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

by Kara Griffin

  “I understand you’re all disheartened at having to await the king’s pardon. It will come when it comes and not a moment before. Best settle in for a long wait.” Friar Hemm raised his cup. “God will see you through.”

  Liam finished his wine first and set his cup down. “What of the English?”

  Friar Hemm nodded. “Aye. I received a missive from my good friend Henry Mansfield, a fellow colleague from Oxford. He continues his studies there and often sends me news of England. He tells me the English king is met with opposition from his vassals. Many are perturbed at the cost of his father’s wars and the waste. Some seek to oust him by any means necessary and others favor him.”

  Graeme raised his brows and smirked. “Do you deem the lords of England would overthrow their own king?”

  Hemm tilted his head. “Word is ripe with rumors. Who knows if there is truth to them? Ah, I hear James now. I discern his steps for none walk with as much vigor.”

  The door banged open and James appeared. His shook his dark-wavy locks and snatched the cup Heath held and downed the remnants of the wine. “My thanks, I’m parched.”

  Brodin stepped away from the wall and noticed the despaired look on their comrade’s face.

  “What news have you? You spoke to the king, did you not?” Graeme asked and greeted James with a clasp to his arm.

  “Indeed. I spoke with him at length. At last, he allowed me the liberty to broach the subject of your … banishment. Sit all, for I have not fair news to impart.”

  A quiet mien overtook the room as they waited for James to speak. He took the chair offered by Liam and sat back.

  “I met with Robert and insisted he listens to your plea of a meeting and clemency.” James swiped his face and moaned. “I told him all. I stated how you have kept your vow and protected him during various battles. How you kept out of the hands of his enemies. That you seek his forgiveness for disobeying him and leaving the isle.”

  Brodin tensed in anticipation of the outcome of their discussion. If the news wasn’t favorable, then that meant they were headed to the noose. He couldn’t escape the latter, but he would do something about the noose Dallis was set to ensnare him with. One noose for another.

  Graeme thumped his chair and the legs scraped the floor. “Go on, speak. We’ll be hearing the rest of it. Did he pardon or condemn us for not following his command?”

  James shook his head. “Robert didn’t say nay to a meeting, but he didn’t agree to a pardon either. He merely said he would think upon the matter and take it under advisement.”

  Liam groaned. “Och, we’re dead men. If he wanted to release us from our vow to him, he would’ve done so. Our service to him ended long ago. Why wouldn’t he release us unless he intends to punish us?”

  “We will have to wait until the king decides,” Graeme said. “Until then, we will go on as we have.”

  “I don’t like this one wee bit,” Heath said.

  “Me neither,” Liam said.

  Brodin kept his view to himself. There had to be a reason the king didn’t release them. At least Robert did not set out to apprehend them. If he wanted to punish them, he would’ve sent his soldiers to capture them, but he didn’t. The king had a purpose, some use of them, but to what resolution or end? Until he divulged the whys, they’d keep guarded and be patient. As long as the king didn’t demand their execution, he’d be satisfied.

  After the grumbling over the matter was finished, Brodin pulled away from the wall. He’d waited for the perfect moment to reveal his plan. Now was as good a time as any.

  “I have something to say.”

  All eyes shot to him.

  He raised his voice so all would hear. “I’ve decided to leave the guard and follow James’ militia. There’s no reason for me to stay at the caves.”

  Silence met him.

  Graeme leaned back and scowled. After a brief moment of quiet, he spoke, “There’s plenty of reasons for you to stay. Shall I list them or start with the most obvious?”

  Brodin nodded.

  “Dallis Buchanan. Will ye leave the lass unattended? Her clan has yet to be reached.”

  “I am not responsible for her or beholden to the lass. Besides, she has you, Liam, and Heath, and the womenfolk at the cave … I aim to find the lass’ brothers and send them to retrieve her. I owe her nothing.”

  Graeme scoffed. He glanced at each of them before returning his gaze to him. “Nay.”

  Liam and Heath said not a word.

  “Nay? I’m not asking for your permission, Graeme. I am telling you I am intent on leaving the guard. My service to the king ended long ago, as has yours. Robert would not expect us to continue to uphold our vow. There’s no reason why I should stay.” Brodin stood in a defensive position. His back straight, his hands fisted. He was ready for a fight if that’s what Graeme wanted. “James, I plan to leave with you.”

  James grinned but didn’t agree or disagree with him.

  Graeme gipped his tunic and yanked him forward before Brodin had a chance to defend himself. “I was put in charge of our group. I decide if and when you can leave. And my answer is nay. You took a vow to Robert and swore to protect him whilst in his service. You are not yet relieved of that duty. Until you are given release, you are damned well beholden. But you also took a sworn oath to stand by your brethren. None will leave the group until we are given leave. I forbid you to go until the king has given us permission to return to our clans. Only then will we leave one another.”

  The lengthy retort was the most Graeme spoke in many a month. When he was riled, he took on a ferocious mien, one that many wouldn’t oppose. But Brodin wasn’t many. He was about to strike out and oppose his good comrade, yet had the moral sense not to. He admitted to himself that Graeme was right. Their oath to each other was more important to them than any other pledge they’d made. Graeme was their leader and he had no choice but to concede and follow his command. Regardless of their situation, they’d always been selfless and stood by one another. As much as he wanted to escape Dallis, he couldn’t walk away from his adopted clansmen.

  “I was wont to find the lass’ family,” he said low, almost too lax for any to hear.

  Graeme bellowed a laugh. “What you were wanting was to run. I’ve never known you to flee from a challenge, Brodin. If I let you go, you’d regret it. You need to consider others and your future. All of us will return to the caves and we will stay together until this is finished.”

  James chortled. “Well, now that that is settled … I haven’t ever seen such anger betwixt you before. I hope Robert decides soon. When I get word, I’ll come. And worry not, Brodin, I’ll search for the Buchanan lass’ brothers and send them to you. I must go.” James didn’t wait for their dismissal. He sauntered out the door.

  Brodin was done for. Being in the sight of Dallis would definitely lead to his downfall. There was no way around it. Dallis Buchanan would bring him to his knees. He wasn’t sure if it would be pleasurable or nay.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Early winter’s chill settled on the land. Dallis shivered and pulled her shawl around her body. She wished with all her heart to return to Buchanan land. At least at home, she wouldn’t have to contend with the brisk manner from Brodin. Being near him didn’t help ease her discontent. He’d told her he was leaving but returned the very next day. She didn’t understand why he spoke falsely. Yet she was joyful upon his return. That was until he greeted everyone but her.

  She walked to the ossuary and hoped he wouldn’t be there. The bairn needed milk and since they kept the goat with the horses; she had no choice but to visit the place Brodin spent most of his time. Fortunately, this day he wasn’t in the cave. She hastened inside and got to her chore.

  “Hold still you churlish oaf.” By all that was holy, she’d find a way to milk the beast without falling on her arse. But the creature wouldn’t cooperate. Dallis knelt, set the bucket beneath its belly, and took hold of the utter. “If you help me, I can get the deed done
and leave ye be.”

  She shook her head at the absurdity of talking aloud to the goat. Milking a goat took long and was a laborious task. The milk she’d been able to retrieve so far hadn’t amounted to much. Dallis suspected her nemesis would return shortly and she tried to be quick. After toiling for several minutes, there was enough for a feeding. It would have to do.

  Dallis lifted the bucket and rushed forth. She was about to reach the cave exit when she ran into Brodin. The bucket flew in the air and its contents covered both of them. She gasped and stepped back.

  “Oh, for the love of God. I do apologize.” She retrieved the bucket and glanced at his handsome face. His piercing blue eyes seemed to be filled with mirth for they crinkled at the edges. “You’re soaked through.”

  “Aye.” He removed a length of tartan from his shoulder and dabbed the front of his tunic.

  “I should go.” She was wont to be gone, but being close to him sent a familiar longing through her. Dallis would’ve stood there all day and gazed at his handsome face, strong body, and winsome eyes. Except she suspected he loathed her. It wouldn’t do her heart any good to have false hope. She needed to leave before she said or did something she’d regret.

  “Wait.”

  She stepped nearer to him. “I need to get more milk now that … the bucket is empty.”

  “Let me help you.” He took the bucket from her and tethered the goat to the post.

  Within minutes he had a fair amount of milk collected. His skill impressive and she wondered how he’d learned to milk a goat. Unfathomable, because a strong warrior-like man like he shouldn’t possess farming skills. Yet many men-at-arms had farmsteads. She couldn’t envision Brodin tending animals. This was another side to him she’d discovered. Dallis realized the goat couldn’t move if he were tethered. She had to remember that trick for next time.

  “My thanks.”

  “Before you go, I wanted to show you something.” He motioned her toward the back of the ossuary.

  She set the bucket down and followed apprehensively. The cave was filled with the dead, their bodies lay silent. It was an eerie place that evoked an odd sense. Usually, her chest tightened and her heart raced, being there. She hastily crossed herself and reached Brodin. “What is it?”

  He uncovered a large object. Dallis peered down and saw a lovely cradle. The adornments, delicate scrolls, were carved exquisitely. She’d never seen such a fine cradle or workmanship. There appeared to be many sides to Brodin. Not only was he skilled at milking a goat, but he also carved wood to perfection.

  “It’s beautiful. Did you make this for Makenna?”

  “Nay, not for her. I noticed your bairn didn’t have a secure place to sleep and I thought …”

  “My bairn? He isn’t my babe. I’m just taking care of him until my clan …” Dallis ran her hand along the slope of the wood. “I’m hoping Flora’s family takes him in.”

  “James will find your brothers.”

  “I hope he does. I want to go home. It’s been years …” She didn’t mean to sound so dejected, but since she’d left Buchanan land nothing had gone right. All she’d wanted was to return.

  “We all want to go home. For now, we must be content here.”

  “I suppose so. Winter will soon come and I fear there will be no contentment then. Good day.” She turned to leave, but Brodin took hold of her arm and swung her around.

  “Why do you torment me so?” The tone of his voice was akin to a gentle caress.

  “I torment you?” How could he not know how his presence affected her? Sadness tightened her throat and she fought the impulse to weep. Brodin punished them both by staying away. He needed someone to care for him, to give him reason to smile, to lighten his soul. How she wanted to be the one to do so.

  “Aye, you do. I can’t resist you. I’ve tried, trust me, lass.”

  Dallis shoulders tensed at the affront. “I have kept away. You should release me so I may leave you in peace.” She tried to yank her arm free, but he wouldn’t let her go.

  “I don’t want you to leave. I want you here, in my arms.” He pulled her close, his mouth a scant inch from hers. “I want my mouth on yours and your bonny lips soft and yielding.”

  She took a shallow breath. “You confuse me? You don’t speak kindly to me on your return and yet you’re here speaking such …”

  “I thought by being distant I could forget you, get you out of my blood. Aye, that I might control the urge to kiss you. The blame is yours, lass. Your beauty, gentle spirit, and kindness lures me. I cannot keep away any longer.”

  “I wish to please you, to make you happy, to see you smile. Can you not do so?” She touched his whiskered jaw, allowing her fingers to slowly trail the line of his face.

  Brodin locked his arms around her back and pulled her close. “I want such pleasure.”

  She set a light kiss on his mouth. “When we were … together … before, I thought it was wonderful and yet you acted as though it was nothing but—”

  He set a finger on her lips. “I was an arse. What we shared was wonderful, lovely. I am displeased that I caused you upset. If you’ll allow me to try again …”

  Dallis’ heart eased. She pressed her lips on his and surrendered to the desire that called her. Regardless of whatever caused their row, she wanted to be held by him and mayhap adored even if a little. She wanted to share pleasure with him, to hear his moans of desire, to feel the fast beat of his heart beneath her palm again.

  Brodin returned her kiss and his fingers pressed the back of her neck. He kept her braced against him and she felt every taut muscle of his body, arms, legs, and nether parts. She gasped when he scooped her in his arms and carried her out of the ossuary. He kept walking and continued to press light kisses on her neck.

  “We’ll go to a more secluded place.”

  Dallis tried to wiggle from his hold. “I can walk.”

  “Will you not give me the pleasure of holding you?”

  “Am I not too heavy?” She shrieked when he pretended to drop her.

  “Nay, you’re as light as a goose.” He reached the stream and ambled forward until he came to a large crag. Nearby, he set her on her feet. Brodin removed a layer of tartan, shook it out, and set it upon the soft grass.

  “It’s beautiful here.”

  “It’s quiet. I come here often. Come and sit with me.” He knelt on the cover and patted it.

  She pulled her slippers free and sat with her legs folded beneath her. “Will you tell me of your life?”

  Brodin removed the other layer of tartan and bunched it up. His tunic barely covered his lower half. She tried not to stare.

  “Aye, I will, but later. Right now I want to feel your soft, sweet body.”

  Dallis let go the breath she held when he took hold of her frock and pulled it over her head. She giggled as his fingers brushed the sensitive skin of her abdomen.

  “Your laugh is bonny. I like the sound of it.”

  She laughed again and lay back, regarding the usual brightness of his blue eyes that now shone with a devilish glint. With her arms outstretched, she invited him to join her.

  He took painstaking time, roaming his hands over her legs, hip, stomach, and chest. She wanted his kiss, but he thoroughly won her over. A moan escaped her as he assailed her with desire. Brodin pulled her to sit upon his lap.

  “It’s been too long, lovely. I want you, need to be with you, need to love you.” His lips possessed hers.

  She purposely grazed her breasts against his chest and moaned as the kiss turned torrid. The moan turned to a whimper when he joined their bodies. It had been too long since she felt his strength. She tossed her head back and delighted at the tender way he moved.

  “I want to slam your body, aye, and have you panting so hard you burst from it.” He thrust his body and she screeched.

  The jarring of his body colliding with hers forced her to hold on. She closed her eyes and tried with all her might to enjoy each sensation. The last time
they’d joined, she had been focused on herself that she didn’t take the time to watch him. She opened her eyes and smiled at the sight before her. His mouth hung open and the sounds coming from his throat affecting. He groaned and lay back, pulling her slightly forward.

  “I’m yours, lass. Do as you want,” he grated the words out as though he was in pain.

  She knew right well what affected him for she was in the same state. With her hands pressed on his chest to support herself, she met his frenzied pace. She couldn’t hold back when an intense fire shot through her. Her legs turned to mush and she could barely hold herself upright. Every part of her shook and she squeezed her eyes closed and marveled at the desire pulsing through her body.

  Brodin continued to raise his body, meeting hers, thrashing madly until he shifted and yelled out his own bliss. It took long minutes before either of them to recover enough to speak.

  “I never imagined joining with a man is so …”

  He laughed and flashed a big grin. “I’ll share a wee secret with you, lass. It isn’t always as passionate … between lovers.”

  She couldn’t believe such a falsehood. “How can that be? When I’m with you …”

  “When a man and a woman’s desire is strong, it is exceedingly passionate. When it’s not, the joining can be cold and distant.”

  “I’m gladdened it is passionate between us.”

  He kissed her cheek. “As am I.”

  Dallis grabbed her frock and thought to dress. The air chilled her and she shivered. Brodin grabbed it before she could pull it on, and tossed it aside. He snatched his other tartan and covered her. Lying naked in his arms, she sighed happily.

  “It is a bit cold. I’m shivering.” She snuggled contently by his side.

  He chuckled. “Mayhap, or ye might still be topping.”

  She elbowed his side and laughed. “Ah but you are confident in your ability? I suppose I should thank you.”

  He kissed her lips. “I should be thanking you. Do you forgive me for being a lout last time?”

  She patted his chest and nodded. “Only if you forgive me. There is far more I need to be forgiven for than you.”