Branded by a Warrior

by Andrea Thorne

  Casting his eyes over the room he saw her dress discarded on the bed but didn’t see her, looking around the chair before the fireplace, he spied her bare feet and legs lying before the warm fire, an even bigger smile crept over his face.

  Locking the door behind him, he pulled his plaid off his shoulders along with his linen shirt and tossed them next to her dress on the bed. Removing his weapons he rounded the fireplace to see her lying naked upon his black sable fur. Propped up on her elbow she bit her lip as she watched him hang up his sword next to hers. Her body was perfection, even her battle scars added to her allure. Her long red hair fell all around her, her perfect ivory skin beckoned him.

  Elisabeth smiled up at Broderick; his dark hair was disheveled from their ride earlier, his muscular chest made her want to come undone. He didn’t have an ounce of fat on him; every section was chiseled to perfection. The man before her had quickly become her entire world; he had been everything she was convinced husbands would not be. He had yet to tell her no, he had given her everything she could ever want, including his heart- in his own way. She may have fallen in love with him years ago at the border festival, but what she felt now for the man standing above her consumed her. Locking eyes with her beloved she crooked her finger at him, she watched a slight grin form on his face as his eyes raked down her with satisfaction.

  Pulling off his huntsman boots he removed his leather kilt belt letting it all fall at his feet as he saw her watching him with wanting desire in her beautiful lucid eyes.

  Dropping to the floor between her ivory legs, he ran his hands up her exquisite body and asked, “Marry me tomorrow Elisabeth?”

  “I’ll marry you whenever you want as long as you fuck me now.”

  Chapter 8

  The wedding of laird Broderick MacMillan and Elisabeth Rosslyn Drummond took place the following eve. The winter clouds had broke, the moon shined brightly upon the castle as all prepared for the wedding of the century. Broderick Ian MacMillan, Laird of Clan MacMillan was finally going to marry. The entire clan was invited to celebrate and attend the wedding; word had spread quickly throughout the morning and afternoon. The entire clan was busy helping prepare for the momentous occasion. Kendrix and Rhona had arranged the entire thing within hours. Rhona of course had been secretly planning the entire thing as soon as Broderick had captured the lass’s hand weeks ago. The smell coming from the kitchen had everyone drooling. Tonight they would feast well! The large chapel was beautiful. Glowing with bright pillar candles, rose water was used to scent the chapel, giving it a wonderful romantic touch. Isobel helped Rhona place bundles of dried lavender along the pews in the chapel. Everything was perfect.

  Elisabeth had awoken that morning to find Broderick and his hounds already gone. Looking across the room she spied the sable fur they had made love on, a glint of gold caught her eye. Smiling, she got out of bed and walked over to the crackling fire and saw what he had left her.

  A note, along with a few precious gifts, a gold circlet sat upon the lush fur next to a pair of beautiful gold dangling earrings, and a matching necklace that was simply breathtaking. Shaking her head at his generosity she knelt down and picked up the parchment.

  To my heart and soul,

  There is no boundary I wouldn’t cross for you, no obstacle that will ever stand between you and I. I will spend the rest of my life making you happy and keeping you safe. Please wear these items today as you become my wife, they once belonged to my mother. She would have loved you Elisabeth, and she would have been honored to pass them down to you. I know our parents are looking down on us today with pride in their hearts. Although you might never hear it from my lips, I love you Elisabeth. I love you more than anything in this world. I cannot wait to become your husband before God and our people.

  Forever yours,

  B.

  Tears streamed down her face as she read the letter over and over. Her heart burst with love for that man, he had torn down all of her walls and claimed her heart so effortlessly. Clinging the letter to her chest she thanked the God above for delivering her such a fine man. She had never known such love like this before.

  An hour later Rhona had arrived with a fresh bath for her as well as a new gown. Elisabeth clapped her hands as she viewed the creation Rhona had brought with her, it was simply marvelous, Rhona knew her style, and had created such a masterpiece.

  Slipping into the bath she and Rhona talked about all the activity that was happening downstairs. Seeing the circlet, earrings and necklace, Rhona grew misty eyed.

  Noticing her reaction to the beautiful gold items, Elisabeth smiled at the elder as she soaked in the large copper tub, “He said they belonged to his mother.”

  Rhona nodded and dabbing her eyes, “Aye my love, they did. She was such a wonderful woman. So humble and loving to those boys and her husband, she was intelligent and giving, so very much like you my dear.”

  Later that afternoon Kendrix dropped off Isobel around lunch; he knocked on the door and was given permission to come in. Isobel dashed into the room to find Elisabeth donned in a plain tunic for the afternoon while Rhona worked on her long hair.

  “Aunt Elisabeth! I’m so excited for your wedding to Uncle Broderick, Rhona is making me wear a fancy dress, do you have to wear a fancy dress too?” she asked as she climbed up into Elisabeth’s lap.

  Chuckling at Isobel’s dramatics, “Aye my dear, I have a fancy dress as well. You will look lovely, I cannot wait to see you look like the little Scottish princess you are my love,” swinging her gaze over the child’s father she asked, “Kendrix, I have a question for you? Please, sit” she motioned to the chair beside her.

  Kendrix as usual was dressed in his kilt and fully armed, smiling he crossed the room and sat down, “What can I do for you my sister?” He grinned.

  “Without my Da or Brother alive, I was hoping you would you walk me down the aisle to Broderick?” she asked quietly, tears starting to brim in her eyes.

  From behind them they heard Old Rhona sniffle, both Kendrix and Elisabeth looked back to see the old maid silently crying happy tears. “Oh you children, you make me proud,” waving her hand in front of her face trying to dry her eyes.

  Kendrix looked back at Elisabeth and placed his hand over his heart, “I would be honored Elisabeth” reaching down he squeezed her hand.

  Both Elisabeth and Kendrix once again smiled as Rhona sniffled behind them, and told them both how much she loved them. Isobel rolled her eyes and skipped over to pet the wolfhounds by the fire.

  Kendrix eventually left the ladies, leaving Isobel behind to get prepared with Elisabeth. He bid them a graceful goodbye as he went in search of his brother, with the wedding only hours away he had much to oversee, and do. He had many security measures to put into place; he wanted nothing to go wrong tonight.

  Rhona and Elisabeth helped Isobel get ready for the evening first, with a fresh bath and a beautiful crown of blonde curls Isobel slipped into her new dress. The beautiful green silk gown with golden embroidery looked elegant against her ivory skin.

  Looking down at the little blonde haired Scottish lass, “You look like a young lady now Isobel. You would make your Ma very proud, chin up my girl, there are worse things than wearing beautiful dresses” winking down at her, Elisabeth smiled brightly as she saw the lass light up at the mention of her mother.

  Inside her heart ached for Isobel, the poor thing had never got the chance to know her mother, to feel her hug and memorize her face. Kneeling down she wrapped her arms around the wee lass and brought her close, “I love you Isobel, thank you for wearing such a beautiful dress today for me. I’m so proud to becoming your Aunt today,” kissing Isobel’s temple she squeezed the lass.

  “I love you too Aunt Elisabeth, to be fair, you should put your gown on too so we can suffer together,” Isobel replied in her usual humor.

  Chuckling and standing up, “Very well my dear.”

  As the evening fell, hundreds and hundreds of MacMillan people left their hom
es and joyfully made their way to the castle chapel once again. Men, women and children dressed in their best clothing, they flocked to get a seat in the large chapel.

  Broderick watched as his people filled the massive chapel, everyone was invited, from his warriors to the kitchen staff; his people had waited a long time to see him married. It was clear to him that his people had fallen in love with Elisabeth; the entire day he was bombarded with well wishes for the ceremony.

  Broderick stood proud at the front of the chapel donned in his ceremonial kilt and tartan; he had never felt more nervous in his life as he awaited his bride. His faithful wolfhounds sat off to his side. Concerned over the absence of his brother, the priest assured him that Kendrix was here and to not ruin the surprise.

  Waiting on the altar he thought of his bride, he hadn’t seen her since he left their bed earlier this morning. It had been a long time since he had went all day without seeing the vixen, she had enchanted him, captured his heart. He hoped she liked the items he left her this morning. He wondered what she was feeling right this very moment; he could not wait to be bound to her for all eternity. There was no doubt in his mind that she was the mate he had been seeking his entire life, even after he had sworn off marriage. Elisabeth had changed everything for him.

  Hearing the harp play, all present stood up as the music lifted through the cathedral like chapel, soft candles illuminated the beautiful chapel as all eyes watched Isobel walk in first.

  The crowd smiled as they watched their Laird’s beloved niece walk down the aisle tossing dried rose petals. Handful after handful she smiled back upon the familiar faces of her clan. Once at the end Broderick watched his sweet niece blow him a kiss and stand beside Old Rhona at the very front pew.

  The crowd slowly swung their gaze back towards the stained glass doors as they were pulled wide one final time. Before every member of the MacMillan clan, Elisabeth stood glowing as she entered the chapel escorted by Kendrix.

  The moment he laid eyes on them his heart burst with pride, a wave of emotions flooded him as he watched his beloved Warrior Queen walk towards him on the arm of his brother. He hadn’t give one thought about who would walk her down the aisle, with her father and brother gone, Kendrix had seen to the honor.

  Broderick’s eyes swept over her as she and Kendrix walked down the candlelit aisle towards him. Dressed in an embroidered gold silk gown, it gracefully fell off her shoulders baring her scar for all to see. The broach he had given her was pinned above her heart with his tartan folded over her shoulder as it fell down her back like a royal cape. The priceless gold cuffs adorned each wrist beautifully, his mother’s necklace and earrings dazzled in the candlelight as she approached.

  She was glowing, simply radiant, the gold circlet was entwined in her crown of red curls. She was the personification of royalty and grace, and she was all his. His heart burst with pride as he watched her finally reach the end of the aisle.

  Stepping down the altar, he shook his brother’s hand pulled him in for a hug before taking Elisabeth’s arm. Placing her hand upon his arm, he felt the connection as soon as they touched. Looking into her liquid emerald eyes, he winked at the stunning vision on his arm and walked her up the stone altar to the priest.

  Before the priest, God and their people, they took their vows together. The women in the crowd shed tears of joy as they watched their Laird pledge his life to the woman who had captured his heart. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was anything other than a love match, just like both their parents had.

  In the front pew Rhona was quietly shedding tears of joy as she held little Isobel’s hand, beside them Kendrix watched in happiness as the two souls were finally joined.

  From the moment Elisabeth donned her beautiful wedding gown, and placed the beautiful gold jewelry upon her skin she felt a sense of calmness descend around her. She had no nerves she heard brides suffered from. In her heart, she knew she had found her soul mate, the man destined to be by her side for all of her life. He was her fate, her destiny.

  Walking down the aisle she was so thankful for Kendrix’s steady presence beside her, she was unprepared for the onslaught of raw emotions that crashed into her as she walked towards Broderick. Knowing her father was with her in her heart she took comfort knowing her family would be pleased with her choice for a husband, especially Duncan.

  In a happy blur, their vows had been said; with their rings blessed Broderick had slipped a beautiful golden band with a brilliant emerald on her ring finger. Moments later the priest declared them husband and wife before the entire MacMillan clan.

  Looking up at her husbands eyes, she grinned as he picked her up and kissed her senseless in front of his people. Whistles, cheers and applause filled the chapel as Elisabeth let the world around her disappear, she was married to Broderick Ian MacMillan, the most powerful Laird and most feared warrior the Highlands had ever seen. He was her destiny, her husband and her lover. She was finally complete. Wrapped in his strong arms she closed her eyes and sunk into his embrace as they sealed their marriage with a passionate kiss.

  She had a husband.

  Letting that comforting fact wash over her, she sighed as Broderick gently sat her back on her feet and clasped hands with her, bringing her back to reality.

  Turning to face their people, Elisabeth smiled brightly upon the hundreds and hundreds of clans members before her. Looking out into the sea of people she saw familiar faces aplenty, the crowd before her cheered in celebration as she and Broderick stood before their people.

  Beside her she felt Broderick squeeze her hand, turning to look at her handsome husband, she watched as he bowed his head to her, and held it. Seconds later the sea of MacMillan clan members bowed in unison to her as well.

  Elisabeth stood in awe, tears brimmed her eyes as she looked out upon the crowd of men, woman and children who all were bowing to her, showing their undying allegiance to her. She felt Broderick gently squeeze her hand in reassurance.

  It was well known Broderick never bowed to anyone, save the King. Lifting her hand to cover her heart, she melted inside. With a simple gesture, Broderick had secured her position beside him in name, and respect for the entire clan to see. With the majestic grace her mother had taught her, Elisabeth swept into a low curtsey, bowing first to Broderick, and then her people.

  Feeling Broderick’s warm hand circle around her waist, she rose up and bestowed a heartwarming smile upon the cheering crowd.

  She had a home again. She had a husband, and she had love. She had never known such contentment. Leaning into Broderick’s chest they paused for a moment before linking hands and descended the stairs down the altar. Elisabeth waved as they walked past the happy faces that lined the pews of the candlelit chapel.

  Tightening his hold on his wife’s hip, he pulled her even closer as they walked out of the chapel and into the dimly lit corridor that connected the chapel to the main keep. Behind them Broderick heard the large doors close, allowing him and his new wife the opportunity to steal a moment for themselves before the mass of MacMillan people moved to the keep for the celebration.

  Snagging his chance, he quickly scooped up his beautiful wife into his arms and looked into her enchanting green eyes. Capturing her soft lips he kissed her as he walked towards their tower. The sight of her walking down the aisle in his mother’s jewelry and escorted by his brother made his heart ache. Elisabeth had been everything he thought women weren’t; she was kind and loyal, charming and fierce. She wore his gifts with pride; she glowed with love this evening as they took their vows. The sincerity and commitment in her voice was evident for all to hear. She was balm to his tormented soul.

  He knew he wouldn’t have a long time before the banquet celebration would start, but he couldn’t resist stealing her away for a few moments. Sitting her back upon her feet, they walked up the winding staircase to their tower holding hands. Broderick looked down at his bride, he saw a flash of mischief in her eyes as she reached up to take a torch off the
wall.

  “Catch me my husband, I have something for you.”

  “Run little wife, I’ll give you a lead.” Broderick watched as Elisabeth giggled in delight as she ran ahead of him up the ancient stone stairs to his chamber above. Allowing her a good lead, he saw the torchlight disappear around the spiral stairs, and with it the sound of her small feet running up the stairs.

  “Here I come wife,” he shouted up the stairs with a smile upon his face as he took the stairs two at a time, turning up the winding stairs he entered the room and saw Elisabeth standing before the fire with the torch still in her hands, smiling brightly. Tossing the torch into the fire, the fireplace took off into a glowing blaze illuminating the room within seconds; looking across the room at her husband she crooked her finger at him, beckoning him to her.

  Elisabeth watched as Broderick walked across the vast room and stood before her and the roaring fire, his dark hair falling to his shoulder and his tanned skin made her weak in the knees. He was all hers.

  “I have a wedding present for you Husband, close your eyes please.”

  “You are all I need Elisabeth.”

  Shaking her head, smiling up at her handsome warrior, “You’ve gifted me with so many things Broderick, allow me to give you something on our wedding day my love. I worked very hard on it, now, close your eyes stubborn man.”

  Crossing his arms and sighing with a smile upon his face, she waited until his eyes were closed before lifting up her skirt to untie the shortsword attached to her thigh. She had worn it throughout the entire wedding ceremony; it had made her feel aroused knowing his present was concealed against her warm thigh. Looking up at Broderick to make sure he wasn’t peeking, she untied the weapon and let her gold silk skirt fall back around her legs.