“Insult?” Evan chuckled, while wrapping his arm around a beet-red Colette, who attempted to hide her face in Evan’s neck. “No insult has occurred.” Evan’s gaze shifted to Conall and the blade at his throat. “No need for threats. I have claimed Colette and she returned the claiming. ‘Tis my honor and pleasure to wake a married man.”
“Nay,” Robert roared, his hands clenched at his hips. “She belongs to me to use as I see fit.”
Colette lifted her head and stared at the Bruce with a narrowed gaze, the harsh, defiant expression unlike her usual sweet and timid self. “I do not belong to you. You will not control my life or my body. I have chosen Evan.”
I never thought I would be so damned impressed by her.
Sarah looked away from the fantastical confrontation to behold a subtle nod of approval from Jacqueline aimed at her daughter. The woman turned to her with a quick yet disappearing smile. I should have seen this coming after our conversation last night.
“Laird Conall.” Jacqueline stepped forward with more calm that should be present given the supposed unexpected turn of events. “Is such binding on your lands?”
Conall’s gaze fell over the couple that sat together wrapped in each other’s arms, then to the Bruce, who snarled with rage. Finally, he sought her eyes and Sarah shrugged and then grinned. His dark mane shook briefly as a chuckle left his throat. His weapon lowered harmlessly to his side. “The marriage is binding, provided both agree and we have a sheet to present.”
Sarah hoped that if nature hadn’t stained the sheet that Evan had thought through all the details of his impromptu wedding. But then the young man grinned and Colette covered her face, and Sarah relaxed, knowing all would be present to meet customs.
With awkward grace, Colette rose from the bed with a sheet wrapped around her, which signaled her being prepared to meet early interruptions. Evan rose with less finesse and gifted the gathering with a peek at his bare behind. Charming, Evan.
Robert seethed at the dark, dried stain on the sheets. “I will honor naught and demand restitution.” His bellowing continued with demands for Evan’s head, Conall’s head, and more bloodshed than Sarah ever wanted to hear with dawn barely bringing light into the world.
Peter stepped to her side and smothered his laughter. His whisper was meant only for her. “What’s the going rate for virginity?”
Sarah pulled Peter into the corridor and shook her head. “Care to fill in the missing pieces?”
Peter peered into the chaos of the chamber and sighed. “All I did was give those two kids a few minutes to talk alone in the hall. This was all their doing, not mine. But I won’t say that I’m upset about it. They dig each other.”
Sarah glanced down the hall and caught sight of both guards at the door. Randall spoke before she could storm down to confront them. “Lena is within.”
Sighing with relief, Sarah focused again on Peter. “You’re saying that in a matter of minutes, they decided a quick marriage was the best option? I find that hard to believe.”
Peter shrugged. “After the Bruce left the hall to pass out, their chess game was filled with Colette’s concerns at being traded to a man Robert would choose. Given the way Evan has followed her around like a besotted puppy, it shouldn’t be that shocking that he offered to marry her to save her from a life of torment. His words not mine. That’s when I left them alone.”
Shouts rang in the corridor, with Conall’s harsh voice met by Robert’s stern objections. “You basically gave permission by omission.”
“Yep,” he readily agreed. “But I made sure they stopped in and had a chat with Jacqueline prior to the good stuff.”
Sarah turned as Jacqueline led a sheet-clad Colette into the corridor. “Did you approve of this?”
“Yes. I have had my fill of our lives being at the mercy of men. I let my daughter make her decision, even certain she would travel a hard road this morn.”
Sarah turned back to Peter and winced at the shouting. “Maybe you should go back in there and be the calm voice of reason.”
“Maybe you should go in and offer some of those conflict resolution skills,” Peter retorted.
Sarah’s eyes widened at the harsh profanity coming from the men shouting in Evan’s chamber, mostly from the Bruce. “Not now. I’ll step in once the hysteria is gone.”
Peter scratched his head. “I really don’t want to, but I suppose someone should. Conall is armed and still not loving Robert. Could make for a mess.” With a quick kiss to her cheek, he stood in front of Colette. “Welcome to the chaos, I mean, family.” He planted a kiss to her forehead and strode back into the fray, thankfully closing the door behind him.
“Why don’t you find something for Colette to wear?” Sarah suggested to Jacqueline. “Then we can take her down to the baths.” When the woman remained, she added, “I need to speak with your daughter for only a moment.”
Soft whispers flowed between mother and daughter and the promise of a quick return. Sarah waited until they were alone before she spoke. “I only need to know if this is what you want and that you are here because it was your choice.”
Colette blushed down to her bare toes and glanced down at the stone flooring. “I went to him with the intent of waking as his wife.”
Sarah smiled and lifted the girl’s chin with her finger, needing eye contact. “Your mother is going to want to know if he was kind to you. Would you like to answer those questions or should I on your behalf?” I can’t believe this is my morning.
More color flooded the girl’s bright cheeks. “What Evan and I shared was wonderful.” A hesitant and somewhat guilty smile covered the girl’s pretty face.
“I’m glad.”
Jacqueline flew down the corridor with a robe to cover her daughter. She fussed and cooed and asked the same questions Sarah just had. The French translated in her head, “If he was cruel in any way, I will deny your marriage despite having given you both my blessing. Never will I allow you to suffer.”
“Please, Mama, I am happy,” Colette answered in French, with her wide grin speaking only of young love.
Sarah grinned as the pair hugged. When they drew apart, Sarah held out her arms for a hug and Colette stepped into her embrace. “I never thought I would say this to you, but welcome to the family. It will be nice to have a sister again.”
Colette squeezed her back. “I have never had a sister.”
“You do now,” Sarah vowed, pleased to be able to reconcile liking the girl despite the reason Colette had showed up on her doorstep.
“My daughter wishes to honor the vows given last night,” Jacqueline said as the hug ended.
Sarah nodded as muffled curses could be heard through the door. “You have begun a very dangerous game.”
“I ended the game,” Jacqueline stated. “My daughter and I will not be pawns to the Bruce’s whims. My Colette has a husband and therefore is freed from a future filled with uncertainty.”
Sarah grinned despite the harsh threats flowing into the corridor that threatened Evan’s manhood. “Honestly, I’m thrilled for them. But you could have told me about this last night. Having Conall and I prepared might have made the morning easier.” The right words left her lips, but Sarah doubted their ability to ease a path with the Bruce. If anything, being caught unaware might make the situation better. We’re shocked, Robert is shocked, and together we’ll have to make it right.
Jacqueline filled Colette in on their conversation regarding Sarah’s opinion of Evan, the deciding factor in the gambit. The French flowed between the pair and ended with Colette asking for the promised bath.
“My daughter wishes,” Jacqueline began.
“For a bath, I know,” Sarah winked. “I understand everything you say.”
Jacqueline blanched at the knowledge that every nasty comment made had been understood. The woman scoffed. “You should have tossed me out ages ago.”
“Believe me when I say that I thought about it quite a bit.” She grinned at the woman,
not holding onto grudges built primarily with Robert’s interference and demands. “But if I had, we wouldn’t be family, would we?”
“Perhaps you will allow me to hold your babes, given our bond,” Jacqueline practically dared.
Sarah cocked her head and chuckled. “Let’s see how this plays out, but I do adore the idea of my children having a large extended family.” Taking Colette by the hand, she led the young women toward the back stairs that led to the bathing chambers. Even though the arguing persisted behind the closed door, she had every confidence Conall would make certain love triumphed.
Chapter 47
Conall stepped out into the bright sunshine and inhaled the clean sea breeze that ruffled his wife’s flaming hair. Though bound behind her back, the wind tore curls to drift around her face and catch his eye. A sight of which I will never tire.
From his arms, Rachel uttered a soft coo and he beheld her bold green eyes. After only two moons, his daughter had filled out and bore what Sarah referred to as chunky thighs. The child in his arms widened her eyes at the commotion in the courtyard; the sounds of horses being harnessed, thuds of supplies and trunks loaded onto wagons, and the blessed noise of Robert preparing for a long-delayed final departure.
He should count himself as favored, given the Bruce’s nearly three-month stay on his lands, as many a man would kill to have a ruler’s ear for so long. Conall wasn’t one of those men. He only wished to put his years of service behind him and focus on a future filled with his clan, his children, and the wife he cherished above all. Or mayhap ‘tis that I still hold ill will toward the Bruce for threatening my wife, despite his finally agreeing to honor our marriage.
Conall’s flesh sang with delight as Sarah stood next to him, their son safe in her arms. That she oversaw Evan’s departure made him certain his brother would have all he needed for the journey to the lands he would rule with his wife, Colette. Shifting his gaze to Evan, pride filled him as the younger man double-checked all. He has grown to be a fine man.
“Are you ready to say goodbye?” Sarah asked from his side.
Though meaningful farewells had filled the night before, he would do no less than see Evan to their gates. Conall’s heart ached for the brother he had only recently come to know; too many years had been spent apart. While Evan deserved a fine home and lands, his were many days journey away from Draig lands. It may be years before I lay eyes upon him again.
“Aye, Sarah.” His voice rumbled out, hollow with the loss to come.
“I know, sweetie. I’m going to miss him too.” He breathed in a slow measure of air as Sarah rubbed his back, her touch a balm to his soul. “He and Colette are excited to begin their lives together in their own home. Plus, they’re taking Jacqueline with them.”
Conall chuckled at the jest that had become rampant as all prepared for departure. The woman in question had been a help to Sarah, her advice for the care of their bairns useful and welcome. But Jacqueline remained commanding and challenging, a woman too used to her own household and seemed constantly able to find fault with how theirs ran. “Let us make certain she is first to depart.”
Sarah laughed. “The Bruce needs to be first. I’m so tired of him.”
“As am I,” Conall agreed. “All will leave and we will stay, together for the rest of our days.” He would miss his brother, but Sarah remained at his side, a comfort beyond compare. I love her more each day.
Synchronized steps led them to Colette and Jacqueline, who stood in front of the carriage that had brought the women to Draig lands. Their arrival had plagued him with how much he had to lose, but they departed as family. Still, Conall had no concept of desiring to travel locked away from the fresh air of the day and the scenery unfolding from the saddle.
“Do you have everything you need?” Sarah asked after she peeked into the carriage. “Enough to eat and drink?”
“You have our thanks for sending us with such bounty,” Jacqueline replied with unusual gratitude. “Our journey home will be one of great comfort.”
Sarah blinked in clear surprise. “Seriously? Not one final parting jab at me?”
Jacqueline laughed, the sound foreign to Conall. “I find my tongue has lost the razor-sharp edge with our departure. Upon arriving here, I saw a fate not of our choosing. Instead, my daughter has a fine, young husband and we are returning to our home. You have my thanks for all.” The woman gazed down at the wide-eyed William. “I would hold him once more as he will be too large next time I see him. Who knows how long I must wait for grandchildren of my own to fill my arms.”
Even Conall grinned as Colette blushed, the comment having been made since the day he woke to his brother’s hasty marriage. Given the amount of time the new couple spent alone, he knew a niece or nephew would arrive sooner rather than later.
“Mother, enough,” Colette whispered.
Sarah handed William over to the waiting arms. Jacqueline kissed his son’s forehead and whispered to him in French. He wondered if she spoke in the language to hide or if it merely flowed naturally. But he caught the word that could only be grandmother, even if murmured in the foreign tongue.
“Don’t worry,” Sarah said. “You are the closest person to represent a grandma. That’s how our children will see you.”
Jacqueline smiled and Conall marveled at how it lightened the normally severe face. “My thanks. To have more family is a blessing to be certain. Both Rachel and William will be in my prayers.”
Sarah took back their son and gave the once-nemesis a hug, followed by kisses to each cheek. “I hope your journey home will be easy and safe. We’ll miss you.”
Jacqueline’s eyebrow cocked at the statement. “How far we have come together. You are a woman I shall always prefer at my side than one to be in opposition.” The woman leaned down and kissed William’s forehead. “Recall all I shared with raising a proper son.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Sarah laughed at the final words that hinted at the woman’s stubborn nature before turning to Colette. “I wish we had met under different circumstances. Too much time passed without us getting to know the other. But I’m thrilled you and Evan found each other. Take care of him for me.”
Conall knew his wife loved his brother. Their months together in his absence had created a strong bond.
Colette ran a gentle finger over William’s cheek. “I shall miss you. Having you to call sister has been beyond compare. Saying farewell only causes sadness.” Tears brimmed in the young woman’s eyes and Conall marveled at the love that had expanded his family.
“Sisters never say goodbye, at least I never did with Rachel. I would like to continue that.” Colette nodded, even if she appeared confused. Sarah added, “Distance doesn’t matter with family.” His wife hugged their sister-by-marriage and neither offered a final farewell.
“I shall miss our lands,” Evan said from his side, both men watching the women.
“You shall be missed each day.” The singular truth had been spoken last eve but bore repeating. “While I ken you will face much with taking over lands that govern a port, I expect to have word of your safe arrival, then continuing news of your home and family.”
Evan took Rachel from his arms and kissed her chubby cheeks. “Do you hear what I do, sweet niece? All pester me for news of an heir and I am but newly wed. Grant me a boon and tell your da he shall receive many a missive from my hand and that he must do the same for me. I would hear every tale of you and your brother, including news of the clan.”
Conall chuckled at the flippant conversation. “Aye, brother, we shall write.” Neither spoke of traveling, but such would be arranged over the coming months. He would need to see his brother settled.
“One more hug.” Peter walked toward them with open arms. Holding Evan close, he missed their words, but knew the meaning. Peter is the man who raised my brother and their parting is a hard one to face. Peter pulled back with moisture in his eyes. “Safe travels. Let us know everything.” His voice choked with emotion. “I’m g
oing to miss you.”
Most of the household had turned out to wish Evan a safe journey and much success. Lena’s sobs blurred her farewell, but Evan held her and soothed the housekeeper, who had also helped raise the young boy to a man. Neil gave instructions for the horses on the journey and what care they would need after arriving. None dared to mention another man would oversee such as no living man had a greater heart for all animals.
“Do you wish me to stay?” Robert asked from his mount, his grin leading Conall to believe he jested. I pray ‘tis only a jest.
Sarah answered for him. “Please leave.” Her wide smile had the Bruce laughing and wagging his finger at her.
“Your nights will be dull without my company.”
“We’ll survive. Besides, shouldn’t you see to the rest of your empire?” Sarah’s tease contained much truth. Robert had the whole of a country to run.
Robert sobered. “I shall enjoy my days spent without arguments. Mayhap the rest of my subjects will obey without question.” Conall stiffened at the reproach.
“I doubt any will dare to argue with you as we have provided you honor their life’s path.” Conall attempted to soften the farewell, having no desire to open closed wounds. He left out his thoughts on treating all with respect regardless of rank.
“Most men value wealth and prestige,” Robert told him. His gaze studied Sarah and then the two bairns. “Mayhap I will accept some men have other needs, even if I hold questions that should remain unasked.”
With a subtle nudge, Sarah bid a final farewell to the Bruce. To his amazement, the ruled dipped his head in respect. “I wish you well, Lady Draig.”
Sarah smiled and made her way to the carriage to see Colette and Jacqueline stowed in comfort. Conall gazed up at the Bruce and felt his brow furrow. “What questions would you ask?” His mind held no secrets kept from Robert that would impact any great matter. He had gifted a tidy sum of silver to assist as needed, along with a bounty of travel supplies.
Robert leaned down from his mount. “Your clan shared many a fine tale during my stay. Most worthy of a bard.” He cast his eyes on Sarah briefly. “Your wife once told me she was your legend.”
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