nay, I lack courage. Gran and Flora are more courageous than I. Still, Sir Percy makes demands of me and I will do whatever it takes to gain their freedom short of sharing his bed.”

  Brodin set a hand on her leg. “I’m sorry, lass, that you’ve had no one to turn to. You’ve got me now. I’ll see to this Percy and gain your grandmother and maid’s freedom.”

  But she didn’t have him. She dejected that she was indeed alone. “It shan’t be easy.”

  “Tell me of Percy and Alnwick. What will I face when we reach the holding?”

  Once they reached Alnwick, he’d learn of her deceit. Her heart hurt knowing he would face his fate when they arrived. Dallis told him of the ruthless warlord and his accomplishments within England’s forces. She spoke of the castle fortifications and soldiers and gave as much information as she could. When she finished, exhaustion overcame her. The midnight hour passed and she wanted to close her eyes for a bit.

  “Get rest, we’ll leave early. I wish to arrive by nightfall next.”

  Dallis put away the food and shook out the tartan she’d placed. She leaned back against the tree and closed her eyes. Brodin sat next to her and pulled her into his embrace. His strong arms felt oddly comforting. He covered her with the tartan and set her head on his muscular shoulder. She didn’t object because she was too tired to argue over the inappropriate gesture.

  Dallas awoke and noticed the brightness of morning. Brodin still held her and she drew away but didn’t break eye contact. A chill came and prickled her skin. The moment tumultuous, not only because she couldn’t look away … She must’ve mindfully felt safe in his arms. It had been years since she’d trusted someone as she had Brodin the prior night.

  His face shifted a mere inch from hers. If she moved a wee bit her lips would touch his. At that moment, it was her greatest wish. To feel his manly lips pressed against hers … the thought sent a riveting sense of warmth rushing through her. She shook away the aura and reminded herself of the mission.

  “We’re getting a late start. Why didn’t you wake me?”

  “You slept peacefully. I left you to rest.” He continued to hold her.

  She drew away, putting proper space between them. “’Tis morn already. You should have awakened me earlier. I know you want to reach Alnwick and Gilroy. We should continue the journey at the soonest if we’re to reach it by nightfall.” She rose and moaned at the ache in her lower back.

  Brodin was at her side in an instant. He turned her and caressed his large hand at the base of her back, sending heat to every part of her. He continued to press her, none too gently. But it felt wonderful and relieved the soreness of lying on the ground. She swayed on her feet. His touch evoked more than relief from her pains. It stirred something within her, a different sort of ache, one quite pleasurable.

  “Better?”

  She nodded and walked toward the horse unable to voice a reply. Rarely was she unable to put a voice to how she was feeling, but his touch unnerved her. Dallis didn’t want to be attracted to him, couldn’t be. She didn’t wish for his eyes to be mesmerizing, his grin so winsome, his body affecting. Yet she
longed to touch him, to caress him, to press against him, to breathe his scent. He affected her in ways she’d hadn’t deemed possible.

  Brodin sauntered past her and into the woods without a word.

  While he was gone, she hurried to the nearby brush. Her face brightened at the idea of having to take care of her morning chore. She wouldn’t bring herself to ask him to await her, so she was grateful he’d gone into the woods.

  When she finished, she hastened to the horse and waited for his return. In the few minutes he’d been gone, she reminded herself that he was a means to an end. She’d have to keep from being drawn to him and keep herself from looking overlong at him. Try as she might, neither would be possible. He was going to despise her. How could she live with that? Dallis abhorred herself at that moment knowing his hatred would cause her more distress than being held by Sir Percy.

  He returned and mounted the horse, assisted her atop, and she handed him the reins.

  “We will pass a village this day and won’t rest until late afternoon.”

  “I don’t need to rest. The sooner we reach my gran, the better.” Dallis sighed as he pressed her forward. Why did his body have to be hard, hot, … and taunting?

  “What happens when we get there?”

  She didn’t understand what he asked. “We rescue her.”

  “Is she in the upper or lower part of the keep?”

  Dallis had to appear to have knowledge of a plan. “She should be in the upper solar. When we get there, we can search there first.”

  “First? Where else would she be?”

  “Alnwick’s dungeon.”

  He scowled but didn’t remark on her bluntness. “Is that where he kept you?”

  “Sometimes, but the lord wants me to share his bed so he often allowed my freedom about the keep.” She lowered her gaze, shamed by her admission.

  “And you didn’t flee?”

  Dallis looked ahead, unsure how to respond. “I was often guarded. And nay, I wouldn’t leave without my gran or Flora. They are the only reason I return now. I must rescue them.” She felt his arms tighten around her. It was best not to say more.

  After their brief visit to the village, they continued onward. Toward dusk, heavy rain fell and soaked the hefty fabric of her garments. Dallis detested the gowns the English wore. It was all she’d been given to wear and short of going naked, she had to don them. When she reached home, she’d happily burn the awful thing.

  Brodin hadn’t spoken much since their earlier conversation. She hoped they arrived soon. It was best to get the deed done and gain their release. The more time she spent with Brodin, the more guilt plagued her. There was more at risk than her guilt. Her heart needed to harden toward the handsome guard, yet Dallis never had been one to be vicious or cruel. Her greatest pleasure was helping others. How would she go through with this debacle?

  The outer laying lands of Alnwick darkened on their approach. She gave a shrill whistle and alerted the night watch of her arrival. Before they reached the gatehouse, the sentry surrounded them. Ten men upon horses flanked them and held weapons at the ready.

  “Mistress Buchanan, you have returned.”

  She inclined her head at the soldier. “Aye, and I wish to see Sir Percy at once.”

  Brodin gripped her arm and scowled fiercely. “What goes here?”

  She lowered her chin and spoke slowly, “This man needs to be secured and taken to Percy.”

  At once Brodin realized his peril. Before he moved to draw his sword, the soldiers dragged him from the horse and away. He shouted her name in astound and for his release.

  Dallis’ stomach coiled. She kept her gaze on her shaking hands. One of the soldiers stepped forward to help her down from the horse. She could barely walk because her legs wobbled. The contemptible thing she’d done caused every part of her body to tremble. On the morrow, she, her gran, and Flora would leave this wretched place forever and she’d never look back.

  She entered the great hall and was bid to wait by an out cove.

  “My lord sups. I will let him know you’ve returned,” the soldier said and left her.

  The hall was busy with Percy entertaining visitors. Many servants bustled about seeing to their needs. The soldier leaned close to Percy and bespoke the news of her arrival. A young man stepped in front of the trestle table and blew into a horn. The call of attention was deafening. All within quieted and waited for instruction.

  The castle footman called in a booming voice, “Festivity is ended. All will leave the hall at once.”

  Dallis kept close to the wall as the guests made their exodus. Once the servants cleared away the remnants of supper, a chair was set in the chamber’s center. Percy ambled around the table and sat. He twitched a finger at her and bid her forward.

  She daren’t move. Sir Percy appeared bothered. That wasn’t a good sign.

  “Come, Dallis, since you have interrupted my supper and disturbed my guests. Tell me who you’ve brought?”

  She rushed ahead but stopped five feet short of him. “I did as you bade and fetched one of the Scottish king’s guardsmen.”

  A door banged and Brodin was dragged to stand nearby with four guards holding him securely. The look in his eyes spoke a volume of hatred, and rightly so. Dallis’ eyes stung from the tears that gathered and her throat hurt from the lump that formed. How she wanted to throw herself upon the floor in front of Brodin and beg his forgiveness. Instead, she stood stock still.

  “You claim this man is one of Robert the Bruce’s guardsmen, the renowned guard, that which legend is made?”

  She nodded because she couldn’t bring herself to speak.

  Sir Percy sighed and appeared bored at their discussion. “You could’ve brought any man. How am I to know you speak the truth? Have you a way to prove what ye say?”

  “I assure you, he is of the king’s guard. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  Percy sat back, his gaze going from Brodin to her. “There is a way to find out.” To a soldier standing near, he said, “Bring the lad forth.”

  “Sir Percy, I’ve done as you bid, I vow him to be of the guard. I wish to leave now with my gran and Flora. You gave your word.” Dallis stepped closer. She was about to fling herself before him and plead if necessary, but his mien was not amicable.

  “Dearest bloom, remain calm. I must have proof of who you say he is. The lad will tell me and once we settle the matter …”

  Minutes trickled by in an agonizing pace. Dallis shifted from one foot to another, keeping her gaze averted from Brodin’s. She was certain he scowled at her with loathsome, a look she didn’t wish to see in his beautiful eyes. The lad still lived and would attest that Brodin was of the guard, at least, that was something to be thankful for.

  Gilroy was drug into the chamber by two burly soldiers. Since she’d last seen him, he’d been beaten fiercely. A knot formed in her throat at his mistreatment whilst she was gone. The poor lad couldn’t stand on his own accord and was tossed upon the floorboards in front of Sir Percy as if he was discarded supper bones. His face covered with bruises and he cowered away. Dallis wanted to screech at their abuse of the lad, to tell them how cruel they were, and yet all she could do was let tears stream from her eyes.

  “Upon your knees, lad, or I shall have ye put on the rack this night. Do you know this man?” Percy’s voice chilled her.

  Gilroy lifted his head and glanced at Brodin. He shook his head.

  Two soldiers grabbed his arms and forced him to stand.

  Brodin tried to release himself from the soldier’s hold. He growled in frustration and managed to get an arm free before he was thoroughly taken in control. Dallis almost called out in despair but covered her mouth in desperation.

  “Lad, you want to help the lady, do you not?” Percy stood and strolled toward him. He stopped a foot away and lifted the lad’s chin. “I heard ye made good friends whilst I was gone. She cared for you, did she not?”

  Gilroy nodded.

  “Then you shall t
ell me … Is this man one of the Scottish king’s legendary guard?”

  When Gilroy took long in answering, Percy grabbed him, turned him to face her and Brodin, and held him positioned with a dagger to his neck. “When I’m done with you, I shall deal with the woman. You will answer, lad. Is he one of the guard?”

  “Mayhap,” Gilroy’s voice strained.

  Percy thrust his dagger in the lad’s throat and shoved him away.

  Gilroy fell and blood soaked his soiled garments and the floorboards. His body shook for what seemed to her, long moments. Dallis gasped and flung her hands to her neck. Dear Merciful God. He killed the lad. Gilroy was gone and his body stilled. She couldn’t hold back the sob that wrenched her throat. She fell to her knees and wept.

  Brodin shouted an anguished cry and gained his release. He rushed to Gilroy and dragged his limp body across his chest, holding the lad with force. Brodin’s back quavered from sobs. Dallis turned her face, unable to witness such mourning. She bent forward, clutched her knees, and with silent sobs, tears streamed her cheeks. Saints preserve her, for she never felt as wretched as she did at that moment.

  “Take him to the dungeon. See that he is secured. I will decide his fate later.” Percy stepped back when the soldiers moved in to apprehend Brodin.

  “What of the lad?” one soldier asked.

  “I care not. Feed him to the hounds or toss him from the ramparts.” The hall cleared and Percy sat back in his chair. “Dallis, my bloom, I’m impressed. You actually brought one of the guards. Did I not tell you a woman has charms to get certain deeds done?”

  She unfurled her arms from around her stomach and rose. “I wish to leave. Now.”

  He leaned his chin in the palm of his hand, surmising her. “Ah, but ye did not complete your task.”

  “B-but I did as you b-bid.”

  “You only brought one of the men. There are others. I required the lot of them. One man will not satisfy my king.”