by Kara Griffin
Lillia scowled. “Oh nay, not at all. He is compassionate. What I mean to say is that he is of a chivalrous nature. My circumstances forced his hand and he married me out of pity. I deem he regrets it now.”
“Regrets or not, I’m sure he’s pleased with you. You’re lovely and kind. And from what I’ve seen, verily brave. Aye, you are fearless. I much envy you for that for I don’t think I’d ever be as courageous.”
She lowered her gaze, her cheeks now brightening from the fire and the praise. “I shouldn’t have agreed to wed him and now he shan’t follow his lifelong pursuit. The king’s army is likely pursuing me, which will inevitably cause his clan to war and many in danger.”
“How wretched. If your husband cared about his lifelong quest, he wouldn’t have asked ye to wed him. And as for the king’s army, what would cause our gallant king to chase you all the way here in the Highlands?”
Lillia shouldn’t be forthcoming of her problems, but speaking with Fiona lightened her. “I always thought I was of the clan Hunter, but I recently found out that I am the kin of King Alexander. The Comyns seek to use me to unseat King Robert. The king wishes to imprison me to keep them from vying for his crown.”
Fiona moved closer and clasped her hand. “Oh dear, that is quite a wee bit of problems to squelch.”
She shook her head. “Oh, there’s plenty more. My father doesn’t know I’ve wed Heath. He’s going to be wrath that I’ve thwarted my betrothal to another clan, the Sinclairs. Surely they’ll seek retribution and wage war on my clan as well as the Frasers. Piled atop those issues, I am certain I’m expecting a bairn.”
“You poor lass. Are you not pleased about the bairn? I only ask because … There are ways to handle an unwanted child. What do you plan to do? Will you flee from your husband and add to the problems or shall you confront these issues head on like the brave lass you are?”
Lillia wiped at the tears, slowly falling upon her cheek. “Fiona, your words are gracious, but I am the farthest from being brave. I love my husband, yet I fear he doesn’t love me. Of course I would have the child, but I know not whether to tell him. I wish to set him free so he can serve God as he desired.”
Fiona opened a satchel and pulled a small sack from inside. “Let us ponder this. But first, I must tell you … I have wanted to give my husband heir for some time. I’ve tried many a remedy, but I haven’t conceived. Yet my dear Henry still professes to love me. He says it matters not because he has many a brother and nephew who would lead the clan after he’s gone.”
“I’m sorry, Fiona. And here I am wallowing in my problems. Is there aught I can do?”
“I only tell you of my plight because your husband will be beyond joyous at your news. All men want an heir, to carry on their name. You give him the greatest of gifts.”
She nodded, but didn’t feel he’d be as jubilant as the lady led her to believe. “I was going to leave, to return to my family and beg my father to send for an indulgence. That way my husband will be free to serve God. I shall need to hide from the king and the betrothal my father agreed to would be a saving grace for the clan lives too afar for the king to track me. That is if the Sinclair will have me.”
Fiona pressed a piece of bread in her hand. “Ah but you do not love the Sinclair, do you? Eat, you’ll need your strength. You know what I think, Lillia? That no problem is easily solved. ‘Tis likely your husband doesn’t wish to serve God any longer. As for your betrothal, your bairn nullifies that union. Surely the king has more urgent matters to attend to than care about a wee woman prevailing him. You can send a missive letting him know you don’t have designs on his crown. And that you refute any knowledge of your birthright. Inform him that you are married and are a modest woman, with simple demands of her husband. The king will believe such nonsense.”
“Mayhap you are right. I should return and reveal my news to my husband. He’s likely worried about me for I’ve been out here all day. I pondered these problems and to no avail that is until I came across you.” She squeezed Fiona’s hand in thanks.
Fiona patted her hand. “I believe problems such as these are best dealt with by joined efforts. Allow your husband to help you. It will certainly give him the manliness all men covet if he’s part of the solutions. Sometimes it is best to allow men to believe they’ve solved all our problems, when really we just want them to listen.”
Lillia laughed. “You’re correct in that. Will you come with me? I should be glad for the support and I’m sure your husband shall be gladdened you are with him instead of out here in the bitter cold. The night grows colder.”
“Aye, I shall come. There is something I wish to impart to my husband, a confession of sorts. And I do long for a warm bed.” Fiona stood. She directed the men to douse the fire. Her maidservant collected her belongings and followed them.
They started off toward the keep, and Lillia considered everything Lady MacKintosh told her. She needed to speak with Heath at the soonest and set all these problems to right. Upon their sojourn to the keep, Lillia grew weary. She wanted to sleep for nigh on two days, but first she had to reason with Heath.
Lillia entered the keep and stopped short at the opening of the great hall. Inside filled to capacity with many men. Voices rose and some clamored, boasted, and bellowed. She looked back at Fiona and back at the vast company.
“Are all these men from Clan MacKintosh?”
Fiona chuckled. “Nay, we brought only ten men with us.”
Near the hearth, she spotted her father standing beside Laird Fraser, Heath’s da. There seemed to be bit of revelry about the crowd, for the men smiled and laughed at many a jest. The serving women flitted about the chamber, refilling cups. She approached her father and bowed to him.
“You are no longer my daughter.”
“I was never your daughter. Yet you loved me once. Can you not again?” She wiped at her eyes, wishing with all her might that she would cease weeping. But his displeasure hurt her, and she despaired at being the cause of his rage.
Her father scoffed, but didn’t retort.
Laird Fraser held out his hand and she took it. “Lass, you’re safe and well. I’m gladdened to hear you wed my Heath, for I always knew you would make a handsome couple. Do they not, Aylmer? And cease your bristle, for the lass has been through a time. You cannot be angry with her, not as bonny as she is. By my faith, ye practically married her to the Sinclairs. That alone should make ye atone for that sin. Don’t send your daughter away in anger.”
Her father flinched as Laird Fraser spoke his peace.
Lillia squeezed Heath’s father’s hand. “Laird Fraser, you are kind in your words. But my da has a right to be ireful. I fled our home, and I should’ve told him I wished not to wed the Sinclair. But he should have told me of my birthright. I should’ve been prepared for what was to come. I should have told him long ago I wanted to wed Heath, but he was gone and I …” She trembled from having to reveal all to her father, the man whom she’d held dear in her heart.
Her father stood and pulled her into his arms. “Ah, lass, I’m sorry. Aye, you’re right. We should’ve told you about that. I’m relieved to see you safe. Are you happy being wed to Heath?”
With all that happened, the last thing Lillia wanted to do was draw her father into her problems. She nodded. “Aye, all is well.” Lord, she was really getting good at fabrication. “I shall leave you to Laird Fraser. Tell Mother I shall visit when I can. And I assume the lads made it home safely?”
Her father nodded. “Aye, all thanks to the king’s guard. Go and join your husband, for he is standing yonder with an odd expression on his face.”
She turned and found Heath directly beyond her, standing next to Lady MacKintosh.
“Lillia, where have you been all day? I wanted to come and find you, but as you can see, we were inundated with company.” Heath pulled her aside and kissed her face.
She relaxed and was solaced by his expression which was free of ire. Lillia expected him to be wrath abou
t her absence, about what she’d said to him before running off. “I was out … walking and lost track of time. I came across Lady MacKintosh.”
Heath bowed to her. “My thanks for returning my lady, Lady MacKintosh.”
Fiona smiled. “I must go to my husband. He doesn’t look pleased to be in the center of all these men even with the drink flowing as it is.”
“Indeed.” Heath waved Fiona on and turned to her. “Our last discussion was filled with discord. I wasn’t certain you’d return. We must speak, but now is not the time. Your father came to retrieve you. I had to tell him of our marriage. He brought the Sinclairs with him and I’ve settled the matter. You need not worry over the betrothal to Angus.” He chuckled and motioned to the man who sat alone in the corner.
“Oh gracious be. I am gladdened to hear that. Can you imagine being wed to him? Now you know why I fled my home.”
“Aye. I saved Angus from death when a boar tried to skewer him. He’s indebted and has declared his desire that your betrothed be nullified. Then the MacKintoshs came. I hadn’t expected their arrival.”
“Fiona tells me there’s a possible treaty between them and the Frasers.”
He set an arm around her and pulled her close. Lillia delighted at the feeling of him against her, but she still smarted over what his Uncle Andrew said. If he wasn’t going to be laird of his clan, Heath would have to find another means to support himself.
“We plan to discuss the matter at length, when the night grows late, after most seek their beds.” He leaned close and his mouth by her ear, and he spoke low, “I can only assume the outcome will be beneficial since they came to us. But we shall see.”
“About what I said earlier …”
He pressed a finger on her lips. “Sweetness, we will discuss our marriage and all else later. Right now I am content you are here and safe.”
“I am well, just a wee bit chilled from my walk.”
Heath took a cloak from a peg hanging on the adjacent wall and set it around her shoulders. “Are you warm enough now?”
Lillia wished they were alone. She wanted to wrap her arms around him. “When I’m near you, I’m always warm.”
“Then I’m about to make you hot.” Heath grinned and tugged her hand to get her to follow.
She shrieked at his abrupt movements, but smiled when she regarded the grin he wore. “What are you about?”
“Warming you.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Heath drew Lillia into the entrance hallway and kissed her. There were several reasons for his abrupt passion. One, to assure her that he desired her; two, to allay any fears she had about their present company; and three, because he damned well wanted to.
Their kiss turned more torrid than he expected. God how he missed her touch, her body, her seductive lure. If he had any sense, he’d carry her off to their bed and spend the night in pleasure. It was a far better state than spending the night speaking politics.
Heath pulled back and gazed at her closed eyes. “You’re tired. Our chamber is the third door on the right. I will send food. You haven’t eaten all day and must be famished.” He kissed her cheek and gently shoved her toward the steps.
“I shall get rest, but you will come to bed this night? We need to talk about—”
“I am unsure, Sweetness, how long my discussion with MacKintosh will take. Rest assured we will talk, but it may need to await the morrow. Might you be patient until then?”
“I shall expect you no later than the early morning hours.”
He waited at the bottom of the stairs until she made her ascent and directed a servant to take food to her. Heath entered the great hall and signaled to his clansmen: John and Lagan.
“Begin the clearance. Only Laird MacKintosh, my Da, and Laird Hunter should remain. And of course you should join the meeting.” His clansmen set out to shuffle the unwanted from the hall. He approached Osgar MacKintosh. “We will begin our meeting shortly. My mother has prepared a chamber for you and your wife, should you wish to spend the night in our keep.”
“Aye, your kindness is appreciated. I shall see my wife settled and return.”
Heath inclined his head at Angus as he stomped forward. “I am pleased we settled the betrothal situation to our accord. Be well, Angus.”
The burly man clapped his shoulder and almost sent him back a step with his strength. “Och, and the best to you and the wee bride. May she give ye many a fine son.”
He should’ve let well enough alone, but Heath called him back. “Angus, I wanted to say something to you out of friendship. I ken you want a wife, but you’ll get none if you persist in not washing. Good God, my man, you stink to high heaven. Why do you not bathe?” For a brief moment, Heath was certain the unruly man would pound him into the floorboards, but then a gleam came to his comrade’s eye.
“Och I never learned how to swim.”
Confused by his retort, Heath understood after rationalizing it for a moment. “You do know that you don’t need to swim to bathe?”
“What say you? I don’t? My comrades tell me I must and they’re always out in the deep water, which is why I never enter the loch.”
Heath grinned. “All ye need to do is sit your arse in the water by the bank and use your hand to rinse yourself. Oh, and ye might want to use a wee bit of soap to wash away the grime.”
Angus scowled, but nodded. “Mayhap a lot of bit of soap. I shall try this on the journey home.”
“Good fortune to you, Angus.” He grinned, knowing he did the right thing. His smile waned when he got a whiff of the man’s stench which remained for a bit after his departure.
The Sinclairs left and the hall quieted. Heath nodded to Laird Hunter as he stepped forward. “You are welcome to join us for the meeting with Laird MacKintosh. Your clan sits between us and I’m sure our negotiation for peace is of interest.”
“That it is. I will sit with your father so I might tell him the goings on.”
His da slapped his knee and hooted in laughter. “Oh but Aylmer professes to be my eyes. Go, son, and see to the truce.”
Hunter stopped him from leaving when he said, “Your brother comes.”
He turned and expected to find Roderick, but saw his Uncle Andrew approach with heavy steps. Hunter must’ve meant that remark towards his da. If his uncle wanted to attend the meeting, he wouldn’t gainsay him, but if he interfered …
Heath sat at the table and poured himself a half of cup of ale. He only wanted to wet his throat, not to imbibe. With the coming speeches, he needed his wit about him. MacKintosh joined him with two of his comrades.
John and Lagan entered the hall and all parties to the treaty were finally present.
“Laird, all is secure. The sentry was doubled for the night and the walls well protected,” Lagan said.
He nodded. “I thank you Laird MacKintosh for considering the truce. There’s been too much warring betwixt our clans and it needs to cease if we’re to prosper.”
MacKintosh leaned forward. “I have considered your proposal and we will accept a union. One from each clan to wed and join us in an alliance. ‘Tis justified since your father stole one of our women.”
He shot a quick glance at his father. “Da, do you have something to say?”
His father shrugged his shoulder. “I won’t apologize for wedding Margaret. Her father wouldn’t approve and her brother was even worse. I had to take her without their leave.”
Heath sat rigid in his chair, engrossed by his father’s words. “My mother is your sister? That makes you my uncle.”
Osgar grinned. “Aye, it does. And it is right that you wed one of my clan to join the families.”
Heath grimaced. “As you ken I wed Laird Hunter’s daughter. My brother has returned and will soon lead our clan.”
A bang sounded and all eyes shifted to the great hall entrance. Roderick leaned against the wooden beam and wore a serious expression. His brother changed, not only in manner, but in appearance. Roderick’s face bo
re a permanent smirk, one that was never there before. They’d resembled each other as lads, but when they approached manhood, his brother’s hair darkened. Heath hoped being home would solace his brother, but given his expression it seemed not.
“Roderick, come and join the discussion. We were discussion a betrothal to unite the clans.”
“I heard your words, brother, and I must refute them. I will not lead our clan.”
Roderick’s rejection caused an uproar from his Uncle Andrew who stood and shouted in Gaelic all the reasons why his brother should lead them. His da likewise stood and shouted his reasons why he shouldn’t, and their company sat about looking confused. Heath stood and held up his hand, calling a cease to the arguments.
“This is a private family matter that should be settled betwixt us and not spoken of in front of … others. We will take a short respite and shall rejoin in an hour.” He wouldn’t allow anyone to reject his command. “I ask that my da, Uncle Andrew, and Roderick remain.”
All left the great hall and his family continued to stand. Their glares were enough to cause his sigh. The time had come to settle the matter once and for all who would lead their clan. Heath bid them to sit.
“We shall discuss this with a sense of civility. There will be no shouting. If any of you persist in being objectionable, I will have you removed from the hall.” Heath sat back and poured himself a drink. How he wished it were something stronger.
His da cleared his throat. “Roderick, you being my eldest son should be the one to lead our clan after I am gone, but with your recent confinement I fear—”
“Och, he should be named as your successor, Simon,” Andrew said in a somewhat raised tone.
Roderick shook his head. “Nay, Uncle Andrew, for can you not see? I’m not able to take on this tremendous responsibility. I have not the wherewithal that Heath has. I’ve watched him since his return. He has the ability to handle any situation, including our enemies.”
Heath dejected at his brother’s words. “I looked up to you since I was wee. How can I take your position, what rightfully belongs to you?”
