Torrian (The Highland Clan Book 2) (16 page)

“Swear you’ll not tell what you’ve seen or heard, and I’ll release you.” The venom in Ranulf’s voice was quite clear.

“I’ll do no such thing. Everyone needs to know what a blackguard you are.”

Another low voice sounded from behind Heather…Torrian’s second, Kyle. “What is going on here, Heather? We heard you were here and Torrian sent me out after you.”

Heather pointed to the door. “Lily is inside. Seems we’ve caught Davina and Ranulf together in a less than desirable situation. I think Ranulf has grabbed Lily.”

Kyle’s eyes widened and a fury crossed his face. “He’s dared to touch Lily?” He flew past her, barging inside just as Lily came barreling out of the entrance, headed back toward the keep. Heather peeked in the door and saw Kyle punch Ranulf, so she decided to follow Lily to see if she was injured, leaving the pups to scamper behind her. She tried to reach her, but the only things she caught were Lily’s words drifting back to her.

“Never, never, never, never…”

***

Torrian stood in the middle of the forest, a place he’d once feared as a youth. Someone, though he could not recall who, had told him that his clan wanted to leave him in the forest to die because of his sickness. The oddest part of it was that Torrian hadn’t known what a forest looked like at the time. He’d been unable to leave his bed for so long, he had no memory of the world outside his cottage. His sire and mother had told him they would keep him hidden to keep him safe.

His mother had died just after Lily was born. He still thought of her occasionally, but his memories of that time centered around his father. He would never forget his sire’s dedication to making him well.

The pain had been so excruciating then that despite his fear of the forest he had actually asked his sire to leave him there. Aye, he would have rather died. He glanced at the intertwining boughs over his head, sunlight peeking through the branches—the place he’d once feared was so beautiful. His request had been refused, of course, and he’d decided to live the best life available to him. It was then he’d learned to read and write.

All the while, his sire had continued to assure him, day in and day out, that it would get better. If he had to walk to all the green land to find the best healer, even steal that person, he would do it to give his son hope.

Brenna had brought him that hope back then, and someone else had brought hope into his life now. If he wanted to keep that hope—that desire for a bright future—he needed to marry Heather, not Davina.

Kyle had told him all, and now he knew what to do.

He spun around and walked toward the keep, confident in his decision. The forest had given him his answer. He headed into the great hall, speaking to no one because he was too lost in thought. One thing he’d learned from his childhood was how to live within himself.

Once inside, he realized he’d missed the evening meal. He located his sire at the dais and asked to speak with him in private. Uncle Logan joined them at his father’s request. Everyone was watching the traveling minstrels perform, so they were able to leave without causing much notice.

Once they were sequestered in the solar, Quade said, “We need to be conscious of our absence. Please do not make this too long.”

Torrian nodded to his father, his palms now damp. “I’ve made my decision, but I need to make you aware of something first.”

“We’re listening,” Uncle Logan responded, a wary expression on his face.

“Lily and Heather followed Ranulf and Davina to a cottage in the outer bailey after the archery contest. They were caught in a lovers’ tryst.”

Uncle Logan smirked. “While your sister and Heather may conjecture what they were doing, they can hardly make accusations—”

Torrian interrupted him. “Lily walked in and caught them in the act. Ranulf threatened to hurt her if she talked, at which point Kyle entered and witnessed everything. He punched Ranulf and Lily ran off.”

His uncle threw his head back and guffawed, but his father’s expression was one of shock. “Lily saw—”

“Saw everything, according to Kyle. And there’s one other thing you must know. Ranulf plans to kill me within two years.”

Logan jumped out of his chair. “I’ll kill the whoreson first.”

Quade held a restraining hand out toward his brother before returning his gaze to his son. “You have more to say?”

“Aye, I’ll be announcing my decision not to marry Davina. I would like to ask you for your support in my marriage to Heather, but I’ll announce that at a later time.”

Silence settled in the room. Torrian flexed his fists as he waited to see if he had his sire’s support or not.

“Torrian, you’ve clearly made your decision, and we’ll all deal with the ramifications. When exactly do you plan to make this announcement?”

“As soon as I walk out of this room. I will not make mention of the lovers, if that is what you are wondering. If they do not press me, I need not give any reason beyond that we are unsuitable. Clearly, Davina agrees with me or she would not be consorting with another.”

“Do as you must.”

His sire’s expression was one of resignation. He could have stayed to argue for his support, but he knew it was the right decision. He could only hope his sire would respect his choice.

When he stepped back into the great hall, the tension was overpowering. Torrian reviewed his plan again in his mind, making sure he’d chosen the right words. He would take complete responsibility for his actions, but he fully expected to have to explain himself to his king in another day or two. He hadn’t made his final decision as to what he would say, but he had time to consider his words carefully.

It was time to put an end to this ridiculous farce.

He moved to his place at the dais about the same time his father and uncle returned to the hall.

According to Kyle, the pair had left without an apology, without any guilt for their obvious transgression. Ranulf’s parting words as they left the cottage had been, “She’s not married yet, lad. We did naught wrong.”

Davina had said naught.

Glenn Buchan and his two sons were sitting on the other end of the table on the dais, while Torrian and Davina and Ranulf were seated near Jake and Jamie Grant.

Torrian waited until the timing seemed appropriate, then stood up at his place. The surprised looks on everyone’s faces did not deter him. In fact, he was more determined than ever to see this matter settled.

“Your pardon, but I’d like everyone’s attention.”

While he waited, Davina tugged on his hand, trying to get him to sit back down. “What are you doing?”

He ignored her.

“Please do not do this,” she whispered, a harsh edge to her voice.

In a few minutes, the entire great hall had fallen silent, all eyes on him. Intent on doing this as respectfully as possible, he said, “My laird,” tipping his head toward his sire, “Chief Buchan,” tipping his head toward the cheater. “I make this announcement after much thought and consideration.” It was so quiet that if a mouse had run across the room, all present would have been able to hear its tiny feet skitter across the stone. “Certain circumstances have prompted this decision, and I will not share what those circumstances are, but Davina Buchan and I will not be wed on the morrow.” He turned to her at his side. “She is a most beautiful woman, and I believe she will find her happiness elsewhere.”

With that, Torrian stepped down from the dais and strode out the front door without stopping.

It was not until he was out the door that applause erupted behind him.

Chapter Eighteen

Heather sat in her chamber listening to all the ruckus in the great hall. She wasn’t directly over the balcony, but the din traveled well enough that the moment it stopped, the dead silence carried through to her. Something was amiss, and her heart sped with fear.

She paced her chamber, afraid to leave. Nellie was already in the lassies’ chamber, all of them ready for bed. She loved sleeping with Jennet, Brigid, and Sorcha. Heather had naught to do but pace and wait, hoping Torrian would come to her soon. She could not risk wandering around, so she waited.

A subtle rap sounded on her door. She leaned against it, afraid to open it, afraid it might be
him
, but then she heard Torrian’s voice.

“‘Tis me, Heather.”

She opened the door and he shoved his way inside, quickly closing and barring the door behind him. Then his hands wrapped around her waist and he tugged her close, kissing her until her knees buckled. He lifted her legs in the air, encouraging her to wrap them around his waist.

He ended the kiss only long enough to say, “I’m free. I ended the betrothal.”

Heather’s heart almost burst with excitement. She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him again. She pulled back long enough to say, “Torrian, I’m so happy.”

He kissed her, leaning her against the wall, rucking her skirts up until he could run his hand down her thigh.

“Torrian, we have a bed behind you.”

He growled, sucking on her lower lip, “I know, but I want you like this. Do you mind?”

“Nay.”

He ravaged her mouth, their tongues mating, dancing until they were both short of breath. His hands burned hot on the bare skin of her bottom. She groaned at how good it felt to be in his arms again. Desire built inside her until she wished to scream his name, her breathing ragged.

He stuttered between his gasps. “Never mind. I prefer to touch you everywhere.”

He placed her on the bed and undid his brooch to drop his plaid and then his leine to the floor. When he held his hand out to her, she knew exactly what he wanted—mayhap because she wanted it even more. She loosened her ribbons and handed him the gown that he quickly flung over his shoulder.

He froze. “My sweet Heather, you are so beautiful.” He stood near her thighs and leaned down to look at her, placing a gentle hand on each of her legs and sliding them up over her pelvis in a slow sensual assault that left her gasping. When his hands reached her breasts, she grasped his forearms, closing her eyes so she could savor the sweetness of touching and being touched by this man.

He leaned down to take her nipple in his mouth and she moaned, doing her best to quiet her sounds, though she would not be embarrassed by them. They were her way of telling him how much his love meant to her. He stood and tugged her to the side of the bed, his hands caressing her bottom as he settled her onto the edge of the mattress. Then he lowered his fingers to tease her clit and plunge his finger inside her. She reached for him because she could wait no longer. As soon as she felt him at the entrance to her sheath, he took over and thrust inside her, groaning, pulling out of her slick sheath and driving into her again and again, their pace increasing to a frenzy like she’d never known.

Her gaze locked on his and he touched her in just the right place, enough to send her catapulting over the edge into a sweet bliss. She opened for him and he groaned in surrender too as her contractions took everything from him.

He leaned over her ear and panted, “I love you, Heather. You’re finally mine.”

***

Torrian left Heather’s chamber, sneaking down the back stairway, only to discover that his sire had sent a search party to find him. Kyle ran into him first.

“Could you not have waited for that? I know where you were.”

“Nay, I could not wait. We’ll marry as soon as we are able.” Torrian made his way outside and headed to the middle of the courtyard.

Kyle chased after him. “Where in hell are you going?”

“I’d like to clear my head, ‘tis all. May I not have some peace?”

“Nay,” Kyle barked. “Everyone is looking for you. Your father wants to see you in the solar.”

“Again? But I already spoke to him.” Torrian’s hands settled on his hips in confusion. What now? Had they not settled this? He was on his own, and he was more convinced than ever he had made the right decision.

Kyle lowered the tone of his voice. “Your sire said to go along with it.”

Lily and Bethia came running toward them with Jake. “The elders are all looking for you.”

“You should have stayed,” Jake said. “I’ve never seen such a blast of bellowing before. We’ll have lots to tell when we return home.”

Jamie, Sorcha, and Braden caught up with them.

“I am glad I am not in your place,” Braden said. “They are searching the entire castle for you. They even sent a group out on horseback. My sire said he’s never seen your sire so upset.”

Torrian sighed, glancing from cousin to cousin. “They are all in the solar?” Suddenly, it all made sense. His sire did what the Buchans would expect him to do. He did not want them thinking he was aware of Torrian’s plan. Fine, he’d go along.

“Aye. Your sire, your uncles, and the Buchans await you,” Kyle answered.

He headed back to the keep, stopping for no one, intent on convincing the rest of his family this was the right thing to do, especially after what Lily had overheard. He knocked on the door and it was flung open by Uncle Logan.

“Hmph. Nice of you to join us, lad, after that spectacle. Come inside and explain yourself.”

It was a standoff for show, of that he was sure. The Buchan team—Dugald, Cormag, Glenn and Ranulf MacNiven—stood on one side while Logan, Gwyneth (with her arms crossed, glaring at Ranulf), Brodie, and Brenna on the opposite side. His sire was seated behind the desk. Davina was notably missing.

“Explain yourself, son, and make sure your reasons are good enough,” his sire said. “If not, the Buchans have threatened to go home and return with their warriors in full force.”

Torrian took his time. There was no doubt in his mind that he’d made the right decision. How to convince the Buchans? He would do what he could not to embarrass Davina too much, but if it came to that before his king, he would tell all.

“In view of all that took place on the archery field, I think ‘tis best not to join the two clans.” He stood in the center, his hands behind his back. He spoke as if speaking to his sire only. It was proper for his laird to hear him first.

Buchan jumped forward, waving his left arm in the air. “That had naught to do with Davina. How can you use the contest of men to justify not marrying an innocent lass?”

Torrian turned slowly for effect. “Innocent?”

“Aye, innocent. And let’s not forget you defiled her. You were ordered to marry and you will marry her on the morrow or we’ll head straight to the king to report the injustice, then gather our forces to attack you outright. You have no right to go against the King of the Scots.” Spittle sprayed from his mouth he spoke so fast.

Logan stepped forward. “Buchan, now that the king is gone and you got what you wanted, do you truly expect us to believe you did not plan that mockery the other night?”

“I did no such thing. I discovered them after the deed was done. And I’m glad I did. Davina was upset all night.” He crossed his arms, the disgruntled look on his face telling all.

Torrian took the opportunity while Buchan ranted to observe Ranulf and Dugald. Though they were controlling their expressions for the most part, he saw each of them smirk more than once. Ranulf had more of a cold, calculating demeanor than Dugald. His guess would be that Dugald struggled to keep up with the two conniving chieftains.

Which of them had defiled his wife-to-be? He would find out.

Quade held up both his hands. Silence fell on the room. “Son, I understand this is less than ideal, but you understand your actions could be considered treason? Only the king can determine your fate if your actions go against the crown.”

Torrian did not answer.

“Torrian, you must consider your words carefully. This could have grave consequences.”

Torrian was still loathe to disgrace Davina. “My apologies, my laird, but my decision is made. I will not marry Davina Buchan.”

Glenn of Buchan’s shouts could be heard above all. “You’ve not seen the last of the Buchans. Our king will set this right. He will force this marriage. How dare you insult my daughter this way! ‘Tis treason, for certes.”

The door flew open with a bang.

Lily stood there, tears streaming down her face. “No more. Please stop this, Da.”

She rushed up next to Torrian, his tall frame towering over her. All voices cut off in a moment.

“Papa, forgive me. I must confess to something I overheard. I am not proud of myself for eavesdropping, but I must be certain that a huge mistake is not made.”

Quade gave no hint of his awareness of the situation, but clasped his hands in his lap and said, “Continue, daughter.”

“Yesterday, I followed Davina and Ranulf out to a cottage. They entered and I stayed outside to listen. I’m verra suspicious of them.”

Ranulf interrupted, his face contorted with frustration. “Aye, we had a tryst. ‘Tis of no import.” He pointed toward Torrian. “He defiled her, not me.”

“The tryst is not of as much import as the promise you made to Davina to kill my brother in two years so you two can marry.”

Torrian could have kissed his sister. A look of shock registered on every face in the room except for Ranulf’s and his sire’s. It was rare for Torrian to catch any emotion in his sire’s face, and Logan was a fine actor.

Ranulf glowered at her, his head tipped down as if to gore her like a bull. “You made that up, you bitch.”

Torrian flew across the room and grabbed Ranulf, managing to punch him in the face before his sire and uncle pulled him back. He’d kill the bastard for sure.

Lily screamed, and Torrian’s sire barked out, “Buchan, take you and yours off my land. We’ll see you in Edinburgh in two days. The king is in residence at his castle there.”

Buchan responded in kind. “This isn’t over, Ramsay. I demand justice.”

They stormed out of the room and Torrian fell into a chair, his rage just now simmering down. That man had dared insult his sister.

He’d also had a difficult time looking at the MacNiven now that he knew of his plans to kill him.

Everyone seemed startled into silence, but after a short while, Quade said, “I’d like to speak with Torrian alone.”

As soon as the chamber emptied, Quade motioned for Torrian to take a seat in front of his desk. He did not speak for several moments, obviously measuring his words carefully.

“Son, I know why you are doing this.”

“They’ve lied and been underhanded all along. We must do what’s right, and I believe with all the evidence we’ve gathered, we can convince the king to see our side.”

Quade leaned back in his chair and smiled at him, something Torrian hadn’t anticipated. “Is that why you’re doing it?”

“Aye.” He gave him a puzzled look, unsure of his intent.

“Nay, you’re doing it because you truly have fallen for a lass, and you wish to marry her and only her. Is that not correct?”

Torrian stared at his sire. “Da, I’m sorry to disappoint you. You know I’ve vowed to always make you proud of me, but I
am
trying to do what’s right.”

“Are you not in love with Heather Preston?” His sire sat up and rested his elbows on the desk, leaning toward his son.

Torrian whispered. “Aye. I know that disappoints you. I know you believe in following the king’s orders. After all the years I lived with little happiness, I must choose different.”

“I do not believe in the king arranging marriages at all. I just do what the king decrees, and sometimes, ‘tis marriage to someone you do not choose.”

“I know you married Brenna for other reasons, and I thank you for that.”

“What?” Quade jerked his head back. “Why do you think I married Brenna?”

“Because you stole her from the Grants and because she fixed Lily and me. You wanted her around forever in case something else happened to us.”

“You’re wrong. Completely wrong, though ‘twould probably sound better if you were correct.”

Torrian stared at his sire, suddenly recalling the many times he’d seen his father with his arms wrapped around Brenna. Or the time he’d caught them kissing when he was younger. “I am? But I thought…”

“Here’s the truth. I married your mother because it was arranged by our sires, and I did grow to love her, but I married your stepmother because I wanted to. I loved Brenna so much it frightened me, and that love has only grown. I could not imagine my life without her.”

“I never realized, Da.”

“So no one realizes more than I do why you made the decision you did.” His voice lowered. “But I needed you to make that decision. I was not going to make it for you.”

Torrian was stunned. He had no idea what to say to his father’s declaration. And it was just like his father to think about his response before he delivered it. He finally understood why he waited until now. It was his sire’s way, and one he’d be wise to follow. How many times had he advised him to think about his actions first?