“Ahh, so ye did ask… proves my point.”
“How so?” I crossed my arms as well.
“If ye didn’t believe me, why would ye have asked?” Ioan’s victorious grin was maddening.
“What I wouldna give ta dunk ye in the loch an’ hold yer head under water.”
“Ach lass, then ye’d miss me braw face, no’ ta mention me nice backside.”
I snapped. It was the last straw, and I no longer cared that somehow I knew it was wrong to accost a man; I wanted him to pay, dearly. I circled the tree where he leaned back, completely relaxed, which only fed my anger. Ioan’s eyes followed my movement with curiosity but he didn’t move. I edged closer, planning my revenge.
“Donna think about it, Elle. ‘Twillna work.”
“What willna work?” I continued to move closer, measuring my steps. I concentrated so that I’d time it perfectly to shove him just enough to send him sprawling into the loch.
“Ye know what, I’m a warnin’ ye, it willna turn out well for ye.”
“Oh.” I stopped and glanced down, slumping my shoulders. Ioan’s posture changed and I lunged, pushing him toward the water. Ioan grasped for a branch, but it snapped, and he went sprawling into the loch with a mighty splash. I shot my hands into the air and did a little victory dance. It was an amazing feeling, besting Ioan. He stumbled up in the shallow water and gave me a murderous glare. I knew I should stop my grin, but it wasn’t possible.
“I’ll give ye to the count of three to run, Elle. One….”
I turned and shot away through the trees, knowing I’d never be able to outrun him, but perhaps I could hide.
“Two!” I heard him call behind me, and I scanned the forest for a place to crouch or shield myself from Ioan’s certain advance.
“Three!”
Water splashed from Ioan’s boots as he ran through it to the shore, then silence. A large tree offered some protection and I rushed behind it.
“Where are ye, lassie…?” Ioan’s taunting voice wasn’t far away, and I frantically searched for a better hiding place.
“Elle!” Ioan continued to call, my heart pounded. “Wee Haggis!”
There was no place to go, so I chose to wait and maybe, just maybe, he’d pass me. Sure enough, after a few moments, Ioan’s footsteps sounded next to where I hid. He passed, but if he turned around even the slightest bit, I’d be caught. Though I knew it was foolish, I still chose to run the opposite direction.
“Found ye!”
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, but it was no use. Ioan caught up with me and reached his hand around my waist and pulled me backward through the air, and I landed on top of him in a heap. Instinctively I rolled off of him, twisting his arm back enough to free myself. Ioan was up in an instant, watching me curiously. We circled each other, evaluating the other’s movements. I matched Ioan’s steps and counteracted his small attempts at throwing me off. After a moment, he lunged at me, but I spun and sidestepped, so that he would miss me. Ioan’s face registered confusion and respect before it split into a wide grin.
“Ach, so we’re to play like that, are we?”
Ioan came at me again, but from the side, and I ducked and rolled, escaping him once again. His grin grew wider and he picked up a stick and tossed it to me. I caught it mid-air and automatically took a defensive position. I didn’t have time to question how I knew how to do all this, because as soon as I had taken that position, Ioan advanced with his own stick and began to attack. He slapped my stick-sword and I fought back, strike for strike. After a moment, I began to take an offensive position rather than defensive, Ioan’s smile began to fade, and in its place was a look of concentration. We lunged, parried, and spun, each unable to best the other, ‘til Ioan took me by surprise. With a lightning-fast maneuver, my stick-sword flew through the air, and Ioan caught it with his other hand. He gave me a cocky grin and took a bow.
“I suppose ye want me ta clap for ye?” I was breathing heavily, but laughing. This was the most fun I could ever remember, though that didn’t mean much in my current situation.
“Of course!”
Ioan bowed again, only this time he glanced at me expectantly. I shook my head but clapped anyway.
“Thank ye!” Ioan’s clothes dripped onto the already saturated earth. He wiped his brow with his hand and shook his head spraying me with water.
“What are ye doin’!” I shouted, putting my hands up to shield myself from the water.
“Givin’ ye less than ye deserve. In fact…” Ioan’s green eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint and I took a step back. He took a step forward and I took another one back only to find myself against a tree. Ioan chuckled and advanced faster. His arms reached around and pulled me into a tight hug, soaking my clothes.
“Aaaahhh!” I squealed against his freezing body.
“Shh, lass, yer warm. Donna move.”
“Get away from me! Ye are like a wet dog!”
“Woof.”
“Eww! Ye are getting me soaked to the skin!”
“That’s the idea.”
I shoved hard and Ioan backed away but only far enough to see my face.
“I told ye it wouldna turn out well for ye.” Though Ioan’s voice was teasing, his eyes smoldered, and my belly flipped in response. Lost in his emerald gaze, I couldn’t have glanced away if I’d wanted to. He held me captive. The heat that began to radiate from his body, as he was pressed up against mine, made my skin prickle with awareness. I clenched my fist to resist the urge to caress his jaw. His dark hair appeared black, since it was wet, and it made the color of his eyes burn with a deeper intensity.
Ioan’s gaze searched my own, and his eyes traced the lines of my face as if memorizing them. His eyes locked onto my lips and his expression was tormented. He leaned forward slightly. Was he going to kiss me? I wanted him to. With a desperation I didn’t know existed, I wanted to feel his lips caressing my own and be lost in his warm embrace. I held my breath and waited, watching the inner conflict in Ioan’s eyes, wondering which side would win.
His lips hovered just over mine, and his warm breath tickled my skin. I swallowed compulsively, and I gently exhaled the breath I was holding. Ioan’s eyes drifted closed, but he didn’t move closer; he stood frozen just a breath away from kissing me. All I needed to do was lean slightly forward to meet his lips. But if I were to experience my first kiss, at least the first kiss I remembered, then I wanted it to be given, not taken. For what seemed like an eternity, I waited, but then Ioan stepped back. His eyes watched me intently, searching for answers to questions I didn’t know.
“Ioan…” I whispered, my voice hoarse from the tension of the past few moments.
His eyes darkened with desire but he blinked quickly and turned away. He stared into the trees for a moment before turning back toward me. His handsome face turned up into a familiar grin and he tipped his chin up as he spoke.
“I’ll race ye to the castle. I promise to go slow.”
He raised his eyebrows in challenge and I grinned back, though part of me was even more confused at his change in demeanor. I shook my head at him, and then took off, knowing whatever distance I was able to achieve wouldn’t be enough. Ioan passed me, turned and ran backward for a moment, winked, then rushed ahead taking a piece of my heart with him.
****
Later that night as I was lying in my bed, I thought over the almost-kiss. I was certain I hadn’t imagined his intent as I replayed Ioan’s face gazing down at me. But something was stopping him; I just wished I knew what. I shook my head and rolled over, kicking the blankets off, then pulling them back on when I grew chilly. I thought back over our mock duel. When Ioan and I had fought in the woods, every move I had made was instinct, but why? Where did I learn to sword fight? Where did I learn how to maneuver from a hold? Obviously part of my mind was aware of my training before I took sick, but why couldn’t I remember any of it? Frustrated, I sighed and rose from my bed. My mind continued to spin from Ioan to m
y inability to remember anything of my past for certain.
More often than not, my mind would dwell on Ioan. His behavior puzzled me. The annoying friend I had come to tolerate had become much more, but I wasn’t sure what. Who was the real Ioan? The man I followed into the forest, whose silent footsteps captured me before I had a chance to escape? Or was he the honorable one who was going to take blame for my own disobedience? Perhaps it was the one who chased me through the woods, sword fought, then almost kissed me. I sat before the dying fire and dropped my head to my hands. What scared me was that I suspected that he was all of them: the warrior, the compassionate friend, and the tease, but also a lover. That combination would surely prove fatal to the already crumbling walls around my heart. Oh, why couldn’t he have simply stayed annoying? At least then I’d be able to fall asleep without knowing I’d dream of his face, once I succumbed to the darkness.
With a heavy sigh I rose, then paced to the small window and gazed out. The moon was full and offering generous light over the keep courtyard. I watched two guards pace the perimeter. What were they guarding against? Were the Jacobites that close? Perhaps I wasn’t as safe as I thought. The idea sent a shiver through my body and I walked back to bed, accepting its warmth. I closed my eyes and resigned myself to the dreams I knew would come. Ioan.
****
Morag had suggested I resume all my tasks as lady of the castle, and I readily accepted, thrilled to have a purpose. She explained my duties, and demonstrated when needed ‘til I was certain I could manage on my own. I began with the kitchen and helping Ana plan the menu. I learned about bannocks, potatoes, oats, and, of course, haggis. Ana was patient as she explained what needed to be done. After we finished planning, she gave me a concerned expression before approaching an issue.
“There’s been a fuss between a couple o’ the women since Ioan returned. I think ‘tis best ye settle it.”
“Oh? What exactly is going on?” My heart thudded in my chest at the mention of Ioan. I hated myself for the jump in my chest at the simple mention of his name, and the jealousy that burned in me just thinking of other women chasing after him.
“Well, ‘twould seem that they both have an interest in the lad, and have taken ta rather extreme measures ta outdo one another. Let’s just say that the work that’s being done is no’ ta the keep, but mostly ta the lad’s room and the womens’ personal appearance.”
“Ahh, so what do you suggest?” I tried to remain calm outwardly, but the thought of those two women in Ioan’s room set my blood to boiling. I gripped my skirt in my hand and twisted it.
“Well, ‘twould seem wise ta give ‘em different assignments.”
“Like?” I glanced to her as I picked up a basket and placed it on the wooden countertop.
“Perhaps laundry or kitchen scrubbin’.” Was that the worst she could come up with? I was thinking mucking stalls or something of the like. I twisted my lips but nodded.
“I’ll introduce ye. I woulda taken care of it meself, but ‘tis better comin’ from the mistress.”
“Aye.” I followed her down the hall and up the stairs where I heard women laughing, and Ioan’s voice rumble. Jealousy speared me, hot and unforgiving. My heart shuddered at the thought of Ioan’s affection belonging to someone else. But after my initial reaction, I was simply angry. Angry at the women for flirting with Ioan, and in his room no less! And angry at Ioan for, once again, playing me like a fool and making me like him more than I should. Finally, I was angry that I had to be self-controlled and address the situation without losing my temper.
Ana gave me a glance and gestured to the open door. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath, then walked inside.
“Ioan, please? Ye promised me!” A fair skinned redhead whined and tugged on his sleeve. Had she no shame? The other woman sauntered from the corner of the room and swung her hips with obvious movement. When she was next to him, she traced down Ioan’s arm with her finger. Neither one had noticed our entrance. The shock of their brazen flirting rendered me speechless. My gaze flickered to Ioan. He was gazing at me like I was driftwood to a drowning man.
“Elle!” he shouted and rushed to hide behind me. Ioan? Hiding behind me? What exactly was going on?
“Sorry, lasses, a thousand apologies, but I canna do what ye ask.”
Ioan spoke as he placed his hands on my shoulders, using me as a human shield. The two women didn’t even have the good sense to look ashamed at being caught in their shameless flirting. They glanced to Ioan as if I didn’t exist. Just who were these women? Wasn’t I their mistress?
“But why, Ioan?” they simpered and pouted but picked up clothes as if remembering they were in his room for another purpose.
“Uh… well, Elle already asked me ta take her on a walk at that time,” he blurted.
Both women gave me cutting glances but averted their eyes quickly, as if that would prevent my noticing. The urge to fight them nearly overwhelmed me. As if Ioan knew, his grip on my shoulder tightened and I relaxed.
“Ye wouldna want ta distress yer mistress, now would ye?” Ana spoke up.
“Of course no’… milady.” Both women bowed their heads and made a quick escape.
“Excuse me?” I called to them as they entered the hall. Both turned but neither made eye contact, rather stared at the floor as if remembering their position.
“I thank ye fer yer hard work, but Ana has some different assignments for ye. Starting now, ye will be workin’ in the scullery an’ laundry.”
Furious glances from the women suggested a deeper resentment than a simple reassignment. Something seemed familiar, not because I remembered them specifically, but rather that the expression was familiar. My mind flashed a picture of two different women, dressed in beautiful gowns, glaring at me in a similar way.
“Elle?” Ioan whispered in my ear and I jumped.
“That will be all.” I nodded to the women and they nodded and walked away.
“Thank ye. I donna ken what I would have done if ye hadn’t come in.” Ioan spoke softly from behind me. The tingling sensation of feeling the body heat radiating from his chest to my back sent my heart to pumping harder. I stepped away and turned, needing to see his face. The face I had seen each night in my dreams.
“Ioan, did I just rescue you?” I smirked playfully.
“Aye, ye did, lass. I’ll owe ye fer it I’m sure.”
“Aye, ye will.” It was so wonderful just to be next to him. His gaze was tender and roamed over my face and once again met my eyes. I grinned, loving how he gazed at me.
“Mistress Elle?” Ana’s voice pulled me from Ioan’s glowing smile.
“Aye?” I turned to face her, my cheeks warming.
“If that will be all, I’ll head ta the kitchen.”
“Of course, Ana. Thank ye fer letting me know o’ the… situation.”
“No trouble a’ tall. Thank ye.” She nodded at Ioan, then me, and bustled down the hall, her skirt swishing against the stone floor.
“So the truth comes out.”
“Hmm?” I turned back toward Ioan and grew suspicious at his knowing grin.
“Here I give ye all the credit for savin’ me when it was Ana! Tsk tsk, Elle. ‘Tis a lie.” He drew out his words and leaned back against the doorframe, shaking his head. His hair was curling at the ends and a few wisps escaped his leather tie at the back of his head. Green eyes taunted me.
“No, ‘tisn’t a lie. I coulda’ just walked away ye know… but I came in and saved yer sorry hind from a couple o’ harmless women.”
“Ach, Elle, they may be a lot of things, but harmless isna one o’ them.” He shivered as if horrified at the thought.
“Then I suppose ye do owe me… wouldna ye agree?” Ioan took a deep breath and sagged his shoulders as if meeting his execution.
“I suppose…”
“Good.” I nodded and walked away, knowing that if I stayed close to him for much longer I’d do something foolish, like ask him to pay what he owed in
kisses.
“Elle?” I paused and glanced over my shoulder.
“Aye?”
“Fer the record, ye can come in and clean my room anytime ye want.” He winked and walked into his room, closing the door behind him with a thud. Though I wanted to push him into the loch again for his arrogant remark, I couldn’t stop the blush that crept up on my face or the warm feeling that swirled in my chest that he wanted me in his room. I cleared my throat and choked on a giggle. I traced the stones with my hand as I walked down the stairs, lost in my thoughts of Ioan.
“Elle?” My uncle’s baritone shook me from my daydream. He rounded the corner and motioned for me to follow him into his study.
“Aye, uncle, what is it?”
He walked behind his desk and sat heavily into the chair. It groaned under his considerable weight. The room was dimly lit, and missives were scattered across his desk. A musty smell hung in the air. I glanced down at the floor and folded my hands in front of my body, waiting for my uncle to tell me why I was needed.
“Elle, ‘tis come to me attention that we are facin’ more opposition with the Jacobites than I tho’. I donna feel safe with ye out and about.”
“But, Uncle, I’m never out o’ sight o’ the castle, unless I have your permission! Even then Ioan is with me—”
“I ken lass, but I have reason ta believe that Ioan isn’t enough.”
I waited, silently fuming and also fearing my imprisonment within my own home.
“I’m sendin’ ye away.”
“Excuse me?” I wasn’t expecting that.
“Lass.” My uncle’s expression was weary with worry and heartbreak. Immediately I regretted causing so much trouble for him. He truly did love me.
“I’m sendin’ ye with Ioan ta his clan.” My uncle stood and walked around his desk till he stood in front of me. “Lass, there’s somethin’ else. Ioan’s clan is strong. He’s cousin ta the laird’s son, the one I want ye ta meet.” My blood chilled and I hoped I’d misunderstood my uncle’s implication.
“What do ye mean, uncle?”
“Ye’re a bonny lass, an’as much as I wish ta keep ye here in braids an’ close ta me heart, ye need ta marry and have a few bairns. If ye marry Cullon, then our clans will unite and be better fer it. I willna push ye lass, but keep it in mind when ye go, will ye?”
Kristin Vayden Page 6
