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

by Kara Griffin

  Brodin settled his hand over hers. “Worry not, for I forgave you long ago.”

  “Ah, that’s right. You did say you forgave me, but that you wouldn’t ever trust me.” She quieted and the sound of the noises of the woods surrounded them. She hoped he would tell her he trusted her, but he remained quiet. “I want your trust, Brodin, more than anything. One day you shall give it to me freely.”

  “Perhaps. Right now I just want to hold you.”

  She edged closer and sighed contently. “Will you tell me of your life? I want to know everything about you.”

  “You first, lass. What of your life?” He pressed his hand down her body and settled it on her stomach.

  “My life … I promise you is quite droll. I helped gran care for the croft. She liked to garden and had a small patch that she tended. My da built a nice sized cottage where we lived on Buchanan land. My mother passed long ago when I was young and Gran always looked after me. My da was of warring and warfare and commanded the Buchanan soldiers. He had little time for anything else or a daughter. If we weren’t fighting with a nearby clan, he was off aiding the king. My brothers, likewise, had paid little attention to me. I was happy though with my simple life, that is until Gran wanted to go to England.”

  “The Buchanans are aggressors. Aye, hot-headed barbarians akin to James and his followers. I’ve met a few on my travels with the king. Your brothers are unreasonable and arrogant.”

  “Whatever they’d done, I do apologize. They can be … difficult.” She laughed when she heard him chuckle.

  “It’s well done of them to be intimidating. All Highlanders possess such traits. It’s admirable, aye, commendable, but dealing with them is vexing.”

  “And you? What of your clan?” She relaxed back and hoped he would tell her something that would aid in getting him to relent and trust her.

  “My clan is large but not as large as yours. I heard the Buchanans have hundreds if not thousands of followers.”

  “Mayhap thousands. I’m not certain of the number, but go on.”

  “My father and some clansmen were captured by the English years ago when the fight for our independence began. My uncle put me in charge of our soldiers even though my elder brothers should’ve been placed before me. They weren’t displeased though for they’d rather discuss political matters and assess the goings on. I was content with my life until that day …”

  He looked far off as if he was remembering. “I thought to take a wife …”

  She listened intently as he poured his heart out.

  “I found the woman I intended to wed in bed with another.”

  “How wretched. I suppose you were angry.”

  “Furious, but that was the lesser of her deceit.”

  She tried to soothe him by stroking his chest, but he took hold of her hand and held it.

  “She sent a man to kill me. He failed, but then she told her father I tried to harm her. It was far from the truth, lass, but I had no way to defend myself.”

  “Did her father believe you?”

  “He might have, but he sent me to serve the Bruce as punishment anyway. That’s how I met Graeme, Liam, and Heath. In some ways that event was a blessing.”

  “You’re close to them.”

  “Aye, closer than my own brothers.” Brodin leaned on his elbow and stared at her with deep sincere eyes. “I want to trust you, Dallis, but it is difficult. There are very few I do trust.”

  She could lose her breath gazing at his penetrating eyes. Never before had someone looked at her with such honesty, humility, and honor.

  “I understand. I shall earn your trust, Brodin. I vow, one day you won’t question my loyalty, just as you don’t question your comrades’.”

  “Are you hot yet?” He leaned over her and grinned. “Because I’m burning for you.”

  Dallis squealed with delight when he pressed her back and kissed her longingly. Their discussion faded from her mind because all she could focus on was his touches. Gaining his trust would have to wait.

  Chapter Fourteen

  The wait was over. Winter persisted through long months of holding up in the caves. The moments he spent alone with Dallis he relished, but they were sparse and rare. Now that spring hinted its warm and longer days, he’d have more opportunity for privacy. Morning dawned drearily, but Brodin rose early and couldn’t wait to begin the day. The dreariness might as well be sunshine for he was in a jovial mood. He sat alone at the trestle table, contentedly awaiting the others to rise. Annag silently prepared their morning fare and hadn’t noticed him yet.

  None awoke at the early hour, even the children. The silence, except for an occasional bang of a pot by Annag, was welcome. He was hard-pressed to spend any time in the cave when all were about. Yet since he and Dallis made amends, he didn’t want to be anywhere else.

  Graeme joined him at the table and grumbled for a cup of mead. Annag hastily set it before him and hurried back to her pots.

  “My thanks, Annag. What has you smiling, Brodin?”

  Brodin would’ve laughed outright at Graeme’s surliness, but his comrade must have had a rough night.

  “No reason. I suppose I’m just cheerful this morn.”

  Graeme groused and drank his mead. “When have you ever awoken cheerful? You’ve done it, haven’t you?”

  “Done what?”

  “Accepted Dallis.”

  “Mayhap, I have.”

  Graeme punched his upper arm. “Finally. I thought we’d be long gone from the caves before ye came to your senses.”

  “Why the hell’d you do that?” He rubbed his arm and grinned.

  “Mayhap my arse. I’m gladdened though, Brodin. You deserve happiness. We might as well enjoy ourselves before our king ends it and relays his decision.”

  “You don’t think it will end well?” Brodin snatched his comrade’s cup and poured himself a helping of mead. He drank slowly and continued to eye him.

  “Robert has a well-known temper is probably wrathful. I deem he’ll want to inflict the fullest punishment and that means our deaths. I am trying to accept that.”

  Brodin shook his head. “I refuse to accept that. Robert is honorable. We might as well be hopeful. I have faith he’ll do the right thing as does Heath.”

  “I hope you do the right thing by Dallis.” Graeme took the cup from him and raised it. “Might a wedding be in order? Should I invite Friar Hemm for supper?”

  He swallowed the ire at that thought. “Nay, I haven’t considered it. For now, I’m pleased with her. I won’t make any decisions until we know what Robert intends.”

  Graeme groaned. “Christ Almighty, I hope Kerrigan doesn’t learn of your liaison. She’ll insist on a wedding.”

  Brodin grinned and raised a brow. “Well now, we will just need to keep it from your wife, won’t we?”

  “It’s not we that I’m worried about. It’s your lass. She won’t lie to my wife and you ken how Kerrigan is about such matters. She’ll insist on a wedding.”

  Brodin nodded. Kerrigan became the annoying sister they’d all wished they’d had but were grateful they didn’t. “I won’t ask Dallis to lie, but … ah, here she comes now.”

  Dallis wore a gown Lillia must’ve given her and it fit her much better than the frocks. The curves of her body and breasts accentuated. He almost groaned aloud at the alluring way it fit her. Brodin liked the smile she wore too.

  “Good morn,” she said as she passed by and approached Annag.

  He inclined his head and tried to listen to what she was saying, but he couldn’t hear her because Graeme continued to mutter about his wife’s misgivings. It wasn’t Kerrigan he worried about. What concerned him were the Buchanans and the fact he might soon be condemned to execution.

  The Buchanans were sure to be displeased by Dallis’ choice of man and who would blame them? He wasn’t a worthy suitor and yet when had that ever stopped him from courting a lass he’d been interested in? At least that was the case when he’d been young and
didn’t have a dismal future.

  If their king intended to pardon them, he would’ve done so when James met him last. As much as he wanted to keep positive about the matter, his life would soon end. He certainly didn’t want to subject Dallis to the agony of his death. He couldn’t wed the lass even if he wanted to. Brodin wanted nothing more in many a year, not since he’d considered Alexia for a wife.

  “Are you listening?”

  He shook his head and realized Graeme asked him a question. “Nay, my mind is elsewhere.”

  Graeme chuckled. “I know where your mind is. Cease tormenting yourself and accept your fate, my friend. The ladies asked if we might purchase fabric so they can make cooler garments for the children now that the weather grows warmer.”

  “You want to head to the village?”

  “Aye, and I want to see Rohan and Friar Hemm. It’s been a time since we checked on them. I wonder if the king has returned to his duties and if he plans on retaking more fiefs.”

  “They would’ve sent a message if there were troubles or news.” Brodin dismissed Graeme again and regarded how winsome Dallis appeared. That gave him an idea. A ride to the village was just what he needed. A nice long secluded ride through the pines … “I’ll go. I could use an outing. Mayhap Dallis will join me. She hasn’t been to the village since …”

  Graeme bellowed a laugh. “An outing? Is that what you’re calling it now? Go then. Stop by the abbey on your return and have the friar attend you. That is if you don’t spend all day in yonder woods.” He waved a hand and left the table laughing and in a much merrier mood than when he’d joined him.

  Brodin tapped Dallis on the shoulder and she startled. She turned quickly and ended up in his arms. His gaze lingered on the decorative bodice of her gown. Damnation. He wasn’t ordinarily the jealous sort. There wasn’t any cause to be so since his comrades were all devoted husbands. Dallis would definitely draw the attention of the men in the village. He’d ensure the lass was good and covered with his cloak.

  “Brodin, did you want something?”

  He almost forgot what he wanted to ask her. Her pretty face distracted him. “I’m going to the village if you’d like to go.”

  “Oh, I would. Let me borrow a cloak from Kerrigan.” She ran off before he might suggest she wear his.

  When she returned wearing Kerrigan’s cloak, he groaned. He quickly detached the clasp at the neck and tossed the garment on a nearby chair. She scowled and was about to voice her displeasure, but he settled his cloak around her shoulders.

  “Mine is much warmer.”

  “I dare say it is.” She took hold of his hand and followed him to the ossuary.

  He readied his horse and they headed to the trail of the village. Normally he would ride through the woods, but with Dallis present, he didn’t want to have to watch for low branches and suggested they walk for a time.

  “I shall find the best fabric for the children’s garments. They’ve all outgrown their winter garb and are in need of new tunics. I might not know how to care for a bairn, but I can sew garments well and good.”

  He sidled next to her and grinned. It wasn’t like her to be coy, but she made small talk and kept her gaze ahead. Brodin snatched her hand and squeezed it. “Whilst you are tending to that, I will find Rohan and get the latest news.”

  “Please give him my thanks. I never got a chance to thank him for his aid when I was at his home. He was kindhearted to let me stay in his chamber while I waited for you.”

  Brodin laughed and the force of it rumbling his chest. Rohan wasn’t kindhearted at all. He’d been swayed by Dallis’ beauty and that his patrons were lovesick besotted fools. But Brodin wouldn’t mention it to her.

  The village came into view and he assessed the outskirts for dangers. Seeing none, he proceeded onward and stopped at the hostel. The wind picked up and the sky pitched. Rain would soon soak them if they didn’t hurry and get inside. Most sought the indoors and the lane vacant. He reached the miller’s cottage and released Dallis’ hand.

  “Stay here and attend your chore. I’ll come back for you.”

  “I am capable of walking to Rohan’s when I’m finished.”

  “Don’t argue, lass, just do as I say.” Brodin softened the command with a gentle kiss on her lips. “I don’t want you to cause trouble.” He grinned when she frowned.

  “What possible trouble could I cause? I shall likely be overlong anyway since I have much fabric to purchase.” She gave him an unabashed smile and a wave.

  “Take your time.” He watched her retreat inside and waited a moment to ensure she was safe before heading toward Rohan’s.

  A strange sense came to him and he thought someone was following him. After slowing his pace and keeping an eye out behind him, he realized he must’ve been mistaken. No one was about the lane. Inside Rohan’s, the place nearly filled with partakers. Brodin took in the patrons and recognized a few of James’ men.

  Rohan called to him and he turned to find him sitting with James.

  “What brings you to the village?” Rohan asked.

  “Graeme wanted me to check in. Any news?”

  “None from me. Been quiet of late, but since the weather warmed, I’m certain the king will take to the battle once again or move to another camp. Oh, and I wanted to tell ye I saw your brother a few times. He stopped in for a drink.”

  “Alan was here?” Brodin found that odd because his brothers should’ve headed back to Grant land after their meeting.

  “Nay, the younger one.” Rohan left the table, shouting at one of the serving lads. “That’s not how ye clean the table, lad.”

  Brodin dismissed the thought of his brother’s visit to the village, but he might need to send a message to Grifin to find out why he’d come. He redirected his attention to James.

  “What of you, James? Spend a quiet winter somewhere? Mayhap with the king? Or perhaps in a deep bog somewhere in the Highlands?”

  His jest was lost on the surly warrior. James sneered and propped his feet upon the chair Rohan vacated. “I would’ve preferred a bog for it was a damned cold winter. And aye, I met with Robert again. I wasn’t going to broach the subject of your meeting request again since he was leery to discuss it the last time. Och, he told me he is amiable to a meeting sometime this spring. He will send me to you when he is ready to meet.”

  Brodin firmed his lips because he wasn’t sure if that was good news or not. At least they would finally get the matter settled once and for all. “I’m gladdened to hear that. I’ll let Graeme and the others know. Where are you headed now?”

  “Roxborough.”

  “Your lands? Are you certain you wish to go?”

  James nodded slightly. “I admit going home will be difficult. But the king wants me to recapture it and I’d like it returned to Scottish hands. Shouldn’t be too difficult a task. I plan to thwart the English watch. Actually, you and your comrades gave me an idea … I’m going to raid in the midst of the darkest hour and have my men pretend to be cattle. We’ll scale the walls and have the fief overtaken in short time.” James’ grin attested his plan sound and plausible.

  “Your idea has merit, I’ll give you that. Damn, I wish I could come along. I long for battle or even a minor scuffle.” They’d been too lax lately and Brodin was of warring and warfare. He wished he’d gone off with James as he’d wanted and not obeyed Graeme. Yet he wouldn’t go back on his word to stick by his brethren.

  “You could come along. That’s if you’ve got the balls to deliberately defy Graeme Cameron. There’s nothing stopping you.” James bellowed and jeered.

  “Och I’d like nothing better, but there are matters I must attend to, like telling my comrades of the king’s decision to meet with us. And there’s Dallis. I can’t leave her yet. Nay, besides, you don’t need me. Your band of men is more than capable of handling the clash.”

  James snickered. “Skirmish more like. I doubt we’ll be at it for a full day.”

  “Have you run into the
Buchanans?”

  He shook his head. “Nay, no sign of them as yet. I’m sure they’ve taken winter refuge until the king calls for arms again. Most sought protection from the harsh winter. If I run across them, I’ll send them to Dumfries. I shall see you soon.” With that, he shifted his feet, rose, and sauntered off.

  Brodin finished off the cup of ale left by James and figured he might as well see if Dallis was finished with her task. He walked hastily toward the miller’s and saw her standing outside the entrance. Four men ogled her from across the lane. He was bothered by their lewd remarks and stared them down until they moved along. Chasing them off was easier than he thought, but then his glare was enough to get his message across.

  “Finished?”

  She smiled winsomely. Lord, he was smitten with her bonny face. She could lighten him with a flicker of her eyelashes. He was definitely besotted. God help him.

  “Yes, but I’ll need to return in a week or so. The miller said he would have better supply then. All the fabric too heavy for this time of year.” Dallis handled him the bundle she held. “I managed to find a few bolts that will do for now.”

  Brodin took her hand and marveled at how small it seemed in his. She was a delicate, sweet woman. He walked alongside her until they reached the horses. There, he secured her purchase and helped her up. “We should make haste.”

  “Why? Are we in a hurry? The rain ceased and the weather much nicer now. It’ll make for an enjoyable ride home.”

  “No hurry, but we might arrive after dark.” He grinned to himself knowing the reason why. But he was positive someone watched him. He spied about the lane but didn’t see anyone near enough to be following him. Still, he wouldn’t ignore the suspicion or the odd feeling he got. Once he reached the woods, he’d feel much better.

  Tall pine branches kept the woodland ground dry, but the scent of the foliage permeated from the recent rains. Spring brought back the birds and insects; their songs and sounds lending a calm aura to the woods. He relaxed and let a bit of his guard down. The sun shone on a clearing near the small glen where he intended to stop.