Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  She could see that he was irate. She did not need thought-hearing to recognize that. Perhaps she should have put the question differently, she pondered as she timidly chewed her lip.

  “Forgive me, m’laird, I misspoke. What I meant to say was why did you tell them I am the Countess of Elgin? I am nae countess.”

  Garrick calmed. “Oh that,” he answered nonchalantly, “Ye are a countess… now. Did I overlook apprising ye that I am the Earl of Elgin?”

  Seonaid did not miss the guilty look that passed over his expression as he looked distractedly about the room. He did it apurpose! She fumed to herself. He intentionally did nae tell me! She ran her finger along the rim of her cup as she tried to imagine what would be expected of a countess. With each pass of her finger she grew angrier since she could not think of any of the duties that would be required of her.

  Garrick gave her a sheepish look out of the corner of his eye as he felt her tensing beside him. Mayhap I should have mentioned it sooner. He did not want to distress her since he was growing quite fond of her. Thoughts of her made his heart swell...among other parts of his body.

  “And exactly when were you going to inform me of these additional duties?” she muttered through gritted teeth. “When the King and his entourage camped outside our gates?”

  She was truly angry at him? Then a wide grin spread across his handsome face. She said ‘our’ gates! She is accepting our marriage. That we are joined as one. Lost in his reverie, he did not notice her mounting fury as his smile seemed to mock her predicament.

  Her indignation soared higher as his grin broadened. She was infuriated enough to spit nails! She rose from her chair… sputtering in her anger to the point that she could not form coherent words. The room grew silent as all eyes turned on the dais. She picked up her goblet of water, squeezing the stem with her trembling hand and with a defiant look, upended it above Garrick’s head.

  Why am I wet? He wondered as he snapped out of his reverie. He noticed that all his clansmen were staring at him expectantly. He turned to Seonaid standing next to him with an empty goblet in her shaking hand. Her eyes shone with defiance which slowly changed to fear as she realized what she had done. She knew that she should not have done such in front of his men. He had every right to beat her for it. He has to command respect from his men and especially from her.

  Garrick rose leisurely. As he rotated toward her she began to back away making ready for flight.

  In a tightly controlled voice he inquired, “Perchance wife, did your cup slip in your precarious grip causing it ta spill on me by accident?”

  Seonaid bit her bottom lip as she slowly shook her head. She wanted to lie. More than anything else in the world, right there and then, she wanted to lie… but she refused to be called a coward. She knew she deserved to be punished. What she had done was unforgivable but, still, she could not seem to stop the backward motion of her feet.

  Garrick’s eyes began to twinkle with mirth as he saw her movement. “Then perhaps me hair was ablaze and I was unaware?”

  Again she shook her head taking another step back.

  “I am at a loss, then, m’lady. Please explain ta me why I am standing here sodden in your water.” He stood waiting patiently for her to respond as he crossed his muscular arms across his damp chest.

  “Now?... Here?” she squeaked as she glanced across a sea of expectant faces. He gave a terse nod.

  “Ye had nae problem doing the deed here. So I have nae problem learning why… ‘here’.”

  Seonaid sucked in a deep, shaky breath as a thousand different punishments flitted through her mind. Garrick admired her courage and her fire. He had been waiting for her to become relaxed enough around him to show her true self. He was not disappointed with what he saw. This Seonaid tweaked his interest even more so.

  She took another wee step back as she raised her chin in self-righteousness.

  “You...you... made me angry,” she sputtered, “and...and then you seemed to think it humorous! I do nae like being mocked husband! I had the choice of the cup or the water landing on your head. Ye should be thankful I chose the latter,” she dared as she stiffened her spine.

  Garrick doubled over. His knuckles turning white as he gripped the table. His hair blocked her view of his face as she saw his body shaking. What she did not see was him biting his tongue as his body shook with laughter. After taking a moment to get control of himself, he straightened and lunged at her.

  She screamed, slipping from his grasp and ran to the door, only to find it blocked by Angus shaking his head at her. She could hear Garrick bellowing her name as he took long strides to ensnare her. She spun again, running behind some of his clansmen as they hooted encouragement to their laird. His pace quickened as she darted round the room to finally come face to face with her husband across a table. With one movement he cleared the table and stood before her, her wrist in his iron grip. She squeaked in fear but knew she had lost. They stood staring at each other panting from their exertions when she saw Garrick’s eyes glinting with humor. He was enjoying this! He is nae angry at all! She stomped her foot indignantly.

  “Now wife, tis time ye are reprimanded for your disrespect. I think I will beat ye...in private.” He smiled with pleasure as his cock stiffened. “Aye. Twill be me pleasure,” he leered at her as he swept her up, throwing her over his shoulder. As he reached the door she spied Angus standing to the side.

  “You swore fealty to me, Angus! Is this how you protect me?”

  Garrick’s big hand swatted her arse. “Quiet wench!” She shrieked in irritation.

  “Alas, m’lady, ye chose the one danger I can nae save ye from...an irate husband.” He cackled with glee as Garrick carried her off to their room.

  Chapter VII

  They were nearly to Castle Brodie. It was a dreary gray day. Tiny droplets of moisture dripped from the trees above them as they slogged through the thick forest filled with oak and fir. The one blessing was that the sky, promising rain, had held back for their passage.

  Seonaid had ridden most of the way on a palfrey that Liam had thought to bring for her. He had said it was because Cadence got surly when he was over-tired. Garrick had whispered in her ear that Liam was the one who seemed to get surly if too much attention was paid to her by her husband. She giggled.

  Liam would really be upset, then, if he had seen the beating she had gotten from her husband last eve. She smiled to herself. She was still sore from it and was beginning to grow uncomfortable from the long ride. Seonaid sighed wistfully. Twas worth it. He had coupled with her thrice last eve! She blushed. She seemed to have a very lusty husband. And if that is his idea of a beating then she would misbehave often! Her heart warmed as she thought of him.

  Malcolm eyed Seonaid oddly from his position at the rear of the guard. Does she truly not know that King Alred is her father? He had thought that she was faking her memory loss but he had probed her mind last night and found that was not true. Her wedding The Brodie was a snag he had not counted on though. He had wanted the laird to refuse the match so the clans would clash in a blood feud.

  If he could get him killed in a feud over King Alred’s daughter then the Ancients would take umbrage at his death. Garrick was not aware that he was the last living Ancient in the mortal world, besides Hagar, which helped Malcolm’s cause all the more. With his death there would be war in the immortal world. This is what he anticipated. The Ancients held the Spear of Destiny that can kill an immortal or a Fae. He planned on positioning himself to get his hands on it, kill King Alred and seize the throne.

  Garrick was the Keeper of the Spear, although he was not aware of it yet. It was hidden away until his heir is conceived. That is when the Ancients will tell him what he needs to know to protect it. But if Malcolm waits until then he will lose his chance of acquiring it. It is said that if the line dies out then they will need to choose a new protector. He had been working toward this for years. Being Fae, he can sense an Ancient if one is near and it turns
out that Hagar is. Malcolm has been steadily earning her trust over the years and knows that now is the time to end this. She will give him the spear when Garrick dies. He narrowed his eyes on Seonaid. She will have to die, also, since she may carry his heir. He smiled. This may work out better than he thought. If the young laird was fond of his bride and she turned up dead, all he would need do is find a good reason for King Alred to kill his own daughter. Betrayal perhaps? He would give it some thought.

  A strong chill crept up her spine. Her smile froze on her face as she began to tremble in fear. Her eyes glazed over, unseeing, as the malevolent feeling engulfed her senses. Visions appeared before her eyes. Strange sights of blood, fighting… and death. She did not comprehend it. She saw Garrick striking her father with his sword in a terrible rage. Her father struck back piercing his heart. He fell from his horse as she screamed out his name.

  Garrick!

  Garrick spun around on his horse as he heard her cry out, unsheathing his sword in one fluid motion. He charged toward her at full run but could see no attackers. His men scattered to avoid his steed’s deadly charge. They believed he was crazed but they did not know the reason. They had heard nothing.

  He reached her side just as she swooned… catching her in his arms. “Seonaid!” He brought his stallion under control with his thighs as he sheathed his sword. Garrick searched her body for blood but found none.

  He dismounted, barking orders to his men. “We will rest here. Liam, fetch blankets for your lady!”

  He was alarmed to see that her face was ashen, her breathing shallow. She was cold to the touch. What has happened? He could feel her terror and grief even though she lay unconscious in his arms.

  “Angus! Bring your skin!” he bellowed in alarm.

  “Calm yerself, m’laird. Ye worry yer clansmen,” Angus said beneath his breath as he handed him the drink.

  Garrick’s head jerked up giving Angus a sharp look, then dipped his head, as he took a shaky breath. His hands trembled as he held the goatskin full of uisge beatha to her pale lips. “Drink wife. This will warm ye.” He poured a small sip between her lips and watched her swallow reflexively. A pink blush began to return to her cheeks as she swallowed another drink. Her eyes fluttered open as she began to choke on the burning liquid.

  “You are still trying to poison me with Angus’ brew, I see,” she said in a raspy voice as she coughed.

  Garrick eyed her speculatively and decided she was better. “What ails ye, Seonaid? Why did ye scream me name like a banshee?”

  Angus gave Garrick a puzzled look. “What do ye speak of Garrick? She never uttered a sound. Ask any of the men.”

  He cringed as his eyes met hers with unspoken words of caution. She understood and scoffed, “You must have been lost in your thoughts, m’laird and thought that I cried out.”

  Angus looked to them both not believing a word of it but accepting it just the same. Who was he to question them? He grunted and left them… muttering beneath his breath.

  “I heard ye, Seonaid, but it was different this time. I can nae explain how but it was.”

  She studied her husband’s worried expression wondering if she should tell him what she had seen. It may be nothing at all. But it had been so real. So real that she could still smell the metallic odor of blood. She shuddered. Garrick took her in his arms and held her in his comforting embrace. She felt safe here. Loved. She inhaled his unique scent of male and soap, serenity sinking into her very bones.

  As he held her, she began relating the vision she had experienced. When she had finished she said, “I do nae ken why you were so angry...nor my father. But I could sense a singular rage coming from you both. Please Garrick, promise me you will stay away from my father.” She clung to his plaid as she desperately searched his eyes. “I do nae want you to die!”

  “Shhh, hush wife. Nae one is going ta die. Do nae fash yourself.” he crooned in his deep voice. He had listened to her tale and, as much as he would like to ignore it, he knew that he could not. Her father said that she had the sight. But it simply warned of danger. It did not decide the outcome. “But I can nae insult your father by nae inviting him ta the wedding feast. It would be a slap in the face! I promise ye this though, mo gradh, I will nae raise a hand ta him except in companionship. This I vow on me honor.” He gave her a light squeeze and, tilting her chin up, brushed his lips against hers.

  She accepted his word but did not know how wise it was. The rage she had felt in the vision was palpable.

  Seeing that it was late, Garrick ordered his men to make camp explaining that her faint was caused by exhaustion. The men went about their duties settling in for the night.

  While she slept Garrick gave a lot of thought to her premonition. He was at a loss as to why he would wish to kill the MacGregor. He had already decided not to blame him for the loss of his father years ago. The only other thing that came to mind was if Seamus tried to steal Seonaid away from him. Surely he would not do such a thing knowing that her real father approved of the match. He dismissed the thought but could not come up with any other feasible answer. It simply did not make any sense.

  Angus walked over settling himself next to Garrick and offered him a drink from his skin.

  “Nae thank ye, Angus. Tis nae me favorite drink. Ye ken this.”

  “Aye. I just kenned this may be one of those times ye might need some strong drink.” He eyed Garrick thoughtfully. “Ye really did hear Lady Seonaid cry out for ye this day.” It was not a question. Angus knew that Garrick was a logical man not prone to panic, but this day...this day he had looked terrified for his lady’s safety. It was not something he imagined. No… he had heard her!

  Garrick let his eyes roam around the campsite noting that his men were asleep and out of hearing distance. He picked up a firebrand poking at the dying embers, adding more fuel to the fire before he spoke.

  “I would ask ye nae ta say anything, Angus. The clan would nae ken what it is between us. They may cry ‘witch’ and that would be false.”

  He nodded his red head leisurely thinking on what he had said. “Do ye ken what it is then? Why would ye hear her?”

  Garrick studied his lifetime friend’s ruddy face deciding whether he should confide in him or not. He trusted him with his life. He was Captain of his guard and honorable to the end. Making his decision he gave a brisk nod.

  “Seonaid is a MacGregor in name but Seamus’ wife was with child when he wed her.” He lowered his voice to a mere whisper as he confessed, “Her true father is King Alred of the Fae.”

  “Truly?” Angus was shocked! Of all the wild thoughts he had of her, being Fae was not one of them. He whispered, “How do ye ken this?”

  “He visited me on our wedding night.”

  Angus hooted. “Now that would have been awkward. Ah, ta have been a fly on the wall that eve!”

  Garrick punched him hard on the arm glaring at him. “Does nae explain what happened today though.” Angus shook his head.

  “Nae, it does nae. There is something unseen between Seonaid and I, like a silken thread that shackles our hearts and minds together...even our souls, I think.” He inhaled a shaky breath. “Tis a frightful thing ta be this close ta someone. Mayhap that is the reason I heard her.”

  Angus took a pull from his skin broodingly as he sorted out this information. “Twould explain ye hearing her but nae the reason she called ta ye.”

  Garrick agreed with his cousin. “Her father says she has the ‘knowing’...the ‘sight’. She had a vision today when she called out ta me. She saw me battling Seamus but I can nae think of a reason for it. That is what has me baffled. I must believe that her vision is true but I can nae think as ta the why of it.”

  Angus let the information sink in mulling over the facts… then finally shaking his head. “Whatever the reason, twill nae be solved this eve. We will just have ta be watchful so ta avoid it.”

  “Aye,” he agreed. “For the time being, I want two guards with her at all times.”
<
br />   “Ye do nae trust her?” Angus was astonished.

  “That is nae the reason, Angus.” Garrick’s eyes narrowed, his face resolute. “The one thing that I ken for certain is that I would fight anyone if anything happened ta her! Even her true father! That is the only explanation that makes sense ta me.”

  “Oh aye, that I can see. Who do ye wish ta guard her?”

  “Ye and William during the day. Henry and Robbie MacNab at night. I thought, mayhaps Malcolm, but I am nae convinced of his loyalties yet. He gives Seonaid peculiar looks when he thinks nae one is aware.”

  “I will see ta it, Garrick. Let yer mind be at ease. But ye will have ta deal with me Mary if she becomes envious.” He chuckled.

  Garrick smiled. “Why do ye think I said daylight for ye?”

  Angus grinned. “So tell me, m’laird, What is your father-by-law like? Did m’lady remember him?”

  Garrick gazed reflectively into the flames, gathering his thoughts before he spoke. “Seonaid has never met him and she must nae be told. Twas a promise he had made ta her maither. She wished for a normal life for their daughter but still that has nae come ta pass. Ye must vow ta me nae ta say anything, Angus. Seamus and I ken it...now ye. Nae one else.”

  Angus puffed out his chest with pride. It was a great secret Garrick entrusted him with. He would not betray it. “Ye have me most solemn vow, m’laird.”

  Satisfied, Garrick added, “Ye ken...I was amazed ta find that I actually liked King Alred. He has a sense of honor and a logical mind, much like me self. He is very impressive...for a Fae.” Garrick stood stretching his stiff muscles. “Time for some rest, I think. Good eve, Angus.”

  “Good eve, Garrick.” He swathed his plaid about himself and stretched out before the fire. Garrick went to Seonaid and lay down beside her, hauling her into his strong arms. She snuggled against his chest as he covered her with his tartan. Seonaid sighed in contentment as he kissed her brow then closed his eyes to sleep.