She looked ahead at his comrade. “He does seem dubious. He offered to train with me.”
James’ eyebrows rose in astonishment at hearing that. “He did? You would learn much from him, but I would that you not practice swords with my comrades.”
“Why not?” Her face turned from pleasant to a scowl.
James knew he’d irked her, but he’d intended to do so. “I will not have you injured while you’re in our care. I would that you keep your weapons sheathed.”
She said nothing to that.
“Duff has always been dubious. Kenneth recently left us. His brother was supposed to become laird of their clan, the McInnish, but he died. That left the position to Kenneth.” James tried to turn the conversation, and discerned she wasn’t pleased by his request.
“Is he content with his duty?” Her voice lowered, and she kept her eyes on the spot between her horse’s ears.
“Aye, he is. At first he wasn’t, but then he met and wed Elisa MacQuarrie. They’ve a son.” He wanted to reach out to her, take her hand, and offer his defense for causing her upset. But she seemed to let it go.
“He seems a likeable fellow.”
James sidled closer to her, their legs almost touched. “He is and I miss him sometimes. Sean and I have been partners since we’d been lads. His bunk in the garrison was beneath mine. Sean became laird of the Hume clan when his uncle died. He wed Frances, a lovely woman, and they’re expecting their first bairn. I would trust him with my life. Is there anyone you would trust with your life, Emlyn?”
“Nay, there is not.”
“I will change that.”
The edges of her mouth moved slightly, and he thought she would smile, but she didn’t. She rode ahead of him. He caught up to her and continued to keep pace.
“What of Colm? Is he to be a laird too?”
“Nay, he wed Kenneth’s sister, Kelsi, and is soon to have a bairn too. He resides at the McInnish clan’s keep. Soon we’ll all part ways.”
“Does it sadden you that your comrades are leaving? And what of you? Do you have a lass at home you call yours? Have you an uncle or clan calling you home?”
James ceased moving forward. Emlyn stopped next to him and stared into his eyes. He could’ve stayed there forever, looking into her bonny green eyes. The answers to her questions didn’t come easy to him. After a few seconds of deliberation, he took her hand.
“I plan to be a guardsman for the remainder of my days. And nay, I do not have a lass to call my own. If you’re offering …” He grinned when she hastily looked at her lap.
Grey called from the front of their procession, “Do you two want to get a move on? We need to make it to Scotland by nightfall.”
“Aye, Laird, we’re coming.” James peered ahead and noticed Grey and Duff didn’t look pleased by their dallying. Sean and Kenneth took up the pace behind them and Colm was just ahead of him and Emlyn. His comrade turned and appeared to be grinning.
“James has a father who bids him to return home to farm their land,” Colm said, butting into their banter.
“A farmer? I cannot see you as a farmer, James.” Emlyn laughed and kicked at her horses’ flanks to get him moving again.
He gave a sharp stare at Colm for intruding. James had hoped by telling her of his life, she’d reveal something of herself. For all he knew of her, she was the daughter to the Wales chieftain and liked to practice with weapons. Other than that, he’d learned nothing.
When he caught up to her, he asked, “You didn’t answer my question.”
She didn’t look at him when she responded. “What question?”
“If you were offering to be my lass?” James held in his laughter, for she did not seem appeased or to appreciate his conjecture. Alas, he wasn’t jesting and really wanted to know what she thought of it.
“I will be no man’s lass. And I’m sorry, James, for laughing at you being a farmer. For it is an honest and goodly profession.”
“Mayhap, but I’ll be cast to the ground ere I tend to it. Och I’m a guardsman and will not be farming anyone’s land, least of all my father’s. What of you, when this is over what do you plan to do?”
Emlyn gazed straight into his eyes and smiled. He could’ve been waylaid by such a look. “I don’t really know. I suppose eventually I’ll return and continue to train with my father’s soldiers. Once I’m ready, I can join his men in battle, for that is why I’ve trained for since I was a wee lass.”
James found himself scowling. “He let you? Do you deem he’ll really allow you go to war with him? I did not get the impression he would permit such.”
She shrugged her shoulder. “Then there is nothing for me.”
He sighed and returned his attention to the trail they were on and didn’t know what to say to that. If he suggested she stay with him, he’d cause her affront. Until he knew her better, he decided to refrain from any such proposition. He realized at that moment, he very well might never gain her agreement to wed him.
Chapter Seventeen
Night crept ever closer, but James wasn’t concerned about dangers. They’d reached Donal’s land early that afternoon and would soon reach the wooden palisade surrounding the keep. Emlyn appeared weary, and he was glad to finally have arrived. Torchlight led the way to the gatehouse where several Ross clan sentries stood guard. Grey rode ahead of them and without a word, the guard opened the gates.
Donal Ross, the great laird, many called him, was renowned for his ability to moderate many peace treaties between warring clans. He was also Grey’s champion and had been a revered friend of Grey’s father. Grey led them to the enormous shelter where they’d leave their horses. The structure was open on all sides but one and boasted a high-pitched roof. Many a horse occupied the rows of stalls.
James helped Emlyn from her horse. He held onto her for two reasons. One, because after riding for so long she’d be incapable of standing on her own. And two, because he wanted to.
“Will this laird offer sanctuary? I worry …”
Her question made several of his comrades laugh.
“Aye, Donal is friend to the Gunn’s. Come, let us to the keep.” James held onto Emlyn’s dainty hand, letting his fingers glide over the rough patches. She didn’t have the soft hands of princess, nor of a keep’s lady. Why that made him frown, he knew not.
As they walked along, many of the Ross clan members called out greetings to Grey. They knew most of Donal’s clan and their welcome was often as vivacious. James kept Emlyn at the back of their procession. He wasn’t as certain as Grey that Donal would offer his hospitality.
“It is beautiful here. The torches and banners lend to its appeal,” she said, looking around them as they perused the lane.
“Adeline takes great care of the keep and its grounds.” When she frowned at him, he explained, “Adeline is Donal’s wife.”
They reached the massive doors of the keep which had been left open. None of the guards stood inside.
Grey led them inside to the hall. “Milady, I’ve come to see Donal.”
James shifted his position to look around the tall bodies of his comrades. He saw Adeline sitting by the hearth with two of her older daughters. The smaller children sat upon the floor playing with blocks. James smiled and gave a quick wave to them. He and his comrades had made the blocks for the lads and had gifted them upon their last visit. The two lads were nearing the age when such pursuits would be put aside and their training would begin.
Adeline stood and approached Grey. She pulled him into her embrace and hugged him close. “I am gladdened to see you, Grey. How are you and Bree, and the Gunns?”
His laird picked her up and spun her around, causing the lady to shriek. “I know not, for I’ve been traveling. Is Donal home?”
“You always seem bigger than the last time I saw you. Why is that?” She squeezed his hand when he set her on her feet. “I expect Donal soon. He went to visit Alexander.”
“We need to await him. Shall you allow us to stay
within the walls until his return?” Grey reached the buttery and dunked a cup in the barrel. Only he would be brazen enough to take hospitality without being offered it.
“Of course. I shall bed with the lassies. You shall take our chamber.”
Grey shook his head, and bowed to her. “Nay, we cannot do that, milady. We only need a place within the keep for Lady Emlyn.”
Adeline approached. “James, you’re looking as handsome as ever. Will you present your lady to me?”
He felt the eyes of Duff, Kenneth, Sean and Colm peering at him and noticed their grins.
James could’ve laughed at the assumption, but he realized she was somewhat astute. “Milady Ross, this is Lady Emlyn, daughter of the great chieftain of Wales, Llywelyn Iorwerth.”
Emlyn stepped forward. “My lady.” She stood next to him and when he remained silent, she elbowed his side.
“Ow. And this bonny lady is wife to our ally and esteemed friend, Donal Ross, Milady Adeline.”
“James, you always had a way with words and are verily gallant. Much more than your comrades here, except for you, of course, Laird Gunn.” Adeline gazed fondly at Grey.
Grey grunted, but then laughed. “She’s akin to an aunt to us, Lady Emlyn.”
As Adeline spoke, Duff, Sean, Colm, and Kenneth whirled her around with their hugs. Her laughter followed as each of them bid their greeting.
“It is my pleasure to offer hospitality to Emlyn. She may bed in my lasses’ chamber. Now come. I’m sure you must be ravenous.”
Grey was the first to sit at the overlarge trestle table in the center of the hall. They each followed and took a seat.
James sat next to Emlyn and suspected she felt out of place, for she was quiet and said nary a word since they arrived.
“We’ve known Donal and his wife since we were lads,” James told her.
“Aye,” Adeline said, “I so wanted one of my daughters to wed into the Gunn clan, but the Gunns never appeased me.” She raised a brow and seemingly glared at him.
James pulled at his tunic, because he knew of her wishes, and had always been able to avoid the issue.
“Anne, go and fetch refreshments for our guests.” Adeline began clearing the table of their earlier supper. “I’ve given the keep’s maids a night away as it was just me and the children.”
“Come, milady, sit with us. We are not guests, but family.”
“Mikal, Donal, ye shall ready for bed. Betany, see to the lads.” The children retreated to the stairs. “What brings you here so late in the day?”
Grey continued to drink his ale, and nodded to Sean when he offered to pour him more. He brought the flagon of ale to the table and began serving them.
Colm guffawed. “Sean, ye take to domestics well. I will be sure to speak of this to Milady Frances.”
“Cosh, enough of your jests, Colm. Keep at it and I’ll take ye outside and show you how amiable I can be.” Sean looked to want to thrash Colm, but he took a seat next to him and James gave him a sympathetic gaze. For their comrade often took matters beyond and never felt contrite about his banter. But that was Colm’s way and they were all used to it.
“Milady, we need to speak to Donal of our mission the king requested of us.”
“I deem that is why he went to meet with Alexander. He said he was most displeased that you Gunns were sent on such a mission.”
James focused on her words and scowled, as he realized what she said made sense. Of all the clans in Scotland, he had to wonder why they’d been sent. “Mayhap Alexander still holds us in disdain.”
Adeline leaned on the table. “That is why Donal went to see him. He also wanted to speak of your meeting with Marshall. He was quite displeased by Marshall’s request.” She looked pointedly at Emlyn, but didn’t say more.
“We will find out soon enough how his visit went when he returns,” Grey said.
Anne, her daughter, returned with a tray and handed it to her mother. She kept her gaze on him, and James hastily turned his face to watch Emlyn. He knew of Adeline’s hope that he wed Anne for she’d remarked upon it whenever he visited. But James didn’t hold the lass in any esteem. She was too timid and quiet. He’d heard her speak barely a word in his presence. Besides that, James had never considered marriage for he was too busy with his duties as guardsman.
“Donal said he would return within a sennight. He’s been gone for six days already. I expect him within a day or two.”
“That is good to hear. I’ll speak with him as soon as he returns.” Grey finished his ale and stood.
The tray of foodstuff finally made its way to him and Emlyn. But there was only one sweet cake remaining and before he could reach for it, Emlyn snatched it and popped it into her mouth.
She giggled and gave him a sorrowful glance. “Too slow, James.”
“I would’ve shared it with you.” He chuckled when she set her hand near his mouth and held a small piece in between her fingers. She put the sweet cake in his mouth and let the pad of her fingertip slide over his lip. Damn, she was sexy even when she did such an insignificant thing as that.
James wished they were alone so he could kiss her.
A bang sounded at the opposite end of the table and he looked up and found Anne staring at them.
“Anne, be careful with that tray. Take it to the kitchens and be off to bed with ye,” Adeline said.
She hastily picked it up and rushed from the hall.
“We shall bunk in the garrison. When Donal returns, have me fetched immediately.” Grey motioned to the rest of them and they vacated the hall.
James stayed behind with Emlyn.
“I would rather stay with you and the Gunns.”
Adeline approached and perceived Emlyn’s request. “I cannot allow a lass of your years in the garrison. Donal would never permit such and neither shall I.”
“Then allow me to fetch my satchel. What chamber am I to sleep in, my lady?” Emlyn moved closer to him.
“It is the second door from the top of the stairs. There’s an empty bed for you. I shall see you in the morn.” Adeline left them.
James said nothing as he waited until she disappeared from view. “Did you really want to retrieve your satchel?”
“Aye. I would like to wash and change my garments.”
“Come. I will walk with you.” James put his arm around her when they reached the outside.
The night was warm enough to go without a cloak. It was rare to have a night such as this during September, but he’d take the warmth as long as he could for he realized a cold winter was around the corner.
“I am uncomfortable in their keep.”
He barely heard her for her words had been spoken low. James stopped walking and watched her bonny face. “You shouldn’t. The Ross’ are to be trusted. You will be safe.”
A serene gaze came upon her face. “I do feel safe. It is just the lass … Anne. She seems to have affection for you.”
James hid a grin at hearing her say such. That meant that Emlyn did have a fondness for him, even if she didn’t admit it. “Mayhap she does. It has always been her mother’s desire that we wed.”
“I can see you wed to such a woman. Aye, she’d care for your needs, bear you bonny bairns. You would want for nothing.”
“I want for nothing now,” James said in a serious tone. “It is not my quest to wed such a woman. She’d bore me within days. Aye, I like a more spirited woman.” He tapped her nose and chuckled.
Emlyn shoved him. “Are you teasing me? I find your jest not humorous.” She took a step away and turned.
James reached her side and stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. “She does not do to me what you do.”
“Oh? And what is that?”
James yanked her from the ground and pulled her toward his chest until she was firmly against him. “Send fervor through me.” Before she could retort, he kissed her. He couldn’t cease, for he’d wanted to kiss her for hours and now that he was, he wouldn’t relent.
&nb
sp; Emlyn forced him to cease when she pulled her lips from his. “We should get my satchel.”
“I want you.” James hadn’t meant to be so forthright, but he wanted her to know his intension. More than anything at that moment, he wanted her naked and in his arms.
“And I you, but we cannot.”
“The hell we can’t.” James kept her body crushed to his, unwilling to release her yet. As muscular as Emlyn was, she was dainty next to him and didn’t weigh enough to thwart him.
“My body couldn’t handle it.” She set her hands on his shoulders and kissed the side of his neck. “I am weary.”
James groaned when the heat of her breath played over his skin. He knew she was right for they’d rode for days and her body likely was fatigued. He lifted her and carried her in his arms. “You’re aright, lovely. You need rest.”
“I can walk, James. I’m not that tired.” She giggled when he refused to set her down.
“Allow me this pleasure? I want to feel you against me.”
Emlyn set her cheek on his shoulder and clasped her hands around his neck. They reached the stable, and he found their horses. He reluctantly set her upon her feet, feeling the sensual way her body slid from his.
James reached for both her satchels and she quickly stopped him from doing so.
“I’ve only the need of this one.” She took the satchel that contained her garments and left the one holding her weapons behind.
James grinned when she took her helmet and sword out and added them to the satchel containing her war instruments.
“I deem I won’t have need of these while we’re here.”
“Nay, you won’t.” He moved closer to his horse and stroked his head.
“Your horse doesn’t hold fondness for me.”
He chuckled. “He holds fondness for no one but me. But I’ll tell you a secret. Oran has a liking for parsnips. That’s how I won him over when Grey gifted him to me. He was a wild colt, an ornery beast, but he settled somewhat with age.”
“I shall remember that.”
“I worry that I’m too hard on him for he’s aged now. I keep a supply of parsnips in my bag for him.” He reached inside and fed the horse his reward.
In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) Page 15
