She smiled at his diplomacy in dealing with her and her willful ways.
They heard a muffled noise coming from the corridor and then a loud knocking upon the door in their adjoining bedchamber.
“Milord, the servants have brought you the item you’ve requested. Should we leave it here in the corridor, or would you like us to come inside your chambers?”
It was the voice of his steward, Fergus Flannery, and Killian could hear his wife Eireen out there as well.
“No, have them bring it in then, Fergus.”
“Killian O’Brien, are you mad?”
Chapter Nine
She hastened to grab her clothes and began to dress, but upon realizing it would not be accomplished before the men were in the room, she employed her magic to don her garments. As Killian remained lying there entirely unclothed, she urged him to get dressed or at the very least to cover himself before the servants and Eireen were allowed to view his appealing physique.
“Get yourself dressed, Killian O’Brien, before Eireen has a clear view of you in your entirety!”
“I’m feelin’ too lazy and content just now. My wife kept me up half the night in a state of lustful arousal.”
“And that condition seems to have returned!” She glanced down at his impressive proportions and aroused condition, and he simply smiled and made no effort to cover himself as the door to the chamber was about to be opened. She hurriedly glanced at his garments upon the floor and then at him. She waved her hands and in an instant he was dressed as well. She was certain her eyes flashed with obvious anger and jealousy.
“I knew you’d not allow another woman to see me unclothed. I’ve missed bein’ entertained by your magical feats and, despite what you say, I know how much you adore workin’ your magic. Besides, some things are achieved so much more simply by way of magic,” he whispered in her ear.
“Emasculation may well be one of them,” she whispered back as she glowered at him, but then smiled as he pulled her into his arms for a kiss even in full view of the many servants, the steward, and his wife. When the kiss was ended, Alainn allowed herself to look at the immense article being hauled into the room with great care. It was the largest, grandest, most beautiful harp Alainn thought she had ever seen.
As she walked toward it and looked back at her husband, her tears rolled down her cheeks once more, and he passed her his handkerchief. She dabbed her eyes and then threw her arms around his neck. The servants appeared embarrassed and the steward was clearly uncomfortable. Eireen seemed to recognize the great emotion Alainn was feeling.
“You see, Fergus, ’tis not only I who weeps when the emotion is strong, and not only at displeased emotions. Lady Alainn is given to weeping as well.”
“Lady Alainn carries a child and therefore her tears are understandably justified.”
Alainn had finally left Killian’s arms and she sat down upon the stool that accompanied the immense harp. She pulled her hands across the strings and smiled up at her husband, eyes still blurred with tears. She played a lovely and complicated piece Killian had often heard his aunt play. Then she began a sweet lullaby often sung to babes by their mothers. Alainn jumped as the babe within her signaled his delight at her playing.
“Killian, you must come feel your son’s sturdy kicks.”
The servants, who had all been enjoying the music, left them alone as Killian went to Alainn’s side and placed his large hands to her belly and she continued to play.
“He’s sure to be musically inclined as his mother.”
“And his father as well,” she added, for Killian had been practicing his fiddling these past months and had become much improved as to when he had once serenaded her on the evening he’d proposed.
“I love you, so, Alainn. I am the luckiest, most blessed man in the country and, if I were to die today, I swear I would die a contented man.”
Alainn stopped the playing and stood by his side, placing her head on his chest she inhaled the familiar, wonderful masculine scent.
“If I spent a hundred years with you on this earth, joined in complete love, and utter enchantment, it would still be not enough, Killian. I think our souls shall be joined for all eternity. We are soul connections, you and I, so even death will not part us; I feel it in my bones.”
He squeezed her to him tightly and she knew he felt a needling within his soul at this talk of death and being parted and was aware they both welcomed the knock upon the door. It was Pierce MacCarther, the captain’s son. Alainn hadn’t seen him since the day they had met in Glynnis’s cottage. She was relieved he seemed as eager to forget that day as she was.
“Alainn, Killian! Good morning to you both. You requested to be alerted to when Lady Mary returned, and her coach has arrived this morning. I can take you to see her, if you wish it?”
Pierce had known Alainn all her life. Killian had known him a long while as well. Pierce found it entirely foreign to refer to them by the titles of milady and milord and they had long ago told him it was not a requirement.
Alainn smiled in learning her friend, Mary, had returned to Castle O’Rorke. She was thankful for Pierce’s friendship as well. Although he was now betrothed to her best friend Molly, and they were to wed in the spring, at one time he had set his eyes on Alainn. For years, he had been quite smitten with her and even written her poems of his great love. Killian knew of Pierce’s affection toward Alainn and he had often taunted her about the boy’s infatuation. Pierce was now a loyal servant to Killian and a valuable asset to Killian’s army, as well as a friend.
“I thank you, Pierce, for the news of Mary’s homecoming. I am much obliged, but Killian will take me to Castle O’Rorke for he has business there. Thank you for your kind offer, though.”
“Aye, Alainn.”
Killian’s eyes filled with question as he looked at Alainn after Pierce had left them alone. “And what pressing business have I at Castle O’Rorke?”
She smiled back at him and her blue eyes filled with a mischievous quality. “You must speak to your cousin on taking his marriage vows more seriously, or indeed I will be driven to use magic to change the man.”
“And why, when you are displeased with him, do you refer to him as my cousin? I think Riley and I have little in common as of late.”
“You have an uncommon ability to change a man’s mind to your way of thinking. And if I deal with him in that regard, he’ll be no use to his wife or any other woman, for he’ll be dead or a gelding at the very least, I should think!”
“Aye, well, I’ll talk to the man then, but I can’t promise you anything, Alainn. He’s boar-headed and does not take kindly to bein’ told what to do and, in that regard, I suppose he is your cousin.” He taunted.
Alainn good-naturedly tossed the nearby cushion at her husband, but it hit the door he’d closed behind him.
Chapter Ten
Alainn stood upon the lowest fence rail glancing up at the magnificent white stallion within the pen at Castle O’Rorke. It was a giant of an animal, as large as Killian’s horse, Storm, and then some. It was pure white with a golden mane and tail and only a tiny gold marking on his forehead shaped much like a lightening bolt. The animal was a wild sort, completely unbroken and her cousin, Riley, had declared it untamable.
Alainn glanced over at the discussion now taking place between Killian and Riley, the one she had prompted Killian to initiate and, by the displeased look on both their faces, she concluded it was not going well. Perhaps it was none of her concern that Riley had been unfaithful to his wife, but Mary was a valued friend and Alainn longed to see her happy. Lately, she had sensed Mary’s displeasure and Alainn believed in truth homesickness was not the only reason Mary had journeyed back to Scotland.
As she looked up at the huge horse, she tried to calm him for she sensed something most unusual and perhaps even magical about him, but she also detected a fury within the beast’s soul. She talked to him soothingly and she noticed him quieting. She stepped down from the fence a
nd met the dark brown eyes of Connor MacLain.
“He’s a beauty, isn’t he, Lady O’Brien?”
“Aye, that he is.”
Killian had drawn closer as soon as Connor had approached Alainn, and Alainn thought he acted undeniably protective and uneasy whenever she was near the large Scot.
“Your grandfather and your cousin seem to think there is little hope of him ever being tamed. They think it would be best to end his life or to let him go into the wild.”
“That’s entirely horse shite; I could most certainly tame him!” She declared indignantly.
The man glanced at her with doubt in his dark brown eyes but, obviously a sensible man, he kept his mouth shut.
“Truly, I could tame him, not this day, mind you, but one day I will!” she added.
The man tried to keep his opinion to himself, but a snort escaped his lips. He was a large man, as tall as Killian, which was rare, and as brawny and powerful as well. His thick copper hair was wild and clearly unmanageable, and his brown eyes held a stubborn quality.
“You shouldn’t doubt her, or question her ability, Connor, for she’ll be spurred to mount the damn beast here and now just to prove you wrong.” Killian reasoned.
“Well, I didn’t suggest I’d do it today, the horse would surely object to it and so would our son, but one day, after the child is born, I will manage it. Mark my words, the both of you!”
Alainn haughtily tossed her head in the air and her long blonde hair, now bound, began to work its way loose from its ties as she walked toward the stables and away from the men.
Killian smiled at her determination, but Riley who had caught the tail end of the conversation appeared less pleased.
“My God, she’s a vixen. You should not concern yourself with matters between Mary and me when you clearly have no rule over your own wife. As her husband, it is up to you to control her and you should tame her, Killian. She needs to be less spirited, I’d wager, or she’ll cause you great concern through all your life!”
Killian was about to answer, but the Scot did so for him.
“And would either the beast here or the woman be as beautiful or as desirable if their spirits were broken? Sometimes the spirited ones may cause us the most consternation and uncertainty, but it is that very reckless spirit that appeals most to us. Don’t tame her entirely, O’Brien, for you’d be the sorrier for it.”
Killian was uncertain how to respond to that comment regarding his wife by a man little more than a stranger, when he caught the sight of something else that disturbed him even more. He saw Alainn smile warmly at a tall, blonde young man and something in that seemingly innocent smile evoked a great jealousy within his soul. He went to her side as he heard her speak to the man.
“Danhoul, ’tis most wonderful to see you. In our recent telepathic conversation you did not indicate we would see each other soon. I did not know the bonnachts or any members of the kern, the Irish army, were here in this area; are the English nearby as well, then?”
“No, in truth, I have been summoned by your grandfather. I am to be in his employ, to be in his private army.”
Alainn was filled with uncertainty for she’d not heard her grandfather mention enlisting new men to the clan or his army. She knew very little regarding Danhoul Calhoun’s history, but she did know he was a druid, that he possessed unusual abilities, some of the same abilities she did. He had been at Castle O’Brien and he’d bravely assisted her and Killian in dealing with a dark entity. He’d also attempted to heal her when she’d been struck with the poisoned dart for he did claim healing powers as well.
Danhoul was younger than she was, but had grown taller and physically matured much in the months since last she’d seen him. His dark, honey-blonde hair and smoky blue-grey eyes were unusually appealing to her. And the tiny cleft in his chin and his stubble-covered jaw drew her gaze. She could not for all her dwelling on the subject discern why this young man was so undeniably attractive to her. Killian approached and she felt something akin to guilt as he stood beside her.
“Danhoul!” He nodded in greeting the young man.
“Killian O’Brien! You are a man spoken of often in both the circles of armies and clans. You have achieved notoriety in a short time, and I am honored to call you an acquaintance, if not yet truly a friend!”
“And you, Danhoul Calhoun, have built quite a reputation for yourself, as well. Barely more than a boy of six and ten, yet I’m told you have become a fearsome warrior and a learned soldier. And Niall has persuaded you to train and instruct his army then?”
“Aye, though I’m certain a man of greater experience or more advanced age would be better suited for the position!”
“Cleary Niall believes you are the man for the position and he is a seer as well, though I might suggest it is your druid connections that have him thoroughly convinced!”
“You knew Danhoul was to be in Grandfather’s employ, Killian?” Alainn questioned.
“Aye, he spoke of such during our time at the meeting of the clans.”
The two men looked at each other with an unspoken challenge in their eyes and Alainn knew there would be surely many times these two would lock horns, and her intuition told her she would most likely be the cause of their discord.
Her grandfather approached and he and the young soldier seemed intent on speaking. Riley had once more engaged Killian in conversation and she decided to go search for Mary. She’d been told by a servant Mary would be available for a visit, but that had been some time earlier. When she entered the stables she witnessed a most unexpected sight. She found her good friend, Mary, in the arms of the groom, Connor MacLain. It was clearly a passionate embrace. Her eyes widened in disbelief and as she saw Riley approaching, she threw them a warning look as she began to reprimand them soundly.
“My God, Mary! What are you thinking? Riley could have you hanged for treason if he saw you like this. You know it is unlawful for a woman to be unfaithful to her husband, and most especially the wife of a chieftain. And Connor, are you so eager to return to prison or to swing from a rope? This will surely not end well for either of you if you should pursue this further.”
They quickly pulled apart as Alainn spoke, and she noticed the fury in Mary’s dark brown eyes, but the passion as well. The Scot’s eyes were also filled with deep longing as he gazed at Mary even though they had distanced themselves from one another. Alainn hurried to Mary’s side and threw her arms around her as she realized Riley was fast approaching with Killian close behind.
“I have missed you much, Mary? How was your visit with your family? Sure, you must have been most pleased to return to your husband?” Alainn baited the woman and waited for her reply.
“Aye, I was pleased to return to Castle O’Rorke!” she replied and she boldly glanced after the groom who had once again gone to tend to the castle’s horses.
Alainn couldn’t wait to be alone with Mary so she could speak with her regarding the heated embrace she had just found her in, but Mary seemed less than eager to have that conversation, for she claimed tiredness due to her long journey. She politely excused herself to return to the castle. Alainn knew by the stubborn look in her friend’s eyes, it would be best to wait a time to speak further on the subject.
While Killian and Riley stayed within the stables and discussed a matter regarding what horses would be best suited if they needed them during a battle with the English, Alainn felt drawn to go back to view the large white stallion. Once again, she stood on the fence and talked soothingly to the snorting, rearing animal.
“Hello, you mighty beast, perhaps a magical beast, you are a most impressive sight! Sure we can get to know each other better one day soon. What do you think of that notion, Lightning?” She purred.
She saw that both Killian and Connor were looking at her with concern on their faces, so she soon stepped back from the rail as they approached. And, out of the corner of her eye, she saw Danhoul Calhoun, who was furthest away from her, beginning to draw nea
rer as well. She heard his voice call out in alarm and in warning.
“Killian, get to your wife!”
Chapter Eleven
Killian did not hesitate, but raced toward her as the large Scottish man did so as well. Alainn turned to see the immense white horse charging toward the fence and directly at her. Killian grabbed her and pulled her away as the animal hit the fence rails and shattered the thick planks. Connor MacLain was also directly in line of the roaring, angry horse and Alainn saw the enormous animal bring his front hooves down upon the other man. She watched in horror as the man’s shoulder and arm were nearly ripped from his body and, as Killian pulled her away, she noticed a broken shard of the wooden fence had pierced his forearm. He groaned in pain, but was mostly concerned about his wife’s safety. She hurriedly assured him she was well, but then hastened toward the other man who was lying in a crumpled heap upon the ground, writhing in agony. Danhoul Calhoun, the young soldier went to him as well.
Alainn tore strips of her skirts and placed them upon the bloody wound, and applied pressure while the man called out in pain. She imagined the many vials of potions in her chambers that would assist with the pain, and she summoned them to her. They appeared in her hand straightaway, and she opened the lids and poured a hearty amount down the man’s throat. Killian had knelt beside her, having pulled the wooden stake from his own arm and wound it up with a strip of his tunic.
“Are you well, Killian? Is the pain great?”
“No, ’tis most certainly bearable, and sure it’s a far cry from this man’s serious injuries.”
“Aye, well I will tend to your wound as well, Killian, but first I must see to these injuries or Connor may well lose his arm.”
She laid her hands upon the man’s torn flesh, skin and bone, employing her powers to heal him and she noticed he was startled to feel the wound grow much less painful. She also noticed how much calmer he felt and could sense him wondering what was in the elixir he had been given. He soon fell into a deep sleep, which was the best remedy for him at the moment. Without worrying what Killian, Riley, or Danhoul would think, she reached inside her frock and pulled out her charmed dagger. She slit her palm and allowed her own blood to seep onto the wound of the other man. She then bound the wound tightly once more and wrapped her own hand.
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