Warrior of Ice

by Michelle Willingham

  ‘There is always reason to worry about the safety of a woman in a camp of soldiers,’ he said. ‘And while most of the MacEgan men are honourable, I cannot speak for all of them.’

  She didn’t want to think of him sleeping outside with no shelter. But it didn’t seem that he would listen to reason. He was a proud, stubborn man who would suffer outside in a winter storm before he would leave her unguarded.

  ‘Come inside for a moment,’ she told him.

  He obeyed and entered the tent, closing the flap behind him to keep the heat inside. ‘What is it?’

  ‘Sit down,’ she told him. Killian’s gaze moved around the small space, but he obeyed. When he was seated near to the hot stones, she sat across from him. ‘That’s better.’

  ‘Well?’ he prompted.

  ‘I didn’t want you to be outside,’ she admitted. ‘You went to the trouble to get hot stones for me, so I thought you should warm yourself.’

  He didn’t look at all pleased by her invitation. Instead, he tried to stand up again. The space within the tent was too small and his head brushed the ceiling. ‘It will only make it that much colder when I leave, Taryn.’

  Her heart began to pound, but she blurted out, ‘You don’t have to sleep outside.’ Her words came out as a whisper, and she didn’t know where she’d found the courage to voice them. Colour rose to her cheeks, and she clenched her hands together. It was meant as a kindness, though she knew how it must sound.

  His expression narrowed, and he moved down on one knee until he was facing her. ‘What are you asking, Lady Taryn?’

  She took a deep breath. ‘I am asking you not to remain in the ice and cold. I would not rest well, knowing that you faced such discomfort.’

  ‘I am a soldier and little more than a slave,’ he answered quietly. ‘I am used to sleeping outside.’

  ‘I don’t want you to.’ Her voice came out hushed, more worried than she’d intended to sound. ‘It isn’t right, nor is it necessary.’

  ‘I am your guard,’ he reminded her.

  And he was, but it was more than that. She squared her shoulders. ‘If you want to sleep here, in a warmer space, you may.’ When he didn’t answer, her nerves tightened. ‘Or...or if you’d rather not, you can go back to the other tents with the rest of the MacEgan soldiers. Just...not outside.’ She drew her knees up, pulling the hood of her cloak over her hair to shield herself from the embarrassment.

  ‘What would the others say about you?’ he asked quietly. ‘You know what they will think.’

  The frustration gathered up inside, and she shrugged. ‘Does it matter any more?’ She had reached the end of her hopes, and now she simply didn’t care. This was about giving him shelter for the night, nothing more.

  He sat facing her, and beneath his gaze, she was even more wary. ‘You would not invite any of these other men into your tent, would you?’

  She shook her head. And though she wanted to deny that there was anything between them, she knew it was not true. ‘I trust you,’ was all she said. ‘You would never hurt me.’

  She lowered her hood once again, facing him openly. Though it was difficult to see in the darkness, she was aware of his shadowed form and the way the atmosphere between them had shifted.

  ‘No. I would not.’

  The interior of the tent seemed to close in on her, and her heart faltered at the way he was looking at her. She yearned for things she shouldn’t have, and beneath her skin, she warmed to his presence. He didn’t speak, and she felt the need to fill the silence. ‘I also know you won’t listen to me. You’ll sleep outside my tent, whether I want you to or not.’

  With that, he admitted, ‘I would, aye.’

  The amusement in his voice broke apart even more of her defences, and she recognised the danger to her heart. She was falling beneath his spell, wanting so desperately for this man to care about her. It was a foolish hope, and she steeled herself, trying to raise up her defences again.

  ‘Are we not friends?’ she asked. ‘Can you not simply sleep over there and accept the comfort I offer you of a warm place to sleep?’

  He moved in closer. ‘You don’t understand, do you?’

  She had no idea what he meant. ‘Understand what?’

  ‘A beautiful woman invites a man into her tent...and you believe nothing will happen?’

  Her face was on fire, but she distracted herself by rearranging the pile of furs. Was he suggesting that he was unable to resist her? She thought it very unlikely. ‘Of course nothing will happen. It’s a place to sleep, and I will remain on the opposite side.’

  ‘No,’ he said quietly. ‘You’re wrong.’

  She didn’t understand what he meant. Before she could ask, he continued, ‘Kiss me the way you did last night. And then tell me if you think it’s wise for me to share your tent.’

  The blood rushed through her veins, and it suddenly felt warmer within the space. ‘There’s no need for that.’

  ‘I think there is,’ he countered. ‘You have no grasp of what could happen.’

  Her cheeks flushed, and she lowered her gaze. ‘You’re wrong.’ But the truth was, she didn’t know what was between them. He had behaved in a jealous manner when Connor had flirted with her. And he had a possessive nature, wanting to claim her and the land in Ossoria. Yet she couldn’t tell what he truly desired.

  He moved in closer and brought his hands to rest upon her shoulders. ‘I’m not wrong, a mhuírnín.’

  She was stunned when his mouth descended on hers. Against his mouth, she was aware of his hot breath and the way it felt to be taken like this. She could only hold on to him as he threaded his hands through her hair, capturing her lips and beckoning her towards sin. The kiss went on and on, pressing tendrils of desire through her body. She was aching to be touched, and a moan escaped her when his tongue tangled with hers.

  He took her past the edge of madness, her body softening against him. Between her legs, she grew restless, wanting to know more of this carnal pleasure.

  It was dangerous, to be taken like this. Perhaps he was trying to frighten her into pushing him away.

  Instead, he was tempting her closer. She wanted to know more of this blazing desire, to be touched by a man who stole her inhibitions and made her want so much more than the life she had.

  His lips travelled down her throat, and shivers rocked through her. She gripped his head, and a moment later, he laid her down against the furs. It had grown darker, and she could hardly see his face.

  But she could feel his touch. His hands moved down her back, drawing him closer. He palmed her bottom, pressing her against him. Between her legs, she could feel the blunt erection pressing, and instead of terrifying her, it made her want to open to him.

  No husband would ever touch her like this. If she went to her wedding night a virgin, it was likely that he would shove her legs apart and drive between them. He would take her only a few times, perhaps once to consummate the marriage, and again to conceive a child.

  Or perhaps he’d never touch her again after the first time, taking other women to satisfy his urges.

  He certainly would never kiss her senseless, his body rocking against hers. She was achingly wet, and if Killian asked it of her, she might have surrendered to the needs overflowing inside her.

  Instead, he shoved her back, cursing beneath his breath.

  ‘Wh-what is it?’ she stammered. She hadn’t wanted him to stop, but he was behaving as if he despised her. It took a moment for her brain to realise that he wasn’t going to continue touching her.

  ‘Don’t ask this of me, Taryn.’ He was behaving as if this was her idea. She had kissed him back, aye, but that was because she’d wanted to.

  She realised suddenly that he’d kissed her in an attempt to frighten her, so she would force him out. Her response wasn’t at al
l what he’d expected.

  Likely, he hadn’t wanted her to kiss him back. A pang of hurt formed inside her, but she sat up and faced him. ‘I offered you a place to sleep, so you wouldn’t be out in the cold,’ she pointed out. ‘I never invited you to share anything more. And if it bothers you to be so close to me, perhaps you should go back to the soldiers and stay with them. It matters not to me.’

  Killian stood without speaking a word. Then he left, as if nothing at all had happened.

  Taryn closed off the entrance, tying it shut. Her heart was still beating rapidly, and her feelings were bruised from this. She should have known that this was a mistake.

  He’s not your friend, her common sense reminded her. This is about his own personal gains. Not you.

  She huddled in the furs, even knowing that sleep would not comfort her this night.

  Chapter Nine

  They rode out the next morning, through the forest and past the brooks and waterfalls. After travelling most of the day, they reached the region of Glendalough. The ancient round tower stood high, clustered by stone outbuildings used by the monks. Then they continued riding further north, until they reached an older road at the top of the hillside. From here, the green hills embraced the land, while a silver lake gleamed against the morning sun. It was a serene landscape, and few of the men spoke.

  Killian’s mind took no peace from their surroundings. He’d distanced himself from Taryn, not understanding what had happened last night. She had granted him a place within her tent, and he’d behaved cruelly in return.

  The truth was, she saw past the walls of stone and ice surrounding his heart. She had offered a friendly warmth that he wasn’t used to. Women wanted him for only one thing—to warm their beds. And though he’d taken his pleasure from it, it had never been anything but emptiness.

  Last night, when he’d kissed her, her response had taken him apart. Her eager willingness to meet his kiss and the sweet taste of her tongue had made him want to lay her down and slide into her wet folds. He was angry with himself for trying to push her away, only to find out that she was a woman of passion.

  He knew that no man had ever given her such attention. She was isolated from common men and didn’t understand the consequences of her actions. Another man could take advantage of her innocence, and Killian might not be able to stop him.

  Rage tightened inside at the thought of anyone touching her. Taryn deserved a man who could protect her, honouring her. And though he knew he was unworthy of wedding a woman of her stature, he craved the scent of her hair, the softness of her curves.

  He urged his horse faster, the frustration beating stronger within him. In the distance, he saw the road curving through the hills, down into a valley. A flash of silver caught his eye, along with motion.

  He rode faster, trying to grasp what it was he was seeing. And the moment it became clear, he turned the horse around and went to speak with Taryn. She hardly met his gaze, her eyes locked upon the green hills. There was an icy chill in her demeanour, as if she didn’t want to speak with him at all.

  ‘We have a problem,’ he told her. ‘Your mother’s men are waiting for us in the valley. They are camped along the side of the road.’

  She grimaced but nodded. ‘I was expecting that. She knows I am travelling to Tara, and there is only one road leading in that direction.’

  ‘We don’t have to stay on the roads,’ he pointed out. ‘If you’re wanting to avoid them.’

  ‘No,’ she said quietly. ‘I suppose I must face her and make it clear that I will not abandon my father.’

  He agreed with that. Queen Maeve would not stop hunting for Taryn, and they needed to come to an agreement now, before they reached Tara. ‘Do you want to ride ahead of the others and meet with her?’

  She thought a moment and agreed. ‘I suppose there’s no need to bring the rest of them into our disagreement. They can maintain their pace, and we’ll ride ahead.’

  ‘Can you manage on the horse?’

  There was a glimpse of fear on her face, but she shrugged. ‘I don’t like the idea of going faster, but I suppose I have no choice.’

  ‘Lean in and let your mare follow my horse,’ Killian said. ‘And don’t try to pull her too hard.’ He didn’t miss the fear she was trying to hide. But she had managed to stay on the horse thus far.

  He led them towards the front of their travelling party and told the MacEgan men to keep their distance until they had come to an understanding. There was no need to provoke a fight between the soldiers. To Taryn, he said, ‘Stay close, and don’t fall behind.’

  She inclined her head and nudged the mare faster. Her fingers gripped the reins, and Killian urged his horse into a hard canter. Glancing behind, he saw her following, though her eyes were tightly closed.

  The road shifted downward, and though she leaned forward as he’d instructed, he didn’t know if she knew how to command the horse to stop. He kept the horses together, bringing them down into the valley. Mile after mile they travelled, until he saw that Maeve had gathered her soldiers together on the road to block their path.

  So be it.

  When they were within a few hundred paces, he moved his mount beside Taryn’s and seized the reins of her horse. Slowly, he guided the horses into a trot and finally into a walk. Only then did she open her eyes.

  Her face was flushed, her mouth tight, but she gathered her composure. As she drew closer to her mother, she straightened in the saddle.

  Maeve walked forward, her expression holding back a mixture of worry and anger. Killian pulled his horse to a stop, letting Taryn go to meet her mother alone. For a moment, the Queen studied her daughter, as if determining whether she was unharmed. Taryn dismounted and then beckoned for Killian to come closer.

  He swung his leg off the horse and led it by the reins, seizing her mount as well. He decided to play the role of servant in this, for it was less threatening.

  ‘You can go no further,’ Maeve was telling Taryn. ‘We must return to Ossoria.’

  ‘You’ve been waiting on me all this time?’ she guessed. ‘You must know that I have no intention of abandoning my father.’

  Her mother’s gaze turned discerning. ‘I know that you are as stubborn as always, and you do not believe what I have said. But Devlin is not worth saving. Come, and we will speak.’

  Taryn turned and gestured for Killian to come with them. He held himself motionless, knowing it was not his place to accompany her.

  ‘I will speak with you,’ she told her mother, ‘but only if Killian is present.’

  The Queen cast him a look, and her face paled. She looked as if she were about to say something but held her tongue. ‘We will walk through the hills for a moment. He may protect you, but he does not need to hear what I have to say.’

  ‘He will hear everything,’ Taryn argued. ‘Else, I will not go.’

  The Queen shook her head. Killian could tell that the nature of the conversation was nothing she wanted an escort to overhear. But he merely walked the horses over to a tree and tethered them, letting them graze. And when Taryn summoned him to join her, he obeyed.

  Maeve sent him a dark look and said, ‘I would prefer it if your servant left us. This is not for his ears.’

  ‘He is not my servant.’ Taryn straightened and added, ‘Furthermore, I trust Killian more than I would ever trust you. He has kept me safe, and he has sworn to help Devlin.’

  Maeve’s expression twisted, but she relented. When he reached Taryn’s side, the Queen frowned. ‘I know who you are. Rory’s blood runs in your veins.’

  He didn’t respond, but sent her a slight nod to show that he’d heard her.

  ‘I will not let you go any further on this journey,’ Maeve told her daughter. ‘You cannot risk your life for Devlin. I won’t allow it.’

  ‘I know
you do not care for him,’ Taryn began. ‘But he does not deserve to die in that way. Surely you must recognise all that he has done for our people.’

  ‘I despise him,’ Maeve snapped. ‘Believe me when I say that we are all better off without him. The High King is delivering justice that was owed to us years ago.’

  Killian saw the dismay on Taryn’s face, and he took a step closer to her. Though he didn’t know why the Queen loathed her husband, he didn’t miss the protective way she watched her daughter.

  ‘What is this justice you speak of?’ Taryn asked softly. ‘All you’ve ever done is speak ill of him. What did he do except keep the peace in Ossoria? And all you did was issue orders of how everything was to be done, how quickly, and in what manner. You treated everyone like a slave. Whereas he—’

  ‘You know not of what you speak,’ Maeve said. ‘I did keep a tight rein over our servants and tribe members, yes. To protect them from his anger.’

  Taryn sent a look back towards Killian, and her face revealed her disbelief. ‘My father was never angry with anyone.’

  ‘Because I placated him. I obeyed his orders and ensured that everyone did his bidding without question.’

  Killian studied the Queen and saw traces of fear, not a woman who was desperate for power. He was beginning to wonder if Taryn’s father had revealed only what he’d wanted her to see.

  ‘If you believe that he was a kind man, you are wrong,’ Maeve said. ‘You know nothing of the sort of person he was.’

  ‘That’s not true.’

  Killian moved forward and rested his hands upon Taryn’s shoulders, heedless of the Queen’s glare. He wanted her to know that she need not listen to any of this. In silent answer, she reached up and clasped his hand.

  ‘It is true,’ the Queen insisted. ‘Those scars happened because of him.’ Her face was bone white, and when she met Killian’s stare, there was anguish within it.

  ‘What do you mean?’ Taryn’s voice held the coolness of a woman who didn’t believe the Queen’s words.