How to Handle a Highlander (Hot Highlanders) (26 page)

Sunlight streamed through the windows, since the shutters had never been shut. Moira stretched, sighing.

“I am going to enjoy being wed to ye, lass.”

Her eyes opened wide, and she sat up. The bedding slipped down her body, allowing the morning air to tease her bare breasts. Gahan’s eyes settled on her puckering nipples.

“I’m going to enjoy it very, very much.”

“Ye are still here.”

Gahan was already on his feet and wearing his shirt. He was enjoying a thick slice of bread and cheese left from the meal they’d never touched.

“Gahan, ye must nae place yerself at risk for me.”

One of his dark eyebrows rose. “Ye are in more danger of being gossiped about by being seen with me, lass. After all, yer kin are accusing me of crimes.”

She stood up and found her chemise. “Lies.” She sat down and pulled on her stockings, because the floor was chilled from the night. “I think Bari believes them, and that is what worries me. At times, I think I see madness in his eyes.”

Now that her feet were no longer freezing, her belly rumbled. Gahan grinned and offered her some bread and cheese. The meal was simple, but she enjoyed the moment.

“What is that look for?” he asked. “Ye appear so forlorn.”

“I fear reality is going to destroy this fine moment.”

He stood and lifted the ends of his belt. His plaid was already pleated, and he secured it around his waist. “I welcome it, lass. It’s time Bari’s hold over ye was broken.”

He was bold and determined, just as he’d been the first time she’d seen him. But instead of being intimidated by it, she rose and lifted his doublet off the chair. She held it up for him, easing it up his shoulders then fastening the buttons. Today, she was his comrade.

“I will wed ye, Gahan Sutherland, and I will be proud to say it to anyone.”

Approval showed in his eyes. He cupped her face, rubbing it gently. “That pleases me, lass, more than I can say.”

He wasn’t a man who praised lightly. He was a Highlander and respected strength. Pride surged through her, because she realized she had defeated Bari in the only way that mattered—by making her own decisions and determining her own fate.

“I love ye, Gahan Sutherland, no matter what the future holds.”

She turned and picked up the bodice she’d worn the day before. Pinned to the shoulder was a small length of Matheson plaid. She pulled the pin loose and let the fabric flutter to the floor. There was a soft tearing sound as Gahan tore a strip of his plaid. He offered it to her, and she pinned it in place. For just a moment, his eyes glistened, but it was so brief, she just might have imagined it.

“I love ye, Moira, and I pledge ye me strength and me name for as long as I live.”

It was a vow heard in the Highlands for longer than anyone remembered—far longer than the vows spoken in the church. They were the words of the Highlands and the warriors who lived by the code of honor.

Someone knocked on the door, and it opened wide. Gahan offered her one last look before he turned to face what fate had in store for him. She intended to face it at his side.

“You have disobeyed me.” King James IV sat sternly on his throne, but Gahan was looking him straight in the eye.

“Ye did nae order me to stay away from her, Yer Majesty.” Gahan held up his hand in protest, adding, “And if ye had, I would be guilty of disobeying ye, for there is no way I was going to let her spend the night unprotected.”

“Do you question the readiness of His Majesty’s guards?” Lord Home burst out.

Gahan chuckled and stared at the velvet curtain the man hid behind. There was a soft snort before he came into view.

“Ye do nae yet accept what I tell ye of her kin, Yer Majesty,” Gahan explained. “Moira will be me wife, and I will never let harm touch her. Even if it means ye are displeased.”

Lord Home’s face darkened. “How dare you speak to your king like that?”

“If ye want coddling and empty words of praise, I suggest ye summon Bari and his sister. I am a Highlander and a Sutherland. Ye’ll hear the truth from me lips, no matter what it costs me.”

“The vow of the knights of the crusades,” the king muttered thoughtfully.

“And the Knights Templar.”

The king’s eyes brightened. “Is there any proof that the knights of that holy order settled in the Highlands?”

Gahan said, “Highlanders are nae like other men. We do nae accept defeat, and we do nae follow the undeserving. I fought for yer right to sit on that throne, and I’m ready to have ye decide this matter, but I will nae stand aside while me wife is left unprotected.”

“She is not your wife,” Lord Home argued.

Gahan smiled, but the expression wasn’t pleasant. It promised Lord Home hell if the man was foolish enough to try him.

“She’s wearing me colors this morning,” Gahan informed them. “That’s me bond and has been tradition in the Highlands longer than any of us recalls. It insults me for ye to claim I have nae honored her.”

“I accept your reason,” the king said clearly. “Wearing of your colors is a Highland tradition older than time.”

Gahan nodded, hearing the man inside the boy.

A page wearing the royal colors approached from the side entrance. He lowered himself. The king gave him leave to rise, but the young man looked at Lord Home and didn’t move until Lord Home had also gestured for him to rise.

The young king didn’t miss the slight.

“The Earl of Sutherland is here,” the boy said.

The king gestured to the guards at the door. They pulled the doors open, revealing Lytge and Norris Sutherland. They both gave the king a respectful tug on the corner of their bonnets before walking through the doorway.

“Summon Laird Fraser and his sister,” the king commanded. “We shall have an end to this.”

***

“That has gained attention.” Nareen Grant smiled sweetly, but her green eyes were full of mischief as she tapped the pin on Moira’s shoulder with a delicate fingertip.

“I believe Gahan intended it to.”

A soft tinkle of laughter passed Nareen’s lips. “It is sometimes a challenge to understand Highlanders, even when we are both women of the same land.”

Moira smiled. “Indeed it is.”

“And ye are pleased?”

Moira nodded. “Me half brother sees me as a commodity, and me half sister would be a murderess.”

“Most brothers see sisters in that light.” Nareen was lost in thought for a moment. “Come, walk with me. Ye cannae appear concerned. That will nae do, nae for the wife of a Highlander.”

They began to slowly stroll through the palace hallways. There was splendor everywhere she looked, but none of it pleased her. Behind those gilded doors, her fate was being decided. Time crawled by, tormenting her. Yet there was nothing to do but wait.

***

“The accusations Laird Fraser makes are grievous.” Lord Home spoke firmly inside the king’s receiving room. He aimed a hard look at the Frasers and Sutherlands standing in front of the king.

Lytge cocked his head to the side. “Well, it’s good to know I did nae ride all the way down here for naught.” He glared at Bari Fraser. “Even if I find it interesting that this man just swore his loyalty to me.”

“I was trying to find me sister,” Bari argued.

“Ye did nae know yer sister was still living.”

“Enough,” Lord Home said. “His Majesty will ask the questions.”

The earl looked back at the king. For a moment, James looked too young to deal with the formidable men in the room.

The king drew in a deep breath and looked at Lytge. “Why did you imprison Sandra Fraser at Dunrobin?”

“Me sons locked her away until I recovered from the poison she applied to the inside of me cup. Life has a way of being dear when ye’ve almost felt it slip through yer fingers. I did nae order her hanged because I was feeling soft. It’s nae in me to kill women.”

“It was because ye knew I was innocent,” Sandra protested.

“As innocent as Lucifer,” Gahan growled.

“Be silent, bastard,” Bari snarled.

The king slapped the arm of his chair. “The next person who speaks without being asked a question shall be removed to the dungeons.”

“I brought ye something, Yer Majesty,” Lytge said, opening a small bundle. “This is the hair ornament young Sandra there wore at me table. Ye’ll see it opens to reveal a well for poison. Everyone knew it was hers, and I believe if ye show it to some of yer other nobles, they will identify it as hers as well.”

The king took the small hairpin. It looked like a spring flower, but the center opened, revealing its evil purpose. It was made of gold, with pearls set into it. A jeweler had spent many hours creating it.

“You have given me a good suggestion, Laird Sutherland. I will see if anyone can identify the owner of this.” The king handed it to Lord Home.

“Nae many will speak against the Sutherlands,” Bari argued.

“I am not asking them to,” the king said. “Lord Home, you shall ask only if they know who that has been seen on. Since your sister was at Court often when my father ruled, if it is hers, someone will recall. You will all remain at Court until I call for you again. Laird Fraser, you and your sister are dismissed.”

The king gestured to the royal guards to open the doors. Bari and Sandra had no choice but to leave. Gahan tugged on the corner of his own cap, but the king shook his head.

“You’ll stay, Gahan Sutherland.”

“Yer Majesty,” he protested, “I would prefer—”

“I know what you seek,” the king said as the doors closed. “But I need to understand the Sutherlands, and that includes you. Your bride is sitting just beyond these doors. My court is secure.”

Gahan wasn’t pleased, not by far. But the sooner the king was happy, the sooner he might return to the Highlands.

***

Bari Fraser stopped the moment they were far enough away from the other members of Court.

“Did ye wear that flower at Court?”

Sandra was angry, but she nodded. Bari drew in a deep breath.

“Ye’ll go to our mother’s family in Italy.”

Her eyes brightened. Bari started walking toward their apartments. “I’ll give ye gold. Ye must get on a ship leaving today. Cover yer face and hair so no one on the docks sees ye. Wear something common. I’ll have to condemn ye in front of the king. Ye’ll nae return to Scotland in this life.”

“I hear it’s warm in Italy, and that they wear silk dresses.” She smiled but stopped. Bari turned to look at her. “Yet I will have me vengeance on Gahan Sutherland.”

“Time is precious, Sandra.”

“So is the knowledge that I will nae leave ye here defeated.” She fluttered her eyelashes. “One last little strike to make sure the Sutherlands know they are nae untouchable.”

Bari was intrigued. “What are ye thinking?”

Sandra smiled and pointed across the crowded rooms of the Court to where Moira sat. Nareen Grant looked up and stood as another lady called out to her. Leaving Moira alone.

“Love is such a rare thing, Gahan Sutherland might never find it again,” Sandra purred. “He shall pay the price for locking me away.”

Bari nodded. “A fair exchange.”

***

“My lady.” Moira looked up, and a young page lowered himself. He leaned close to keep his words from drifting. “Gahan Sutherland bids you meet him in the garden labyrinth.”

The boy was gone the instant he finished speaking. Moira looked for Nareen, but the Earl of Ross’s daughter was demanding her attention.

The evening shadows were falling, but the moon was full. Gahan’s promise to court her floated through her memory. A moonlit labyrinth was a perfect place to begin.

She moved toward the door and went outside without anyone noticing. The air was warm, and the smell of springtime made her smile. The labyrinth was made of hedges that might be groomed to change the maze. They rose two feet over her head. A shiver rippled over her skin as she entered the labyrinth, but she enjoyed it. The sensation was part of the maze’s charm.

“Gahan?” She wasn’t sure she should call out. There was likely more than one couple trysting in the moonlit garden. Someone whistled like a hawk, drawing a breathless sound from her. She picked up her skirt and hurried around the next bend.

“Ye always were stupid, Moira,” Sandra announced with glee.

Bari caught her, binding her arms from behind. He slapped a hand over her mouth to muffle her. “Make it quick, Sandra,” he growled. “We must be gone well before anyone looks for her.”

Sandra pouted but put her hand into a hidden slit in her skirt and withdrew a dagger from a strap on her thigh. “Gahan Sutherland will suffer for locking me away in that tower.” Sandra raised the dagger high, moonlight flashing on its blade.

Time froze, allowing Moira to feel each beat of her heart. Gahan’s face rose in her memory, filling her with regret for the years they were going to be denied. She heard the blade whiz through the air. Sandra smiled, and then her head fell away from her body.

Bari released Moira, and she stumbled away, horrified. Gahan stood before her. She wasn’t sure where he’d come from. The tip of his sword was poised at Bari’s neck.

“Do not run him through,” the king ordered.

His expression was grim as he struggled to obey his king. The blade was wet, and she gasped as she realized he’d decapitated Sandra.

“Easy, lass,” Cam muttered as he caught her and held her steady on her feet.

The labyrinth was suddenly full of men, the moonlight casting them all in silver, like the heroes of some myth. Even Sandra’s headless body looked surreal.

“Ye cannae mean to let him live,” Gahan growled.

“No,” the king confirmed to his retainers at his side. “He’ll be judged by his peers and executed.”

Bari was staring at Sandra’s body, his face a mask of grief. The king’s words drew Gahan’s attention. Bari charged him in that moment, lunging around the sword pointed at him. The moonlight flashed off a small blade clutched in Bari’s hand. Gahan roared and swung his sword in a wide arc. Bari’s head rolled onto the ground, resting near Sandra’s.

No one spoke until the heavy silence was broken by Lytge Sutherland. “I trust there will be no further doubt as to the guilt of those two.”

“Or of the Sutherland loyalty,” the king assured him quietly. He drew himself up and began walking back toward the palace. The royal retainers followed him.

Gahan handed off his sword to Cam. Moira’s entire body shook, her knees threatening to buckle. Gahan gathered her into his embrace, and she buried her face against his chest.

“How did…how did ye know where I was?”

He kissed her forehead. “Ye are mine, Moira, and I protect what is mine. There was no way I’d let ye out of Sutherland sight, even if it was the king demanding me presence.”

He took her hand and led her away from the bodies. She did not look back.

***

“What do ye mean we are still nae free to depart?” Gahan’s voice was raised, but the king only grinned at him.

“There is still a sin to be accounted for.”

Gahan ground his teeth, frustration edging his tone. “And what might that be, Yer Majesty?”

“You are guilty of fornication, and I will witness the wedding myself,” he declared.

“Well now, lad, if that’s the way ye plan to rule, there are going to be a lot of weddings!” Lytge exclaimed with a chuckle.

The king laughed. “In this case, I must witness the nuptials before bestowing the title of Laird Fraser upon your son, as there are no other claims better than his wife’s. I hope the Fraser clan will return to being productive and happy with a laird who is worthy of their loyalty.”

Everyone waited to see what Gahan would say. He would have to wear the colors of the Fraser, leaving his father’s plaid behind. It would be a hard thing for any Highlander, because loyalty was more important than position.

“I ask you to become more than what your father has given you, Gahan Sutherland,” the king said. “You shall have to earn the respect of the Frasers, and I do not think it shall be a simple thing.”

Gahan spoke at last. “It will be a challenge.”

“A son of mine is worthy of any challenge,” Lytge declared.

“As such, you shall retain the noble crest of your father,” the king decided. “Yet you shall be created a baron in your own right, and that title shall pass to your son.”

Gahan locked stares with his father for a long moment. The earl nodded once, granting his blessing.

“I will strive to earn that respect, Yer Majesty.”

“I believe they will give it,” Moira assured him. “I know I shall.”

***

The moment the priest finished the last blessing, the music began. Dancers filled the floors as platter after platter of food was laid on the tables. Wine and whisky flowed freely, but Moira merely sipped at her glass.

“Do ye nae like the wine?” Gahan asked her.

“It is well.”

“Then why are ye nae drinking it?”

She set the goblet aside, and a young lad reached for it to make sure it was not unattended. She slid her hand over her husband’s jaw and looked into his dark eyes.

“I have been granted something I thought impossible, and would nae suffer having me wits dulled. I want to know ye are me husband, without the slightest doubt. Ye should set yers aside too.”

He handed his own goblet to a lad waiting on him. “I believe I am going to enjoy taking direction from ye, lass.”