Blessing The Highlander

by Coulter, J. Lee

  She turned back to her father, tears rolling down her cheeks as she spent the next two hours confessing what he had asked of her.

  “...and that is why I transported her to the meadow.”

  King Alred grunted. With a tight voice he asked, “Is that everything?”

  She tapped her teeth with her nail as she focused...then nodded. “Yes Father, I believe it is.”

  He was silent for several minutes as he studied his lovely daughter. “You will go to your chambers in the palace and stay there until I summon you.” He leaned toward her giving his most regal stare. “On this you will obey me! Only your chambers! Not one toe out of it...understood?”

  She lowered her head. “Yes, Father. I will do as you command.” Then she was away.

  Lokai doubled over and fell to his knees the instant she was gone, tears of laughter streaming down his cheeks. The king’s laughter joined his own.

  “How... did you... manage it... my lord? You kept a straight face... as she... watched... you! I could not do it! It was more strenuous... than... my worst battle!” He said amid his mirth.

  “It was not easy. At the rate she was going...we could...we could have...been here for...days! Mayhap...weeks!” He wiped tears from his eyes. Another round of laughter circled the room. “Are you sure that you desire to take on this affliction called ‘Diedre’?”

  Lokai sobered quickly. “Oh yes, Sire, I am certain. She will learn with time that actions have costs. The struggle will be worth the reward!”

  “Very well. Plan your wedding speedily. I will speak with Garrick on the morrow then pronounce her punishment.”

  Diedre held herself tightly as she curled up on her bed. Quiet tears cascaded down her cheeks. I have lost him. He could not even stand the sight of me. She recognized then that she loved him...probably always had. It was her selfishness and self-centered outlook that had blinded her to her feelings. Well, it was too late now. She had pushed him too far and now he was lost to her. She waited resolutely for her father’s punishment. She warranted whatever he did to her. She sighed slipping off into a troubled sleep.

  Unknown to her, Lokai scrutinized her from the shadows. This time...this time she has learned her lesson. I feel her regret. Good! She needs to stop interfering in people’s lives. Bad things can happen...even with the best of intentions. I think she has finally learned this. He gave a curt nod and left to finish his bridal plans.

  Seonaid awakened cradled in the warmth of Garrick’s embrace. “Good morrow, mo cridhe.” he murmured in her ear.

  She beamed up at his handsome face. “I was fearful that it was all a delusion.”

  “If it was I will gladly stay trapped in it with ye.” He nuzzled her ear, flicking it with his tongue. “Do ye feel strong enough ta greet the world, wife? Your father is anxious ta see ye.”

  “Aye, husband. With you by my side I can face anything.”

  He smiled down into her eyes. “Good. This day we give him our say concerning Diedre. I ken he would hear your thoughts as well as mine.” He rose from the bed. “Come, me love, your bath awaits.”

  She squealed with delight as she saw the tub and fresh clothing waiting for her.

  A short while later, all fresh and donning courtly clothes, they exited their tent and were immediately accosted by their clansmen.

  “M’lady!” Liam cried out as he ran to them. “Ye be well?”

  “Yes, Liam. I am much improved.”

  His eyes shone in adulation. Garrick scowled. He should have equipped himself. He had forgotten.

  “M’laird has promised me a Cadence foal for assisting with your rescue.” He beamed.

  She turned quizzical eyes to Garrick. “He kenned the place where ye were held captive. I could do nae less.”

  She nodded in agreement.

  Angus, Robbie and Henry all greeted her in kind. She glanced across the camp to see William hanging back avoiding her eyes.

  “What is wrong with William, m’laird?”

  He glanced over and back to her. “He blames himself for your injury. Ye stepped in front of him as he fired his weapon.”

  “Surely you do nae-.”

  “Nay. I have spoken ta him but twas nae use. He faults himself. Perhaps if ye speak ta him...”

  “Of course I will.” Garrick beckoned him over to them.

  “M’laird...m’lady. Ye have need of something?”

  “Yes William, I have need.” Seonaid looked at him intently. “I need you to forgive me.”

  William was taken aback! It was not what he had expected to hear. “M’lady! Why do ye ask my forgiveness? Twas I who injured ye!”

  “Nay! Twas my fault for stepping between you and your target. Naught more.”

  He stared at her silently, judging her comment. “Ye may have the right of it, M’lady. Ye have my pardon.”

  “Good! Now I expect you to absolve yourself. Twas an accident...naught more.”

  William grinned at her. “Very well, m’lady. Twill be as ye wish.”

  Garrick cleared his throat. “Your father awaits, lass. We must be off.” As she took his arm he leaned in close, whispering, “That was well done of ye, wife. Ye make me proud.”

  She flashed him a brilliant smile as they made for the king’s pavilion.

  Seonaid hesitated when she first entered. The chamber was filled with elegantly clad Fae. King Alred had beckoned his court to witness the proceedings.

  Garrick led her to the dais. He bowed as she curtsied before her father, displaying to him the respect of his station. He acknowledged them and invited them to sit at his table. As they were settled, Seonaid perceived that a silence had filled the room. She glanced up to see why and found the Fae staring at them openly. She turned to the king uncertainly.

  “What is wrong, Da?”

  He squeezed her hand. “They but wonder why you sit at my table. It is nothing I cannot fix.”

  Alred stood and looked down at his people. “You all know my daughter, Diedre.”

  Several people nodded their blonde heads.

  “I would present my other daughter, Seonaid and my son by marriage, Garrick Brodie, Earl of Elgin. I will have you recollect your courtly comportments!” He stared at them until, one by one, they bowed to the couple.

  He sat back down and ordered the food to be served. As they ate he allowed Seonaid and Garrick to plead Diedre’s case to him.

  “I appreciate you requesting clemency for your sister but she has broken several of our laws. Her punishment should be to make her a mortal...”

  Seonaid gasped! “Tis severe!”

  “I agree. But she must remember this lesson.” He shook his head. “It does not matter. Her fate is no longer in my hands.”

  She was stunned. She could not believe that her father was so cold toward his children. “What do you mean, Father?”

  “Watch and learn.”

  He clapped his hands to quiet the room. “Bring her!” He commanded.

  Moments later, Diedre appeared before them standing between two Fae warriors. She curtsied low keeping her eyes downcast in obeisance.

  The king’s heart pained him over what he must do but he realized it was for the best. She needed to grow up.

  “Princess Diedre, you are here before me for crimes against the Realm. Should I have them read aloud before I pass judgment?”

  She shook her head. “Nay, Sire. I am aware of the crimes.”

  He grunted to himself in agreement.

  “Then be aware that your reprimand is two-fold. I dole out the first half...”

  A deep voice sounded behind her. “And I will execute the second!”

  She spun about, coming nose-to-chest with Lokai. Her eyes journeyed upwards to meet his but she saw no gentleness there. She turned back around as her father continued.

  “You are hereby stripped of your magic...leaving only your immortality in place! You are to wed Lokai straightaway and then he will decide the rest of your fate.”

  Everyone present let ou
t a loud gasp! No one believed that he would deal so harshly with the princess. The king beckoned for his magistrate to come forward as Lokai took her hand in a steel grip.

  As they stood before the magistrate, reciting their vows, she quivered. What sort of cruelty would Lokai put her through? She could not imagine.

  At the end of the ceremony, he held out her hand as the man pulled a small dirk and cut her finger, drawing blood. He repeated the process with Lokai then joined their fingers together to mix the blood.

  “With the mingling of your blood you two convert into one. No one can break this bond.” He handed the knife with their blood on it to the king who wiped it with a white silk cloth to seal the bond. “So be it!” He handed the cloth and knife back to the Magistrate to store in the Fae records.

  Lokai’s icy blue eyes penetrated her own for a moment then he turned to King Alred.

  “The second half of her penalty will be thus! She is exiled to the Isle of Remembrance! She will be provided for but no one is to visit her. She will contemplate her transgressions and learn true remorse.”

  Diedre shrank away from her new husband as she cried out. “I will go mad!”

  He turned stony eyes on her. “Perhaps...or you might learn how to conform to your betters.”

  “Tis cruel!” she cried.

  “No. Interfering in mortals’ lives is cruel when they cannot defend themselves against the magic! What I do to you is just!” He did not tell her that he would be visiting her...watching her...seeing to her safety. She would learn soon enough.

  She turned horrified eyes on him. “Then why did you wed me? Where is the reasoning for that if I am to be banished?”

  He leered at her then. “I still need an heir.”

  Without thought, her hand shot out, slapping him hard at the cruelty in his voice. He gripped it and with a bow to the king, whisked her away to her new home.

  Seonaid was speechless. What manner of people were these Fae? So cold...heartless! She trembled with emotion as she felt Garrick’s hand take her own gently. She burst into tears.

  He held her in his arms as she released her grief over her sister.

  “Do not fret, daughter. This is for the best. You do not even know half of what she has done to you and your husband...and I will not tell you. You do not need those memories.” He smiled at her as she sniffled, getting her tears under control. “There will come a day where she will have her magic returned to her. After she has learned to control herself.”

  “But Lokai was so cruel...”

  “It is but a show. He loves her. But if she knew that then she would not take him seriously.” He shook his head. “No. He must keep that from her until she has learned her lesson. All will be well...in time.”

  Epilogue

  Seven months later

  His black stallion thundered through the outer bailey, wind flying through his mane, striking Garrick’s face. Clansmen scrambled out of his way to avoid trampling by the great beast as he traveled on through the inner bailey.

  Garrick heaved back hard on the reins at the steps of the keep causing Cadence to rear up on his powerful hind legs. He let out a shrill neigh in protest to the rough handling. Garrick ignored him as he leapt from his back vaulting up the steps and into the great hall.

  He glanced around frantically, searching for Angus. Spotting him, he reached him in a few strides.

  “Have I missed it? Is she well?”

  Angus slapped him on the back heartily. “Nay, m’laird. Ye have missed naught except her cries of discomfort. Tis normal.”

  Just then he heard Seonaid scream out once more. He ran for the stairs but was blocked by his clansmen.

  “Let me by!” he roared at them…narrowing his gaze.

  Angus shook his head. “Nay, Garrick. Believe me when I tell ye that ye do nae wish to be in there.”

  “She calls me, Angus.”

  “Tis a trick! Do nae fall for it!”

  He paced anxiously across the hall and back for several moments, threading his fingers through his black hair. She cried out several more times before he could stand it no longer. He bolted for the flight of stairs before anyone could stop him, taking them two at a time. He could hear her voice as he neared the door.

  “I said to bring that son of a dog to me now!” she screeched at Mary. “He did this to me and he will ken some suffering in kind! I...want...Garrick...NOW!” She cried out as another pain wracked her body.

  Garrick swallowed hard as he began to slowly back away from the door. All of a sudden he was very afraid of his wee wife. Angus chuckled.

  “Why do nae ye go in, m’laird. Tis what ye wished.”

  He shook his head in alarm, taking another step back.

  “I will slice his manhood from him for this!” She swore in-between profanities.

  He turned to flee when he heard her wail, “I need him, Mary. Please find him.”

  His heart flipped in his chest at her plea. Garrick glanced at Angus. “Is she disarmed?”

  He grinned heartily. “I do nae ken of your weapons but we did confiscate her sgian dubh.”

  Garrick mentally cataloged the locations of his dirks as he inhaled deeply… boldly entering the room.

  “I am here, me love… do nae fret.” He knelt at the side of the bed taking her hand in his as he stroked her sweaty brow. As another contraction seized her, she clutched his hand so hard that he heard bones popping. He gasped at her strength. When her grip eased he swiftly disengaged his hand, shaking it to get the blood flowing again.

  He looked to Mary. “How can I aid her?”

  “Get behind the mistress in the bed and let her lean against ye in a half-sitting position. Twill smooth the way.” He did as she instructed which eased her discomfort a bit. He murmured sweet promises in her ear… rubbing her lower back and stomach to ease the contractions.

  Not long afterward his son made his entrance, wailing at the top of his lungs. His hair was soot black like his father. Garrick grinned ear to ear.

  “He is a fine lad! Oh dear!” Mary blurted as Seonaid tensed in another contraction.

  “What is wrong?” His grin vanished. Then his mouth gaped in awe as a second son made his appearance… his hair the color of a sunset.

  Mary had just cut the cord on the second one when a third was delivered! This one did not cry as the first two had.

  Garrick panicked! “What is amiss, Mary? Is the bairn hale?”

  “Aye, m’laird...she is just fine.”

  She? He had a daughter, as well? Warily, he glanced at Seonaid. “Are ye done now, lass? Or are there more hidden away?” She smiled at him, exhausted.

  “I believe I am finished. If there be more you will have to deliver them.”

  He laughed with joy kissing her damp cheek. “Thank ye, mo cridhe for this blessing. Three bairns! I am overcome.”

  As Mary and the women cleaned Seonaid up from her labor, Garrick swelled with pride as he scrutinized his children. It was truly rare to have three at once...especially all healthy.

  He returned to her side, brushing a red-gold lock of hair from her cheek. She yawned sleepily as she glowed up into his face. “What be your choice of names, wife?”

  “The eldest...after you, the second son...Alred, and our daughter I would name Corinne, after my mother if it pleases you.”

  “Aye...it pleases me.” But she did not hear him as she fell asleep in his arms.

  As he held her close, his heart was near bursting with love for her...and his new family. He could hear the clan rejoicing the births in the distance and appreciated just how blessed he truly was.

  Seonaid adjusted her bodice after handing her dozing daughter to Mary, who nestled her in her cradle. They had a wet nurse to aid with the feedings but Corinne would only receive her mother’s breast. They alternated with the lads so Seonaid could nurse all three of her children…but Corinne was unyielding.

  “Have my fathers’ arrived?”

  Mary glanced her way. “I do nae ken of
the King…but I believe I heard those noisy MacGregors while ye slumbered.”

  “Well, the bairns will nap for a while so I believe I will seek out my husband in the hall. Call if you need me.”

  “Aye, m’lady.”

  She perceived Seamus’ laughter as she approached the great hall. Smiling, she observed the three most significant men in her life as they jested together sharing a mug of ale.

  “Majesty had twin foals ye say?”

  “Aye…a golden colt and a black filly. Both look encouraging. The other mares should foal within a sennight.”

  Seamus grinned. “Ye never go for half measures do ye? Three babes…two foals…is there something in the water here to implement such plenteousness?”

  Alred choked on his ale. Some spewing from his mouth. “Do not look at me, Seamus. I had nothing to do with his good fortune.”

  “Aye, I ken it. Do nae fash yourself, Sire. Me own mares did well themselves. The bay had a fine colt while the gray provided a filly. Mayhap ye will consider selling me a filly from one of the other mares, Garrick.”

  “It will have ta wait till Liam takes his prize. He is assured his choice for aiding us with finding Seonaid. Ye may have ta deal with him in the future if he chooses the one ye prefer.”

  Seonaid stood in front of the dais…arms akimbo. Her face flushed with indignation as she overheard their discussion.

  “You are discussing horses? My children have waited three months to meet their grandfathers and your priorities are HORSES? Mayhap if I be a brood mare you would be interested in seeing my children!”

  Garrick’s cerulean eyes sparkled with humor as he gazed at his ravishing wife. He loved the deep green of her eyes as they flashed fire at him. He knew that she was still out-of-sorts after birthing the babes and her annoyance transitory. She was weary with the strain of caring for three bairns.

  “Come, wife. Rest yourself alongside me and break your fast. Ye ken that they are eager to meet the babes.”