Kate Robbins - The Highland Chiefs Series (21 page)

One guest in particular continued to catch her eye. The woman was stunning with flowing auburn hair and the deepest chocolate brown eyes she’d ever seen. The woman stared at Aileana so decidedly, making her wonder if they’d ever met.

As they mingled with the other guests, she could feel the woman’s eyes on her. The stranger circled them at a wide berth. Aileana’s hair prickled at her nape. Before she could ask James if he knew the woman, they were intercepted.

“James darling, I’ve missed you so much. Fare thee well my love? When I heard you were in the city and about to be married, I had to attend to see it with my own eyes. Tell me James, how many mistresses do you currently keep? Five? Or six?”

James stiffened the moment the woman came into his view. This kind of talk was not meant for any sensible person’s ears, yet the woman smiled at the gasps of those nearby. Aileana’s insides churned.

“Lady MacIntosh is it? Well my dear, I suggest you use him as much as you can before the night is out. No doubt he’ll be back in another’s bed by tomorrow.”

James didn’t speak, nor did he move. Instead he glared at the woman, his jaw clenching. She stared right back and smiled with her head held high. Aileana looked around; those within earshot had ceased their own conversations and watched the scene playing out before them.

Calum moved to his brother’s side with Gwen on his arm.

“Jocelyn, nice to see you again.
And where may I ask is your husband? Oh wait, I remember, you never married. You were too good for anyone who dared ask.”

“Ah, the younger brother.
I remember you. And who is this creature you have with you? I’ve never seen you before, my dear. Is she from out of the country or have you descended to the lower classes for companionship?”

“That’s enough, Jocelyn.” James’s command was controlled, yet Aileana didn’t doubt the fury just beneath the surface.

He gathered Aileana’s arm and urged them in the opposite direction. How dare the woman show her face at her wedding and worse, cast doubt on James’s fidelity toward his new wife. The woman needed to be put in her place.

“That’s right, walk away. You never could live up to your commitments.”

James turned to Aileana.

“My lady, with your permission, I would like to set the record straight so that neither of us has to endure her lies.”

Aileana was grateful James consulted her, but out of respect for him she didn’t want his past dissected in front of everyone. They could and would sort out the woman’s accusations in private, but this woman was not about to consume one more minute of her wedding day.

“That would be an appropriate action to take, my lord,” Aileana raised her voice so that all could hear. “However, I feel every moment that passes detracts from the time I have to spend with you this evening. As the Lady pointed out, I must make the best use of our time today.”

She turned to Jocelyn who, as Aileana hoped, was just realizing she had underestimated James’s new wife. The woman’s smile disappeared and her mouth set in an ugly straight line.

“I thank you for your advice, Lady Jocelyn, I trust that concludes your purpose for attending my wedding?”

“I, well, I—”

“I thought it might. Good day to you Lady.” Aileana turned her back on the woman and drew James closer to the dais where the king and queen sat.

The king, who Aileana was not aware had overheard, laughed. She turned to see Jocelyn escorted out of the room by the king’s guards.

“Well put, Lady MacIntosh. Remind me to never call you out in public,” he said.

A grin rested on his lips as he motioned for the music to start and turned to his beaming wife who nodded to them.

James’s body still oozed tension. Aileana squeezed his hand to gain his attention. When he looked at her, she smiled to let him know everything was
all right. His response was to reach down and kiss her cheek. The gesture was the best thank you she could have received.

The pipers began a familiar tune as James took Aileana’s hand and led her to a large area away from the vast table. He put one hand around her waist and his other out flat. She placed one hand on his shoulder and laid the other flat against his. They moved easily together. Aileana didn’t try to look away from him this time as she searched his expression for answers to her unspoken questions. He responded by mouthing three words that sent her head in a spin. She was ready to leave. Now.

When the dance ended, the king arose. “My Lords and Ladies, we have before us that of which poets dream and the lonely would lay down their lives to possess. I believe we shall burden our newly wedded couple with propriety no longer and bid them good night.”

James nodded and to the king’s approving laugh, guided her out of the hall with haste, through the palace and straight to their room. She hoped their pace wouldn’t send her tripping over her skirts.

He paused outside, gathering both her hands in his and kissed them. “Thank you.”

“For what, my lord?”

He cupped her face and peered deep into her eyes.

“For giving me so much. Everything beautiful in this world is here because of you. You know that don’t you? It’s true I’ve been with other women, but the truth is that since you’ve come into my life, I haven’t seen another. All I see is you.”

God, but he was beautiful. She curled her arms around his neck and pressed herself against him.

He scooped her up and carried her into the bedchamber. James set her down by the bed moving away to lock the door with an audible click. She turned to face him and noticed flowers had been added to the room along with a tray of food and many candles. The bed covers were pulled back as well.

He sauntered toward her, releasing the belt holding his doublet as he inched closer. She didn’t know where to begin with her dress, and so gave him a playful smile and shrugged her shoulders. He removed both his tunic and shirt and stood before her bare-chested. Her hands explored the hardened muscle contrasted by smooth skin. She pressed her lips to his flesh and he quivered.

James reached around her and with a couple of tugs, her houppelande
loosened and fell to the floor.

“You do that rather well,” she said, her voice but a breathy whisper.

He held her shoulders and kissed her neck. “One can do anything well when one puts one’s mind to it.” His reply came with a rush of air just beneath her ear, a place she hadn’t known was sensitive until that moment.

James began a torturous trail of kisses searing her flesh in their wake. She tasted his skin and fought the urge to nip him with her teeth. He reached around her again, discove
ring the ridge of tiny buttons.

He spun her around. “What evil is this?”

He didn’t wait for an answer and began pulling them off one by one.

She gasped. “My lord the queen’s seamstress, Abigayle, worked hard on those. I believe you do her work a disservice by destroying them.”

He growled. “I extend no sympathy to any creature who would design a garment to torture a man on his wedding night. I promise you, no one will ever know, I’ll stitch them back on myself if that pleases you.”

He reached around to her belly and pulled her hard against him. A jolt shot straight to her loins and her nipples hardened.

“Only you please me,” she said.

She heard the unmistakable sound of tearing fabric. The cool air at her back made her blood race and she shuddered. Satin covered buttons flew to and fro across the bedchamber. He turned her around and lifted her onto the bed. His gaze dropped to her mouth while his fingers caressed her shoulders.

“I will never willingly hurt you. You know that, don’t you?”

She nodded. She didn’t care about pain, only the pressure deep in her core, taking her breath away.

“This, what we are about to do, may,” he said.

Aileana was touched by his tenderness and responded by pulling off her bodice and skirt and tossing them to the floor. She eagerly moved her hands to his crotch. His breath was ragged as she caressed his impressive offering. He was heavy and aroused and she reached inside his hose to grasp his thick erection, needing to feel him throb in her hands. She stared at it openly and stroked his hard length. She craved his body inside her. He panted hard.

He shuffled out of his remaining clothes and stopped her hands from their movement. James eased her onto her back raising her arms over her head and lowered his body onto hers, his hard, heavy body pressing her onto the soft coverlet. He found her mouth and plunged his tongue deep within. She opened her legs and shifted her hips, arching, urging him to take her.

His hands touched and teased every inch of her, stopping to play with her firm nipple before moving down across her trembling belly. She buried her fingers in his hair as she had so longed to do. He slid down her body and wedged between her thighs. His tongue was velvet heat lapping at her too sensitive skin. S
he moaned his name.

James’s magical fingers slowly probed her wetness as he inched his mouth closer and closer to the source of her heat. When his tongue made contact with her moistened flesh, she became wild with need and bucked her hips. She had no idea what he was about to do next as he closed his mouth over her hardened bud, driving his fingers into her at the same time. Her body thrust off the bed in response. Liquid fire raced through her veins.

The heat swelling within her was almost painful.

“Plea
se, James.”

He groaned. His breath was ragged as he kissed and flicked his tongue upward again. He took her hardened nipple into his mouth and tugged hard. She almost came apart underneath him, every inch of her body screaming for release only he could give.

James spread her wide and entered her, stopping when he was just inside. His thick, hard member stretched her and the intoxicating pressure turned sharp and piercing. He hadn’t exaggerated when he said it might hurt. He pushed harder. She was already full of him, impaled and he’d barely begun. Aileana opened her eyes to look at him. He strained, waiting for encouragement from her to continue. She pushed her body upward taking him into her, pushing further past the barrier of her maidenhood.
Oh God it hurts
. He didn’t move for long moments and eased back slightly, thankfully taking some of the pain with him.

“You are so tight around me.” His voice cracked. “Christ, I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

He eased into her again. It didn’t hurt as much this time. He was right, it felt better. Pleasure built again as he slid in and out of her in a tempered rhythm. The movement was too slow and not what her body craved.

“James, more.”

He obeyed and drove into her with increasing force, edging her across the bed. She hooked her legs around his waist and raised her hips to meet his every delicious thrust. She was close to something—like reaching for an unknown object she must have.

She pulsed around him, her orgasm finally washing over her. He slammed all the way inside her and tensed. Fluid ecstasy coursed through her veins while he throbbed inside her, her body milking his. She stared up at him. The wonderment in his eyes made her heart swell. He slid his arms under her shoulders and continued to pump into her as he claimed her mouth in a delicate dance of tongues. Each slight movement released another ripple of pleasure. They moved together like that for a time until the last sensation ebbed and a satisfied heaviness over took her limbs.

* * *

Before long, James realized she had fallen asleep. He watched her face. Her flickering eyelids told him she was dreaming and the tender curl of her lips had him
hoping the dream was about him.

This eighteen-year-old virgin had shown him more about being a man and sharing his body than every single woman before her. He thought back to the dance and the t
hree words he’d mouthed to her.

For the first time in his twenty-four years, he was in love. He continued to watch her expressions as he kissed her face, her breasts and at last her mouth. He didn’t wonder anymore if she returned his feelings. He could see it in her eyes. He wanted to shout his newfound realization to the top of his lungs, but instead acknowledged the last wishes of an old friend.

“Chattan, you sly fox. You knew all along, didn’t you?”

He made her a silent promise that he would move heaven and earth to find Gawain. That rat would never, ever get close to her again. James pulled the quilts over them and within minutes drifted into pure contentment.

Chapter Nineteen

James and Calum left early to attend the MacKay trial at Edinburgh castle. He could still smell Aileana’s scent on him and couldn’t wait to return to her. It would take precious little for his arousal to peak again, despite the passion they shared last night and again this morning. The trial would provide necessary distraction. He doubted he’d make it to the end of the lane otherwise.

“You’re unusually silent this morning, Brother,” James said to Calum. “Worried about the proceedings or are your thoughts more pleasantly engaged?” Calum and the maid had appeared devoted to one another during the wedding feast, so his frown seemed misplaced.

Calum grunted.

“Oh, I see. Let me guess, you wanted the lass, but she’d have none of you and you don’t have enough experience to convince her otherwise.”

“Wrong again. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t pry me for details of my disastrous night. If you seek distraction please think on your own and leave mine out of it.”

If the circumstance were reversed, Calum would never let up until he got to the root of the problem. Besides, James was too curious to let it go.

“Ah, I could do that and be pleasantly preoccupied all the way to Edinburgh. The truth is, I’ve never seen you so solemn and cannot quell my curiosity. What’s put you in this foul mood?”

“I don’t wish to discuss it, though ’tis unlikely you’ll let it drop.” Calum sighed. “Courting the wench was a mistake. I see that. My image of her was flawed and clouded by the attraction I felt. Believe me when I say, you’re married to the only woman of the two with any virtue to speak of.”

“She’s not a virgin?” James stifled a chuckle. “Is that all?”

Calum didn’t reply.

“I know your sensibilities prevent you from seeing past this aspect of her life but be reasonable man. Do you really like her? If you do, you’ll look beyond her choices as I’m certain she’d look past yours. I know we’ve never discussed your future marriage plans, but I’ve seen you look at her and have never seen you look at any other woman the same way. Don’t throw away something just because your views differ from hers.”

Calum still didn’t reply and James didn’t see the point to push further. His own night was far better than he could have ever imagined. The woman he called wife was more than a match for him in bed. And oh God, the things she could do with her tongue.

She had come to him a virgin, there was no doubt there, but it was a little hard to believe no man had ever touched her before. She was so free with her passion. He shifted in his saddle as images of her desire flushed body flashed through his mind. Dammit, he needed to focus on something else.

Calum brooded. The lad had a lot to learn about women. Hell James had learned his lesson well enough. The thought of Aileana belonging to anyone else was not one he’d wanted to entertain. Now he didn’t have to.

They crossed into Edinburgh and before long stood at the gates of the castle again. It was intimidating to newcomers, especially those brought there by force and not invitation. James thought about the men in the dungeon - most never came out. He’d risked much by approaching the king with his proof and his theory. That risk had paid off thus far, yet caution prevailed. Without knowing who had betrayed the monarch, the trust earned could be lost as easily as
’twas gained.

They were escorted to the hall where the trial would take place. He thought back to the discussion he’d had with the king on the matter. Executing the trial here could work for or against their cause. By having MacKay and his men brought to court, the king would make the decision to release them or hang them without involvement from any other parliamentary or judicial body. Therefore, the man had absolute control. However, he also assumed sole responsibility in the event of an unpopular decision.

This plan could work if all the pieces fell together in the right way. It would be a bold act for someone to speak out against the monarch when he set the MacKay free, but he was banking on that sort of reaction to give something away, some signal to indicate involvement.

When they entered the hall, James and Calum took a seat on opposite sides. Their plan was to scan the crowd to detect anything unusual. The room was unencumbered with decoration; meant for the purpose of business rather than entertaining. A tall, ornate chair sat on a riser, empty and waiting for its regal owner.

The room filled. James remembered the note he’d received early that morning from Fergus. It stated, “The king believes us. Thank you. Say nothing unless he asks. All will be revealed in good time.”

James assumed the king would craft his questions with care, yet his gut knotted. So much could still go wrong at any point.

Chains rattled and the prisoners shuffled toward the throne. Moments later, its owner entered from a side door and took his seat.

Before speaking one word, James Stewart eyed the prisoners one by one then scanned those in attendance. As his gaze dissected those gathered, the room fell silent. When he spoke, his voice was clear and determined.

“My countrymen, we are in the presence of traitors.”

James’s gut lurched as the crowd mumbled. The noise peaked and died away and the king said nothing more until they settled down.

“We have before us today, men accused of such horrific crimes one can scarce believe anything better than savage animals capable of committing them. The sentence befitting these crimes is death.”

Again, the crowd broke into a rumble. Noblemen faced each other and nodded their approval at his words. James watched for those most animated.

“As it is, Fergus MacKay, your clan has been accused of murder, rape, destruction of property and many lesser charges too numerous to mention. I hereby release you of all charges laid against you, as per undeniable evidence presented to me.”

That statement was followed by dead silence then erupted into jeers and shouts.

“What’s this? Will you have me condemn innocent countrymen?” The king demanded an answer from the crowd.

Kenneth MacKenzie yelled back. “But their banner was found,” he said. “They did the deed!”

The man looked years older than he was. The attack had taken its toll. James held his breath. Any moment, they would know. They had better. The king was not likely to hold his patience for much longer and this deadly game was far from over.

The Stewart’s penetrating gaze roamed the crowd until it rested on James. He nodded. The trap was set. “I have information convincing me neither Fergus MacKay nor his clansmen are responsible for the crimes against clan MacKenzie.”

Various clan representatives declared their belief in Fergus’s innocence. It was more interesting to watch those insisting on the man’s guilt. After a few moments, Alexander MacDonald rose. He looked enraged with his red cheeks and wild hair.

“Good King, if you choose to let these traitors go free, you condemn all the other Highland clans to the same possible fate. You cannot expect us to abide by your English laws if you do not protect us with them as well.”

MacDonald. He turned to see the king’s reaction. The man’s entire demeanour had changed from calm to dangerous in a split second. He knew what it was to be pinned by that man’s glare and he didn’t envy MacDonald.

“Laird MacDonald, you believe letting the MacKays go free will condemn you to the same fate? Surely a large clan like yours is not afraid of a dozen men?”

MacDonald spat on the floor. “There were more than a dozen men!”

The king grasped the arms of his throne. He looked ready to spring.

“More than a dozen you say? How on earth would you possibly know that?”

The king glanced sideways and nodded to the captain of his guard. That signal prompted about twenty of his men to position themselves around the MacDonald clan. A great number more of them were present than any other.

“’Tis what everyone has said.” MacDonald’s gaze shifted between the king and Fergus Mackay. “The attack was too brutal to be carried out by only a dozen Scots.”

“You’re correct in your assessment, MacDonald. It wasn’t carried out by just a dozen Scots. They had help in planning the whole affair. Do you happen to know of anyone who might want to attack MacKenzie and blame Mackay?”

Colour drained from MacDonald’s face. Gasps were heard around the room. The few Sutherlands in the room were also surrounded.

“Oh, I see that you do.” The king’s tone was silky. “The question remaining is why would the MacDonalds and Sutherlands enter into such a plot?”

Shock at the implication was audible. James was impressed with the king’s direction. Whispers of ‘Sutherlands?’ swept the room.

“It is interesting to note that, your men do not appear as surprised at my suggestion as most others here today. I believe you may know all about this plot, MacDonald, although I don’t believe you’ll tell me today. However, let’s see how some time in my dungeon loosens your tongue. Take them out of my sight!”

The clan members did not struggle or fight back as they were herded out of the room. The king turned his attention to Fergus and regarded him evenly.

“Laird MacKay, you and your men are free to go.”

At that moment, a young man burst into the room. He was travel-worn and distraught. He went straight to Fergus, but spoke to the king with his head bent in submission. “Your Majesty, I have terrible news to report to Fergus.”

“Of course, lad. You look like you’ve seen the devil himself.”

The lad turned to Fergus and blinked several times. His mouth opened and closed again like a fish gasping for its last drop of life. “Your brother did as you bade, Fergus. He tracked as far north as he could to watch their activity. We were near their lands, they must have detected us and set a trap.” He paused and shuffled. “They took us by surprise, Fergus. We didn’t expect them to be waiting. But, wait they did. At the first sign of us, they attacked. William was in front.” The young man’s voice fell to almost a whisper. “It all happened so fast. They took off and we couldn’t catch up. We heard screams that night—I’m sorry Fergus.”

Fergus made a small movement toward the lad and within seconds four of his clansmen were on him. Did the boy recognize how close he had just come to death? His wide eyes and pale skin indicated he probably did.

James stepped in between Fergus and the boy. “MacKay, you’ll not touch the lad.” James was in no mood to take on this giant, but take him on he would. He’d risked too much to save this man’s neck to see him throw it away again. Fergus could do as he pleased away from the king’s clutches, but here with so many witnesses, there’d be no way to save him from the noose.

James’s words managed to reach the warrior. Fergus stopped struggling and shook off the other men before stalking out of the hall with the boy and his men laying chase.

Godspeed, Fergus MacKay.

James turned back to the king. “How did you know it was MacDonald?”

“Let’s just say something you said two days ago set me thinking. Who would have the most to gain if I falsely accused a Highland clan of such a deed? Two years ago, I imprisoned MacDonald for legitimate crimes against the Crown. I let him go out of good will eventually. I’ve had him watched for some time, but obviously not close enough.

“The MacDonalds plotted my overthrow. If he could’ve convinced enough of the Highland clans to rise up against me, well, MacIntosh, I don’t have to tell you what the end result of that would be, do I? You
unravelled the plot. You just didn’t know who was responsible. The two questions I still have though are, why MacKay, and why MacKenzie? My God, the atrocities inflicted on those poor people can never be reasoned. It’s that precise kind of act performed in the name of feuding that I cannot abide. I don’t believe even you, whom I regard as a noble gentleman, could justify it.”

James considered the man’s words. Although correct in theory, actual Highland life was much more complex. He couldn’t deny who he was and he was not about to engage in debate with the king about it.

“And you’re certain MacDonald is responsible? Outside of his peculiar behaviour here today, what other indication do you have?”

“I’ve received enough intelligence from trusted sources to verify Alexander MacDonald’s hatred of me has not diminished in two years. A few months back, prior to the Mackenzie attack, I received an anonymous letter indicating he was meeting with Artair Sutherland. Unable to conger any logical reason for such a relationship, I disregarded it until you arrived with the plaid pin. Considering where you found it, your story fit with the timing of the letter and the events that subsequently transpired. MacDonald’s
behaviour here today merely secured my suspicions. Of course, he will have to be questioned.”

James noticed the glint in the king’s eyes. It was time to shake hands and thank him for his fairness and put the troubling business behind him.

The king smiled, shook James’s hand and walked away. “One more thing,” the king stopped and turned his head, “Moray correct?” James did not get a chance to reply. “It’s yours. I will divert to your schedule for proper ceremony after your honeymoon.” He invited James and his party to dine with him back at Linlithgow Palace later that evening to discuss the details.

As they walked out of the castle toward the courtyard, a frightened stable hand approached them with information that the MacKay had just rode off on Arion.