Camden had ridden into England with his men as soon as they had received word that King Henry had agreed to the marriage. Within a few days, they reached their destination of King Henry’s court and the men made camp just outside the walls of the city. Camden had washed in the nearby river before bed that night. He took his time in the frigid water while he thought of his retaliation.
The next morning the Highland laird brought Liam and Broderick with him to greet the king. As the men walked through the mass of peasants before they reached the castle, everyone seemed to move, clearing a pathway for them. The gigantic men were dressed in their usual manner except now they wore a tunic to cover their bare chests and Camden could not understand why everyone stared openly at them.
As they were escorted into the large castle to meet the king of England, Camden became curious about his future bride. He wondered if the girl would be as small as all the English women appeared to be. Only a few of the men came to Camden’s shoulders and they must all fear the sun, for every one of them were pasty white in color.
A herald announced to the king of Camden’s arrival as they entered the elaborate keep. He looked around and saw the elegant castle was much grander than that of the Scottish king. The warriors made their way to the throne where King Henry VII sat with his young son Prince Henry VIII next to him. Camden was surprised at the sight of the king because he seemed to be large in stature, unlike most of his people.
“Welcome Laird Sinclair, I am anxious to meet the Highland legend that has come to claim his bride,” King Henry said.
Camden bowed slightly, as did Broderick and Liam, to show respect for the king that he needed on his side.
“I know nothing of being a legend Your Majesty but I am here to marry the owner of the Highland territory,” Camden said honestly.
The king chuckled and his young son joined in his laughter. The Highlanders wondered what was so amusing to the royalty.
“It seems you greatly wish to rule this land and you are willing to do so at any cost. Do you know anything of your bride to be?” The king asked.
“I only know she is a young countess that was raised in an abbey. Does she even know that she is the true owner of this land, Your Majesty?” Camden answered.
“Ah, she does not know of this inheritance but her older brother who is the Royal Duke of Lansington, is aware and he has been made known of this arrangement. In fact, he asked me to give you a message. He said to tell you exactly, “she never stays where you put her,” the king said smiling.
Camden wondered what her brother meant by the comment but it did not really matter for he was prepared to take the girl no matter what.
He then asked the king. “How quickly can the ceremony take place?”
Chapter Three
Olivia wrung her hands together while she paced nervously back and forth in the guest quarters of the king’s castle. The king himself had summoned the young woman to come to the royal court and now she prayed silently to God that there were no plans to find a gentleman suitor for her. Olivia had never met her father’s cousin, King Henry but she knew her second cousin, Prince Henry very well and she was afraid he had put the notion in his father’s head that it was time for her to be courted by men.
She had dreaded this day for a long time and now Olivia could not hide behind her older brother’s promise. She remembered the first few months she lived at the convent when she was only eleven years of age. The young countess learned to obey the nuns in the abbey very quickly or she faced the consequences. Of course, none of them would dare raise a hand to a royal child but the glares Olivia received were a much more severe punishment. Sometimes she wished they would just whip her instead of making her feel so guilty.
The countess fought hard with the nuns over going barefoot but her battle was quickly lost. She also had to keep her hair pulled back and braided while she attended her lessons. After being there for one month, Garrison had come to the abbey to visit his little sister. The duke was surprised in the change of her behavior in such a short time. Olivia explained to her brother that if she obeyed the nuns, she was rewarded with free time outside to explore the forest surrounding the abbey. This was pure bliss for the countess after being kept in the dark and dreary buildings all day.
Every time Garrison visited his sister, she seemed to be taking more pleasure in her new home. As she grew older, Olivia learned to act prim and proper for the nuns and then strip to barely anything while she climbed the trees and hunted with her bow and arrows. She continued to ride her horse daily as instructed but always under the close watch of the stable master. No one knew of course, the things Olivia did beyond the walls of the abbey.
Over time, the sisters at the convent had grown to love Olivia and all that she was. After helping the nuns with their monthly ledgers, she had noticed that a certain merchant was taking great advantage of them. The next time he came to the abbey, was also the last time he came. Olivia was fearless as she chided the large man for stealing from God and everyone watching thought the man was about to cry by the time she was done. As he turned to leave the beautiful young woman added, “I hope you burn in hell” to her speech. At that moment, Olivia gained a reputation among the sisters as the spirited one.
When she had been at the abbey for over four years, the countess noticed that most of the young girls her age were being married off. Olivia knew it was common for girls to have a husband and a child by the time they turned sixteen but that was the last thing Olivia wanted. When Garrison made a trip to see her after she had turned fifteen, the young girl feared he was coming to wed her off too. When Olivia told her brother that she never wanted to leave the abbey, the duke promised that she could stay until her nineteenth birthday.
Now here she was, at the king’s court, just after she had turned nineteen. Olivia always hoped that if she did have to marry someday, that it would be to Brenton. Each time Garrison would bring Olivia home for a visit, she saw the baron and he seemed to get even more handsome, if that were possible. Over the years, the countess became frustrated that Brenton had not noticed her and that he still called her “baby girl” every time they were together.
Her young love for the baron changed a few months ago when she had confessed her tender feelings to Brenton and he did not return them. At first, Olivia was crushed when she realized that her youth was spent dreaming of a man that did not want her. Sitting in her brother’s library, with tears streaming down her face, Brenton said something that changed how Olivia felt about him. He did have feelings for her too but Brenton knew that he could never tame the passion within her. The baron told her that she was born to do great things and he could never marry her and watch her fiery spirit burn out.
Olivia knew at that moment Brenton was right. She had remembered telling her brother when she was a mere child that she never wanted to be just a wife and gossip with the other noblemen’s wives. As the countess continued to wait to speak with the king, her mind was reeling with ways to escape the desperate situation. Maybe she could make it to Lansington Castle where her brother and his new wife Ella lived, she thought. Olivia decided if she could hide, she would not be forced to be courted by all the self-centered aristocrats. She truly hated being around the noblemen with their high and mighty attitudes. Olivia wondered if Garrison knew King Henry had commanded her to come to court. She thought surely if he did know, the duke would stop this impending disaster.
As Olivia lost herself in thought, there was a loud knock at the door and the king’s steward entered with several women following behind. They were all carrying things and then another man entered and brought in a beautiful cream-colored gown. The dress was everything one would expect a royal countess to wear when she was to greet her king.
“M’lady, you are to be ready in one hour’s time and then you will be presented to His Majesty. There are twelve women here to help you dress properly and everything you could need has been provided. His Majesty is anxious to see you,” the steward smiled.
“I am anxious to see him as well,” she said briskly.
“Of course you are m’lady. Also Prince Henry gives his warmest welcome.”
Olivia was certain now that her cousin the prince was behind this. She was not afraid of him like most everyone else was. Olivia did fear, however, that if she strangled him like she wished to, she would pay greatly for the sin. The last time the countess had spoken with Prince Henry, it was more of an argument. He had been astounded at her maturing beauty and wanted to know why she was not married yet. Olivia stood up to the young prince and told him to mind his own affairs.
The women were quick to help Olivia out of her simple gown and began to comb her long auburn hair to be pinned up. She was very tall for a woman and most of the aristocratic women thought she was much too large to be a real beauty. Olivia had been taught that a woman must be delicate and petite, much like her new sister-in-law Ella. Olivia was grateful for her size because it gave her strength and endurance. No one knew that under the chemise she wore, there was the powerful body of a goddess. Olivia was muscular and lean with ample breasts that she kept bound for she found them annoying and always in the way.
Time seemed to be racing by when suddenly the steward came to escort Olivia to the see the king. The countess was never afraid of anything but at this moment she was terrified and she wanted to run. Olivia wondered how she would endure the endless chatter of the courting men. As she entered the great hall, Olivia saw the king and prince seated at the far end of the magnificent space. She never understood why everyone found the inside of a castle so beautiful when one could be outside in the splendor of nature.
“Presenting Olivia, the Royal Countess of Lansington,” the herald announced loudly as she walked toward King Henry.
Moving gracefully towards the men seated on the thrones, Olivia stared down her cousin Prince Henry and the closer she got to him, the angrier she became. The countess saw the amused smirk on his face and if she were not in the presence of the king, she would tell the prince just exactly what she was thinking. When she reached them, Olivia bowed to the royalty as she had been trained with great poise.
“Ah, Countess Olivia, it is wonderful to finally meet you. I have heard nothing but great things of your beauty from my son Henry. He was certainly true in his statements but I think you are even far greater a beauty than he described,” the king said, becoming entranced with her.
“Thank you kindly Your Majesty. It is a pleasure at last, to meet my father’s favorite cousin. From all that I remember of him, he spoke highly in your favor,” she said with a soft and gentle voice.
The king turned to his son. “Henry, where is this temper driven woman that you spoke of? Olivia seems to be quite the gentle lady.”
Prince Henry burst into laughter as he listened to his father’s description of Olivia. He knew the other side of her and she was anything but a gentle lady.
“Come now Olivia, putting on this show for my father must be torture for you. I told him how you are full of strength and fire. I have never met a woman as brave and fearless as you are. You must let my father see this side of you or else I’m afraid, I will look like a liar,” the young prince said with a smile.
“I assure you that I know nothing of what the prince speaks of,” Olivia replied to the king.
“Well father, if you would like to see a great reaction from the woman, you must tell the countess why you have summoned her here. I am sure she is anxious to know the reason why,” the prince grinned, taunting his cousin.
The king continued to observe Olivia. “My dear, do you know why you are here today?”
“Your Majesty, I assume it is because the prince thinks I should be courted by the noblemen so that I may choose a husband,” she answered.
“Beautiful Olivia, you are not here to be courted.”
Relief flooded her entire body as she heard the wonderful news. Olivia was immediately grateful that she would not have to deal with all the men and their wandering hands. She was curious then as to why she had been called to see the king.
She curtsied slightly. “Thank you kindly Your Majesty. I am afraid I am not the type that would enjoy being courted.”
“Countess, do you know of your inheritance from your father?”
“Forgive me Your Majesty, but I don’t know all that it entails.”
“Your father was given a beautiful piece of land in Scotland, in the Highlands no less. I have spoken with your brother and the land was given to you on your sixteenth birthday. Living on this land are hundreds of unruly and lawless men that need a laird to guide them. I have said that you are not here to be courted and that is because I called you here to be married,” the king announced.
Olivia had a difficult time processing all of the words that the king had just spoken. She thought he said something about her owning land in Scotland and then something about her being married. When she looked at Prince Henry, his amused face suddenly made everything make sense.
“Countess Olivia, you will be married in a matter of moments to Laird Camden Sinclair of the Highlands. Your inheritance will then become his and he will take control over the disorderly land. He is here to claim his English bride.”
She was speechless, which was unlike her, and she continued to stare at the young prince while she started to piece together the king’s command in her mind. It took everything in her power to control herself and not attack her cousin for finding her misery so humorous.
“Father if I may interrupt, it seems the countess is a bit overwhelmed at the moment,” the prince said looking at Olivia. “My dear cousin I know you must think me to be horrible and spiteful but I do have the best intentions. I know you rather well and I believe you will enjoy the natural beauty of Scotland. Also, I think you should know that your future husband believes his bride to be a delicate and timid little English woman,” Prince Henry said with laughter.
As Olivia heard what her cousin had said, she too found the humor in his statement. She was anything but delicate and timid and the countess could not help herself from smiling at the young prince. The king watched as Olivia’s smile transformed her into a stunning beauty. She was captivating and her eyes sparkled like bright emeralds.
“Bring in Laird Sinclair and let us begin this marriage ceremony before nightfall comes,” the king announced.
Olivia suddenly stopped smiling when the king made that statement. Fear overcame her body and she tried to gather every bit of courage she had to face what was about to happen. The large wooden doors opened behind her and she turned to see three enormous muscular men standing at the entrance. Describing them as giants, she thought, was not nearly correct because they seemed to make the castle doors look minute.
The countess watched as they started to walk towards her and maybe it was her imagination but the floor felt as though it were shaking from their movement. Olivia had heard tales of the Highlanders and the way they dressed but now she could see their bare powerful legs as they approached. Most women would have been frightened at the sight but Olivia was immediately jealous that they were allowed to wear such clothing. She had always wished of being that free and not having to wear such tight and binding clothes.
All three of them looked as though they were angry about something and that made Olivia furious. She decided the front man in the center, with the brooding eyes must be the laird and the closer he got, the more upset Olivia became. If anyone here has the right to give deadly glares it is I, she thought to herself.
Camden walked towards the king and he was sure the woman in the large billowing gown was to be his bride. She was certainly far more beautiful than he expected. The countess also seemed a bit older than the child Camden thought he was going to marry. He was pleased as well with the fact that she was not as tiny as the other English women he had seen. This would hopefully help his future wife endure the harsh Highland weather with greater ease. None of that mattered now because the land he needed would soon be his. Camden wanted to find a
secure place to leave the woman until his battle with the McKay clan was over.
As the bride and groom came face to face and their eyes met, Olivia felt her heart beginning to beat a little faster. She was not sure if it was terror or not but the look he had in his eyes made her body tingle all over. Camden wondered why this enchanting beauty was leaving all the comforts of a wealthy royal lifestyle to live in the Highlands with him. She obviously had no choice in the matter and the laird actually felt sorry for the poor girl as they continued to look at one another.
The king inspected both of them thoroughly and thought that the match he made looked like the perfect couple. King Henry only hoped that he was doing the right thing by sending this gentle woman into the rugged Highland country to live with these brute warriors.
The ceremony was over in a matter of minutes and Olivia barely remembered any of it. The only thing that she was grateful for from this whole ordeal was making the wedding part short and simple. The countess never dreamed of having any sort of elaborate wedding but she also never thought she would marry anyone but Brenton. He was a distant memory now as Olivia stared at the man that had just become her husband.
“We shall have a celebration feast now while my servants prepare your marriage bed,” the king announced.
The small group of court attendants that were in the great hall, cheered for the married couple and Olivia started to have a panic attack as the words “marriage bed” raced through her mind. She was extremely talented at acting demure and gentle when she needed to be but now her patience for the king was being sorely tested. The countess was not sure if she would be able to continue this charade much longer.
Olivia could not eat a bite of food as she sat next to her new husband and the two other warriors that sat with them. She watched the three men consume more food in one sitting than most ate within several days. Olivia never felt petite in her entire life because she was always the tallest woman but sitting with Camden at her left and Broderick on her right, she felt insignificant. Olivia was still overwhelmed at everything that had just happened but something about her new husband gave her a strange feeling of comfort.
Highland Vengeance Page 4
