Branded by a Warrior

by Andrea Thorne

  “Elisabeth…” his tone was that of a father scolding a child, “You are going to have to take better care of yourself while I’m gone, I cannae come home to a wife who is skin and bone,” he eventually teased as he pulled out her chair and nodded for her to sit down.

  The table was full of their favorite food, Old Rhona had to have had her hand in this Elisabeth guessed. “I will remember to eat, I promise.” She smiled, pouring them each a goblet of mead as he sat down across from her.

  “Eat wife, I will talk.” He joked, picking up his goblet and taking a hearty drink.

  Elisabeth filled her plate with a sampling of all the delicious offerings before her, her stomach growled again as she dug in.

  Broderick leaned back in his chair and raised his goblet of mead to his lips as he watched his beautiful wife. Earlier tonight he had spent time with Kendrix, he had taken the time to talk over his plans with his younger brother. This would be the first time he rode without Kendrix at his side. Before he came to collect Elisabeth for their final dinner before his journey to Inverness, he had charged Kendrix with Elisabeth’s safety. He trusted his brother with his life, and in there was no person he trusted more than himself to keep her safe.

  Watching her eat he took another drink, “While I’m away, I will count solely on you and Kendrix to see to training the warriors and protecting our people. I know your duties in the castle are vast, if you need anything you only have to ask Kendrix and he will see it done. I would appreciate it if you stayed within the castle walls during my absence, no more rides outside these walls while I am away. The risk is too great.”

  “For you, I will agree to your condition.”

  Cracking a smile, “Thank you. Also, I am giving the lone key to this room. This is a perfect spot to construct your battle plans with Kendrix, on the far wall is a detailed map of all of Scotland, borders and known outposts we’ve came across over the years” pointing to the wall adjacent to the wall of weapons, “I’ve let Kendrix know my wishes for you two to collaborate our attack.”

  Starring into her lucid green eyes, the room flickered in beautiful candle light as his eyes raked over her soft red hair and ample chest. She had dressed in his favorite color; she was adorned in the gifts he had bestowed upon her on their wedding date. She looked magnificent; it was amazing to see her transform from a warrior into a lady.

  “And if we are attacked while you are away?” She countered; the worry in her voice was evident.

  Leaning forward, “You are to protect our family, and our clan by any means necessary Elisabeth.” His voice cut through the silent room with cold determination.

  His heart ached as he watched her tilt her chin into her chest, she looked so vulnerable, t’was an emotion she rarely displayed. It hurt him to see her upset; it went against everything he vowed.

  “I’ve never felt so dependent upon someone Broderick, I’m not sure I can do it without you by my side. Do you know how hard that is to admit?”

  “Aye Lis, but you can and you will... You, Elisabeth Rosslyn MacMillan were the damn Warrior Queen of Scotland before you married me, and you are still that woman! Ye dinnae need me by your side to be that woman my love.” He saw Elisabeth’s head snap up as he raised his voice and swore. He had her attention. “I will return, and when I do, you and Kendrix will be at my side when we deliver justice for your family. It is only a matter of days Elisabeth, days. Nothing will stand in our way. On our own, we are formidable warriors, together, we are unstoppable, this, I know in my heart.”

  Tears rolled down her face as she looked into his eyes, “I cannot lose you now Broderick, I cannae live without you.” He moved so quick she didn’t even have time to react, in seconds he had pushed his chair back, sending it flying across the room. Stepping around the table he plucked her out of her chair, cradling her against his chest. She could feel his muscles ripple as he held her right. Giving herself over to him yet again, he devoured her mouth with such passion it made her wet with desire. Pushing her breasts against him, she playfully bit his lip as she whispered against Broderick’s lips, “I need you in me, now, make me forget.” Sinking her hands into his glorious long dark mane, she felt her body yearn for Broderick’s touch. She needed him to banish her fears and make her forget about the outside world.

  Broderick’s mind had been racing all day, he couldn’t shake the hundreds of things that could happen while he away. He almost had caved earlier and let Elisabeth come with him to see the King; fear of losing her stopped him.

  Holding her luscious body against his chest, hearing her words made him instantly hard. Moving by the fire he sat her gently down upon her feet and in one swift motion, ripped her gown off her body in one fell swoop. Broderick grinned as he watched her jaw drop. He wanted it rough tonight. He wanted to brand himself upon her; he wanted her every free moment of the day to be filled with memories of him fucking her.

  He watched in delight as his lovely wife slipped out of her slippers and stepped closer to him. Her eyes were alight with desire as he watched her kneel before him.

  Leaning his head back he saw her unlacing his tall huntsman boots, within moments her graceful hands helped slip off his leather boots. His eyes never left her as he watched her work; slowly she stood up, brushing her naked breasts over his hardening cock. He almost lost it right there. Biting his lip he let these erotic moments burn into his memory as she pulled his shirt out of his kilt, enjoying every minute of this, he held his arms up so she could remove it easier.

  Leaning down he placed a scalding kiss on her left shoulder where her scar started, stepping closer he ran his hands down her soft skin as he pulled her into his chest.

  Feeling her nimble hands on his leather belt, he ran his hand up her ribs and grabbed one of her breasts, taking her hard pink nipple into his mouth. Swirling his tongue around the bud he felt his kilt drop to his feet. Her warm hand was on his thick cock in seconds, nibbling her nipple he heard her moan his name in need.

  Reaching down with his other hand he nestled his fingers into her soft curls and found her haven, sinking two fingers into her tight core. He felt her small hand work his cock with expert skill; she mastered everything he had taught her, easily. She was a vixen, a blazing redheaded vixen that had stolen his heart. Smiling to himself, he slowly removed his fingers and picked up his small wife and threw her ceremoniously over his shoulder as he turned to walk to the opposite side of his study. Like a conquering lord with his prize.

  “Where are we going?” She giggled.

  “Did you fail to notice the large bed sitting in the corner my love?” Broderick asked as he smacked her round ass playfully.

  Feeling her twist around, she looked in the direction he was heading.

  “When did that get here?”

  “I put it together before coming to collect you, if you’re going to spend the vast majority of time with me in this room for the years to come, this room needs a bed, period.”

  “Are ye going to put a bed everywhere we spend time my love?” She playfully asked.

  Tossing her gently on the bed he locked eyes with her and shrugged his shoulders, “Thought about it.” Crawling slowly onto the massive bed he eyed her with wanting desire.

  Scurrying back on her elbows, Elisabeth grinned as she moved up the bed pretending to escape Broderick. Taking time to appreciate his lean body she watched his muscles flex as he slowly crawled in her direction. His green eyes flashed with passion as he grabbed her left ankle and gave it a tug, sending her directly underneath her naked husband.

  “There is no escaping me Elisabeth,” he chuckled as he leaned down to kiss her neck softly as he ran his strong hands over her tender breasts.

  Running her hands up her husband’s well formed back she sunk her fingers into his hair as she arched against him and whispered into his ear, “Likewise Husband, there shall never be a day I’ll ever want to leave your side.” Wrapping her slim legs around his powerful thighs she felt his hard cock rub against her wet core.r />
  “Good.”

  With that, she felt him enter her in one long erotic thrust, tipping her head back she moaned in pleasure as he filled her to the hilt. God he was amazing. His thick shaft stretched her to the limits as he sank deep. His possessive hands made her skin feel on fire as he teased her into moaning his name.

  The new bed creaked under their rhythm, the glowing fireplace cast a shadow across the room as Elisabeth captured Broderick’s mouth again as he increased his pace. Every touch, every kiss, Elisabeth could feel such passion from Broderick tonight. Quivering with anticipation of the waves of pleasure to come, she locked her ankles behind his back and let the storm come. Basking in the radiance he had ignited inside of her, she tilted her hips so he could penetrate her even deeper.

  Squeezing her legs, she brought him even closer as he rocked into her with everything he had, the sensation nearly took her breath away, “Oh God yes, harder Broderick, harder!” She gasped as she clung to his rock hard body, everything this man did mad her mad with desire, she could never get enough of him. Above her Broderick thrust his hips as he showered attention on her breasts, her skin was alight with sensual delight as he left no part of her untouched.

  He was tender and rough, demanding and yet so giving. She was sure it was wrong for sex with her husband to feel so damn good, over these past months she craved him. Since he took her virginity, they had found themselves tangled in each other’s arms multiple times a day. It was never enough; the desire had never waned for either of them.

  Broderick could shoot her a look that would make her knees weak. A small caress here and there, a hand upon the small of her back, or a stolen kiss throughout the day made it damn near impossible to stay on track.

  Watching him above her made her proud to call him her husband, he was flawless. His body was a well-trained masterpiece; his face was that of a God, his long dark hair that always fell enticingly in his face. His haunting green eyes seemed to look directly into her soul; this man was her destiny, her world.

  He was so large; he stretched her to her limits every time they made love. Having him inside her made her feel complete. Hot passion flowed between the two of them, bending to his will she threw her head back as her body exploded in glorious climax, screaming his name her world went still as hot white ecstasy coursed through her veins.

  Broderick watched his wife come undone underneath him, grinning in delight he pumped harder as her tight core milked his cock. “God, I love my Warrior Queen” his every word followed with a deep thrust.

  “Yours,” she whispered as she threw her head side to side as he claimed her once again.

  “Mine.” He growled as he drove home, filling her with his hot seed. He dove deeper and deeper until he collapsed beside her. Pulling her into his arms, both breathing deeply, they savored the connection of ecstasy clinging to each other.

  The candles in the study slowly had begun burning out; the fire gave a low glow from the other side of the room. Pulling the covers over them, Broderick kissed her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her slim frame. “I love you Elisabeth MacMillan, with everything that I am,” he whispered against her temple.

  Feeling her squeeze his chest he knew she was emotional, wrapping his arms around her he pulled her closer and covered their bodies with warm blankets.

  Sleep claimed both quickly enough, Broderick held her until he was sure she had fallen asleep. Closing his eyes he sent up a prayer to God, and their fallen parents- to protect Elisabeth, keep her safe and healthy while he was away. Now that she was his wife, he didn’t want to ever be without her. She was a vital part of his heart, his world, and soon enough she would be the mother of his children. Keeping her here while he rode south to Inverness would keep her safe, but it would be torture on both of them. God willing, his trip would be successful and short.

  Elisabeth woke the next morning to feel Broderick kissing her wounded shoulder with scalding kisses; his large hand has slipped under her arm, kneading her tender breast. The sunrise still hours away, desire lanced through her as his touch set her on fire once again.

  She could feel his hard cock pressing against her backside, the feeling made her feel even hotter as he rolled his hips once again so she could feel his desire.

  Smiling to herself, she pressed her ass into his hard erection, enticing him take her once again, “Fuck me Broderick, one last time my love, I need you in me.” She begged, unashamed of her need for him. She would be without this man for many weeks to come; she needed him now more than ever.

  She felt Broderick roll them around the bed, placing her directly above him. With no candles or glowing fire, she couldn’t see his face; only feel his hands and giant cock between her legs. In one gentle motion, Broderick brought her down upon his velvet cock; gasping as he buried himself to the hilt she leaned her head back and moaned in building pleasure as he guided her hips.

  She knew her time with him this morning was limited, once again soaking up every touch, every kiss, every caress- she memorized it. For she knew there would be long winter nights to come without him. He made love to her tenderly, slowly; his words were filled with love. Together they climaxed as one, intimate and drenched in passion the world around them stopped as they came in each other’s arms.

  Dizzy and exhausted, Elisabeth collapsed into Broderick’s steady arms, trying to catch her breath.

  “I need to get dressed and pack Elisabeth, I am to leave in the next hour. Come with me back to our room my love, see me off?” He requested lightly as he stroked her naked back.

  Sighing deeply in sadness, she whispered “Of course Broderick.”

  Together they gathered their belongings from the study and slowly walked in the dark castle back to their tower bedroom holding hands. The castle was eerily silent as they crossed the vast keep; a few torches illuminated their path. No one was yet awake; the crackling hearths were the only sound.

  An hour later, exiting their room together, Elisabeth clung to Broderick’s hand for strength. She helped him pack, and sharpened his blade while he changed. She was doing everything possible to keep her mind busy. The reality of him leaving was too depressing.

  Saying goodbye would be hard for her. So much was left in the balance with him leaving. They had yet to find the person responsible for poisoning her, let alone figure out how Kincaid had such vital information of what happened within these walls. The responsibility of planning their attack fell upon her and Kendrix, along with trying to keep safe while Broderick was away. If Kincaid had a spy, it would only be a matter of time before he was informed that Laird MacMillan went to Inverness to meet with the King. She had a very ominous feeling that something would happen while her husband was away. She wanted to stomp her foot and demand he take her with him, but she refused to act like a brat and argue with him before his departure. She would heed his decision, and stay behind with Kendrix.

  She knew the King wouldn’t harm Broderick, he was correct in that, the King needed him. Broderick held the vast majority of land in the Highlands; his army was large and formidable. Broderick’s allies were many, fierce, and something the King would not want to lose, or go against.

  She also knew that the King owed her a rather large favor, a favor she had earned years ago. She was sworn to keep the secret, last night she wanted nothing more than to tell Broderick. Instead, she had written a letter to King Richard, gently reminding him of her outstanding favor she had yet to use. The King of England owed her, and Richard was family, a well-kept secret, known only by the Drummond family. She did not feel right keeping that information from her loving husband; however she made an oath to their liege, King Richard. She could not break that vow without dire consequences. She knew, that if Broderick’s meeting with the King took a turn for the worse, he could hand King Richard her letter and he would be honor bound to agree to her choice of a husband.

  Keeping her relationship to the King of England secret all these years was for her safety, if King Richard died, he wanted a leg
itimate heir hidden away to ascend the throne. Duncan and Elisabeth were those heirs, with Duncan gone; Elisabeth was the sole heir to the King’s crown should he die.

  She was far more than just The Warrior Queen of Scotland; she was the hidden heir to the throne of England. She was King Richard’s cousin, his only family, a secret that could get her killed if the wrong person knew. A secret her husband didn’t even know, and with her parents and brother dead, only the King of England and she knew the truth. She was confident that her cousin favored Broderick, she also knew King Richard cared for her in his own way. Although he had moments of insanity, she prayed that he remembered who they were and what they meant to him. Surely he would be pleased with her choice?

  Walking out into the bailey the morning sun had just crested the ice-covered horizon of the Highlands. Taking her final chance to speak to him alone, she squeezed his hand and stopped at the bottom of the castle stairs and looked up into his calm face. Clearing her throat, she pulled the letter from her fur and handed it to him, praying he would understand.

  “What is this Elisabeth?” Broderick asked, a questioning look upon his face as he gently took the letter from her hands, reading King Richard’s name upon the front of the parchment.

  “If your meeting with the King Richard becomes unfavorable, please deliver this letter into his hands only, tis meant for his eyes only.”

  Cocking his head, he stared at her. She could see him trying to process the different reasons why her letter to the King of England would change their future.

  “I cannae explain to you the reasoning why without breaking a promise to the King, I beg you to understand the importance of my promise and honor. I pray that the King will entrust that information with you when you meet with him. Only he can tell you, I am bound my oath to remain silent. Please understand if I was able to tell you, I would.”

  Tucking the letter into his leather pouch, he held her trembling hands and looked into her eyes, “I honor your promise to the King my love, if need be, I will deliver the note with my own hands to him. Elisabeth, nothing will keep me away from you. I will return to you my love, come, my men wait and dawn is fast upon us.”