by Kara Griffin
“Good morn.”
“’Tis a fine day to fish. Annag wants to get outside and search for herbs for her medicinals.”
“Then go, you are free to do as you please.”
Finley set the pike aside and approached. “Nay, Mistress, we hoped you would join us. What say ye to an afternoon by the stream?”
“We shall take food and sup there.” She backed up a step and bumped into someone. Kerrigan turned and saw Graeme behind her. “I, I’m sorry if I … hurt your foot.” She rambled as though she’d never spoken to the man. Her cheeks heated with a blush.
“That is a fine idea. All of us shall go.” Graeme motioned to his comrades. “Let us get out of these drab confines. We could all do with some air.”
“Och we’re supposed to go to the village and meet with—”
Graeme held up his hand and silenced Brodin. “We will go to the stream. Kerrigan, will that please you?”
“I would like that very much. If you have a meeting, you can come by after unless it will take long?” She hoped not because she’d wanted to spend time with him.
“Nay, our meeting can wait.”
By the time they readied, noon neared. Kerrigan walked beside Galyn and enjoyed the sunny trek. They made a picnic spot near a large rock and settled the bairn on a tartan in the shade. Philippa didn’t say much as she tended to him.
The men caroused by the water and splashed and ran into the shallow areas. Finley scoffed at them for upsetting the fish. Even so, he was able to catch six good-sized trout after they left the stream. Annag helped him prepare the fish for the fire.
Graeme suggested a race, and the men pulled their tunics free from their belts.
Liam grinned and held up a coin. “I wager the coin, Brodin, that I can beat you to the rock and back.”
“You’re on,” Brodin said.
They raced to the crag which sat about two hundred yards in the distance. Their tunics fluttered as did the tartans around their waist. A good amount of thigh showed as they ran with great effort. Kerrigan laughed when Brodin shouted an expletive at losing the race to Liam. The men continued their race for a few more minutes before they hefted a heavy log and threw it into the stream.
They stood upon it and tried to dislodge one another. Liam again suggested a wager with a coin, but this time he bet against Heath. She raised a brow when Liam declared himself the winner when Heath fell into the water. It appeared he was extremely competitive.
She and Galyn talked of their time spent at Bothwell and the countless times they’d picnicked by the castle walls. Many children would gather and the men would hide gifts and treats in the bushes for them to find. Such joyous memories lightened her. Still, her friend wouldn’t speak of her lost love. Kerrigan despaired she’d forever wallow in her broken heart.
She watched the men as they continued to race each other. Graeme won two of the contests and Heath won two others. Liam sat back content to watch. Apparently he wasn’t as competitive as she thought. After they caught their breath, they tossed a big sized rock to each other. She was amazed they could lift it for it looked heavy. More games were had as they took a rope and with two on each side tugged it until the winners were claimed.
Liam said as he flopped down next to her. “I should’ve wagered I’d win the rock toss, for no one can catch it like I can.”
Heath laughed. “None of us would’ve taken ye up on the wager. Och I beat ye in the caber toss. I think ye should take up running if you ever want to beat me.”
Brodin didn’t say much, but sat back and watched his comrades and listed to their discussion with interest. He held a small piece of wood and used his dagger to carve something. Kerrigan leaned closer but couldn’t grasp the image. A small smile tugged at the edges of his lips. He had remarkable eyes, so blue they pierced her when he gazed at her. She wondered if he’d be interested in courting Galyn, but her friend hadn’t looked at any of Graeme’s comrades with attentiveness.
After she ate and enjoyed the afternoon, Kerrigan wanted to stretch her legs before it grew too dark, and the Good Lord knew when it would be this fair of weather again. The men settled on tartans nearby, ate, and spoke quietly amongst themselves. Graeme held grass in his hand and appeared to twist it.
“Where are ye off to?” Graeme asked when she stood.
“I was going to take a short walk.”
“I shall join you.” He rose and fixed the fabric of his tartan over his shoulder. “We will return soon. All return to the cave before it gets too dark.”
His men bawled in laughter.
“Oh, aye? I doubt we’ll see ye before dark,” Heath said.
Liam made kissing noises. “Off to snog are ye?”
Brodin glared and said nothing. As they walked away, he hastened to them. “We should leave for the village. Aye, or did ye forget we have a meeting.”
Graeme took her hand and smiled. “I forget nothing, Brodin. Why don’t you attend to Master Pellam’s problem? I’m certain it will be an easy task.”
He squeezed her fingers as he turned and led her toward the trees. “What is Master Pellam’s problem? Will it be dangerous? Mayhap you should go with them.”
“Pellam wants to hire us to kill the man who stole his livestock. Nay, my comrades can handle it. Now come and let us enjoy the eve.”
“They won’t kill him will they?”
“Only if they must.”
Kerrigan relived by his words, released her hand from his and folded them in front of her.
“Wait,” Brodin said, and he held out the wood he’d carved.
Kerrigan took it from him and held it close to see it. It was a wooden medallion etched with the image of a lion. On the back he’d carved her name and the word fuimus. “It is lovely, Brodin, thank you.”
“We each have one and since it appears you are now part of our group, I wanted to give it to you. If you get separated from us or need our aid, you only need to send it to the friar at Sweetheart Abbey. He’ll get in touch with us and we’ll come to your rescue.”
She marveled at his skill for the lion looked lifelike for she’d seen one at a fair once. “What does the symbol represent and the word fiumus mean?”
Brodin took it from her and attached a leather rope and then set it over her head. “It is the Bruce’s crest. The word means ‘we have been’ and is the Bruce’s own war cry. Since ye now belong to him, I thought it prudent for ye to wear it.” He stressed the word ‘belong’ which brought forth a glare from Graeme.
“I thought you didn’t like me,” she said, awed by his kind gesture.
“I never said I didn’t like ye. Your clan, aye I detest them.” Brodin turned and walked away.
She walked along and silently marveled at Brodin’s gesture. Graeme acted strange and gave her looks as if he had something on his mind. She wasn’t about to risk her heart by asking what troubled him. Certain he would give her the ‘We shouldn’t kiss each other or act on our attraction’ speech. But there had to be a way to conquer his heart. Had the loss of his wife caused him too much grief?
“I know a place, reminds me of the loch near my home. Our loch is the largest in all of Scotland. Many come to fish in the waters.”
“It sounds appealing. Do you speak of Inverness? Laird Moray took the entire keep there for a festival once when I was younger. We only stayed two days. From what I remember, it was lovely there. Those were happier times.”
“I miss it and long to return.”
Kerrigan stopped by a tree and retook his hand. “I know for what you speak. I long to return to Innis Chonnel and despair I will never see my father’s keep again.”
“The MacDoughalls will pay for what they did to your family. The king will attend to it.”
“Where is this place you speak of that reminds you of home?”
“This way.” Graeme led her through thick brush. There was a small trail that meandered along a thick copse of trees. The air permeated of pine fragrance. She took a deep breath, and it
rushed forth when she stepped through a set of branches Graeme held aside.
“It’s lovely.”
“You’re lovely. Come, it’s warm enough to swim.”
Kerrigan’s heart eased at his words, and she walked to the water. She hastily removed her shoes and stockings. Cool water sloshed over her feet as she stood at the bank.
“Kerrigan?”
Graeme stood behind her. “I’ve thought of that night, the night we coupled …”
“I disappointed you, did I not? My apologies, Graeme, for I never did anything like that. You must consider me shameful, but I assure you I am not and do not regret it.” She felt foolish for saying as much and was grateful he couldn’t see her face.
“Nay, I was far from disappointed, lass. I could never hold ye in contempt for what we did. It is I who should be held in disdain for I shouldn’t have taken ye in such a way.”
“You beset me with worry. I am immoral, Graeme. You don’t wish to be with me. I understand. You need not explain.”
He set his hands on her shoulders and moved close enough to press his body against hers. Kerrigan kept her gaze on the waters, discomfited by their conversation.
“It is not that, sweet lass. I am the lowest of men. How could I do such a thing to a delicate, lass like yourself? It was dishonorable of me and it is I who is immoral.”
“I thought what we did was beautiful and I won’t be remorseful.” She resisted the urge to weep and swallowed hard against it.
“It was beautiful, aye. But we should have been wedded first. I took something of great value from you and it has caused me anguish these past days. You deserve much more than I can offer. These are troublesome times, Kerrigan. Were we home, I would have courted you and asked for your clan’s permission to wed ye.”
She leaned against him. His words brought joy to her heart and yet filled her with sorrow at the same time. “I have never wanted to wed any man.” Kerrigan turned and faced him, his expression staid and serious. He touched his forehead to hers with an objected sigh. “Until now.”
“There are too many things in the way. We cannot ignore them.” His eyes bore into hers.
“There is only you and me, Graeme. That is all that matters. I want you for my husband. If we’re to face dangers, we should do it now whilst we can be together.” Kerrigan reached out and gentled a hand on his face.
He leaned into her and closed his eyes, letting her touch ally him. “I cannot take ye to church, have a grand wedding party, or give you the gifts you deserve.”
“I care not for any of that. What matters is you and only you.”
“Then I should wed you this night under the stars.”
“We will speak our vows to God for he listens.” She pointed upward at the darkened expanse.
“That he is. Come, let us stand here.” He led her to a place lightened by the rising moon. The half-moon shown bright in a cloudless sky and gave a romantic mood to the air.
Graeme knelt before her. “Kerrigan of clan Campbell, I give ye my life and all that I have and am. I swear to the Almighty to love you from this day until my last. I will honor you above all others.” He kissed her fingers and slipped something past her knuckle.
She gazed at her hand, her breath shallow in surprise. “It’s beautiful.” He’d woven a ring from grass and small purple flowers. She’d noticed earlier when he plucked blades and tossed them, some he twisted. He’d been thinking of her, and her heart burst with joy.
“Now your words, my love,” he said as he rose.
“I take thee, Graeme of Clan Cameron to be my husband. I vow to honor you and make you proud to call me wife. I promise to love you all of my life.”
Graeme sealed their pact with a soft kiss. He released her and stepped back. “I would that we consummate our union and promises. Do you …” He stepped forward and took her in his arms. When he reached the pines, he set her upon her feet, and pulled his tartan from his chest and set it upon the ground. His tunic covered him and she gazed at the placed tartan.
“I want to see ye, sweet lass. Do you mind if I …” He tugged at the ties of her overdress until they became loose enough. The material fell from her body, and she stepped out of the heap at her feet. The shift she wore barely covered her. He gently edged the straps from her shoulders until it too fell away.
Kerrigan never stood in front of man before without any garments on. She was tempted to use her hands to cover herself.
“Your blush is bonnie, lass. You are more beautiful than I imagined.”
“Do I get the same pleasure?”
He nodded and held his hands outward. “Come undress me.”
She thought her fingers would fall off as much as they shook. But she was determined and wouldn’t be daunted. Taking the ties of his tunic, she made quick work and loosened them. With a hard tug, she released his shirt from heavy belt that held the tartan at his waist. Once she had that done, she pulled the tunic over his head, and revealed the expanse of his chest. He stood before her, disrobed except for the tartan at his waist and his boots. She caressed his arm and gently ran her fingers over the wounds he’d gotten. “Lovely.”
“There is more.”
“Oh, indeed.” She returned to the front of him and held his belt. As soon as she unfastened it, the belt dropped to the ground. Kerrigan gasped at the view before her. She’d seen naked men before, for the soldiers at Moray’s keep were not bashful. Not one compared to the man who stood before her now.
She took her time eyeing his magnificent body. He was a warrior, a fighter who took many a strike by evidence of the scars which marked his legs, arms, back, chest – everywhere. How she wanted to touch each one.
“No sympathies, wife.”
“Nay, none.” She stepped around him, her hand followed her wake. She let it glide over the hard confines of his abdomen, over his manly hips, over the hard curve of his arse. “Very lovely.”
He laughed. “Are you through?”
“I’ve just begun.”
“You are finished for now unless you want an inept husband on your wedding night. Besides, I have yet to look at ye. Let me see you.”
Brazenly she stepped back and allowed him full view of her body. Her skin heated and flushed at being perused intimately.
“Your breasts are perfect.” He held his chin in hand and the other held his elbow, surmising her with a devilish glint in his eye. “Aye, you will do.”
She gasped and gave him a shove.
“A bonnier lass I’ve never seen. Come, I want to kiss you.” He took her arm and held it until she knelt.
Kerrigan couldn’t take her gaze from him. He knelt in front of her and took her hands in his. She wanted to touch him, to feel his hard muscles on her palms, but she refrained and waited to see what he would do.
“Kiss me, Kerrigan.”
She leaned forward and placed a kiss on his mouth. He held her hips and kept his lips against hers. Her heart raced knowing what was to come. The first time, she feared what they’d do, aware what a woman experienced her first time with a man. She’d heard several maids discuss their first time and Galyn gave her a fair idea of what to expect. It had always sounded barbaric to her until sensual longing changed her mind.
Her fear was misplaced though because Graeme touched her with gentle hands as he was doing now. He shifted his hands to her shoulders and his mouth moved to the side of her neck. Kerrigan wrapped her arms around his waist and held him as close as she could.
He guided her to lie upon the tartan and she looked up at him. His expression most serious.
“I want to kiss every spot on your body.”
She drew in a harsh breath when his mouth took her breast. He didn’t stay long there but moved to her midsection and placed light kisses on her flesh. Each touch of his lips caused her abdomen to flinch and desire to twine itself to her femininity.
Kerrigan closed her eyes and concentrated on his mouth when a shocking thing occurred. He spread her legs and used his fingers
to pleasure her. She came off the ground, but he settled her with his hand.
He finished sooner than she expected and gazed up at her. “I could stay here forever.”
“I couldn’t bear it.” She reached out, holding her hand for him to take, but he spread her legs apart and pushed himself into her. His movement caused a slow excruciated pleasure to throng between her legs. Kerrigan looked up, seeing his eyes, dark with passion. He kept his eyes fastened to hers as he moved within her. With each thrust, she shrieked as pain and pleasure collided. He kept to a pace and all she could do was spiral in the delight of it.
“Lass hurry, because I don’t deem I can wait.” He shifted forward and leaned on his elbows.
Her eyes widened when he bespoke what he would do to her. It was shocking but oh so affective as culmination overtook her. She cried out and with his body’s force, she exploded in a rash of uncontrolled emotions.
Graeme touched her face, spoke gentle words, and finished with, “Lass, how I love you.”
He ceased moving and with a grunt and shout, stiffened. After a moment of his downfall, he collapsed atop her. She groaned when she was able to shift her legs.
Graeme cuddled her side, and his breath rasped from exertion.
“How I love you, husband.” The words fell easy from her lips for from this day she would be his and he hers.
He lightly kissed her lips and spoke in Gaelic, “You are the love of my life.” Graeme settled next to her, his hand rubbed the base of her throat. The warmth of his fingers relaxed her.
She reached under his chin and lifted his face. She spoke in Gaelic in return, “Aye and you are the love of my life.”
Chapter TWELVE
The time to leave and join the king’s army neared. With the weather at its foulest since the Beltane festival, no sign of summer warmth was had. They’d contended with colder temperatures and hale windswept rains. It made everyone miserable, for the spring crops barely took root and many would go hungry come the winter.
