The Crusader's Heart

by Kate Forrest

  “What sort of surprise?” Alex frowned. Flora’s surprises usually began or ended with a catastrophe, so he had good reason to be wary.

  “I made a banner to celebrate your wedding!”

  “How thoughtful,” Isobel said.

  “Oh?” Alex looked cautiously around the hall for it. “Where is it?”

  “Look up,” she said. She waved her arms, as though signaling to someone in the crowd, and moments later a banner reading “Alex and Isobel Forever” unfurled from the rafters.

  “It’s wonderful,” Isobel said, to a beaming Flora.

  “Aye,” Alex agreed. “It is verra nice, lass.”

  “I am so glad you like it! I had Murdoch help me hang it this afternoon.”

  Alex peered into the crowd and found Murdoch standing beneath the banner, holding onto the rope that kept it up.

  Suddenly, a man in the crowd bumped into Murdoch, causing him to lose hold of the rope. The banner dropped, falling into the crowd and onto two torches, where it promptly went up in flames.

  “Fire!” Alex shouted above the music. “Fire!”

  He leapt from the table and raced into the crowd. Fortunately, everyone had moved clear of the flames, but the fire still posed a risk to the wooden keep.

  “Bring water! Quickly!” he ordered the nearest two guards. He found in such cases that orders needed to be given to specific people. If he just shouted out for anyone to help, everyone assumed someone else was managing it.

  “Use the banner to smother it,” Ewan suggested, coming to Alex’s side.

  Alex grabbed the banner, but the cloth was nearly covered in flames. “There is no time,” he said, letting it go. He stomped on it, but the flames grew by the second.

  “Here!” Robbie shouted. He rushed to Alex’s side, handing him a bucket of water.

  Alex took it and doused half the flames. “One more and it should be under control.” The fire was contained now, but smoke was filling the great hall.

  “Open the doors, Murdoch,” Alex instructed the lad. He looked ill, but obeyed.

  The two guards brought in more buckets of water, and Alex and Robbie dumped them on the flames, putting out the fire completely.

  Within minutes, all the doors were open and the furs were pulled back from the windows allowing the smoke to escape.

  “Let us continue the celebration outside!” Alex shouted, and the men and women cheered in response. The musicians resumed playing their instruments, and the melody mingled with the laughter and conversation of the clansmen and women. Everyone filtered out of the smoky hall and into the summer night.

  When the hall had cleared, Alex took stock of the damage.

  “These boards will need replacing,” Alex said, as Isobel came to stand beside him.

  “You wanted to rebuild in stone anyway, did you not?” Isobel asked.

  “I do,” Alex replied, rubbing the back of his neck as he studied the wall and floor.

  “Then no harm done,” she said.

  “No harm done?” Alex asked in disbelief. “The keep could have burnt down.”

  “But it did not,” Isobel said. “Your sister meant well, and it was not Murdoch’s fault. Someone bumped into him.”

  Isobel was right, of course, but she didn’t understand that this happened every time Flora essayed any of her projects. He’d witnessed all manner of mischief from the girl before she was even old enough to say her own name.

  “It does not matter if her intentions were good. She could have injured someone.”

  “I understand,” Isobel said. “But today is a celebration. Go to her now, and tell her all is well. Otherwise, she will fret all night.”

  “Very well,” Alex said, glancing out into the crowded bailey then back to her. “Are you coming?”

  “I am going to our room,” Isobel said. “Will I see you up there soon?”

  “Aye.” Alex felt his blood heat as his wife sashayed out of the hall. The sooner he found Flora, the sooner he could join Isobel. He made his way out into the bailey.

  Already, a series of bonfires had been lit. The flames flickered in the summer sky as the clan’s people danced to the Celtic tunes of their Irish guests. He searched out Flora and found her and Murdoch standing near the stables. The young MacDonald was trying to console her.

  “Everything is fine,” Murdoch said. “The keep still stands.”

  “Alex hates me,” Flora cried.

  “Not true,” Alex said, making himself known. He came to stand beside his sobbing sister. Her face was buried in her hands.

  “Come now, Flora,” he said. He wrapped his arms around her. “Isobel and I loved the banner.”

  She dropped her hands and looked up at him. “Do you mean it?”

  “Aye.”

  “But what about the keep wall?” Her eyes welled with tears.

  “In truth, I think it looks better with the soot stains,” Alex said, causing Flora and even Murdoch to laugh. “There now. No more tears.”

  She nodded her head and wiped her face with her hands.

  “It is a beautiful night. Why don’t you and Murdoch join the group for a dance?” Alex looked to Murdoch, waiting for the young man to object.

  “I would love a dance,” Murdoch said. Alex released Flora and clapped Murdoch on the back.

  “You hear that?” Alex gently nudged Flora’s chin up with his finger. “There are too few nights in life like this one, Flora. Go enjoy yourself.”

  His young sister looked up at him with her big green eyes and smiled. “I have not danced yet,” she said.

  Alex waved his hands at Murdoch, as though presenting him to her for the first time. “I believe this young man offered to be your partner.”

  Murdoch looked uncertain, and Alex knew he was as upset as Flora had been. “No harm done,” he told him. “I won’t have you think on it a moment longer. That is a direct command from the chief.”

  Murdoch nodded. “Aye, Chief.”

  Flora tugged on Murdoch’s hand. “I love this tune! Come on, Murdoch!”

  She was already dragging him away, but Murdoch leaned back and whispered to Alex, “She won’t let me lead.”

  “Best get used to it.” Alex patted him on the shoulder and sent them off into the crowd.

  One sister happy. Just one more to see. Since Isobel had forbade him from talking to them during the feast, he wanted to find Anna and see where the marriage alliance stood. He searched through the crowd but did not see them gathered by any of the bonfires, so he checked the front gate, where four guardsmen stood on watch.

  “Have you seen my sister, Anna?”

  “She and a man just walked up to the ramparts,” one of the guards said, pointing to the steps just inside the gates.

  Alex jogged up the steps to the top of the gate wall. The wooden walkway was narrow but allowed enough room for two rows of archers to take positions on the wall. He’d fortified the walkway after his return home, knowing men would need to line the walls if the Macleans attacked.

  He found Anna and Ewan facing the sea, looking up at the sky. The heavens had gifted the clan with a clear night, and the stars were plentiful.

  “I wanted a word with Anna,” Alex interrupted. They both turned at the sound of his voice.

  “Of course,” Anna said.

  “A fine feast, Alex,” Ewan said.

  Alex nodded in thanks.

  “I will be over here,” Ewan told Anna, pointing to the end of the walkway before he left. Alex waited until Ewan was out of earshot before he spoke. “Well?”

  “He is nice,” Anna said.

  “And?”

  “I could marry him.”

  Alex hugged his sister in relief. “Are you certain?”

  “Aye.”

  “Because if not, just tell me.” He released her and held her at arm’s length, trying to discern her usually readable face.

  “Alex, you just hugged me to near death. I do not think you could have been any more relieved by my choice.”
>
  “Anna, I will not see you married against your will. Forget everything else. Forget me. Is this what you want?”

  “From what I can garner, he seems a fine man and should make a respectable husband.” She shrugged and added, “Honestly, Alex. I do not know what you expect me to say after just meeting the man a few hours ago. All I can tell you is I am at peace with my decision.”

  It was wrong of Alex to expect more from her. Selfishly, he wanted peace of mind. He needed to believe that this decision benefited Anna, not just the rest of the clan. He would not be able to live with himself if she were unhappy. He bid her good night, resisting the temptation to have the guards keep an eye on them as he passed by the gates on his way back up to the keep.

  One sister happy. One sister at peace. Alex could live with that. Should I check on Joan? She drank so much wine at dinner, she’s probably fast asleep in her room. Deciding he’d managed as much as he could for the night, Alex returned to the keep and made his way up to his chamber.

  Chapter 29

  Isobel carefully removed her fine gold-velvet gown, circlet, and necklace. With all her finery carefully put away, she dressed in a simple linen shift. She then lit a fire in the grate and sat down. Though it had been a warm day, the cool winds off the inner sea brought a chill to the night air. Tending the fire also gave Isobel a distraction from her mind. As did the noise outside, with laughter and pipe music filtering in through the narrow window in the chamber. By the sound of it, the clan planned to celebrate well into the night.

  The cook had done a fine job with the feast. The MacKinnons and the Irish ate their fill and enjoyed the bounty of wine, ale, and mead. A lavish offering, but Isobel knew the evening’s festivities were a much-needed luxury. Judging by the way everyone continued to carry on down in the bailey, the feast had served its main purpose—to boost morale. The men would be better prepared, in mind and body, to go to battle now.

  But there may be no battle. From a distance, it seemed Ewan and Anna got on well enough. Their marriage could bring peace, but even if Anna agreed to take Ewan as a husband, it did not mean the Maclean chief would agree to the arrangement. Though, the dowry Isobel proposed for Anna was handsome; it should tempt any chief, even one with means.

  A light knock sounded at the door.

  “Isobel, it’s me,” Alex called.

  Her pulse instantly quickened, and she licked her lips. She bade him enter and stood as he walked into the room. The firelight cast a romantic glow over him, and her knees weakened in anticipation of what was to come. Their first night together in the forest had been uncomfortable at first, but with time, the experience had been pleasurable. Very pleasurable, she recalled.

  “Anna has agreed to marry Ewan,” he said, pulling off his boots. He hadn’t really looked at her yet and seemed preoccupied. “I also spoke to Flora and Murdoch. All is good.”

  “Good,” Isobel said, coming to stand before him.

  “Though I did not see Joan after the fire in the keep. Did you?” Alex asked.

  Isobel shook her head. “I am certain she is fine.” Isobel did not want to talk about anyone else right now. She wanted to be with Alex without any interruptions.

  “Aye, I’m sure you are right.” Alex pulled off his belt and laid his weapons out on the stand beside the door. He paused in his ministrations, finally looking at her.

  “You’re ready,” he said, in a throaty voice.

  “Yes,” she whispered, inching closer to him. Alex stood still, watching her.

  She lifted the bottom of his blue tunic up over his hips. Alex’s arms hung at his sides, but his eyes were locked on her. She pulled the fabric higher up, exposing the bands of muscle over his stomach. When she reached his chest, he pulled the tunic off and tossed it on the floor.

  Isobel was standing close enough to feel the heat radiating from his skin. He smelled smoky, but there was still a hint of rose and his natural male scent. The combination was intoxicating, so was his body. Her memories of him had stayed true. He was just as strong as she recalled, though she didn’t remember the hair on his chest. She reached out and flattened her palms over his stomach then glided her hands up over his hair-covered chest and onto his shoulders. Moving down his arms, she felt him flex under her inspection. She traced the lines of a scar on his wrist.

  “What is this from?”

  “A whip,” Alex said.

  Isobel nodded but did not ask for more details. She continued her perusal of his form, finding a star-shaped scar on his upper arm.

  “And this?”

  He glanced down to where she pointed. “An arrow.”

  Isobel traced a few more scars on his chest and arms. His body was a testament to his strength and reflected a history of warfare. She wondered if that history had hurt him on the inside too. He’d spoken of how he was suited for battle, how he did not let himself be haunted by his actions, but there still had to be a toll. Perhaps the cost was on his heart.

  She did not want to think about that now. She wanted to be with him.

  Isobel touched his waist, and the muscles on his stomach tightened as her fingers worked to untie his trews and braies. Looking him straight in the eye, she slid her hand beneath the fabric and touched his manhood. He was already hard. She grasped him in her palm and gently squeezed up, from hilt to tip. He moaned and teetered forward as she continued to stroke him. His hands fell onto her shoulders and gripped gently.

  She stroked him harder, and he abruptly pulled away and grabbed her hand.

  “Did I hurt you?”

  “Nae,” he said. “It felt too good, and I want this night to last.” He released her hand and pushed down his trews and braies.

  He stood before her completely naked. She took it all in. From his chiseled torso, Alex’s hips narrowed. A line of hair on his stomach led south to his prominent shaft, which now stood proudly outside its confines. She looked from his muscular thighs to his knees and on down to his toes. Isobel could find nothing lacking; every part of him was perfect in her eyes.

  Isobel stepped away from him toward the bed and lifted the hem of her shift. Alex watched her like a wildcat about to devour its prey. She’d seen that intensity in his eyes before, and it excited her as much as it had the first time. His desire for her left her feeling breathless.

  She hiked her shift higher, exposing her thighs. She’d never shown her naked body to a man before, unless she counted what Alex had seen of her when she was bathing at Doune. Finding courage in his gaze, she lifted the shift the rest of the way and pulled it up over her head. She tossed it on the floor beside his clothes and looked back at Alex with her head held high.

  The firelight flickered, casting shadows and light across his body as he approached her. Isobel’s heart pounded in her ears; she had never felt this kind of nervous excitement before. As thrilling as it was maddening.

  Finally, he reached out and touched her. Isobel sighed in pleasure as his hands cupped her breasts, lifting them gently, before his exploration of her body continued. He touched her hips and the fronts of her thighs, then his hand pressed inward, between her legs. She parted them further, giving him access, as his fingers played across her sensitive skin.

  Then he dipped two fingers inside of her. Isobel trembled in response. She rolled her head back and arched as his fingers worked in and out.

  She reached for him then, wrapping her arms around his neck as she fell against him, too weak to stand on her own anymore.

  “I’m going to make you come apart,” Alex whispered in her ear.

  In the next instant, he lifted her in his arms and placed her on the bed. He lay down beside her and pressed his fingers back inside her passage, only this time he used his thumb to touch her on the outside. Isobel sighed as he rubbed her there.

  She closed her eyes, focusing on the sensation building inside of her. In the next moment, she felt his tongue on her neck. She reached for him, burying her fingers in his long hair, holding him to her as he bent his head and kisse
d her breast. He flicked his tongue out, and Isobel arched into him.

  “Your breasts are perfect,” he whispered.

  Isobel just murmured in response. She was too focused on his hand. She was rising—higher and higher—only she did not know where the sensation was taking her. The sensation was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. Even when she and Alex had coupled in the forest, she hadn’t felt anything like this. It just kept building inside of her.

  She had to move. Her hands grasped at the bed linens, twisting the fabric as her legs shifted involuntarily.

  And then it happened.

  She came apart, just as Alex said. Wave after wave kept crashing down on her, and the sensation seemed to fill her entire body. She cried out as the feeling exploded within her.

  When it finally faded, her body went limp. She opened her eyes and looked down, finding Alex resting his head over her heart.

  “That was wonderful,” she heard herself say. He smiled against her breast, and then he lifted his head.

  “It is just the beginning,” he said. He gently parted her legs and climbed on top of her. She felt him nudge at her entrance, and she relaxed against him, ready to take in his length.

  Alex had to fight for composure. He was no longer the selfish lover he’d been as a young man. Over the years, he had learned control. He’d become skilled in making the experience as satisfying for his partner as it was for him. Of course, he’d failed in that the first night he and Isobel made love. He’d taken her and spent himself, but he hadn’t brought her the same measure of pleasure. She hadn’t been aware of that at the time, but he would make it up to her. Now she knows what passion should be like.

  She’d found her release, and Alex had never been so aroused. He couldn’t wait to be inside her. Then he could make her come again.

  She welcomed him, relaxing as her body took in his length. When he was buried as far as he could go, he looked down at her, taking in the appearance of his beautiful wife. Her eyes were bright with passion, her cheeks were pink, and her hair was spread out over his hands on either side of her head.