The Eagle

by McQueen, Hildie

  “Not so much a conversation.” Her mother pushed at Cait’s arm. “Go see about yer intended and stop asking so many questions.”

  When Cait went to her bedchamber all of her items had been removed. She hurried back out and to the sitting room, but it was empty.

  Deciding to question Stuart she knocked on his door, but no one answered. She pushed the door open and peered in. A few familiar things had been placed in the bedchamber, so she went inside and began sorting through them.

  “Oh, there ye are,” Cora exclaimed with a smile. “Lady Mariel asked that I move yer personal effects in here.”

  “What about tonight?” Cait asked. “I will have to sleep elsewhere, and I require some of these items.”

  “Oh, goodness,” Cora said rushing to her side. “In my excitement, I totally forgot about tonight.” She giggled and went to a wardrobe and extracted a night rail.

  “Where is my wedding dress?” Cait asked as they walked back out and toward her own room.

  “Lady Mariel said ye will dress in the sitting room. She has it now and will bring all of yer items to the sitting room after last meal.”

  Cait shook her head. “I am not used to any of this. I wonder what other things are planned that I do not know about yet.”

  “Cait,” Lady Mariel said coming from the direction of the sitting room. “Isobel wants to see ye. Also, ye will not go down for last meal nor will ye see Stuart at all until the wedding. Ye will take yer meals in the sitting room.”

  She eyed the items both she and Cora carried. “Come along, bring it all with ye.”

  They followed Lady Mariel to a small room adjoining hers. “Now this is perfect. Stuart will not find ye here.”

  Once she put all her items down, Cait then went back out to see Isobel. She was anxious to see the wee bairn.

  The laird’s bedchamber was warm. There was a cheery fire in the hearth and the curtains were drawn to hold the warmth in.

  Isobel sat up in the bed and was drinking from a cup when Cait walked in. Her face brightened at seeing her.

  “I am so happy about yer wedding. I wish I could be there.”

  Lady Macdonald, who sat in a chair in the corner with the sleeping child in her arms, gave Isobel a pointed look. “The bairn was quite big and ye have to heal properly before traipsing about.”

  “It is just downstairs and Darach offered to carry me,” Isobel protested and then looked at Cait with a warm smile. “I have a gift for ye.”

  Cait smiled and walked nearer. “Ye are much too kind.”

  “It is something I think ye will like to have.” Isobel motioned to a bundle on a table beside the bed.

  Feeling giddy, Cait lifted it and looked at it for a long time. “This is my first gift.”

  “Ye will get more tomorrow. But I am happy to give ye yer first wedding gift.” Isobel grinned.

  “What I mean is that this is my first gift ever. I have never received a gift before.”

  “Not even from yer father or mother?” Lady Macdonald exclaimed. “How sad.”

  Isobel gave her mother a patient look. “Not everyone has the means for frivolity. All money has to be saved for necessities.”

  “Oh dear, that was thoughtless of me,” Lady Macdonald exclaimed, but then brightened. “Open it.”

  Rolled neatly inside the parchment was a beautiful shawl. The weave of the fabric was fine, and it was embroidered with two large peacocks.

  “I embroidered one and Beatrice the other,” Isobel explained. “I hope ye like it.”

  Cait hugged the item close to her chest and sniffed. “I cannot express how much I adore it.”

  At her happiness Isobel blinked, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. “Oh, Cait. I will miss ye.”

  “Do not make her cry,” Lady Macdonald said nearing the bed.

  Cait wasn’t sure who she meant, but she nodded. “I will not make her cry.”

  “Not ye,” the woman said. “I am speaking to Isobel. Do not make Cait cry, we cannot have a bride with red, swollen eyes tomorrow.”

  The next day, Stuart paced the length of the great room; he was growing tired of waiting for one thing or another. After first meal, he and Ewan had gone out to practice sword fighting to pass the time until the wedding, which was to take place in the late afternoon.

  His squire, Anton, had run out and stopped him, stating his mother did not want him to be bruised or injured prior to the wedding. She’d then promptly had him bathe and dress, banishing him to the parlor to wait for whatever it was that he was to do next.

  He spent the time thinking of that night and how he looked forward to having Cait beneath him again.

  This time he wished to see all of her. When they’d made love the first time, she’d been reluctant to remove all her clothing. He was going to make sure that night both of them were free of every single piece of clothing. He would delight in her body, tasting every inch.

  “Ye are aroused. It may not be a good idea to walk into the chapel like that,” Caelan said, stating the obvious.

  Stuart rubbed his hand down the front of his person, willing the member to soften. “How much longer and why am I to remain in here?”

  “Yer mother does not wish for ye to see Cait until she walks into the chapel.”

  He looked out the window. “It should not be much longer.”

  “We are to walk to the chapel now.” His brother motioned to the door. “Everyone is there.”

  “Caelan,” Stuart began, “Do ye plan to marry?”

  Caelan’s gaze swept past him to the view outside “I do not know. I doubt it.”

  “Why?”

  “Because I do not believe in love.”

  “Ye do not love me then?” Stuart asked smiling. “I am devastated.”

  Caelan looked up at the ceiling. “It is different with family. I care for ye and would die for ye. But to say that one feels so deeply for one woman. I find it impossible.”

  “Let us go,” Stuart said and walked in front of his brother. He smiled hoping to be present when Caelan ate his words.

  Once they arrived at the chapel, the room was crowded, every pew overflowing with family, friends, and villagers.

  He’d asked Darach to stand with him, but his other brothers had decided among themselves that they’d also stand at the front. The only one not at the front of the chapel was Duncan, who could not abide small, cramped spaces. He stood at the back by the door, but Stuart knew that he was as happy for him as the other four were.

  At the sight of his four brothers in their Ross tartans and crests, he had to blink back proud tears as he walked up and stood to wait.

  There was a hush in the chapel, every head turning.

  A resplendent Cait appeared at the doorway, it was as if all the air left his lungs. Stuart could not look away from the beauty that seemed to glide down the center of the church on her brother’s arm. A proud Torac escorted his sister, his gaze straight ahead.

  When they stopped at the front of the chapel, the warrior met his gaze. “Protect her always.”

  Throughout the entire service, Stuart could not pull his gaze from Cait. She was stunning. Her face was serene, but excitement shined from her eyes.

  He could barely speak the vows, his voice shaking with emotion. When Cait spoke hers, she smiled up at him as tears slipped down her cheeks.

  When the cleric pronounced them husband and wife, his heart could barely contain the emotions. They walked out of the chapel, his hand on the small of her back protectively. This was the woman he would live out his days with and would never allow harm to come to.

  A rush of pride came over him when he looked over and met Duncan’s gaze. There was a sense of understanding, acknowledgement of how one becomes a better man with the right woman beside ye.

  The guests followed them to the great hall that had been decorated with wildflowers and branches. It looked festive and he looked to Cait who took in the space.

  “Is it not beautiful?” she asked in an awed tone.
“This is much too special.”

  He pulled her against his side. “Ye deserve this and more.”

  The rest of the day was filled with revelry and celebration and it was a time that he vowed to keep in his memory forever.

  When the musicians played a lively tune, Stuart partnered with his mother. They laughed the entire time while dancing, and when he stole a glance to Cait, she was smiling widely and clapping along.

  A hush came over the crowd as Darach carried Isobel into the great room. Everyone cheered when she made a show of waving to them as they passed and settled at the high board.

  Greer and her helpers outdid themselves with a wonderful feast. There was plenty of food for everyone to have their fill and wine was poured freely to those in attendance. By the time they finished eating and the music continued, Stuart noticed that Cait was tiring.

  “Ye should see about the final celebration,” his mother said as they walked back to the high board. “It is time for us to take Cait away.”

  Both of their mothers along with another pair of women ushered his blushing bride from the room.

  “A toast,” Darach announced.

  As each of his brothers spoke and Stuart had to keep swallowing to keep from showing emotion. This was the end of a portion of his life.

  Now it was time for him to forge ahead to what came next.

  Chapter Twenty

  “Lay still beneath him,” her mother said. “It will be over soon enough.” She blushed and patted Cait’s shoulder. “Ye are attracted to him and that will help.”

  “Mother, ye act as if I am about to head to the gallows to be executed.”

  Her mother’s eyes rounded and the other women in the room giggled.

  “It should be very pleasant and enjoyable,” Beatrice exclaimed. “If it is not let me know. I will ask Duncan to speak to him.”

  Ella laughed. “I believe we do not have to explain anything to her. Stuart has ensured she is well satisfied.”

  “Ella!” Lady Mariel looked to Cait’s confused mother apologetically. “I am afraid my daughter has never been one to hold her tongue.”

  There were knocks at the door and loud cheerful voices.

  “We must go.” Beatrice and Ella pulled Lady Mariel and her mother out the door.

  Moments later, Stuart was shoved in by a group of rowdy brothers, who laughed just a bit too loud.

  Stuart’s eyes narrowed and he turned to glare at his brothers. “Go away.”

  They exchanged a couple of crude barbs before finally being pushed out and the door locked behind them.

  “Sometimes we act like lads.” Stuart smiled while shaking his head. “It is the first time we’ve had a proper wedding and I believe everyone is overly excited.”

  Cait sat in the bed hugging her legs up to her chest. “Everything has been so wonderful, but at times it felt as if the celebration had little to do with us. I believe everyone celebrated personal victories and that is quite extraordinary.”

  When he began to undress, she could not look away. She tried, but inevitably, her gaze would slide back. First, he sat and removed the boots, followed by stockings, and then his belt. He lowered his breeches and then sat down to pull them off.

  Once that was done, he stood again. The pale linen tunic fell to just above his knees giving her glimpses of his muscled legs.

  Stuart met her gaze. “I want to see ye remove that garment.”

  “I was told this is what men prefer,” Cait replied, genuinely surprised. She had been led to believe, the man was always fully naked, and she would remain partially clothed.

  “I prefer ye bare,” he said as his fingers curled at the hem of the tunic. As the fabric inched upward, she followed the progress.

  His muscular thighs were enticing. Between them his sex hung, nestled upon a plump sack. She watched with growing anticipation as his flat stomach and wide chest were exposed. When Stuart pulled the tunic off, he stood before her fully bare.

  “Come,” he held out a hand inviting her from the bed.

  Cait obeyed, feeling a bit exposed despite wearing a night rail. It was made of fabric so thin, it was almost see-through.

  “Ye are beautiful,” Stuart proclaimed, his gaze raking over her. “I am a very fortunate man.”

  Taking a cue from his actions, Cait slowly untied the strips at the neck and pushed the garment down from her shoulders. It slid easily. Exposing her breasts. The dip of her waist. The flare of her hips.

  Upon seeing her remove her nightgown, his sex hardened and lengthened. Breathlessly, Cait slowly pushed the night rail past her hips allowing it to slide down her legs to the floor.

  There was something freeing when his gaze roamed over her body and she saw the arousal not only in his expression but the effect on his sex. It rose hardening before her eyes.

  “I want ye so much right now,” Stuart said, and she smiled in amazement that this beautiful man was her husband.

  They came together with desperate need, touching, kissing, and caressing one another. Stuart took her body and in that moment the bond between them felt tangible. Cait cried out when she crested, her body tensing under his. He shuddered moments later, losing himself completely.

  They lay there panting, the giddy feeling of two people who’d done something utterly enjoyable.

  “I must ask ye something,” Cait said, her voice sounding breathless. “Is this the only way?”

  “What do ye mean?” Stuart lifted his head and gave her a curious look.

  Cait shrugged. “Beatrice alluded to the fact that there were many ways to make love. I am curious.”

  When Stuart grinned, she knew it must be true.

  He sat up and then looked at her for a moment as if gauging how to explain it. “Turn over onto yer stomach.”

  She did as he instructed, already feeling impatient to know what would happen next. He guided her to her knees and hands and moved to kneel behind her.

  “What do ye think?” he asked in a husky voice.

  Cait looked over her shoulder. “I am anxious to know what ye will do next.”

  Trailing his fingers from the nape of her neck, down her spine, Stuart continued until finding the entrance to her sex. “I will enter ye like this.” He slipped a finger into her and she gasped.

  She held her breath waiting to know how it would feel while he positioned himself and then slowly pushed in.

  The intrusion was quite different, it was as if he was able to move deeper into her.

  He then took her by the hips and began driving into her body over and over. Cait urged him to move faster, her mewls erupting of their own free will. She pushed back to meet his thrusts, enjoying the feel of his member so deep inside her. The sound of their skin slapping together was as erotic as Stuart’s deep grunts.

  Cait looked over her shoulder at the muscles of Stuart’s shoulders and upper arms flexing with each movement. He watched where they came together, lips parted.

  “Come for me, beauty,” Stuart said slipping his hand from her hips to between her legs. It only took a few strokes against her most sensitive part before she dissolved, feeling as if she splintered into pieces.

  “Oh!” Cait cried out her head falling forward onto the bedding. Stuart was unrestrained, his fingers digging into her hips to hold her in place as he plunged in again and again. Cait was lost in the moment, her pliant body controlled by Stuart’s movements.

  It was as if he’d lost control. He then turned her so that he could stand beside the bed and continued driving into her.

  His breathing was harsh as he continued to take her harder, faster. Cait cried out again, she could not hold onto reality and finally lost control. As everything became dark, stars swirled around her. In the darkness, she heard Stuart’s growl and then felt heated liquid spill into her core.

  She allowed the promise of darkness to pull her under as Stuart cradled her against him whispering soft words that were like tender caresses.

  The next morning, Cait woke first.
Her body felt like liquid and a bit tender in parts. Her legs were wobbly like jelly when she rose to relieve herself and her inner thighs showed light bruising.

  The aftereffects of their lovemaking however made her smile. It was a delicious soreness that brought instant memories of what had happened between them.

  She studied the slumbering man in the bed. He slept on his stomach, facing her. The dark waves of hair a tousled mess. The strands spread over the side of his face and shoulders. He was a sensual picture with the blankets pulled down showing her just a peek at his bottom. Though the wide expanse of his back was just as enticing. And the fact he was so evenly tanned, made her wonder how much time he spent outdoors devoid of clothing.

  She slipped into the bed and pressed a kiss to his jaw.

  Stuart’s eyes opened and he smiled at her. “Is it morning already?”

  “It is,” Cait replied snuggling against him. “But I plan to sleep a bit more.”

  Later that morning when Stuart’s hands slid over her, Cait opened her eyes to find him positioned between her legs. “We cannot possibly…” She stopped talking and took a sharp breath noting how aroused he was.

  He made love to her gently. His movements so slow and precise he sent her into a place so glorious, she would never have believed it existed.

  When they finished, they lay in each other’s arms until there was a soft knock on the door.

  Stuart got up from the bed and wrapped his tartan around himself.

  “I brought some ale and food for ye to break yer fast,” Cora announced. She walked in and quickly placed a tray on the table.

  Thankfully she did not look toward the bed, but instead, turn and walked back out.

  “It smells wonderful,” Cait said slipping from the bed. She tugged on a robe and went to sit next to the fireplace as Stuart added wood to it. It was strange to be alone with him for so long and at the same time she wondered how long it would be like this, so new and exciting.

  He lowered to a chair and lifted a cup to drink. “What are ye thinking? Ye are so quiet.”