“Poisoned? Why?” she asked, confused why anyone would do such a thing.
“Hemlock, Caitriona confirmed the mixture days ago after it happened. Rhona confirmed that you ladies had been drinking out of the pitcher the morning of the wedding with no ill effects. The water had to be tainted while we were away celebrating our wedding, with the hounds at our side and everyone celebrating downstairs, gaining access to our rooms would be easy enough.”
“But you could have drank that water too,” she stated, trying to let the fog clear in her head.
“Aye, we still haven’t found the person responsible, nor do we know if the intent was for both of us, or one of us,” he explained, slightly ashamed he and Kendrix hadn’t found the person who almost took her life, “How do you feel?” he asked as he rubbed her back.
“Foggy, my head hurts and my belly aches,” she admitted, she remembered long ago her promise to never lie to him, even about any weakness or sickness she may encounter. Omissions were weighted like lies to him.
“To be expected, Caitriona has made you more medicine to counter the hemlock you drank, you should keep taking it until all of your aliments are gone, the poison still lingers in your small body.”
Kendrix and Broderick were sure that the mixture was made to kill only Elisabeth, the dose wasn’t high enough to kill a man of his size, but a small woman would have easily fallen ill to the concoction. He had intentionally kept that information from her, he knew he should tell her but something inside of him refused to admit someone was trying to kill his wife.
“Broderick?”
“Yes my love?”
“Once I am back on my feet, can I please train with you and your men? I have a feeling this war between us and Kincaid is far from over, I want to be as prepared as possible. I used to train with Duncan and his men daily, that is why I was so skilled. I haven’t trained in well over a month, please Broderick, it would mean the world to me?”
Closing his eyes, he ran his hand up her back and into her silky hair, sighing deeply he knew her point was valid. With the letter Kincaid had written demanding her return, he knew it was only a matter of time before the war would escalate. Kincaid knew she was alive, he knew she was here. How Kincaid knew she was alive was still a mystery, only those behind MacMillan walls had known. The Drummond men that attacked Elisabeth and Kendrix by the creek had all been killed by Elisabeth’s hand, none had escaped to inform their laird. Broderick and Kendrix started to suspect a spy was living inside their walls; it very well could be the same person who poisoned his wife.
Resigning himself to the fact that he married The Warrior Queen of Scotland, that she had the same need as he did to train and defend those she cared about, he agreed, “Aye Elisabeth, once you are well you can start training with us daily. I’ll let Kendrix and the men know to expect you.” He had no valid reason to deny her request, as much as he wanted to keep her from battle, he knew it was only for his own selfish reasons. He could not, would not and simply did not want her to change at all. She was who she was because of being a warrior. She would go down in history, and he refused to extinguish her bright flame. The queen was ready to prepare for war.
“Thank you Broderick, I will make you proud.”
“Woman, you make me proud every single day,” he admitted as he heard her yawn in the darkness, daylight was still hours away, “Go back to sleep lass.”
The next morning Broderick woke first, slowly detangling himself from his wife’s embrace he slipped out of bed and dressed for the day. Taking the hounds outside for their morning run he visited the kitchen first to inform Rhona that Elisabeth had awoken last night, and to check on her this morning. He knew Old Rhona loved Elisabeth like her own child; the old hen was beside herself with worry.
Walking outside in the brisk winter morning, Kendrix and his warriors were running through their morning drills with precision. Letting his hounds run, he watched his younger brother order the skilled warriors. Joining the men, he walked up to Kendrix who stood at the front of the bailey ordering his men. “She awoke last night, still a little sick from the poison, but she is out of danger now,” Broderick explained as they watched the men.
“I am happy to hear that Brother, would you care to explain the scowl on your face if your lovely wife has finally awoken?” Kendrix grinned as he asked, then shouted out to the men for the next drill.
Running his hands through his long hair he turned to look at his younger brother, “She has asked permission to come train with us, she knows the war isn’t over. I haven’t even told her about Kincaid’s missive or the fact that we believe the poison was intended for only her, yet, she has a urge to prepare for war.”
“We knew it would only be a matter of time Brother, she is the warrior queen,” smiling at Broderick, Kendrix slapped his brother on the shoulder and continued, “Would you like to address the men now before she appears?”
Nodding, it was a perfect time to address his warriors while she still lay upstairs safely in bed. Whistling loudly, the warriors stopped practicing and turned their attention to the MacMillan brothers who stood at the front, gathering closer the warriors sheathed their swords and awaited their Laird.
“MacMillan warriors, I fear a war brews silently behind our backs. Laird Kincaid’s threat lingers, we know it is only a matter of time before the threat becomes real. You are all aware of Elisabeth’s poisoning, this morning she finally broke free from the effects of the poison, she will recover.”
The men before him cheered at the news of their beloved queen’s recovery, holding up his hand to silence them, Broderick continued, “She has asked to train with you, our warrior queen knows all too well the battle ahead of us. You are to treat her with the same respect you always do, she is skilled and deadly, but just like us, in need of daily training to hone her skills. I expect your full cooperation, if anyone isn’t comfortable fighting next to my wife, feel free to leave now. I will not stand for anyone disrespecting her.” Looking amongst the crowd, not one warrior moved. They were well aware of her reputation, and well aware of how she had saved Kendrix’s life in the woods. None of them were ashamed to train or fight next to such a skilled warrior, even if she was a woman. Standing before his warriors he gave one final order, “If Kendrix or I are ever unable to lead you, Elisabeth is next in command. Am I clear?” his voice commanded across the bailey.
A resounding “Aye” was shouted by all present; their Laird’s command was law.
Kendrix leaned over to his brother and asked, “Are ye going to tell Elisabeth of her promotion in the army?”
Chuckling, he shook his head, “Not yet Kendrix, otherwise she’d be out here within the hour training with poison still coursing through her veins, I’ll tell her…eventually.”
Staying with the men, Broderick drilled with the warriors for hours, due to Elisabeth’s illness, he had not left his room in days. Eventually once the warriors were done, he returned to the keep to check on his wife. Entering the warm castle with his hounds following closely behind him as he bounded up the stairs arriving at his door, swinging it open slowly.
Conn and Isla lumbered through the doorway and ran directly to their mistress who sat before the fireplace brushing her hair.
He watched from the doorway as she turned to look at him, her skin looked healthy and flush once more, her sweet voice was a welcome sound.
“Hello husband, I feel much better this morning. Rhona made me eat until my belly was full, I had a wonderful bath and feel like a new woman.”
Crossing the room he walked up to the chair and leaned down to kiss her sweet mouth, “Hello wife,” he whispered between kisses as he picked her up and then sat back down, placing her in his lap. Running his hand through her shiny hair he spoke softly, “I spoke with Kendrix and the warriors this morning, you are welcome to join training when you feel you are ready.”
Popping up from his chest, she smiled brightly at him, “Thank you Broderick, I will go down with you tomorrow morning.” Kissing him softly
she whispered against his mouth, “but right now, I need you.”
Pulling her chemise over her head he ran his hands up over her bare skin, “Your wish is my command.”
Pulling his shirt and plaid off easily, Elisabeth straddled her husband, moaning as she entered her. Letting her head fall back, she her up and down upon his throbbing shaft, overcome with emotions she bit her lip as Broderick buried his face in her bouncing breasts as he held her tight.
Screaming his name as he pounded into her, he swung her so she was facing away from him; still inside her he wrapped his hands around her trim waist and watched her bob up and down upon him.
Looking over her shoulder at her husband, she purred, “Do you like what you see my lord?”
Flexing into her deep he caused her to moan his name as he replied, “Aye my queen.”
Chapter 11
Broderick awoke the next morning to find his wife missing from their bed, aggravated at finding her and his dogs missing, he swung out of bed in search of her. Dressing and arming himself with his weapons for the day, he opened his door and crossed the hall to her solar.
Throwing the door wide he saw his stunning wife dressed in a modified gown, her MacMillan plaid draped over her chest with his great black sable fur chained across her shoulders. Her weapons attached to her hip, she plaited her hair with her back to the door.
Crossing his arms and leaning against the door, his dogs spotted him and ran over to his side, “Good morning wife, I think you forgot to wake me.”
Spinning around to greet her handsome husband, she smiled as she crossed the room and wound her arms around his strong neck and pulled him down towards her, “Good morning husband, I was coming back to get you momentarily. I would never forget you my love,” kissing him she felt his strong arms wrap around her waist and bring her body up against his has his tongue dipped into her warm mouth.
Sitting her back on her feet, “Lets run to the kitchens and get some food before we go outside, usually Rhona has something waiting for me,” smiling at his wife, laced up in her new leather braces. The two linked hands and went down to the kitchens, and eventually out into the bailey where they found Kendrix and his men starting to gather for their morning drills.
Broderick watched as Elisabeth kept up with the men with graceful ease; she focused on her drills with lethal precision. The cold and snow did not slow her at all, her sword arm was affected little by her wound from her family’s massacre.
Throughout the morning Broderick removed himself from her side, keeping his trained eye on her form, her movement and most importantly, her safety.
Kendrix took the warriors through hours of drills and hand-to-hand maneuvers, all things Elisabeth was familiar and comfortable with. Broderick had yet to see any weakness in anything she did. Her form was perfect, where she lacked in male strength she made up for in quickness and unique blows to weaken her larger opponents. All who watched were impressed with her demeanor and talent; she was truly their Warrior Queen. Her reputation was well founded.
All who entered the bailey this morning had taken time to watch the Laird’s wife train with the warriors. Bakers and blacksmiths, launders and women alike watched in delight as Elisabeth worked with flawlessly with the kilted warriors.
By the stables Broderick noticed his blonde niece watching Elisabeth all morning. Isobel carried the wooden sword he had given her for her fifth birthday; he had made it himself, Broderick watched as Isobel emulated Elisabeth’s movements. Abandoning his post next to Kendrix, he walked over to his beautiful little niece and knelt down beside her, “Good morrow my little sword fighter, are you watching your Aunt Elisabeth?” he asked as she continued to watch Elisabeth in the bailey.
Stopping to catch her breath, she looked over at her Uncle, “Aye Uncle Broderick, I want to be just like her when I grow up. She’s amazing!” her face glowing with youthful excitement.
Nodding and looking back over to his wife, “Aye, she is amazing isn’t she? You should ask your pretty aunt to teach you to shoot bow lass, she’s spectacular, and a sword like hers will take you time to grow into. However, a bow you could learn now my love.”
Gasping with excitement, “Do you think she’d teach me Uncle Broderick? Oh I would love that! Where would I find a bow for me? I’m far too little still.”
“I’ll make ye one lass, but first we’ll have to ask your Da, deal?” he asked as he stood back up and ruffled her shiny long hair. Nodding, she picked her wooden sword back up and looked over at her Aunt, once again swinging and mimicking Elisabeth.
Shaking his head he walked back over to the warriors in the bailey and rejoined Kendrix until their morning session was over.
After the warriors were dismissed, Broderick reappeared at his wife’s side; much of her dark red hair had escaped her braid framing her glowing face. Her green eyes were dazzling as she linked hands with him. Her skin was flushed from the workout; she looked like she had just conquered a foe. From the stables they both heard Isobel’s sweet little voice call out, “Aunt Elisabeth, wait for me!”
Stopping, Elisabeth and Broderick turned around to see little Isobel dashing across the snow-covered courtyard, waving her wooden sword in the air as she ran towards her beloved Aunt and Uncle.
Kneeling down, Elisabeth caught Isobel in her arms and swung her up to her hip and plucked the wooden sword out of the lass’s grubby hands, “My love, we must never run with our blade as so, we must carry it like this as we run so we do not injure ourselves,” showing Isobel how to hold her sword properly she handed it back to her and kissed her temple before sitting her back down.
Nestling between Broderick and Elisabeth, Isobel slipped her wooden sword into her belt and grabbed both of their hands as Kendrix walked towards them.
Feeling Isobel squeezed her hand, Elisabeth looked down at the rosy-cheeked lass, “Yes my dear?” she asked.
“Uncle Broderick said that maybe you would teach me the bow, that you were…,” looking back at her tall Uncle, “what was the word Uncle?” she asked, trying to remember.
Winking at Elisabeth, Broderick lowered his gaze at his little niece, “I said she was spectacular at shooting the long bow my love, but your Da had to agree to the lessons.”
“Begorra, I forgot to ask Da. Hold on,” dropping their hands she turned around and ran towards her father, jumping up into his arms and whispering into his ear.
From a distance both Broderick and Elisabeth watched in delight as little Isobel asked permission to be taught the bow. Feeling Broderick’s hand slip over her hip and pull her closer, she gently elbowed him and looked up into his emerald green eyes, “Spectacular eh? My husband compliments me highly. I am pleased,” smiling up at her warrior.
“You are very deserving of my praise, your skill is flawless Elisabeth. Duncan trained you perfectly. I can find no flaw in your movements or technique. Your modified motions to avoid stronger opponent’s powerful blows is quite impressive my love, and we are all aware there is no archer here who can best your skill,” kissing the top of her head and watching Kendrix and Isobel walk up, he whispered into her ear so only she could year, “You can start by teaching my niece, and then eventually our children.”
Elisabeth’s heart did a flip. Children, she hadn’t thought of having children in years. The thought tore at her heart. She froze, and worse of all, Broderick noticed.
Before her, she heard Kendrix speak, his voice drew her back to reality.
“Isobel is asking for permission to learn the bow, seems like she’s been watching Aunt Elisabeth and Uncle Broderick said he’d make her a bow, what is a father to do?”
“Da, you know Aunt Elisabeth is the best, and Uncle Broderick makes the best longbows,” she said as she rolled her eyes and put her hand on her hip. Broderick had to pretend to cough in order to cover his laughter.
Elisabeth quickly cleared the chaos in her heart, she smiled at Isobel, “How about we go find Old Rhona in the kitchens and go in search of some lunch my love, your
Da and Uncle Broderick can join us and we can discuss it further.” Taking Isobel’s small hand, she let Broderick’s comment about children go, the thought simply broke her heart. Allowing herself to become distracted by the bustling five year old beside her, she turned her attention fully to Isobel, leaving the men behind.
Watching Elisabeth skip hand in hand with Isobel, Broderick looked over at his brother and shook his head, “I dinnae understand it Kendrix, she’s a flawless warrior, acts like mother to Isobel, yet when I just mentioned her having our own children the woman about fainted.” Confusing wrought amongst his face.
Raising a brow Kendrix replied in a humorous tone, “and that confuses you?”
Walking towards the castle Broderick nodded, “Aye Brother.”
Slapping Broderick on the shoulder and bringing him closer, “Think about it Brother, if she’s with child she cannae fight against Kincaid. All these weeks she’s been focused on revenge for her family, on healing and seeing justice dealt to Kincaid and his men. If she finds herself carrying your child, she’ll be forced to stay behind.”
Closing his eyes he tilted his head back, now he understood, it was probably one of the reasons why she never pursued a marriage in the past, “She’s never mentioned it, nor have we been preventing making a child, very much the opposite.”
Taking the stone stairs two at a time the brothers entered the warm hall as Kendrix offered, “I’m guessing that conversation will come up soon, seems to me she might have just realized it herself. Give her time to sort out her emotions Brother; I don’t think she’s the type of woman to choose her sword over babes in her arms.”
The brothers entered the kitchen to find Isobel and Elisabeth washing their hands as Rhona floated around the kitchen setting out plates for them to eat, they preferred the small kitchen over the large hall for small family meals. The smell of savory foods filled the air, their stomachs were empty and there was nothing better than a warm meal prepared by Rhona. The group sat down and asked Rhona to join them, the five of them sat in the warm kitchen and Isobel told Rhona all about what had happened today.
Branded by a Warrior Page 15
