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

by Kara Griffin

  “Brodin was searching for Rohan. I watched him head out and I was walking toward the miller’s when a woman came …” She related the tale as best she could from all that she remembered. “My heart went out to Brodin. He was quite disturbed by the ordeal.”

  “Oh, it is romantic the way he held you and told you he loved you,” Kerrigan said. “I knew there was more to your relationship. The way you look at each other …”

  “As much as I want nothing more than to be with him, we know that cannot be.”

  Lillia slapped the water. “Why can it not?”

  “The king … When he sends for the men, Brodin will send me home. I shall never see him again. He deems the king will call for their execution. He says he won’t have me mourning him.”

  The women sobered at her declaration.

  Kerrigan took her hand. “It has been a worry for years for all of us. We all knew what we were getting involved in when we married our men. It’s been worth the burden though. Our husbands are honorable and will face whatever punishment the king decides. Until then we shall love them and revere each moment.”

  “That’s what I’ve been trying to do. You’ve all had years with your men. I’ve only just met Brodin and haven’t had time to make a life with him. He’s only just acknowledged his feelings for me. I despair that he’s finally found some happiness after years of hell because of Alexia and now it shall end.”

  Lillia pressed a hand on her shoulder. “Brodin deserves to find happiness and even if it is short-lived, at least he has you. We shouldn’t despair. It is such a beautiful day and the sun is shining. Let us not dwell on disheartening matters.”

  “Speaking of disheartening matters … Brodin told me that James returned to Roxborough. He’s intent on finding my brothers. I’ve been praying he doesn’t find them. The longer it takes him to do so the longer I get to be with Brodin.”

  “Oh dear,” Makenna said and settled the sleeping Benny next to her. “James is ever relentless. If he returns with your brothers, your time with Brodin will be shortened. Let us hope something distracts him.”

  Lillia scoffed. “James is not one to be distracted. I feel quite sorry for the man. All he’s ever known is warfare. He’s never had a woman to care for him.”

  Kerrigan snorted. “He’s married.”

  All eyes shot to Kerrigan in shock.

  Dallis chuckled under her breath in disbelief at that assertion. What woman in her right mind would marry such a barbarian? Though he’d treated her kindly enough, she suspected he was a force to be reckoned with. “You must be mistaken. Surely no woman would put up with such a cross, irritable man.”

  Lillia splashed Kerrigan and laughed. “Cross. He’s downright disgruntled, obstinate, and has not one single manner about him. I swear I’ve never come across and more churlish man. His poor wife must dread his homecomings. I wonder if he visits her. Have they children?” She bellowed a laugh. “Can you imagine him with children? He’s never once paid any attention to any of our children.”

  Kerrigan nodded. “Graeme says James visits his wife at least once a year. Poor woman, indeed … to be away from one’s husband for so long. If they have children it’s by the grace of God.”

  The women laughed heartily at their discussion of James. A man cleared his throat alerting them he was there and they ceased their laughter. Heath walked backward and approached the bank. He stood too far away to see anything and kept his view ahead. Dallis thought it chivalrous but wanted to laugh at his awkwardness. Lillia was fortunate in her husband, as were all the women at the caves.

  “Ladies, it’s getting late. We’re putting the bairns to bed. It’s getting dark, night comes. Come inside soon. Graeme wishes to have a meeting.”

  “Oh, a meeting? Is that what you’re calling it now?” Lillia said in jest and shoved Kerrigan.

  Heath laughed. “Aye, a meeting. I doubt you’ll want to … share covers with us after we have our meeting. Best prepare yourselves.”

  Kerrigan splashed water at him. “We’ll come along shortly.”

  Heath marched off with his back to them.

  Dallis waited until he was a good distance away before leaving the water. She dressed beside Kerrigan. “What do you suppose the men want to meet about?”

  “What Graeme has been griping about for years.”

  “And what is that?”

  Lillia laced her bodice and smiled somberly. “What all our husbands have griped about. They want us to leave. To go to their lands and await them there. For many a year, we have refused. Now I fear they will not let us refuse again.”

  Makenna continued to hold Benny and led the way to the cave. “Come we shall face the dilemma and refuse their request like we usually do. I remind you tears are oft the only thing that sways them. If you must sob, do so.” She smiled widely before setting her mouth in a frown.

  Dusk shadowed the land when they reached the incline to the cave. Dallis entered last. From what the women said the meeting would be a dramatic show and she wanted to be front and center. Gran and Annag set out a light supper and sat afar in the chamber, sewing by candlelight. Neither paid attention to the goings on around them.

  Flora’s bairn cried, but before her gran could get to him, Makenna took him and soothed the babe. Within seconds he quieted and slept. She placed him in the cradle Brodin had made and rejoined them, but the bairn wasn’t content for long. Makenna rushed back to quiet him.

  The men sat amid the large trestle table and awaited them. They spoke not a word but shared looks of concern. Each woman sat next to their husbands. Makenna continued to hold the bairn and rocked him while she sat at the table. Dallis surveyed Brodin’s mood and couldn’t discern his disposition. He neither smiled nor frowned. Lord, he had a beautiful face. She smiled, sat next to him and took his hand. He rubbed his thumb on her palm but didn’t look at her. A telling sign, that. She realized he avoided her gaze.

  Graeme rose and began a leisurely amble around the table. “I ken you don’t want to leave us, but you will listen to what we have to say.” He stopped by his wife’s seat and pressed his hands on her shoulders gently massaging her. “Robert will call soon. Regardless of his decision, we must leave the caves. If he pardons us, we shall return to our clans. If he doesn’t, you shall return to our clans. We have decided to send you now and not await the king’s call.”

  None voiced their aversion of the plan. Graeme continued, “We want you and our children safe and settled. When we leave, we go with the assurance that you are settled and will not worry for you.”

  Kerrigan craned her neck to look at her husband. “When do you want us to go?”

  “On the morrow, we will help gather our possessions and get you ready for the travel. I have sent word to Friar Hemm who will send several stable lads to escort you to our lands.”

  “Lads? You’ll allow us to travel without a proper escort?” Makenna raised a brow and her mouth firm.

  Liam nodded. “Aye, we have no choice. Travel should be safe enough for the journey since most of the English have left the area. The lads will relate you arrived safely and Friar Hemm will get word to us. In the meantime, we will go in search of our king, and await outside his tent if need be, until he is ready to meet with us.”

  The discussion became heated then and Dallis sat back and listened to both sides. For and against the decree. She didn’t have a view. Dallis would be sent back to Buchanan land with her gran regardless of their decision. She’d never see Brodin again. With that thought, she rose and left the main chamber, and retreated behind the screen. She sat on the bedding and continued to listen to the noisy debate. Eventually, the women’s voices lowered. Her friends must’ve realized they were up against a wall because their husbands weren’t about to give in.

  All quieted. Dallis wanted to cry. Her heart hurt at the thought of leaving Brodin. Parting from him would be sorrowful, but she’d also miss the friends she’d made. She sat on the bedside with her hands folded on her lap. Brodin entered q
uietly and sat next to her. He took her hand and said not a word. A tremble racked her chest as she tried to subdue the tears that threatened to fall.

  Brodin brushed her hair from her shoulder and set his lips against her neck. He kissed her, trailing his lips in a sensual manner. Dallis sat distressed from heartache, but as each moment passed desire built. He had a way of making her forget her despair. His burly fingers untied her bodice and lowered the fabric. She sighed when his lips reached the crest of her bosom.

  “You’re the softest, bonniest woman I’ve ever beheld.”

  She placed her hands on his head and caressed the strands of his hair. He watched her with his affecting piercing eyes and she could do nothing but stare back. All he wanted to say to her was captured in his look, no words were needed. She would never forget the moment.

  Brodin kissed her and as he did, he shifted her garments until they were removed. She lie back, content to watch him disrobe. No man was made finer. Even with all his battle scars, his muscles bulged and his skin glistened in the candlelight. Captivated by his movements, he stalked her and when he reached the bedding, he pulled her atop him.

  “I want to see you, lovely. Join with me.”

  Dallis didn’t hesitate to help him enter her. She was ready, wanted him badly, that she didn’t resist. Passion took hold of her entire body. Sitting atop him, she lamented when he entered her. There was nothing like the feeling of him being inside her. She couldn’t control the desire to thrust against him. It was always so affecting and as if she was outside herself, she wanted to let herself go.

  Brodin took hold of her forearms and pulled her forward for a light touch of his lips. “Lass, slowly. Let us take our time. I want this to last all night.”

  She took a calming breath and nodded. “Our last night together,” she whispered.

  “Aye, our last.”

  Dallis kept her gaze on his face. Their bodies met in a slow rocking motion. She leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on his mouth. He held on to her hips and guided her movements. Each thrust sent her further into oblivion. She couldn’t control her body’s response or the racing of her heart.

  “You’re beyond beautiful when you come undone. Aye, so lovely to watch.” He took hold of her hair and gently pulled her forward. When her mouth reached him, he kissed her so passionately she thought her heart might burst.

  Dallis tried to move off him, but he shook his head and held on to her.

  “Nay, stay there.” He somehow flipped her body and never withdrew his body from hers.

  She gasped when he plunged into her and sent her spiraling again. Dallis cried out as the pleasure shook her to the core of her being. Never had she felt so connected to anyone.

  Brodin kept the sensual assault going until he spent all of his energy. His moan and the stiffness of his body told her he met a climatic end. He continued to caress her, his burly hands moving with the lightest touches over her breasts, belly, and thighs. They lay together, still joined in quiet surrender. Her ear pressed against his chest, she reveled in listening to his heart beating madly. He kissed her head and sidled next to her.

  “I shall remember this night for the rest of my days.”

  “Mmm,” he muttered sleepily.

  “You are sending me home on the morrow.”

  “Aye.”

  “Do you have regrets …?” Dallis turned onto her side and faced him.

  “None. I only wish that I wasn’t so abrupt with you when we first met. I misjudged you.”

  “No, you were right to deem me distrusting. I should’ve been honest with you from the start. At least you know the truth, that I only did what I did because …”

  He pressed a finger on her lips. “Shhh, lass, it’s behind us now.”

  “What I worry about is what is in front of us. I shall go on my way and you shall go to the king. You’ll be dead and I shall mourn you. How can I ever love anyone as I do you?”

  “We ken not what will be. There is no sense in worrying over it until it happens.”

  She pressed her hand over his hair. “I worry. It’s what I do. I cannot imagine this turn of events going well.”

  Brodin pulled her close. “Usually I’m the doubtful one. Be content, lovely, that all will go well. I am hopeful the king will pardon us, we’ll survive the upcoming battle and then …”

  “And then what?”

  “We shall see. Get some rest. You have a journey tomorrow.” He continued to hold her.

  Dallis hid her face in the crook of his shoulder and let her tears fall. Sleep wouldn’t come no matter how hard she tried not to think of the matters she faced. For two hours, sleep evaded her. Before she met Brodin she couldn’t wait to return to Buchanan land. Now she hoped never to see her beloved homeland again. How life had changed.

  A noise sounded within the main chamber of the cave. She pulled away from Brodin and sat up. All had sought their slumber. Fires were doused and the cave too obscure for her to see beyond the screen. Someone was out there. She looked on the flooring for Brodin’s sword, but couldn’t find it in the darkness. Brodin slept but groaned when she nudged him.

  At once he was awake. “What goes?”

  “Someone is there,” she said and pointed beyond the screen.

  “It’s probably one of my comrades. I’ll see.” Brodin pulled his tunic over his head and rose.

  “Pssst, Brodin,” James called as he appeared from around the screen.

  He startled her and Dallis jumped from the bedding. Standing naked, facing James, she screeched.

  “God Almighty, James. Why the hell are you skulking about in the cave?” He turned and peered at her, grabbed a covering, and tossed it to her. “Dallis, lovely, hide your body.” He turned back to James. “For God’s sake man, avert your eyes.”

  “My apologies, m’lady. I need ye to come outside, Brodin. I have a surprise for you. The Buchanans await ye.” James flashed a grin, bowed to her, and stepped backward until he disappeared beyond the screen.

  “Did he just say …?”

  “Aye, your family has come to claim you. God help me if they cause trouble …”

  Dallis fell onto the bedding. “By my faith, my brothers are not easy to deal with.”

  “Don’t I ken it?” He hastily wrapped a tartan around his waist, kissed her cheek, and left their temporary sanctuary.

  She moaned and pulled the cover tightly around her body. “God help me now. I’ve made this mess and now must bear the consequence. How in the devil’s soul am I going to explain how I’ve come to be here? They’re going to be wrath. If only I can hold my tongue and maintain peace.”

  She pressed her eyes hoping to abate the tiredness from them. If there was one thing she knew, her brothers would wake all with their boisterous rebukes. Lord Above, how was she going to explain Brodin and their relationship?

  Chapter Eighteen

  Brodin reached the center of the cave but turned back. He’d forgotten his sword. He wasn’t about to face the wily Buchanans without a weapon in hand. Retreating behind the screen, he knelt in front of Dallis and raised her chin.

  “Why have you returned?”

  He grinned. “I forgot my sword.”

  “You’ll likely need it for my brothers can be hardheaded.”

  “Aye, so I’ve heard. Stay here where you’ll be safe.”

  She touched his face and he closed his eyes at the gentleness of her caress.

  “My brothers might be blood-thirsty, but they would never harm me.”

  He pressed a quick kiss on her lips. “It’s not you I’m worried about.” Brodin picked up his sword, winked at her, and retraced his steps through the cave.

  Outside, the sky still pitched with the night. No moon offered any light and he spotted the shadowed figures standing near his comrade. James had a knack for picking the most inopportune time to visit. Brodin stood outside the cave; his sword at the ready, facing his adversaries. Seconds later, his comrades appeared. They stood behind him and appeared t
o support him.

  Heath set a hand on his shoulder. “I would wager the coin you’d survive, but now that I’m seeing Dallis’ brothers … it’d be a wasteful wager.”

  Liam chuckled low. “Aye, no sense in wagering the coin. Brodin is likely to lose this battle. I’ve heard the Buchanans were large, but …”

  Graeme cleared his throat. “Nonsense. They’re soldiers, just as we are soldiers. We have your back, Brodin. Go on. Don’t fear for you’ll probably live through this.”

  His comrades chortled with laughter. Brodin grumbled at him being the brunt of their jests, but his censure was lost on their humor of the situation. He gave a woeful glance to his comrades and nodded. Once his eyes adjusted to the dimness, he stepped forward. The Buchanans were as dark in hair and eyes as Dallis, but they certainly didn’t have her winsome demeanor.

  James cleared his throat. “Shall I make introductions?”

  A burly man shoved James out of his way. “I need no one to introduce me. Maurice Buchanan, now laird of our clan, and these are my brothers Allan and John. I don’t give a braying arse who you are. I want to ken where my sister is.”

  Unreasonable. That was the only word to come to mind as he scrutinized the brash man.

  Behind Maurice stood another man. He stepped next to his kinsman. “John Buchanan,” he said and bowed. Perhaps he was less unreasonable than his brother. “And our gran. Don’t forget her, Maurice. Where are our womenfolk?”

  “Aye, our sister and gran. Where are they?” Maurice bellowed.

  “I’m Allan Buchanan. My sister and gran disappeared years ago. We thought them dead. The Douglas,” he said tilting his head at James, “says you’ve found them. If that is so, you’ve our thanks. We wish to be on our way. Bring them out so we can leave posthaste.”

  Brodin stepped forward again, putting less space between them. “Both are safe and well. Your sister found me.” He explained hastily how his comrades rescued them from Alnwick.

  “Glory be. The English border,” Allan said; his voice full of disbelief. “And in the hands of Henry de Percy? He’s a rogue to be sure. That lass needs a good spanking on her arse. How dare she leave our holding without our permission?”