Heart of the Highlands: The Beast (Protectors of the Crown Book 1)

by Holthaus, April

  “I will marry ye,” she blurted out, interrupting his last words.

  Ian rose and held his hand out.

  “Come.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “We have a wedding to attend.”

  Ian grabbed Keira’s hand and led her out the door, passing the two guards that stood watch. As they turned the corner to head down the stone staircase, tiny hairs on his arm stood erect as goose bumps emerged like spring daisies. In his core, excitement and nervousness churned. The woman holding his hand was his wife to be; a woman who would bear his children and forever sleep next to him in his bed. The thought both excited him and made him feel uneasy. He did not want to second guess his haste in offering to marry her. It was the honorable thing to do and he wasn’t getting any younger. Already eight and twenty, he should have taken another wife by now, but he could not shed the guilt when his thoughts drifted to Sarah.

  As they made it to the bottom of the stairs, he met Rylan and Leland standing in the hall waiting.

  “The lass has agreed to marry me,” Ian announced.

  They nodded in unison, as Rylan wiped his hand down his face. The four of them went to speak with Daniel MacKenzie and the priest.

  “I take it the lass has made her decision,” Daniel assumed.

  “Aye,” Ian said in response.

  “Verra well. I will fetch the priest,” he said as he left the room.

  “Let me be the first to welcome ye to the family,” Leland said, smiling as he nodded to Keira, but she remained quiet and aloof to what was happening.

  Within moments, Daniel returned with the priest and Lady Lorna.

  “I was hoping there would be a wedding. I already have everything prepared,” she joyfully announced.

  “Will ye stop yer jabber woman?” Daniel barked.

  “In my country, weddings are to be celebrated not mourned,” Lorna replied with a smirk.

  The group followed Daniel and the priest toward the chapel. Ian smiled down at Keira. She was as beautiful and vibrant as a newly blossomed rose. With her bright red hair and sparkling icy blue eyes, she could have easily hypnotized him, bewitched him to marry her instead of the other way around. He felt intoxicated just by her presence.

  Her tightly-fitted burgundy dress teased him as it covered almost every inch of her from her neck down to the long sleeves. He could not help but wonder what she looked like underneath all that unnecessary material but knew that he would soon find out. Gazing down at her made the beast inside of him urge to break free. It was a natural impulse that stirred his groin. This wee lass was his for the taking. And he couldn’t wait to indulge, caress and touch every inch of that creamy light-colored skin. In a few short minutes, she would be his wife and he would show her everything a marriage could offer.

  ~*~

  The chapel was decorated with roses and thistles. Keira thought the thorns were a nice touch as it was a clear reminder of the position she was in. She trembled, but Ian kept a firm hold on her hand steadying her as she walked. She could not believe she had agreed to this. What was she thinking?

  Keira felt the neckline of her dress around her throat, reminding her of the noose she hoped to escape. Her chest rapidly rose and fell as she attempted to prevent the embarrassment of fainting.

  Leland and Rylan sat in the front pews of the church, snickering and whispering, though Keira found no humor in this situation. No doubt they were making fun of Ian for having to marry her. Keira turned to look away from them and took notice of the two men standing near the front of the chapel. Standing behind the altar were the priest and Laird MacKenzie. Keira wanted to plead to them to listen to her argument, but Ian, sensing her apprehension, pulled her closer to him.

  “Ye are a mon of honor, Ian MacKay. I am sure she will make ye a fine wife,” Daniel said.

  Ian’s gaze swept from the top of her head to her toes and he replied in a very pleased tone, “She’ll do just fine.”

  Keira’s jaw went slack. She’ll do? He looked at her as if he were buying cattle. And she looked at him as if she were only moments away from clawing his eyes out. If he hoped for a submissive wife, he should have offered a solution other than marriage to her.

  Ian grabbed her elbow and snuggled her close to his side. Instinctively, she wanted to run and escape this moment, but she stood, frozen to the spot, unable to move another step. Her hands began to tremble.

  Vaguely, she was aware of the priest’s voice beginning the wedding mass, the Latin words droning on as a backdrop to her thoughts. The thought of Ian as her husband overwhelmed her. Though he had shown much kindness, there was still much to fear about him, so much she still did not know. In truth, she knew nothing of him other than his birthright. She did not know if he would be a harsh husband and would beat her if she spoke her mind, or if he would be kind, but in a few short minutes, she would be his to do with as he pleased. He would be her lawfully wedded husband. Oh God, her husband! Even the words seemed threatening.

  “My Lady, did ye hear me?” the priest asked, his eyes narrowing on her.

  “Forgive me, Father,” she responded weakly, her mind having wandered far from what was happening.

  “Place yer hand upon his,” he mumbled.

  Keira hesitated. With cold, shaky fingers, she raised her hand and placed it on Ian’s warm, rough knuckles. The touch sent chills down her spine like tiny spiders were crawling over her skin. Ian cupped his other hand over hers, rubbing her knuckles with his thumb.

  She peered up at him; a soft reassuring smile adorned his face. For the moment, she felt comforted in an odd sort of way. She had confidence that he would keep his word and would protect her, but she never considered what he would want from her in return. It had not dawned on her until this very moment that he, too, was making a sacrifice.

  So focused had she been on her own problems, she’d never thought to ask why he’d offered marriage in the first place. Surely, there were other lasses he had thought to wed, ones who would not have caused him so much trouble. Her mind was filled with so many questions but she realized she would have a lifetime to have them all answered.

  Rushing to the altar was not exactly how she had imagined her wedding. But had it not been Ian standing beside her, it would have been Laird Chisholm, a traitorous man, who had caused her to be in this situation in the first place.

  Keira made a mental note to question Ian further about what he knew of Laird Chisholm and of her father’s dealings with him. She had no doubt there was much more to the story than she had been told. Perhaps he felt it was too much for her to handle and wished to spare her feelings, but regardless of the reason, she needed to be told.

  When the time came for Keira to repeat her vows, the room felt smaller and her head began to spin. Had she forgotten to breathe?

  “Ye may now kiss yer bride,” the raggedy priest said to Ian.

  Kiss? Kissing him was the last thing she wanted. When she kissed him in the garden, she swore to herself that was the last time she would ever allow herself to be so foolish. But there was a part of her that yearned for his kisses no matter how badly she tried to ignore it.

  Ian lowered his gaze, causing Keira to unconsciously lick her lips. Gently, he placed a hand on her cheek. She gulped as his lips descended upon hers. The kiss was demanding yet tender. Lips slightly open, Keira felt a warm energy shoot through her as if he breathed fire like a dragon. His hand rubbed down to the middle of her back, pressing her closer to deepen the kiss.

  Slightly parting his lips, the tip of his tongue grazed her bottom lip. The feel of his arms around her and the sweet taste of his lips were intoxicating. The kiss felt sinful and it was definitely not a kiss suitable for the house of God, but she found herself liking it; liking it a lot.

  Keira pulled herself away, taking a deep breath. The priest scowled as he announced them as man and wife. Rylan and Leland cheered as their hosts remained unamused.

  ~*~

  “Will ye be joining us fer supper to cel
ebrate yer nuptials?” Daniel ceremoniously asked.

  Ian looked to Keira before turning back to Daniel. The distressed look on her face tore at his heart.

  “Nay, thank ye. My wife and I will take our meal and accommodations in the village. Ye understand of course,” Ian politely said, though he wanted to cut the man down for how he and his men had treated Keira.

  Ian grabbed Keira’s hand and led her out the chapel door. Together, they walked down the path toward the village to make arrangements for their supper and a room. There were plenty of accommodations at the village inn, and from what Ian recalled, their food wasn’t half bad

  After Daniel insulted Keira by locking her in the tower, Ian was not about to ask her to dine with the scoundrel. She was his wife now, and he would see to her every comfort.

  Chapter 16

  Ian managed to acquire a decent room within the village for the night, for tomorrow they would be on their way to Inverness for the trials. Though Keira would no longer have to speak in her defense, Ian would have to produce the legal documentation of their marriage to the king for the charges to be dropped. There was the matter of Keira’s father, his new father-in-law, of course. He certainly did not want to see the man hanged for treason or burned at the stake, but he knew some form of punishment would be served. Until Ian became fully aware of the charges against him, there was nothing he could do to save the man.

  Ian and Keira joined Leland and Rylan at a table as their meal was just being served. The patrons who sat near the bar laughed and clapped loudly to the music being played on a small stage near the fireplace. It was quite a lively place and reminded Ian of home. On several occasions, minstrels had been brought in from the village to play a cheerful tune for his clansmen and visitors.

  As Ian sat down, one of the barmaids came to the table and dropped off two small mugs of ale. Ian pushed one of the mugs in front of Keira.

  “Here, drink this,” Ian advised.

  Ian hoped the beverage would make Keira feel relaxed and comfortable, not to mention make tonight’s bedding easier for her. Not that he wished to bed a drunken corpse, but the liquor would help numb some of the pain she would endure. From what Ian knew, losing one’s maidenhood was painful and he did not wish to cause Keira any discomfort on his behalf.

  Upon their plates was a hearty helping of roasted lamb, potatoes, and stewed carrots. Rolls were served on the side as well as a creamy dipping sauce.

  “No one goes hungry in my kitchen,” the server said, as he set down the last plate in front of Leland.

  Not having eaten all day, Ian greedily ate his share. He couldn’t remember the last time he had a full meal. But as he was half way done with the food on his plate, he noticed Keira had barely touched hers.

  “Tis something the matter?” he asked.

  “Nay. I am no’ verra hungry.”

  “Eat. Ye need yer strength.”

  Especially fer tonight. His wicked thought made him smile. Keira began picking at her food like a bird.

  “Is there something the matter wit’ yer meal, Mistress?” the barmaid asked.

  “Nay, it’s fine, I am just no’ feeling verra well. Perhaps I should go lie down.”

  “Are ye sure ye are alright?” Ian asked.

  “Aye, I will be fine.”

  “I can take ye to yer room Mistress,” the maid offered. “Perhaps if ye like, I can send up a bath fer ye as well. The warm water always feels good on these old bones. Perhaps ye will feel better once ye bathe.”

  Keira nodded.

  “I will come and check on ye soon,” Ian assured her as she stood up and followed the maid up the stairs to the bedchamber.

  “I can no’ believe it! I was there, witnessing it fer myself and I still can no’ believe it!” Leland said.

  “Aye. Whoever would have thought that ye would take a bride,” Rylan agreed, taking a swig of his ale and then setting the mug firmly on the table.

  Ian scratched his head and wiped his hand down his face. It had been a long day. His thoughts were drawn to his beloved Sarah. Flooded with guilt, he felt he had betrayed her, though he knew better. Sarah would not want him to spend eternity unhappy and alone, nor would she want him to continue mourning her death. She was a good woman and saw the best in him. Sarah would always and forever be his love, but was it possible to love another? Had Keira been some angel sent to heal his heart?

  Ian was confused by his rash decision and nervous about taking her as his bride. He just wondered, if Sarah knew what he had done, would she forgive him once they were reunited in the afterlife? But Sarah was gone and there was nothing he could do to prevent being hurt again, short of living alone for the rest of his life.

  There was no mistaking his feelings for Keira. He thought the capacity to love had died the day Sarah left this world, and though he still loved Sarah greatly, Keira had somehow inched her way into his heart. He did not know why, but he needed her. Perhaps to rid himself of his longing, but it was a desire he did not want to live without.

  “Had ye told me yesterday I would be a married mon today I would have thought ye gone mad but I do no’ regret my decision.”

  “What did she say when ye told her about the Protectors?” Rylan asked, scooting his chair closer to keep others from hearing their conversation.

  “I told her what she needed to know and nothing else.”

  “So, how are ye going to convince that poor lassie to bed ye? No doubt the priest is gonna be coming ‘round here in the morning wanting proof of a bloodied bedsheet,” Rylan asked.

  “There’s no’ way she is gonna bed ye! The lass is too damn proud and too damn stubborn. She is going to put up quite a fight! I bet my horse it’ll be yer blood on those sheets in the morning,” Leland said in a fit of laughter.

  “Are ye suggesting, I dinna know how to handle my women?”

  “Nay, I am only suggesting, dear brother, that ye are no’ going to be able to tame that one. I dinna see Keira as a docile wife,” Leland answered.

  “Then I will just have to seduce my wife,” Ian said as he grabbed a mug filled with ale and proudly sauntered off, up the stairs and to their chamber.

  ~*~

  Keira followed the maid up the wooden staircase to one of the bedchambers at the far end of the hall. As she walked along the open balcony, her eyes stayed affixed on her husband. She wondered for how long she would have to stay married to him while her name was being cleared. She could deal with a few days, perhaps a week or so, but any longer than that and she would summon the Pope himself to grant her a divorce.

  The maid stopped at the door at the end of the hallway.

  “This will be ye and yer husband’s room.”

  “My husband? Nay, I will be sleeping alone tonight,” Keira was quick to reply.

  Yes, they were married, but in name only. That certainly did not mean she meant to bed him, nor would she be so willing to kiss him again. He had stolen enough of her kisses.

  As she stepped through the door a cool draft from the window caused her skin to pebble and made her hope that bathwater was nice and hot. The room was dark except for a sliver of light that shone in from a small window. The air smelled musty and stale as if it had been years since it was last occupied. A cold shudder tickled down her spine.

  As the maid crept further into the room, Keira watched her grab a candle, light it, then head to the hearth to start a fire. As the tiny candlelight flickered, shadows danced across the room.

  With the room well lit from the candle and the fire burning brightly in the hearth, Keira examined the room, taking note of the bed. The marital bed. The oversized bed looked as if four people could sleep comfortably in it. The chestnut-colored headboard and matching four-drawer chest complimented the barren room. Laid on top of the bed was a pile of plaids and furs along with two feather-filled pillows. Keira gently dragged her hand across one of the soft furs as she examined the room further.

  “I trust this room will be sufficient fer ye, my lady,” the w
oman said.

  Keira offered her a soft smile and replied, “Aye, it will do.”

  “If I may be so bold in asking my lady, are ye alright? Ye are no’ scared of yer husband are ye? I have known yer husband fer many years and I can tell ye wit’ certainty that Ian MacKay is a gentle mon. As a married woman of twenty-seven years, I can tell ye that ye have nothing to worry about. The first time only hurts a little.”

  Keira’s eyes widened at the woman’s remark and heat rose to her cheeks.

  “I see,” the woman responded, smiling. “Tis the things we dinna say that truly matter. Ye like yer husband; that is obvious. Love…maybe. Dinna try to seek perfection in an imperfect world, Lassie. You’ll only find yerself disappointed.”

  “I was forced to marry Ian MacKay. In truth, I know nothing of him, so how could ye suggest I have any sort of feelings for him?”

  The auld maid smiled and took Keira by the hand.

  “My lady, the foundation of any relationship must first be based on friendship. If ye want a mon’s respect, ye need no’ demand it, but ye must treat him wi’ the very respect ye want him to return. But dinna be too hasty to think things will change. It will take time. I am sure that a bonny lass such as yerself will have no issues capturing his heart. But ye must make him work fer it. Ye have more power than ye think when it comes to a mon. Most men act tough like stone on the outside when they are as soft as a bairn’s bottom on the inside. If there is a beast inside that mon, ye will have the strength to tame him,” the maid assured her.

  “Capturing his heart is the last thing I want. And besides I am sure he probably feels the same way about me. I do no’ love my husband and I dinna like him verra much either.”

  “Aye, ye say that now, but I know better. Take yer husband fer instance; stubborn as a boar. He has spent the greater part of almost ten years in mourning. He acts like ‘twas him who died and no’ Sarah. But I’ve seen the way he looks at ye, like a blind man who now can see. Give yerself time, lass. I believe ye will find what ye are looking fer.”