Blessing The Highlander (7 page)

 
           “Aye, Father Warren,” he said proudly. “Twould be appreciated if we could refresh ourselves here afore the ceremony.”

 
           His head bobbed up and down excitedly as he rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the monetary boon he would receive for this service. The boost to his reputation would be welcome, too. Laird Brodie was an earl, after all, and his family favored by the king. King Malcolm himself awarded them their lands and title.

 
           They were led inside the simple stone structure to separate chambers, which were not much more than alcoves with doors. As Seonaid turned to enter the one allotted her, Garrick stopped her with a touch to her arm. He handed her the cloth bundle that William had given him.

 
           “What is this?” She asked with wonder.

 
           He replied gruffly, “Just some things I thought ye might need. Go along with ye now.”

 
           She entered a room lit by one candle. It was sparsely furnished with a small plain table that held a jug of water and a bowl. In the corner was a straw-filled pallet covered by a thin blanket. Above it, a plain wooden cross on the wall.

 
           This certainly was not how she had visualized her wedding day, she sighed. Her hair was a tangle, her clothes were in tatters, she was dirty… and she was wedding a virtual stranger. She giggled.
He may be a stranger to me but I burn for him. He is so strong and fine-looking. He carries himself like a king. Something draws me to him. I seem to ken him deep down inside...in my soul. Besides, I can nae even summon up how I pictured my wedding.
 Seonaid laughed softly as she set the bundle on the pallet.

 
           As she exposed the contents of the parcel, tears leapt to her eyes, her heart stilled. Inside was a linen chemise so thin she could see her fingers through the cloth. Beneath it was a kirtle the color of fresh churned butter… the over tunic a rich cranberry red. There was, as well, a braided leather girdle with tasseling on the ends and a fine bone comb.
Tis wondrous!
 She exclaimed.

 
           In his chamber, Garrick stilled. She was contented with the gift, he thought to himself as he perceived her outburst in his mind. He continued his shave whistling happily.

 
           Garrick waited at the altar a short time later while Angus procured his bride. He was a little concerned about how she would take the news that she would be a countess. Mayhap he should convey it to her before they wed.
Nay. I will nae give her a reason ta back out of this wedding.
She had much to learn to fill that role. But she had grace, beauty, intelligence and kindness in her favor. The rest could be learned.

 
           Seonaid found Angus awaiting her when she departed her alcove. He whistled long and low drinking in the image of her. She blushed profusely.

 
           “Oh, m’lady, ye are a vision! Laird Brodie will likely be dumb-struck at the sight of ye. Ach! Well, I be here ta escort ye ta your betrothed. Be ye ready?”

 
           She nodded tensely, taking his arm to be led into the tiny chapel. It was beautiful, she thought, as she glanced about the room. The entire aisle was lit with candles. Following the path of flames with her eyes led her to her raven haired, six foot five highlander standing straight and tall at the altar. She sucked in her breath at the sight of him. He appeared so regal and proud. She noted that he had shaved his scruffy whiskers making his strong jaw more squared. She trembled slightly beneath his penetrating gaze.

 
           “Ye are nae going ta swoon on me are ye, lass?” Angus teased a bit. “M’laird does nae want us touching ye overmuch.”

 
           “Nay, I am fine.” He grunted and led her down the aisle.

 
           Garrick stood impeccably still. He feared if he twitched so much as a muscle he might collapse. He could not take his eyes from her. The gown fit her lithe curves like a glove, leaving little to the imagination. Was he still breathing? He exhaled as he tested the thought and pulled in another deep breath. His dizziness left him as fresh oxygen filled his lungs.

 
           As she placed her delicate hand in his, he said, “Ye surpass the stars this eve, me lady.” He kissed her fingers. His eyes shone with desire… and something else she could not name. They turned to Father Warren and began the ceremony.

            Diedre sniffled as she gazed into the pool. Surprisingly, she was happy for her sister. She was glad that Seonaid was content with the man she had chosen for her. She just hoped that when she had her revenge on Garrick that he would not blame Seonaid. After all, she does not know that her father is the Fae king. He could not blame her...could he?
That would be foolish. But then again, he was foolish enough to reject me. And I am perfect. Hmmmff!
 She stomped her tiny foot on the ground in irritation.

 
           Lokai walked up beside her as she stood on the bank of the Pool of Vision. “How does your sister fare?”

 
           Diedre gave a startled squeak glaring at him. “Must you sneak up on me all the time?”

 
           He gave her an amused look. “If it were anyone else I would say ‘no’. But since it is you...yes. How else will I be able to keep you from mischief?”

 
           Diedre gave an unladylike snort and folded her arms across her chest, turning her back on him in a huff. He wrapped his arms around her hauling her back against his muscular chest. Nuzzling her platinum tresses his shaft hardened with need. “You did not answer my question Princess.”

 
           “If you must know, she just wed Laird Brodie.”

 
           He stilled for a moment. Suspicious. “Did you have anything to do with it?”

 
           “All I did was guarantee they crossed paths. The fates handled the rest.” She was not about to reveal to Lokai that she gave Seonaid the gift of thought-reading. She was born with the ‘knowing’. She was able to sense some things. But thought- reading was too dangerous to give to mortals...even if they were half Fae. Besides, it was a temporary gift. It would fade away soon enough.

 
           “Have you told King Alred what you have done?”

 
           “And what exactly have I done besides allow her a chance at a happy life after her first one was so miserable?” She turned her petulant face up to meet his azure eyes challenging him to deny it.

 
           Lokai could see from her expression that she would never admit what she had done without a push. His voice rumbled into a growl as he met her gaze sternly. “I am referring to your hand in her first life which you admit turned out horribly.”

 
           Diedre gasped and spun away from him. “I do not know what you are speaking about.”

 
           “I think you do. You, also, recognize that no secrets are kept from the king for long. It would be best if he heard it from you.”

 
           “He will be angry if I admit such a thing to him,” she all but whispered.

 
           Lokai lifted her delicate chin with his finger, nodding. “Yes, he will. But he will be angrier if he thinks that you had no intention of telling him. Give him the chance to be magnanimous and forgive you your indiscretion.”

 
           “I will think on it,” she smiled weakly.

 
           He abruptly released her stepping back. “Do not reflect for too long. If you do not tell him by the time we are to wed then you will force me to do the deed. I will not enter into a union with deceit wrapped around it.” He did not like using intimidation but she had to confess to her father.

 
           She looked taken aback. “You would deny me over this?” Her voice trembled.

 
           He gave a curt nod… then vanished.

 
           A single tear escaped her eye meandering down her silky cheek. What did she care? She had no wish to wed anyway. But the thought of wedding Lokai had pleased her after giving it some thought. So much so that his ultimatum gave her a strong case of remorse. She sighed deeply.
I will give it some consideration. Perhaps I can discover a way to soften the blow. For certain I cannot reveal the thought-reading! Even Lokai would not forgive that.
She disappeared from the pool to prepare for her wedding guests.

 
           Seonaid could not believe that she was wed to the dark highlander who sat next to her at the table. She twisted the gold band studded with deep blue sapphires that surrounded her third finger. It had fit perfectly. As if it was made just for her. Coincidence? Not likely. She did not believe in coincidence. Fate perhaps? She did not know if she believed in fate...but she wanted too.

 
           Garrick noticed her edginess as he offered her some mutton from their shared trencher. She shook her head. She was too nervous to eat. His men shared the private room where they took their meal, helping to ease the tension and celebrate their nuptials as much as they could. There were a few ribald jokes and much congratulations and well wishes. She was thankful that they made her feel welcome. She hoped that the rest of his clan was as accepting of her as these men.

 
           Garrick laughed and jested with his kin in a light-hearted manner. He was aware of how they were handling his wife like they would anyone in the clan. Calming her apprehensions.

 
           His wife. The saints surely cast their blessings on him this day. He reached over, positioning an errant strand of red-gold hair behind her delicate ear. She blushed as she reticently glanced at his intense expression. Ah! She was a bit skittish of the night ahead. Well, he has prepared for that, too. He could hardly believe his great fortune of discovering her...what. Had it merely been three days past? He scarcely knew her. Once again, where Seonaid was concerned, logic and reason scattered to the winds. But they had a lifetime to come to know of each other.

 
           “Ye should eat, wife, ta keep up your strength,” he rumbled in her ear.

 
           She shook her head. “I fear it will nae remain there.” She trembled as she felt his warm breath brush her graceful neck. Her heart fluttered an erratic beat in her chest at his proximity. She felt herself heating up from her toes to the top of her head.

 
           “Do ye fear me, lass?” he murmured faintly.

 
           “Nay...only the unknown. I do nae want to disappoint you, my laird.”

 
           “Ye could never disappoint me, wife,” he responded huskily as he drew little circles on the palm of her hand with his calloused finger.

 
           Tiny shivers of delight danced across her skin raising chill bumps up her arm. Her breathing became labored as her emerald eyes began to darken with desire. She felt her nether regions dampen with each stroke across her palm as she began leaning into him. She jerked upright as Angus cleared his throat.

 
           “Ye must be fatigued, me lady. Come. I have a surprise for ye in our room.”

 
           He shot Angus a warning look as he opened his mouth to make a poor jest. Angus’ immediately clamped it shut and raised his cup in salute as they bid the men good eve.

            “A bath!” she cried gleefully. She threw her arms around Garrick’s neck hugging him tightly. He returned the embrace with a chuckle.

 
           “Tis blessed I am if ye are so simple ta please. Twill save me a fortune through the years.”

 
           Seonaid smiled self-consciously as she stepped back a pace. She turned her head to him and teased, “You will nae always get off so reasonably.”

 
           Garrick struck his fist against his chest in mock despair. “Ye have shattered all me hopes and dreams, wife! What have I left to live for?”

 
           Seonaid peered at him to ascertain that he was jesting and countered,” Children?”

 
           He stilled. All humor departed as he gazed into her eyes, his desire searing a path through her pounding heart. “Oh, aye. Many...many bairns.” He sighed. “But first, your bath, me lady.”

 
           She looked up at Garrick expectantly, awaiting his departure from the room. “Your water is growing chill, wife.” She quirked her brow.

 
            “Aye, it does.”

 
           “Then do nae ye think ye should disrobe?”

 
           Her mouth fell open. “In front of you?” He nodded with a smile. “Now?” He grinned.

 
           “Twould be me preference.”