Fearless Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 3)

by Kara Griffin

  “It is I who looks up to you now. You are worthy, Heath, far more than I am to guide our clan. Look at me, I’m a broken man. There are times when I can barely stand or suffer the thoughts that come to me …”

  His Uncle Andrew stood and knocked back his chair. “What ye say is treasonous to our clan, Roderick. You were destined to follow your father, not that spineless God-seeking coxcomb.”

  Heath closed his eyes briefly and breathed through his nose, hoping to dispel his anger. He leaned back in his chair and decided to let his brother and father defend him. At least, he would see where the conversation went.

  Roderick grasped his uncle’s tunic and tossed him to the ground. “I will not have ye speak so of me or my brother in such a manner. Heath is honorable, intelligent, and forthright. Much more than you or me. I’ve never liked ye old man, especially after I heard how ye got him sent in service to the Bruce. Aye, my brother is the best man for the position of laird. I will not accept it regardless of what you say, Uncle Andrew. If ye like it not, you may leave our land and never return.”

  His father applauded Roderick’s speech.

  Heath helped his uncle from the floor. “Uncle, I ken you’ve never beheld me in a favorable light, but obviously Roderick’s imprisonment has changed him. He doesn’t want to lead us for whatever reason. We shan’t condemn him for it.”

  “I will not be party to this usurp.” Andrew pounded his fists on the table and glared with contempt.

  His da raised his voice, “Andrew, sit ye down. You have no say in this matter. I rule this clan, not you. It is I who will decide who should rightfully lead our clan. For years I’ve allowed your interference, but no longer.”

  Andrew Fraser scoffed, righted his chair, and sat with a forceful thump.

  “My sons, continue the decision. I deem you are both worthy, och I leave it to you to decide who shall fill my boots when I am gone.”

  Heath bowed his head to his father and turned to his uncle. “Uncle Andrew, I will lead our clan and we will prosper. If ye want to be part of that, I welcome your counsel.”

  Roderick laughed, the sound filling the hall. “You see, he’s learned diplomacy. I have not the inclination to be reasonable. Aye, for if my years in confinement has taught me anything, it’s to kill first and ask questions later. Brother, I give you the Clan Fraser. I shall leave and find my way—”

  Heath stopped him from leaving. “Roderick, you cannot leave. I forbid it. You were lost to me for years and now I finally have you back. Nay, you will stay here and you shall assist me. I will seek your guidance. We will prevail together, just as we should have when we went on that mission to France.” He lowered his head, ashamed to speak the words that were about to come, but he needed to say them. “I was angry then and mayhap should have put my pride aside. I shouldn’t have left without you, should’ve tried and tried until I was able to gain your release. I failed you.”

  Roderick leaned against the table. “Heath, you were young, much more than I. I should’ve been able to protect you, but instead got myself captured. None of what happened was your fault. I forbid you to hold guilt.”

  Heath gave a firm nod.

  His brother waved him forward. “The matter is settled as to who shall be laird. I am returning to my bed. Oh, and brother, do not put me in the pot to be chosen to wed a MacKintosh. I’m a rather poor candidate as husband right now.” He leaned forward and whispered in his ear.

  Heath chuckled under his breath and nodded. “Get rest and we shall speak on the morrow.”

  Once Roderick left, his uncle stomped from the hall. He was gladdened he’d left, because he wouldn’t take much more of his insolence. The rest of the attendees returned and Heath wanted to make the offer hastily before any further objections arose.

  “Laird MacKintosh, let us continue. I am given leave by my da to handle this treaty for our clan. We were discussing a marriage …”

  “Aye, we were. We need not a marriage to join us in alliance.”

  Heath sat forward, dejected the pact wouldn’t be. “I bid you to reconsider. We’ve both lost men and goods. The raids must cease. What my father did … taking your sister as his wife without your laird’s permission was unacceptable. But my mother was happy all these years and he never mistreated her. She wouldn’t want the riff to continue. We must unite if we’re to succeed.”

  “We will unite, Heath. My wife has informed me that months ago she came upon Fraser land to collect mushrooms without my permission.”

  “What has she to do with this?” Heath shook his head, perplexed with the laird’s story.

  “Ah but ye see, I forbade her from coming onto your land. She knows the dangers of trespassing, but she did so regardless. Whilst she was here on your land, she fell and would have plummeted to her death if it was not for a certain lady …” MacKintosh rubbed his face with his hands, and appeared displeased by what he was saying.

  “Aye, what lady?”

  “Your wife, Heath. She saved my sweet Fiona from death. If I wasn’t so relieved that she lived through that ordeal, I’d whack her bonny bottom. She deliberately defied my command. I’ve told her many times not to come here, but she insists she can only find the mushrooms of a certain variety here, in your woods.”

  Heath smiled. Leave it to women to settle a matter men could not. “Lillia never mentioned this apparent meeting in the woods. When did this happen?”

  “She says it were early autumn.”

  Heath realized it happened when they’d come at his father’s behest and he’d gone to the MacKintosh to offer the treaty. He’d come away from that meeting dejected.

  “My wife is tender-hearted now towards your wife, Heath, and demands I align our clans. For that, I shall, and you have my thanks. Convey it as well to your wife.”

  Heath rose, and took hold of MacKintosh’s arm to honor their pact. “I shall. Yet, I believe we still need to align our clans through marriage. I suggest my cousin, Beth. She’s bonny, unwed, and the niece to my father. If she weds one of your men, we shall be joined and our clans forever more placated.”

  “We have an accord. I shall insist she come to visit. Perhaps she will take a liking to one of my men. Now, I must relieve my wife’s strain for she has worried herself to a state of hysterics. Aye, and I was bid to tell you that your wife has news of the most joyous nature. My dear Fiona insists I don’t keep ye long so you may learn of it.”

  Heath would’ve laughed, but the man seemed intent to have him attend Lillia. He was indeed ready to hail off to his bed, but news was the least of his want.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Lillia awoke in a daze and opened her eyes to Heath’s hands shifting the material of her nightdress. She moaned at the pleasurable caresses of his rough hands.

  “Sweetness, you don’t understand how much you madden me. I find myself thinking about my lips grazing your skin …” He set his lips on the flesh of her exposed stomach. His action caused her to think of the bairn. She pulled his hair, forcing him to look at her. “There are times when I gaze at you and disbelieve you’re mine. I cannot control myself when we’re like this.”

  “Can you tell how much I want you?” Lilla swore there was a look of love in his eyes. He continued to peruse her with his lips. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the twinges of desire his mouth evoked. His hands meandered everywhere and she caressed the hard muscles of his body. He was handsome to look upon, strong, and vivacious.

  “Please, I’ve been without you for too long. Don’t make me wait.” Lilia gasped when he joined their bodies. The sensation of him thrusting against her was intense. She returned his kisses and was consumed with meeting his passion. Their lovemaking fueled their lust as she urged him to hasten his movements and she spiraled into chaos as culmination took over every part of her. They reached the frantic climax together and in unison, they shouted their surrender.

  Her heart beat ferociously, and beneath her fingers, his did as well. She stroked his skin, content to be touchin
g him as she was wont. After a good ten minutes passed, her curiosity got the better of her.

  “What happened at the meeting? Did all go well?”

  But no answer came. She leaned up and saw Heath had fallen asleep. His face reflected serenity. If she had to speculate, she’d reason the meeting went well, but then his serene expression might reflect his happiness at their joining.

  Taking a long moment, she studied the way his manly brows arched above his eyes. The fact that he hadn’t taken time to remove his whiskers this day brought forth her grin. His breathing eased, barely moving the heavy muscle of his chest. With a gentle touch of her lips to his, she wished him a pleasurable sleep.

  Lillia lay awake for a bit after her husband sought his slumber. She considered what she would do about the king and the situation with the king’s guard. Her feet touched the cold floorboards and she pulled on a sleeping dress. She decided to follow Fiona’s advice and write to the king and hopefully persuade him from pursuing her. At the small desk by the hare covered window casement, she found parchment and ink.

  After taking a moment to consider her words, she put the quill to the parchment:

  My Noble King Robert,

  I write because I behoove you to forgo your search of me. I have no wish to usurp you and grant you are far more capable at attending to the kingdom than I. Additionally, I believe the speculation of my supposed birth false. My parents are Laird and Lady Hunter. I was born on their land, into their family. I beseech you not to take me from them. There are none who live to refute this, and therefore, Good King, I wish to live my life peacefully, as a wife and mother should. It is my contention to follow my duty to my husband, a true and honest subject who gives nothing but his support and love to you and Scotland. I pray, Majesty, you honor my request and that we both have a blessed future.

  Your loyal devoted servant,

  Lillia Hunter

  Purposely, she refrained from signing her name Fraser. The last thing she wanted was the king’s curiosity given Heath had served with him and was now being sought for treason. She sprinkled the parchment with a dusting of pumice and waved it to dry the ink. The candle burned her finger as she dripped wax to seal her missive. By the time she finished composing her letter to the king, morning had come.

  Lillia dressed and glanced at Heath who continued to sleep. She left the chamber to search for someone to deliver her missive, but before she could leave the keep, she found the great hall busy with their guests and servants. Laird and Lady Fraser were absent, so Lillia would ensure the MacKintoshs were fed well before their departure.

  Laird MacKintosh left the hall and Lillia hurried to speak with Fiona before she too left.

  “You are not leaving already?”

  Fiona smiled. “Nay, but shortly. Come and eat with me. I’m sure you must be famished especially given your condition.”

  Lilla sat next to her. Fiona piled a trencher with foodstuff and pushed it toward her, but something smelled afoul and she pushed it away.

  “Have you settled some of your issues? All is aright in your world now?”

  She smiled at her friend’s concern. “Not particularly. It shall be, once my husband rises and we discuss the matter of our marriage, the king, and his position.”

  “You did tell him of your news last eve, did you not?”

  “Nay, by the time he came to bed …” Lillia blushed. They were too busy seeing to their passion to speak of woeful matters. “Heath needed rest, and this morning he was still sleeping when I left out chamber.”

  “You must tell him at the soonest.” Fiona patted her hand.

  “I shall when the right time comes. Do you know how the meeting went last night? Is there a truce between the clans?” Lillia pretended to take a bite of the food, and only nibbled on the hard bread she’d taken.

  “There is. My husband is pleased with the outcome. The laird’s niece, Beth, I think her name … will wed one of the MacKintosh men. Our clans will unite and I must say I’m gladdened. Mayhap Laird Fraser won’t mind my taking of his mushrooms.”

  Lillia snatched her cup from the table, but before she drank, she said, “I too am gladdened. And I’m certain the Frasers won’t mind in the least, if you were to come occasionally to search for the mushrooms.” She was about to speak of her problem with the king when James Douglas bounded into the hall.

  “Lillia Hunter … ah, Fraser, by order of the king, I am here to apprehend you. I’m to take you to his majesty’s holding.” James progressed through the crowd now gathering.

  Several ladies gasped and shrieked. Lillia smiled and hoped to cause him to be somewhat mannerly. “Good Sir James, come and have some morning fare and we shall discuss this.”

  The ladies and numerous servants fled the hall. Given James’ fierce glare, she understood their fear of him.

  Fiona wouldn’t leave her side and clasped her hand. She seemed to know James and waved. “Cousin, since when do you concern yourself with the paltry troubles of women? I hear you have terrorized the English, so much so that many fled Scotland.”

  She was astounded to hear Fiona address him informally. “You’re related to him?”

  Her friend leaned close and spoke behind her hand. “Aye, on my mother’s side. Och I always thought he was brash, even as a child, even before he was sent off for his education in France. ‘Tis said he squired for William Lamberton, the Bishop of Saint Andrews. I deem that is the cause of his surly nature.”

  They shared a quick laugh over her summation.

  James approached and bowed to them. “Lady MacKintosh, ye are not to interfere with the king’s business.”

  “Posh, oh devil take you, James. You’re not going to harm this lady.” Fiona stood and blocked his view of her.

  “Nay, he won’t.” All eyes shot to the entrance where Heath stood looking quite irate. “I should’ve known you’d be able to get past my gate and sentry. I won’t ask how, but now that you’re here, I bid you to leave.”

  “I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.”

  Before Lillia might stop him, Heath plodded forward and punched James. She stood, aghast that they would resort to brawling within the great hall.

  The commotion brought many inside. Standing about, the men did nothing to break up the melee. The king’s guard gave their opinion as to who was winning and Brodin even suggested a wager that Heath would victor. The Fraser men likewise called out wagers on who would win and the MacKintosh men hooted when Heath got in a good strike. Cheers arose when their attack reverberated and they ended up on the floor.

  Lillia had enough. She yanked her hand free of Fiona’s and hurried to her husband. James threw a fist at Heath and hit her shoulder, causing her to fall back. She bent over her husband and sent a glare to the surly man, hoping he would cease his violence.

  Fiona shouted. “Cease before you injure her. Lillia, move away. You cannot come between them, not in your condition.”

  The noise in the hall abruptly quieted. Lilla wept over Heath, and her voice squealed when she spoke to him. “Did he harm you?” Heath lay in her lap, smiling up at her.

  “Nay, Sweetness. Did Lady MacKintosh just say—?”

  “But your face …” She glared at James. “You are the very devil, James Douglas. How dare you hurt him?”

  “So I’ve been called. He started it, my lady. I have a right to defend myself. Och, I didn’t mean to strike you. Are you harmed?” James’ voice thickened with concern. He backed away and held his head.

  “I’m well, James, don’t concern yourself.” Lillia shifted the locks of hair from in front of Heath’s eyes. “I couldn’t bear if anything happened to you.”

  The crowd dissipated except for the king’s guard. Graeme helped James from the floor and said, “I don’t like that there is contention between us. We rely on you, James, to aid us in our endeavor to protect the king.”

  “If there were a way to prove the lass has no designs on the king’s throne, I might be able to convince Robert to i
gnore the matter. What with the news of her … condition. I cannot subject her to being confined by our king. Besides, Heath would never forgive me.” James rubbed his jaw and scrunched his eyes at Heath.

  “There is a way.” Lillia pushed Heath from her lap and pulled the missive she’d written from the seam of her overdress and handed it to James. “I have given my word to King Robert that I am not the lass he deems me to be. That I shan’t covet his crown. I bid only the king to read these words. James, please you must leave off, otherwise I shall never see my family again.” She tried not to let her tears fall, but the drops fell nonetheless.

  Fiona approached. “James Douglas, if you persist in removing Lillia from her husband, I shall do the unthinkable.”

  She gazed at Fiona whose husband had joined them. He stood behind his wife with his hand on her shoulder, nodding in support.

  “What’s that?” James clipped. His voice filled with angst.

  “I shall speak of this matter with your mother. Aye, she will seek you out and you will surely receive a lecture on chivalry. You know that she insists all Douglas’ treat women with respect and gallantry. She’d be quite disappointed of your treatment of Lillia and once I tell her of it, you’ll rue …”

  James muttered an expletive and his shoulders slumped.

  Lillia’s heart eased. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Heath leaning against her. He smiled and nodded to James.

  “I shall take your missive to the king and if he is agreeable, I shall not pursue you any longer. I shan’t make any promises.”

  Lillia let out a breath of relief. “James, about my supposed birth … It is only speculation. There is no proof of what the Comyn’s claim. You must make the king understand that.”

  “I will, Lillia. I do this for you and the king’s guard. What Graeme said, ‘tis true. I rely on them as well to see to King Robert’s protection. Without them, we would have a difficult time keeping the king’s passionate nature under a semblance of control.”