Once the entire episode was over and the father’s request for a marriage withdrawn, he planned to never see Cairstine again. It was best for him not to develop any kind of relationship within the clan. And much better if he remained an unattached man for another ten or fifteen years.
“Och, Declan. Ye do not look well at all.” Atholl, one of the guardsmen, peered at him from the other side of the wall. “Ye should go lie down for a bit.”
“Nay, I have much to do.” Declan straightened and had to squeeze his eyes shut. “Tell me, Atholl. Why do we drink too much?”
The guard chuckled. “To forget or to remember.”
At the puzzling reply from the normally light-natured man, Declan frowned. “I think we do it because we’re clot heads.”
“Aye. That, too,” Atholl replied with another chuckle. “Have a wee bit of a foggy head myself.”
“Come on, let’s bathe in the loch. The cold water will help.”
An hour later, Declan dressed in his chamber. The warmth of the fireplace helped to dispel the last of the chill in his body and, finally, he felt better. The cold water had removed the dregs of a the effects the night before and he was able to move about easily with but a remnant of a headache.
His father had sent a message that there was a possibility of an alternate arrangement with Reid.
Declan hoped it meant, he would not be forced to marry.
Pounding at the door, however, made him flinch. “What?”
The door opened. Cairstine darted in and slammed it closed behind her.
She looked around the room as if expecting someone to be hiding about. “I won’t marry ye. We must find a way to avoid it.” She spoke in low urgent tones, her eyes moving from him to the door.
“I could tell the laird I have the pox.” She shook her head. “No. Perhaps, I can hide in the dungeon until everyone gives up looking for me,” she mumbled.
Cairstine’s beautiful face was flushed. Her hair tumbled down past her shoulders in silken waves.
Declan could not imagine her in a dungeon. The rarely used caverns were much too dirty and filled with vermin.
“I don’t think ye should hide in the dungeon.”
She moved closer and lifted a brow. “Help me think of a better solution then. This is all yer fault.”
It was true. He’d been the one to go to the wrong room and assault her. It was refreshing, however, that she sought a way out of a forced marriage. By the tightness in her pressed lips and lowered eyebrows, she found him unworthy of being her husband.
Locks fell forward across her delicate face and she raked them back in frustration. “I suppose I can go to the village. Hide with my friend, Ellen.”
He watched her pace, his gaze scanning from her head to her feet. The woman was quite fetching. The night before, as she’d twirled in a circle while dancing, her high breasts had jutted out and he’d found the image mesmerizing.
“Why are ye just standing there staring at me? Help me.” She’d neared and now poked a finger into his chest. “What are we going to do?”
For a long moment, their gazes met. He couldn’t help allowing his eyes to drop to her pouty lips. His gaze lingered on her luscious mouth.
When he looked back up, her eyes had widened and she took a step back. “Stop it.”
Something about the woman made coherent thought vanish and he closed the distance between them. “I can take ye to a cave not too far from here. It’s just inside the forest, along the loch. I go there often. Ye can hide there until tomorrow.”
“What about at night? Won’t there be beasties about?”
Declan shrugged. “Aye, but nothing too lethal.”
“Nay. I will go to the village.”
“They will find ye there quickly. Ye’re easy to notice.”
Her brows came together and, once again, she poked him in the chest. “Fine, the cave it tis. Take me there now.”
He grabbed her hand before she could withdraw it and brought it to his lips. “I am but yer humble servant.”
With a huff, she kicked his shin and snatched her hand away. “Ye are not taking this seriously enough.”
“As we speak, our fathers are meeting. I am sure they will come to an understanding and we won’t have to marry.”
The falling of her shoulders and expectant look on her face made him cringe. Was marrying him such a bad thing in her opinion? “Do ye really think so?
When she looked up at him with wide eyes and half a smile, he once again realized what a beauty she was. There was a sprinkle of freckles across her nose and a small mole on the right side of her mouth.
“Are ye daft or something?” She rolled her eyes, shaking her head.
Declan smiled. “Aye, I am. Come. Let us go see about our future. I find I am rather hungry. If we go down the back corridor, we can enter the kitchens and no one will know ye were in my chamber. That ye were alone with me...again.”
As if realizing the ramifications of being found alone with him, Cairstine whirled around and dashed to the door. “Come on then, let us go. Hurry!”
Chapter Four
The fact Declan didn’t seem to think there would be a handfasting only made Cairstine worry more. He seemed rather unperturbed at the situation and she wondered if perhaps the warrior was being too cocky. Her father was not an easy man to dissuade once he made up his mind about things.
As they made their way down the back stairwell and into a dark, narrow corridor, Declan’s close proximity behind her made Cairstine want to walk faster and get away from him. That they’d shared an intimate moment only made it harder to ignore him. The affect he had on her body was not natural. At least Cairstine didn’t think so as it was something completely new.
His large body seemed to loom at her back, heat radiating from him through her clothing. Perhaps it was her imagination, but she could swear the man was attracted to her. Of course he wasn’t. Otherwise, she would have noted his attention before. The only explanation for his close scrutiny in his chambers had to be what had transpired between them the night before.
Or it could be he was still drunk.
They entered the kitchen. Several women were about. One was stirring a pot, one was chopping vegetables and another was talking loudly with a large spoon in one hand. “We cannot dawdle, ladies. There is much to do for the celebratin’ later. ‘Tis not only a Yule celebration, but a weddin’ as well. I’ll go check on the pig and...”
When the woman chopping saw them, her eyes bulged causing the one who spoke to stop midsentence and turn to them.
“Och, well there ye are Declan. Are ye hungry wee one?” The woman rushed to Declan not seeming to notice her at all. “Come on, have a sit.”
Immediately, a plate with some sort of sliced meat and cheeses was placed in front of Declan who grinned at the woman. “Thank ye, Mairi. I am quite hungry.”
Cairstine went to the table and let out a huff at Declan, but smiled at the cook. “There’s no need for ye to fash yerself. There will not be a wedding.”
As if noticing her for the first time, the older woman, Mairi, lifted a brow and looked Cairstine up and down. “Lady Murray left just now and told us to prepare for a weddin’ feast. If things have changed, have a talk with her not me.”
Cairstine felt the blood drain from her face. “She did?”
“Aye,” Mairi said and tugged her to sit. “I’ll fix ye some tea.”
She didn’t want any tea. What she wanted was to rush from the room and find her mother. “Have ye seen my mother?” she asked no one in particular.
“Oh, aye,” the girl chopping replied. “She and several other women went to find fabric and such for decorating. I think they went to the village.”
The one stirring the pot turned. “They went to find Ellen. She always has something and can make pretty things quickly.”
Declan ate, not seeming at all bothered by the goings-on. Unable to keep from it, she poked him in the shoulder. “Do ye hear that? They are still plan
ning for us to marry. We must think of something. Don’t just sit there.”
His thickly lashed eyes lifted to her. “’Tis just that our fathers have not spoken to our mothers yet. I will go find my father and ensure they do. However, I don’t mind at all that the feasting tonight will be extra special.” Once again, the devil grinned at the women in the room and they all seemed to swoon.
“I am not having tea,” Cairstine said when Mairi placed a cup in front of her. “I have to find my mother.”
“Nonsense.” Mairi lifted the cup to her lips. “This will help relax ye a bit. No need to fash yerself about what cannot be helped.”
Unsure what to do, Cairstine decided it was early yet. She’d drink the tea and then seek out her father. Once the matter was settled, she could relax and enjoy the rest of the holiday festivities.
It was strange that there was no awkwardness at the moment. Sitting at the table while he ate felt normal between her and Declan. It gave her some assurance that everything would be well.
Moments later Cairstain left a dawdling Declan and walked into the great room in search of her father. It was empty as was the study when they peered in. Cairstine wondered where her father and the guardsmen had gone off. The laird and Gordan were nowhere to be found.
“God’s foot, I am not enjoying this day in the least.” Cairstine made her way to the front doors where a guard stood. “Where is my father or the laird?”
The guard, a young man with bright blue eyes, seemed shocked she’d speak to him and a light blush colored his cheeks. “They’re practicing with the guard, milady.”
“Thank ye,” Cairstine replied. She walked out past him toward the area where the guard practiced.
Just as she took a step, someone grabbed her arm and not so gently yanked her back.
“Ye are a whore!” Arabella screamed at her. “He was to be with me.”
It took two hard yanks to free herself from the woman’s hold. “Ye can have him. I won’t marry him today.”
“Liar. I don’t believe ye. Ye tricked him into yer bed.”
Her temper barely in check, Cairstine wanted to slap the woman. She could sense people watching, otherwise, she might have done so. “Leave me be, Arabella. I am on my way to get out of this predicament.”
“I can see the smugness in yer face. But know he planned to marry me, to be with me.” Arabella shoved her with both hands, sending her backwards several steps.
The woman was dull-witted if she planned to accomplish anything in such a fashion. Cairstine took a quick scan of the area to ensure neither of her parents was about before she advanced on Arabella.
“Do not touch me again or I will hurt ye.” Her heart quickened and every ounce of blood rushed through her body. “I am not marrying Declan Murray today and neither are ye. He doesn’t wish to do more than dally with women like ye.”
When Arabella rushed toward her with a guttural scream, Cairstine sidestepped and slammed her fist into the woman’s back. Arabella stumbled but didn’t fall. She turned and, with hands like claws, rushed toward Cairstine again.
This time, she’d had enough. Cairstine took advantage of the woman’s momentum and kneed her in the stomach. When Arabella let out a loud ooof and bent forward, Cairstine shoved her down to the ground and placed her foot on the woman’s back.
Twisting her head around, Arabella’s eyes grew wide as she tried to push up. Cairstine leaned forward but not hard enough to harm the idiot. “Leave me be,” she growled. “I have much to do today and ye’re only making me late.”
After meeting the woman’s gaze for a moment, she lifted her foot and turned. She slammed right into her brother’s broad chest.
Hacking as if she could not catch a breath, Arabella scrambled to her feet and stood just behind her. No doubt, the daft woman exaggerated in hopes Cairstine would be scolded.
She almost laughed as her brother rarely got cross with her. If anything, Ethan coddled her.
“What are ye doing?” Ethan took her by the shoulders and shook Cairstine. “Sister, are ye daft? Fighting out here like a man.”
His face was like stone. It made Cairstine keep from saying anything. It was not like Ethan to be so angry, especially not with her. He motioned to two of their guards who’d come up from behind. “Take my sister to her chamber and ensure she remains within it. Fetch the key so ye can lock the door if ye have to.”
Eyes wide, she could not believe what was happening. “Nay, Brother. Don’t do this. Take me to speak to father. But don’t lock me in. I want to go home.”
Her brother’s gaze softened just a bit. “Ye are home lass. This is now yer home.”
Tears threatened as she made her way past a glaring Arabella and to the entry where Declan stood with an astonished expression. Obviously, he’d overhead what Ethan had said.
The wedding was still on.
Declan stomped across the courtyard and around the stables to where the guard continued sparring. The clanging of metal against metal vibrated through the air. The usually welcome sound did not agree with his returning headache. Several guards turned to him, a couple even motioned with their swords for him to join in.
Not today. This was not the time for such things. He had to find out what agreement had been reached.
It was Cairstine’s father who noticed him first. The man’s face hardened as recognition set in.
Declan chose to ignore the man and went directly to his own father, who sparred with one of the older guards.
It was good to see that his father continued to be a good swordsman. His stance was strong as he advanced. The swords crossed as his opponent swung across and his father defended. Then he turned and swung to the side. The man’s eyes widened as he almost missed blocking the blow.
His da barked out in laughter. “I was not going to hurt ye, Angus.”
The man huffed and shook his head. “I don’t believe ye.”
Both men turned as one when Declan neared and stood with feet spread and arms down at his sides. “What was the agreement, Da?”
Just then, he noticed Gordan approaching at a cautious pace. His brother’s gaze went to the nearby guards who seemed to understand they were to move away and give them privacy.
The man who’d been sparring against his da also walked away. But like the guards, he watched from a safe distance.
His father hesitated before replying. It made Declan’s stomach plummet. The Murray only measured his words when the news was either dire or would have bad consequences.
“Ye know the reason for this son. Yer actions last night brought consequences that ye will have to face. At sundown, ye will marry the Reid lass.”
Unable to keep from it, Declan swore out loud. “Why did ye lead me to believe ye would come to an agreement with her da? I will not do it.”
Gordan swung him around so hard, Declan almost lost his balance. He managed to catch himself in time to shove his brother away. Before he could take a step, Gordan’s fist sunk into his stomach and Declan bent over at the waist, the ability to breathe gone.
“Ye will be in the chapel and don’t ever speak to our father that way.”
Although he was still winded, he managed to charge at Gordan and both went toppling onto the ground. When he managed to strike Gordan, satisfaction filled him. The glee was short lived as Gordan knocked him over and straddle him. With a swift punch to the side of his face followed by a second to the other side, Gordan overpowered him.
The world swayed and a hard gurgle came from deep in his gut. “Get off me now.”
Gordan jumped off of him just in time, turning Declan to his side as he threw up onto the cold ground.
This simply could not be happening. How was it that from one day to the next he was going from being a warrior and single man to being tied to a woman for life? Yes, the lass was comely and he’d enjoy bedding her. However, what he would not enjoy were the restrictions, the lack of freedom and, worst of all, not being able to pursue other women.
Wi
thout a word, he stood and looked to his father. “Forgive me, Da. I will not go against ye. Forgive me.”
Declan would not go against his father’s wishes. At the moment, what he needed was to be alone. He thought of the cave not too far away and decided it would do. He’d go there and spend his last hours as a free man alone.
He shoved his brother aside. Gordan allowed it since he’d agreed to their father’s declaration. There wasn’t anything to be done now, but to follow the path set before him. A path he’d cleared himself, so no need really to be mad at anyone else.
Today, Gordan obviously decided the evening wedding was punishment enough. Other than a grunt and a glare, Gordan did not shove back.
Wiping blood from his lip, Declan stalked past the main house and out of the courtyard gates. Once outside, he realized he’d left his sword behind.
It was foolish to not return for his weapon, he mused.
But too angry about the situation, he continued on.
Chapter Five
From the second story window, Cairstine watched as Declan stalked past her father to his. Gordan joined in and the three men talked for a few moments. A gasp left her when Gordan punched Declan and the men tumbled to the ground with their fists flying. It was almost comical to watch when Gordan straddled Declan. However, it ceased being funny when, moments later, he jumped off and Declan became sick.
The now bloody-faced Declan stalked across the courtyard and out of her sight. He was probably going somewhere to sulk. She let out a sigh and, once again, turned her attention to where the Murray and her father were standing.
The three remaining men conversed for a moment and then shook hands. Seeming to sense her perusal, Gordan looked up to the window.
Although handsome, he did not look at all like Declan. Instead of midnight black hair, he had light brown hair and his eyes were a mixture of hazel and a beautiful golden hue. The only resemblance was the size of both men. Both brothers were tall and muscular.
Gordan lifted a hand in acknowledgement and his lips curved. The smile meant to placate her did not have the desired effect. Before the morrow, she’d be a Murray, married to a very reluctant Declan, who’d no doubt do his best to ignore the fact.
Declan's Bride: A Highland Romp Page 3
