Maura opened the door and greeted them with a smile. Patience quickly introduced her to Hunter, then asked, “How is my da feeling?”
“He is feeling well and has been eager to see you since learning of your arrival,” Maura said and stepped aside for them to enter.
“Finally,” her father called out from a chair by the hearth and stretched his arms out to her.
She hurried over to him and threw her arms around his neck and was so happy when he hugged her tight. It meant his strength was returning and it also reminded her of when she was young and how tight he used to hug her and make her feel so safe and protected. And it was wonderful to feel like that little lass again, if only for a moment, and have all her troubles melt away.
A tear tickled at the corner of her one eye, but she refused to let it fall. She reluctantly left his arms and stood tall, her shoulders drawn back. “Da, there is someone I want you to meet.” She held her hand out to Hunter.
He stepped forward, taking his wife’s hand and gripping it firmly.
“Da, this is Hunter McLaud—”
“Kevin McLaud’s youngest son,” her father said his brow knitting slowly as he looked to his daughter.
“And my husband,” she said.
Her father looked back and forth from her to Hunter. “What has happened to bring this marriage about?”
“Possible war with the Clan McLaud,” Patience said.
Her father looked to Hunter. “Please leave us while I speak with my daughter.”
Hunter was about to do as he asked when Patience said, “Hunter is a good husband and an honorable man, and surprisingly I have fallen in love with him. So whatever is to be said, will be said with him by my side.”
Hunter was shocked speechless. His wife loved him even more than he imagined she did. He quickly found his voice and said, “It is the same for me, sir. Your daughter stole my heart and I love her more than words could say, and I would give my life to keep her safe.”
Patience turned to him. “Did I not tell you I would protect you? I do not need you giving your life for me—as gallant as the gesture is—I am more than capable of taking care of myself and further more—”
Hunter grabbed her around the waist and swung her around in front of him to kiss her soundly. He was pleased when he heard her father chuckle.
Patience was not as amused, though his kiss had aroused her. “That is not proper—”
“Proper or not,” Hunter said interrupting her, “I wanted to show your father that I could silence you when necessary.”
She was about to explode at him when his teasing grin surfaced. She smiled herself and stepped to his side, his arm remaining around the back of her waist. “As you can see, Da, he makes not only a good husband, but a wise one.”
Her father laughed. “He does at that and I am pleased you are happy with him.” He extended his hand to Hunter. “And I am pleased to welcome you to the clan and call you son.”
Hunter took the man’s hand and was surprised by the strength of it as they shook. With her father having been so ill, Hunter had not expected him to be so strong. “Thank you, sir.”
“Donald,” her father offered and Hunter nodded.
“There are important matters we need to discuss, Da,” Patience said.
“Can they not wait until you have eaten and rested?” her father asked.
“I am afraid not,” Patience said. “One matter concerns Heather.”
Her father’s hand went to his chest. “Do not tell me—”
“No, Da, it is not what you think,” Patience assured him quickly. “The news is good. We believe Heather has escaped the Dark Dragon and hopefully she is making her way home.”
“What?” he said, bolting out of his chair.
Patience stepped back, forgetting what an impressive size her father once was and still was.
“Are you telling me that Heather is out there all on her own?” he shouted.
“I believe she is, though I cannot be sure,” Patience said, staring at her father and seeing the strong, imposing man she remembered he once was, then suddenly he faded before her eyes, his face growing pale and his body slumping.
Hunter got to him before he could collapse and helped him to sit in his chair.
Her father shook his head. “Heather will never survive on her own.”
That had been Patience’s fear and while she still feared for her sister’s safety, Hunter had made her see that Heather possessed the same unwavering strength as Patience and Emma.
“I am confident that Heather can survive on her own,” Patience said, “though I intend to search for her after a day’s rest.”
“You are not going anywhere,” her father ordered sharply.
She was startled by his adamant response.
“You have much to tell me. Why you wed Hunter? Why a guest has been given permanent quarters in the keep along with her dog? Why Hunter’s mother is also here? And why Ewan McCuil and his two sons are with you.”
Patience was not surprised that her father knew all that was going on in the keep since her return. His eyes and ears had always been everywhere and that had not changed.
She went to speak, but her father silenced her with a raised hand. “I have not the strength or desire to speak any longer. I would worry, but I would have no doubt that you or Emma would survive if either of you were out there on your own. But my heart is heavy with concern for Heather. Now leave me to rest. We will speak in the morning.”
Patience felt as if she had disappointed her father, but then she had disappointed herself by not finding her sister. It was her fault that Heather was out there somewhere on her own, confronting danger with no one to help her. At the moment, there was not much she could do to make it up to her father, but she did feel the need to ask, “Is there anything I can do for you, Da?”
Her father shook his head. “Maura will see to my care.”
His response stung Patience’s heart, for she would have done anything for him. “I will see you in the morning.”
Hunter took his wife’s hand and walked with her to the door.
“Patience,” her father called out and she turned eagerly. “Make certain you see to the care of our warriors and make certain to offer a salute to their service while I speak with Hunter privately for a moment.” He scowled when she looked about to speak. “Do not argue with me on this.”
Patience’s green eyes blazed with fury and she left the room, slamming the door shut behind her.
Hunter went over to her father.
“Make certain that she does not leave here tonight and begin searching for her sister.”
“I would never let her put herself in such danger,” Hunter said.
“Good.”
“I would go with her if she chose to go.” Hunter held up his hand to ward off any response. “Patience has sacrificed much for you and her clan, so heed me well, sir, when I say not now or ever will you again speak to my wife as if she was a child. She is a strong warrior deserving of your respect. Now I will take my leave and join my wife who should be the one deserving of the recognition you expect her to give your warriors, though it was not necessary to tell her so, she would have honored them with a toast anyway.”
Hunter turned and left her father staring after him.
Hunter fought back the fury stirring inside him. How dare her father speak to his wife that way, if the man had not been so ill he would have called him to task for it. He made his way downstairs and into the Great Hall, entering just as Patience finished her speech to the packed room and raised her tankard high.
Cheers rang out, and then she ordered everyone to enjoy the delicious food they had sorely missed while away. Not a one of them hesitated, they dug into the numerous platters with gusto.
Patience walked over to her husband as soon as she caught his eye, wrapped her arm around his and walked with him to the dais. Once they were seated, their tankards filled, she turned and looked at him.
They had c
ome a long way in a short time in trusting each other. His wife knew without asking that he would tell her what her father had to say to him, just as she knew he would not stop her from searching for her sister, though he would join her.
“You father wanted me to make certain you would not go off this evening in search of your sister. I informed him that I would never let you do that.”
A fire sparked in Patience’s green eyes, then she smiled. “Of course not, you would go with me.”
Hunter laughed. “You know me too well, wife.”
“Well enough to know you will share with me what more was said.”
He took her hand. “Know that I will defend you whether it is your father, sisters, or warriors who dare treat you wrongly.” He shook his finger at her when she went to argue. “Do not ask me to hold my tongue when it comes to your family, for I will not do so. I will speak my piece whenever necessary.”
“Why was it necessary?” she asked with resignation.
“Your father spoke to you as a child when he should have addressed you with the respect a true warrior deserves. I let him know that I would not tolerate him speaking to you like that ever again. I think he understands now how devoted we are to each other.”
“I appreciate and admire your courage in defending me against my father,” —she smiled—“but you may find yourself doing it often since I often do as I please and deal with the consequences later.”
“Then your father’s bluster serves little purpose.”
“I think that is what angers him the most. He knows his threats and orders will wound me, but only for a short time. Then I will do as I please.” Her brow narrowed. “What truly surprised me was that he ordered me not to search for my sister. I simply cannot understand why, when he appeared so upset by the news.”
“I do agree with you on that.”
“It is almost as if he knows something we do not,” she said, shaking her head. “It makes no sense.”
“And probably makes even less sense being you are tired from our long journey.” Hunter leaned closer to his wife. “You need to seek your bedchamber as soon as possible.”
She laughed softly. “That we do.”
A rough cough broke them apart and Patience smiled at Ross standing in front of the dais, his arm wrapped around Saundra. She looked much improved, having scrubbed the dirt from her face, and brushed the debris out of her hair and off her garments, most of all though, she wore a smile, something Patience had never seen on her.
“I have brought Lady McLaud to sup with you,” Ross said.
Hunter stood. “You both must join us.”
Ross escorted Saundra to her seat next to Hunter and he took a seat next to Patience. Ewan and Una also joined them with Una sitting next to Ross and Ewan taking the seat beside Saundra.
Conversation flowed easily as did wine and ale. Food was replenished often, Hunter, Ewan and Ross continually extolling the delicious fare. What was most interesting to Patience though, was how Ross and Saundra could not stop looking and smiling at each other.
So, it was no surprise when Ross said, “I will remain here, with your permission of course,” —he bobbed his head at Patience— “and be Saundra’s protector as long as necessary.”
“I am sure Patience has a warrior that can see to Saundra,” Ewan said, reaching for another piece of the tasty dark bread.
All but Ewan saw how Saundra’s smile vanished instantly.
“True enough,” Patience said, “though I think the decision should be Saundra’s, not mine. What say you, Saundra?”
A slight blush tinged Saundra’s cheeks and she lowered her head for a moment. “If it is permissible, I would prefer Ross was the one to see to my protection. Though, it has only been a brief time that he has taken on the chore, he has made me feel safer than I have ever felt.”
“And I will continue to make certain you remain safe,” Ross said.
Ewan went to speak, but Una was quick to ask, “Could you come over by me a moment, Ewan, there is something I wish to ask you?”
He was out of the chair quickly and Ross stood just as quickly, saying, “Take my seat, and I will take yours.” He did not wait for his father to agree. He hurried past him and eagerly took the empty chair beside Saundra.
Una and Ewan were soon huddled in conversation and when Ewan’s head jerked around to stare at Saundra and Ross smiling and talking, their heads closer than they realized, Ewan shook his head.
Hunter leaned his head down to whisper in his wife’s ear. “This can prove to be a troublesome situation. Saundra is Rab’s wife and he can demand her return.”
“One thing at a time,” Patience said with a sigh that quickly turned to a yawn.
“You are exhausted,” Hunter said loud enough for all at the dais to hear.
“You need rest and a good night’s sleep,” Una said like a mother concerned for her child.
“Una is right,” Saundra said, “You have neglected your own needs for others. It is time you see to your own care.”
Hunter smiled. Saundra always had a generous heart and he was pleased that she was free of his family, though he feared it would not be for long.
Hunter stood and held his hand out to his wife. She took it and after everyone at the dais bid her good night, she and Hunter walked to the staircase. The pounding of fists on the tables had them both turning around and when they did every one of her warriors rose to their feet and raised their tankards high.
Patience held her head high and laid her fisted hand to her chest, then bobbed her head, thanking them for the recognition they bestowed on her.
The warriors let out a resounding roar that followed Hunter and her all the way up the stairs.
Once in her bedchamber, Patience collapsed back on the bed, her arms spread wide, her legs dangling off the edge. She had not realized how truly exhausted this ordeal had left her. She had never felt so depleted of strength or felt her body ache so badly. It was as if by entering the sanctity of her bedchamber that she felt free enough to collapse under the weight of her responsibilities and give herself a reprieve from them.
Hunter stood by the side of the bed glancing down at her, thinking how the unrelenting ache in his loins had him wanting to tear both their garments off and make love to her. But the concerned husband warned him against it, and so he found himself saying, “You need sleep.”
“I need you.” She stretched her hand out to him and she fought back the yawn trying to surface, but lost the battle.
“You prove my point,” Hunter said annoyed that his growing arousal was urging him otherwise.
“You promised,” she said and hated that she sounded like a petulant child.
Hunter hunched down beside the bed, taking her hand and kissing it. “I ached to make love to you, but it is not what you need right now. You need sleep.”
“I need you,” she said on another yawn.
“As you wish,” Hunter said, seeing her fighting to keep her eyes open. “Let me get you out of your garments.”
“You first.”
“Very well,” he said and took his time removing every piece of his clothing so that by the time he was completely naked, her eyes were closed.
He smiled and reached down to ease her out of her garments and was surprised when her eyes popped open.
“I fear it will have to be a quick one tonight,” she mumbled. “So tired.”
She tried to help get her clothes off and he had to smile at her laughable efforts, though he admired her attempts to make certain she had her way... with him.
He settled her in his arms beneath the soft blanket when he finished and when she woke again, he stroked her breasts and teased her nipples and she sighed with satisfaction, and her eyes closed once again.
It was not long before she was sound asleep, while he lay wide awake.
“Tomorrow,” he mumbled. “Tomorrow they would not leave this room.”
Chapter Thirty-three
Patience woke to find herse
lf alone in bed. She bolted up, looking around the room and seeing that she truly was alone. Where was her husband? How long had she slept? And why hadn’t he woken her? And mostly importantly why had he not kept his promise to her and made love to her all night? She shook her head, knowing the answer. She had been too tired to simply disrobe, how then would she have ever been strong enough to make love.
Annoyed at the myriad of questions plaguing her, she got out of bed. She was glad to find the usual bucket of water, left daily by a servant, being warmed by the hearth. She quickly scrubbed herself and donned clean clothes, having seen that her other garments had already been removed for washing.
With her hair tied back and feeling refreshed, she made her way to her father’s room. Maura was just coming out and when the woman placed a finger to her lips, she knew her father was either sleeping or was not feeling well.
“He had a difficult night,” Maura whispered as she drew near.
Guilt washed over Patience, feeling she had been the cause of it.
“I will let you know when he feels well enough to talk with you. Right now, sleep is the best thing for him.”
Patience nodded. Disappointed, she went to the Great Hall. Finding it empty, she realized that she had slept much later than she had realized. She had always been an early riser, greeting the dawn more times than not. It annoyed her that she had wasted the morning in sleep.
Servants in the Great Hall hurried to get her food, but she ordered them to remain at their tasks and went to the kitchen. She grabbed a piece of bread and cheese, to the dismay of the cook who argued that she should sit and eat a solid breakfast as the woman had scolded since Patience had been young.
She gave Balia, the cook, a kiss and a hug as she had always done after snatching food from the kitchen and told her how she looked forward to the noon meal.
“And it is something special and filling I will be making you,” Balia shouted with a smile as Patience scurried out of the kitchen.
She found her husband by accident or perhaps it was more by like minds. He was in the stable seeing to his horse and Patience had gone there to see to her stallion.
Hunter grinned when he saw her. “I thought for sure you would sleep until noon, you slept so soundly, though I did fear your snoring might wake you.”
Highlander's Rebellious Love Page 28
