In Love With A Warrior (Gunn Guardsman (Book 4)) (9 page)

Emlyn threw her fist and stuck him in the eye. She had a powerful punch. He saw stars for a few seconds and it smarted like hell.

“Damn, lass, what’d you do that for?” He rubbed his eye, certain it’d turn blue before he left the tent.

“For breaking your promise. I should’ve known you couldn’t be trusted. You’ve already gone back on your word.”

He shook his head, disbelieving what he was hearing. “Emlyn, I cannot do ask you ask. If I promised you that, then I am sorry for I drank much last eve. I knew not what I said. I had no right to promise you that.”

“If you don’t take me, I am doomed.”

“I’m sorry.” James winced and didn’t like the sound of woe in her tone, but there was nothing to do. His hands were tied so to speak.

She tossed a key on the cot. “If you change your mind, use the key and find the door with the dragon.” Without another word, she stomped irefully from the tent.

James sat back upon the bedding dumbfounded. “It appears I might have caused a war regardless.”

Chapter Nine

Throughout the day, Emlyn couldn’t shake the dread of what she did with James. She had to go through with her plan and when he wanted her, she was willing. After all, her father bid her to do whatever necessary to gain his compliance. And yet, she failed.

He in no way compared to Bevan. When she had coupled with her betrothed, she’d only done so to appease him and he seemed to want to. It mattered not to her at the time, and verily it wasn’t all that bad. In the end, she enjoyed it. Yet the encounter with James was far more thrilling. He knew what he was about and affected her like no other, even in his inebriated state. His touches were akin to fire, his kisses much like being ensconced in warmth, his body, hard and pleasing.

She sighed knowing the consequence of her actions would be her demise. For she wished with all her heart that she had stayed and allowed him to have her again. If she was going to wed Marshall, her days of freedom were limited and the days of her life possibly numbered.

With a light step, she walked along the path toward the back of the keep. Aled walked beside her with Iola on his back. She trekked to the hillside near the back wall. Ahead, she looked at the dragon emblem above the white door. Using the spare key she kept for emergencies, she opened it and went inside.

Aled and Iona moved within and went to their favorite spot, near the old hearth that sat empty for years. It was always cold inside the cavern, and for as much as she’d been there, she had never traveled into its depths.

Emlyn looked fondly about the chamber, for this was where her grandfather had practiced his sorcery. He’d told her unbelievable stories about the most revered sorcerer, Merlin, and the tale of King Arthur. As young lass, the stories captivated her. Her grandfather also told her that the cavern was the home of Ddraig Goch, the red dragon.

As she thought of the dragon, sounds came from deep within the fissure and she peered into the dark depths. She walked close to the mouth of the tunnel that led to it. One day she would be brave enough to venture into it and investigate, but for now, she was content to leave it to her imagination.

A knock came at the door and she startled. Aled growled low, baring his teeth. Hopeful James had changed his mind, she hastened to the door.

Before she opened it, she shushed Aled. “Quiet, Aled. Down.” He did as she bid and settled again on the floor near the hearth, keeping watch on the door. Iona flapped her wings madly until she settled next to him.

“There you are. I looked for you all morn,” Branwyn said, disgruntled, and brushed by her. She hastened inside the chamber and turned to glare at her.

“I, ah, I’m sorry. I was busy.”

Delyth followed Branwyn inside and they sat at the small table they often occupied as young lasses when her grandfather entertained them. Emlyn had brought them to the chamber many times throughout their childhood and even when they’d become older. It was the only place besides the lake, they could hide. None knew her grandfather had given her the key and no one would dare enter his domain, even after he’d died. Their clan considered it sacred ground.

“What happened to you last eve? You left the celebration and I couldn’t find you. I worried.”

“I’m sorry, Bran, but I had to … I should tell you of what my father bespoke.” Emlyn needed to explain, especially to Branwyn, since she was going to be leaving regardless of whether James cooperated with her or not. “My father betrothed me to his enemy, Marshall. I’m to leave soon.”

“Surely you jest. Tell me you do.”

“Oh, Emlyn, I feared something dreadful would come of this. If only Bevan hadn’t …” Delyth’s words trailed off when Branwyn gave her a scowl.

“Aye, and my mother is readying even now for my departure. I don’t have much time before I’m to leave.”

Branwyn moved from her chair and hugged her. “I’m sorry, Emlyn. Are you afraid? I would be. Marshall is known to be brutal. We’ve all heard the stories and after what happened at the last peace-keeping gathering … I will worry so for you.”

She hugged her friend in return. “I would be afeared, except … My father told me not to go to him, to thwart the betrothal, against my mother’s wishes.”

Delyth gasped. “Aye? He coverts war then? I disbelieve he would be so blatant to tell you to do so. Does he not care that we’ll be besieged?”

Emlyn shook her head. “I doubt Marshall will come this far south. The keeps he covets are closer to his lands and farther inland. My father wants to fight his enemy, wants him to come. I would be harmed either way, Delyth. He does not want me in the hands of Marshall and told me to beg one of the Scots to take me away.”

“He did? I vow this is shocking news. Have you found someone to?” Branwyn took her hand, squeezing it tightly. “Is that where you were last eve?”

“Aye. I did find someone and thought … I considered he would do as he promised, but I fear he won’t. He says he won’t cause a war. But we’ll to war regardless so …” She sighed. “I even gave myself to him as my father bid to sway him but he—”

“You what? Verily?” Branwyn pulled her hand away. “I am shocked, nay, distraught. Are you well? Did he harm you? Which Scot was it?”

She pulled her feet onto the chair and hugged her knees. “He didn’t hurt me and it wasn’t … unpleasant. It wasn’t my first time. You see I … with Bevan, before he left on his last mission.” Emlyn couldn’t stand to see the looks on their faces and kept her eyes averted and on the table.

“I want to hear every detail,” Delyth said.

Branwyn rose and walked around the table. “I knew it. I am gladdened he had that time with you before he … Still, you gave yourself to the Scot? You have more courage than I. Which one was it? It wasn’t their leader, was it? I deem he’s handsome, but too stern looking for my liking.”

Emlyn could’ve laughed at their discussion, but resisted because she knew it would upset her friends. “Did you watch the training the other day? It was the Scot who I went against in the last round, the one that—”

Delyth gasped. “Him! Why he’s even more stern looking than their leader. At least his face is hairless.” She giggled.

Branwyn scoffed and flopped back into her chair. “Oh aye, we watched all right. Delyth pointed out which of them she’d take to her bed, as if she’d ever. I deem she pointed to him because of his hairless face. You’re such a sguthan, Delyth, aye, a stupid woman, for you don’t have the courage.”

“Leave her be. Aye, it was he and I vow I never imagined such an encounter. But he is not willing to take me with him as my father bid. I must find another.”

“Such a shame, he won’t comply. He is dreamy.” Branwyn punched her arm. “I can’t believe you slept with him.”

“It doesn’t matter now, because I have to find someone else. I cannot go to Marshall.” The problem with that was Emlyn didn’t want anyone else. She wanted the warrior, James.

“Come, we should return,” Branwyn said, and rose, taking her arm.

“I am not returning. I will stay here until I figure out a way out of this. If anyone asks after me, especially my mother … you didn’t see me.” Emlyn gently released her friend’s grasp.

“Your mother will send a search,” Delyth said.

“Aye and she won’t find me, now will she? I need time to think and I can’t do that with her screeching at me every five minutes about my wardrobe. For who cares what I wear? I vow I shan’t wear it for long if I go to Marshall. Nay, I’ll be well here and will return to the keep when I’m ready to face this.”

Branwyn knelt next to her. “Will you be all right being alone? This place scares me.”

“I shall be well. I promise. Worry not.” Emlyn hugged her dearest friend in gratitude for her concern.

“I will bring you food this eve. We’ll keep your secret. I do hope you’ll think of something, Emlyn, for you must.”

“I will try, but it appears there is no other recourse. Do not worry for me. Promise me?”

They nodded their agreement and Emlyn walked them to the door, and she peeked out before letting them leave. She waved to them and closed the door.

Emlyn looked around the ancient abode and found a few items to burn in the hearth for warmth. She found an old tomb written in a language unknown to her. It belonged to her grandfather. Holding it against her chest, she sighed. How she missed his sound guidance and wished he were there at that moment.

His belongings scattered the cavern, and she found one of his old tartans. She shook it out and set it around her shoulders to ward off the chill. Several bottles held liquid and were labeled, but again she couldn’t understand what had been written. Except for the one container that read: Pair Dadeni water. Emlyn took the satchel that held a few of her weapons and added it to it.

If something happened to her, if she was injured, she’d at least have a way to heal herself. The lake was reputed to be healing and with her impending departure, and unknown future, she just might have need of it.

Aled whined at the door. His cry indicated he wanted out and he scratched the wood.

“Come along, handsome lad. We’ll go and swim a bit before night comes.”

Emlyn chased after her hound, and Iona flapped her wings happily above them. Moments like this brought joy to her heart, for she wished she could always be as free. When she neared the lake, she pulled her sword free, to keep it at her side, should she need it. With so many strangers in the area, many of whom were the Scots soldiers, she ensured her protection.

Aled and Iona played by the water’s edge, and Emlyn decided to cool off. She removed all her garments, but the thin shift she wore under her tunic. She slid into the water and lost track of time. Dusk darkened the surrounding area and stars appeared in the sky. Emlyn lay back and freed her thoughts, for she didn’t want to consider her hefty problems. It was too fine a night to be filled with despair.

Her hound growled and before she stood to see what bothered him, he set off and was attacking something. Emlyn quickly left the water and hastened to him. James lay on the ground with Aled’s teeth on his leg.

“Down. Cease. Be off.” Emlyn grabbed at the scruff of hair at her hound’s neck and Aled released his prey. He whined when she pushed her hound away and she knelt beside James. “I’m sorry, he meant no harm. He was only protecting me.”

“I knew I’d find you here.” James rubbed his leg and grinned at her.

“You came.” She hadn’t meant to sound astounded, but her words rushed forth.

James sat up and leaned toward her. “I had to. I am remorseful for what happened last eve, though I am certain I enjoyed it. Did I?”

Emlyn laughed. “If you have to ask … I would say you did not. You have nothing to be remorseful for, James.”

He lowered his gaze. “I’ve never acted so foolhardy afore and I am sorry. If a babe comes, you’ll tell me? I am not one to be careless of such matters.”

She touched his arm in a soothing gesture. “Do not regret it, for I don’t. If a babe comes, I will tell ye, but worry not.” Emlyn grew morose at the subject of a child, because she’d not thought of that. But she’d deal with that problem when and if she needed to.

“You would not face that alone.” His words softened her heart.

“I am sorry I struck ye. Does your eye hurt?” She looked at the darkened rim under his eye and flinched.

“A wee bit. As much as I want to do as you ask, you know I cannot.”

“What if I told you I have my father’s permission to thwart Marshall? He bid me not to go to him. Would you accept then?”

James shook his head. “You ask me to go against my laird and my king. I cannot do either. I must uphold my duty and I won’t be dissuaded from it regardless of what I want.”

“Will you at least kiss me once before I go?” She leaned close to him, hopeful he’d do as she asked. Emlyn rejoiced when he conceded and his lips crushed against hers. His hands surrounded her and he gently forced her back until she lay next to him. She delighted at the way his body pressed against her and at his forceful nature.

How did he do it? He easily distracted her with the way his mouth moved over hers. Emlyn was caught up in kissing him, so much so, that she hadn’t realized his hands moved beneath her shift. His caresses brought forth an eager moan when his roughened hands cupped her breasts. As much as she wanted him, she couldn’t allow him such liberty when he wouldn’t compromise and do her will. She pulled away.

“You will not concede?”

James’ breath hitched. He scowled and kept a hand fastened on her shoulder. “I would give anything to have you again, lovely, but I am bound by my pledge to protect my laird. Nay I cannot concede.”

Emlyn touched his face and let her fingers trail the hardness of his jaw. She palmed his smooth cheek and nodded. “I deem you have honor about you, but it does not aid me. Farewell, sweet James.”

Before he said another word, Emlyn snatched up her belongings by the rock, whistled for her hound and trotted off.