Highlander's Veiled Assassin (Scottish Medieval Highlander Romance)

by Alisa Adams

  “I think sae tae,” Seamus replied and twisted his head so that he could kiss her on the top of her head.

  “It’s strange really. For all of Thomas’ plot for revenge, it was only due to him that this wedding was arranged. If his need for vengeance wasn’t so strong, he never would have wanted me to marry you. I would likely have been married to some earl somewhere and we would never have met.”

  “Then I’m glad he sent ye tae me, and I’m glad I accepted the offer,” he said.

  Sarina nestled her head against his chest and kissed his flesh. She moved her hands over the wounds, feeling where the skin was mottled and cut. He already had long scars from a life in battle and soon, his entire body would be covered. It was such a difference from her own flesh which was soft and pure, but she knew that she would grow hardier before too long because she was a Highlander now.

  “Did you… Did you like what we did?” Sarina asked hesitantly, her self-consciousness suddenly taking over. Even though she tried not to let it bother her, it was impossible for her to forget that she wasn’t the first wife Seamus had lain with.

  “Oh, aye, could ye nae tell?” he said with a smile on his face. Sarina looked at him blankly and shook her head. Seamus laughed heartily. “There are still a few things for ye tae learn, but the lessons will be fun,” he said, kissing her. Sarina found that she was looking forward to learning more. What else could there be? Her mind was alive with imaginings and as she looked down at their naked bodies, she found herself quivering inside, wanting to be close to him again.

  But she was very aware that Seamus was wounded and had experienced an arduous day. In truth, she was exhausted as well. Her ordeal in the bandits’ camp had been eye-opening, but she was proud of herself for being able to cope with the situation. She’d always been protected and had always been treated as someone who needed taking care of, but she had proven to herself that she could be independent and courageous. Her mind turned from pleasures of the flesh to adventures that she and Seamus could share together. The world held many opportunities for them and she looked forward to a long and happy life together.

  Sarina felt her eyelids grow heavy. The air of satisfaction still lingered over her and her body was cozy and warm nestled against her husband. Somehow, the bed was more comfortable with him in it by her side and naked. She listened to the sound of him breathing and it lulled her into sleep. Sarina soon found herself dreaming and perfectly happy.

  26

  The following morning, Seamus awoke. He opened his eyes and looked down at his sleeping wife. She looked so peaceful nestled up against him. Strands of her hair fell upon her face which he brushed away. She moved as though she was going to stir, but then she settled back into sleep. He enjoyed the feeling of her warmth against his body. It had been so long since he had shared his bed with anyone that he had forgotten how good the pleasure was and then his mind turned to the previous night and his arousal stirred for Sarina was a beautiful woman and she knew instinctively how to please him. He longed to be intimate with her again, but then the pain of the previous day returned and he winced. He looked down at his body, at all the new cuts that had joined the old, and then at the wound on his arm. He lifted the bandage which was sticky because of the dried blood and turned up his nose as he breathed in the awful smell, but at least it didn’t look like it was infected. The healers had performed their task well.

  He breathed in deeply and let his head sink into the pillow, wanting to stay in this bed for a while longer. He thought back to his duel with Thomas and thought about how such an evil man could have brought such pleasure to his life. Despite all of Thomas’ faults, Seamus owed him for bringing Sarina to the Highlands. She was his salvation.

  Although he tried to not compare his feelings to how he had felt on his wedding night with Ciara, it was impossible not to, but even though they were different it didn’t mean either one was better. With Ciara, he had been more nervous for he was younger and less experienced, but with Sarina, he knew how to please her and how he should be pleased. He hoped the two of them had a long life left together and that he would be able to do all the things he wanted to do. He wanted to grow old like his own parents and raise children with the eldest becoming the new Laird.

  Then a realization struck him. For all his life, he had been proud to be a Highland warrior, always ready to unleash his strength in battle and win glory through his prowess, but now that he was married, Seamus found his lust for fighting dwindled. He was sure he would pick up his sword again in battle for he would always defend his people, his wife, and his home, but he would not seek it out as readily as before. He knew how precious life could be and how easily it could be taken away. He wasn’t about to miss out on any joy in his life because of a wound taken in a battle that he didn’t need to fight.

  Seamus gently nudged Sarina and stroked her face. She stirred and seemed surprised that she was awake. When she saw Seamus, she smiled and hugged him tightly. They kissed and basked in the glow of their love. “Good morning,” she murmured.

  “Morning, Sarina. You are as beautiful as the dawn,” he complimented. Sarina smiled, but when he explained that he needed to rise and meet the new day she scowled and tightened her grip, wanting him to stay in the warmth of their bed. Seamus laughed at her efforts and although he was in pain, she couldn’t match his strength and he managed to pull himself away.

  “Do you have to go?” She pouted.

  “I’m the Laird. There is much that has tae be done and ye should be rising soon as well. It will dae the people nae good tae think of their new Lady sleeping in while they’re hard at work.” He chuckled.

  “Just give me a few more moments,” Sarina said. Seamus kissed her once more and then dressed before he left. He stretched his muscles which ached as they so often did after battle and then he walked through the castle. He went downstairs and found that there was still food left from the feast. He picked up some meat and chewed it heartily when Angus came in.

  “Ah, brother, ye’re up!” he exclaimed, clasping Seamus on the shoulder. Seamus swallowed the meat he had been chewing and nodded.

  “Morning, brother.”

  Angus looked in his eyes and noticed how Seamus was smirking. “Something is different about ye… Oh… I see,” Angus said with a knowing smile. Seamus chuckled.

  “I am a lucky man,” he said.

  “Aye, ye’ve been lucky two days in a row. I was worried for ye against that Englishman. Ye were gone for a good while. He took more out of ye than most men.”

  “Aye, that he did. I hae nae love for the man, but I hae to admit his skill in battle. On another day, it could be me under that shroud, but in the end, justice prevailed.”

  “Dae ye think we will hae any more problems from the English?”

  “I doubt it. I will need tae talk tae Sarina, but she dinnae think her other brother is as ready for a fight as the other two. She believes she can talk tae him.”

  “We shall see.”

  “There is something I wish tae talk tae ye about,” Seamus said. Angus tilted his head inquisitively. “I know that as a Laird it’s my right tae lead the army intae battle, but now that I’m married again, I hae other priorities. I wish tae try for a family again and I will be nae good if I am off fighting skirmishes against bandits and other clans. Angus, will ye take the honor of leading the men? I can think of naebody else I trust as much as ye.”

  “Of course, brother. I’m honored,” Angus said, glowing with pride. Seamus thanked him. Angus had always wanted a position of importance like this. He could never be Laird while Seamus lived and thankfully it had never been a point of contention between the two brothers. Angus was content with his place and to do whatever was good for the clan, but Seamus wanted to show Angus that he appreciated Angus’ loyalty.

  “How are the men today?” Seamus asked.

  “They’re in good spirits, although some people are still troubled by the plot that led to the capture of Ma and Sarina. It is rare that anyone h
as the audacity tae attack our home and they feel threatened. In fact, I think someone may be coming tae talk tae ye about it now,” Angus said and nodded as Karen came marching into the hall.

  Seamus groaned inwardly. The last thing he wanted was to be shouted at by a woman who didn’t know her place. Karen had ideas above her station and she believed that because she loved Seamus, he should love her back, purely because she had Highland blood flowing through her veins. She had taken the wedding to Sarina as a personal affront. Seamus had tried to ignore her grousing because woman often liked to complain, but this was becoming tiresome.

  “Morning tae ye, Karen,” he said, feigning cheerfulness. Karen had a gloomy look on her face. Her freckled skin was flushed and her eyes were narrowed. Her body was tense as though she was looking for a fight.

  “Dinnae give me any of ye platitudes Seamus. Look at ye, dae ye realize what hae happened here? Dae ye know how scared we all were when the bandits were attacked? Ye hae tae send her back tae where she came from. She is a threat tae our safety.”

  “If ye mean my wife I would be careful of how ye speak about her,” Seamus responded tersely. “But the threat hae been dealt with. There will be nae more raids upon our home.”

  Karen threw back her head and barked a laugh. “Has she made ye that much of a fool already? The English will nae like the fact that she is here and the other clans will see it as weakness. Ye are making Highland blood thin if ye mix it with English blood. What are ye thinking?”

  “I’m thinking this is none of ye business. Sarina is my wife and naething is gaeing tae change that! I killed her brother and the bandits he employed tae dae this dark deed are scattered tae the wind. Ye are only using the attack as an excuse Karen. Ye would dae anything tae get rid of her, but I love her and she is staying. She’s as much a Highlander as ye or I. She’s proven that by her actions in the bandit camp,” Seamus stated. Karen looked at him, shocked, but Seamus had tired of her company and turned his back on her. Karen stormed out.

  “Are ye worried that she may stir up some discord?” Angus asked.

  Seamus pondered it for a few moments. He pursed his lips and stroked his beard before he answered. “Nay, she will nae cause any trouble, she’s just angry. I dinnae think anyone else will listen tae her. It will nae be long before people forget the attack and I’m sure Ma will tell people about how Sarina conducted herself while they were held captive. They were on the cusp of escaping when we arrived after all. I was nae lying when I said she was as much a Highlander as any of us. I know she hae English blood, but her heart beats with strength. She is magnificent,” Seamus said.

  Now it was Angus’ turn to smirk. “Ye truly are in love,” he said.

  “That I am and I think perhaps it’s time for ye tae find yeself a wife.”

  Before Angus could reply, Emily came into the room and stopped, startled when she saw the two men. Seamus turned to look at her and she looked like an animal frozen in fear. “Sorry, I thought Sarina would be in here with you,” she said and then turned around immediately and left the room. Seamus arched an eyebrow.

  “What a curious lass,” he commented.

  “Aye, but Ma told me some of what she hae been through. It hae been a tough life for her. I cannae imagine how the bandits treated her.”

  “Dae she hae any parents?”

  “The bandits captured them all. Killed her da and her ma was sold. She was kept around tae clean their camp. I wonder if she’ll be scared all her life.”

  “Well, we’ll keep her safe.”

  “Aye, she seems tae hae taken a liking tae Sarina. I doubt ye could get rid of her even if ye tried. Still, there is something about her…”

  Seamus noticed the way Angus was gazing at the doorway, but he didn’t say anything. Angus would come to learn in time about love and if Emily was the girl he’d chosen then he’d have his work cut out for him. Then again, Angus always liked a challenge.

  Seamus and Angus continued eating breakfast. A few warriors came in and congratulated the two of them on a good battle and wanted to hear the story of how Seamus defeated Thomas from the man himself. Seamus was all too happy to share the tale of his glory and told the story over and over again. The men cheered every time and Seamus was amused by their reaction. He learned from Angus that the bandits they had captured were being held captive and would be punished for their crimes soon. Each of them had turned on Thomas and blamed him for the catastrophe, not realizing that it was their own greed that had made them do an Englishman’s bidding.

  It wasn’t long before Sarina came down. She looked resplendent even though she was wearing an ordinary frock, but now that they had made love, she was even more beautiful than before. Seamus welcomed her with a kiss and sat her on his lap. The other warriors moved away. Seamus wasn’t going to regale them with the story of how he defeated Thomas any more for he didn’t wish to cause Sarina any more pain.

  When Sarina had walked into the room she smiled at the other Highlanders, but she only had eyes for Seamus. It was as though the whole world melted away when the two of them were together and Seamus enjoyed seeing the love that was in her eyes. It was entirely genuine; nobody could fake that emotion.

  “Last night was wonderful,” Sarina whispered into his ear. “I can’t wait to do it again.”

  Seamus blushed and coughed. He wasn’t used to women being so forthright, but he was glad she enjoyed it. She picked up some meat and chewed it, just like a Highlander would.

  “I think ye are finally learning how tae belong here,” he said. Sarina nodded and seemed to enjoy the meat. When Seamus had first seen her in the carriage, he had thought her beautiful but also a vulnerable girl who needed to be protected and in truth, he had wondered if she would ever be able to adjust to life here. In that moment, she had seemed young and inexperienced with the ways of the real world, but over time, she had proven herself to have the heart of a lion and he knew she was worthy of being called a Highlander.

  “I am. This is my home after all and I’m proud to be here, but I feel as if I must return to England with haste to take Thomas’ body back. I know that our castle was attacked because of him and the bandits injured your father and took Martha and I captive. Perhaps it is showing Thomas too much respect to give him the proper burial, but he is still my brother and I want to take him back to the family home. I could not do so with Matthew and it still pains me. I also want to see Harold.”

  “I agree that ye should dae it sooner rather than later. We can leave as soon as the horses are ready,” Seamus told her.

  “Are you sure you wish to come with me? I don’t think Highlanders are well-received in England.”

  Seamus smirked. “Maybe sae, but after all that’s happened I cannae let my wife ride down to England without an escort. The roads are still dangerous, and I could nae live with myself if anything happened tae ye.”

  Sarina nodded and then asked if she could take Emily with her as well.

  “I dinnae think ye will hae much choice,” Seamus remarked and nodded toward the door. Emily was peeking around the side and came in when Sarina beckoned her. Sarina explained what was going to happen and Emily nodded. Seamus got the impression that Emily would have done anything Sarina asked in that moment. She was like a little lost puppy, willing to do anything so that her new master wouldn’t cast her aside. Seamus felt great pity for the girl and it pleased him to see how earnest Sarina was in wanting to help her.

  “But what if there are bandits on the road?” Emily asked.

  “That’s why Seamus is coming with us,” Sarina explained.

  “I will nae let anything happen tae ye,” Seamus said. Emily rolled her lower lip under her teeth and glanced around. Seamus assumed she was thinking about whether she felt safer going on the road with Sarina or staying here by herself, surrounded by Highlanders. He didn’t blame her for feeling skittish, after all, her experiences of the Highlands so far hadn’t been pleasant ones. In the end, she agreed to go with them though and they made
arrangements to travel. They had a carriage in which the girls would ride and Seamus would drive.

  They placed Thomas’ body in a wooden box and hauled it onto the roof of the cabin. The healers had placed herbs and plants around the body to try and cover up the smell, but the stagnant, fetid aroma still found a way through. However, the wooden casket managed to hide the smell, though Seamus didn’t want to be there when the box was opened. They were getting the carriage ready and Emily went in to sit down. Before Sarina could join her, Seamus tugged at her arm and leaned in to speak slowly.

  “I loved being close tae ye last night,” he began, “but there is something I wish tae propose. I know we hae only just been married, but I would like tae try and start a family when we return.”

  Sarina’s eyes lit up. “I’d love that! I can think of nothing better than to raise a little Highland prince that looks just like his father,” she replied, beaming.

  “I was thinking of raising a wee lass who looked as pretty as her ma,” Seamus said. They kissed deeply and then Sarina climbed into the carriage. Seamus took his place with the horses and began to drive away, following the road that led away from the Highlands to the border of England.

  27

  Sarina couldn’t wipe the smile from her face when she entered the carriage and sat opposite Emily. “You seem happy to be going home,” Emily noted.

  “That’s not the reason why I’m smiling. Seamus and I… We’re going to begin a family when we return. I’m going to have a little child of my own,” Sarina marveled.

  Emily smiled awkwardly. She seemed to have something on her mind and Sarina wasn’t sure what it was. She only knew that it wasn’t the reaction she had expected.

  “Usually when people say something like that everyone else is happy and they offer their congratulations,” Sarina stated.