Fearless Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 3) Read online

  Her father ran his hands through his light hair and over his face. “Aye, which is why I’ve forbidden her to leave the keep. The Sinclairs arrived before noon. I will meet with them shortly to settle the agreement. You may want to ensure Lillia is readied for she will depart with them when they leave the festival.”

  Her mother wiped at her eyes and nodded. “How am I to say farewell to my only daughter?”

  Lillia bolted down the hall and closed the door to her chamber. Her heart beat frantically. She’d be wedded to one of the Sinclairs? That’s why he wouldn’t allow her to leave the keep. What did he mean about used as a pawn and the king will be ousted? Would those who searched for her truly put her on the throne? She wasn’t about to sit around and await the terrible news. Lillia pulled a tartan over her shoulders and hurried down the steps.

  She left the keep and practically ran through the mass of people standing in the center of the courtyard. Never in her life had she wanted to flee from her home. She’d never intently disobeyed her father either. Until this day. Lillia wanted to be gone, to be as far away as possible. She certainly didn’t want to be wedded to a Sinclair. Likewise, she didn’t want to be put on the throne.

  As she reached the cottages near the back of the keep, she slowed her pace and tried to control her breath. The mad dash sent of rush of warmth through her and she couldn’t calm. Several of her friends, most married women, sat together enjoying their midday meal. She took the open spot on the bench next to Hilde, a beautiful lady who married her brother Gawin. Susannah sat across from her. She wedded her brother Hamish.

  “Lillia, we were wondering where you were and expected you earlier. Here,” Hilde said, and handed her nephew over.

  She held the bairn and smiled. There was nothing akin to a baby to brighten one’s spirit no matter how down one was. Lillia adored her nephews and nieces. Thomas was the youngest and newly born. She set a light kiss on his head. “He sleeps.”

  “Aye and don’t jostle him or I’ll never finish my supper.” Hilde piled her trencher and sat back with a contented smile.

  Lillia needed aid and thought of her brothers. Surely they would get her to safety. “Where are Gawin and Hamish?”

  Hilde grumbled and swallowed her food before answering, “They’re likely besotted by now. Aye, they took to drink earlier in the day and took to carousing with the other clansmen. I fear we may have to put our husbands to bed this night.”

  “Aye, if they can walk home.” Susannah laughed at something Maudie whispered in her ear. Maudie, Susannah’s sister, was shy and often spoke low when the ladies met for entertainments.

  Hilde poked her arm. “What’s wrong with you? I can tell something is bothering you? You’re never this quiet.”

  Lillia shrugged her shoulder. She wouldn’t speak of what she’d learned this day and the apparent trouble she was in. “Nothing really. Tell me what you were discussing before I came? Obviously Susannah finds it humorous.”

  Hilde choked on a piece of meat she’d just stuck in her mouth. After she swallowed and drank a sip of water, she grinned. “Our discussion was comical, but not for your ears. It involves marital duties.”

  She raised a brow. “Oh? I’m certain my ears can handle such discussion. What say you? What marital duties? Do you mean those in the bedchamber? Mother told me all and was descriptive. She says there’s nothing to fear. Besides, I’m well past the marriage age.”

  Susannah chuckled. “Hilde told us that Gawin wanted her to use her mouth to—”

  Hilde smacked her hand over Susanna’s mouth. “Gracious be, Sus. Speak not of that. Lillia is young and hasn’t coupled yet. She shouldn’t know of such things.” She turned away and hid her blush.

  Susannah giggled and touched her arm. “My dearest sister, we spoke of things beneath the covers, but mostly we debated about how many times it takes … coupling in order to … well, that is …”

  “For goodness sake, Susannah, the cat has your tongue this day, doesn’t it? She means to say we think you can only couple with your husband three times before he begets you with child. Aye, so if you wish to remain free of bairns, don’t allow your husband to prickle the kitty … any more than twice in a short amount of time.” Hilde’s words fervent and solemn. “I shouldn’t have allowed Gawin to touch me, but he’s so handsome I fear I’d never refute him.”

  Lillia scrunched her eyes at the term ‘prickle the kitty’ for it was the humorous phrase they’d used when referring to making love. “This is what you’ve been discussing? Good Lord, you should be ashamed of yourselves. I need to go before it gets dark.” She handed her wee nephew back to his mother. “I shall see you later … I … I must leave.” Lillia swallowed a sob, certain she would weep at the thought of leaving her home and never seeing them again. She hastened away before they could ask what had upset her.

  Her friends were delightful, and she was gladdened they never excluded her from their marital discussions. Now that she would marry, she wanted to remember all their discussions. The last was definitely of interest because she certainly didn’t want children right away. Lillia wanted to ensure her and her husband’s relations prospered before they added anyone to the mix.

  Oh Lord Above. Why was she thinking nonsensical thoughts? Who cared? Right now she was in danger. Forget a husband … begetting children … How was she going to go through with the marriage to a Sinclair? What about her vow to her heart? She couldn’t renounce what was in her heart and the likelihood of her loving another didn’t seem possible.

  Should she thwart the marriage? The possibility that she’d ever see her love again was doubtful since he’d been gone for numerous years. For Lillia love was too important to cast aside. Many women wedded men whom they did not love. Obviously her father thought she’d be safer with the Sinclairs. Perhaps she should obey and marry the man. Her friend’s discussion would definitely be considered if she went through with the betrothal.

  She ambled through the festival grounds with nowhere to go in sight. With her father’s declaration, she realized this would be her last night on Hunter land. It might be the last night she’d be with her family. Despair came upon her thinking such, but being a dutiful daughter, she had to follow her father’s dictate. She always knew he’d choose her husband even if she’d rejected a handful of suitors already. But why, oh why, did he have to live so far away?

  Lillia stopped by a large bonfire that lit the center of the courtyard and felt the heat from the high flames on her face. The sky was light enough to see everyone within the square, but dusk would soon send its shadows. She would eventually find her way inside and deal with the consequences of fleeing the keep.

  And her impending betrothal.

  Around her strangers jested and their celebration jubilantly rose. She didn’t recognize most of the people and didn’t see any of her family. As she walked past the gatehouse, she waved to the sentry, but kept retreating away from the keep. A chill came upon her and she pulled the tartan around her shoulders.

  Lillia wasn’t one to imagine things, but for some strange reason, she felt someone watching her. Her hair stood on end and her breath quickened. She kept gawking behind her, certain she was being followed. With her father’s comments about the Guardian and her birthright, an odd sense overcame her. Two men dressed in dark garments followed. Their stride intently kept up with her pace. Her steps hastened, and she peered ahead searching for someone to rescue her.

  A man perused her from a nearby cottage. Lillia glanced at him and her heart practically leapt from her chest. She realized who he was, and a sob constricted her throat. God was looking out for her. His face set hard with a frown, but she had no time to tell him the cause of her abruptness. She ran at him, pulled his arm, and yanked him around the corner of the cottage.

  “Lillia, it is you. What are you about?”

  She threw her body against his and embraced him and used his large figure to hide hers. Excitement and fear prickled her skin. “Heath, kiss me.”


  Chapter Three

  Before Heath could move, she set her lips upon his. He returned the sensual kiss with all his being, pressing her body against the cottage thatch. Her soft curves melded to him and her tongue timidly coaxed his touch. There was something oddly desirous in her kiss, and more than that, his response which undoubtedly confused him. Her fingers meshed in his hair and she pushed back the hood of his cloak. He weakened at the knees and set his hands on her hips. Heath continued to caress her mouth and the sound of a soft moan reverberated his tongue. A yearning to have her snuck upon him.

  He quickly pulled away. Heath gazed into her eyes. She peered at him with desire mingled with fear. He didn’t like it one wee bit, her desire nor her fear. Lillia turned and glanced around the cottage and returned her gaze to him.

  “They’re gone.”

  “Who is gone?” He kept her from leaving and took hold of her wrist. Many questions hit him at once: who were the two men following her, why she pulled him around the cottage, and most import, why she kissed him?

  “No one.” She smiled and touched his face, the light caress allaying him. “’Twas naught but a few suitors I was trying to avoid. It’s been many a year, Heath. I assume you’re here for the autumn festival?”

  “Something akin. And lass, I can tell when you speak a falsehood. Those men were following you. They were intent to reach you. Are you in danger?”

  She shook her head, her bonny blonde waves shaking. “Nay, not at all. Do not make it out to be more than it is. You’re as handsome as I remember. Although your hair is much darker and longer, and my, but you are verily taller than I remembered.” Her fingers pressed his arm and there was something stirring in her touch.

  “I was little more than a lad when I last saw you.” He searched her face for honesty, but since she insisted she was safe, he relaxed. “You’ve turned into a beautiful woman, Lillia. Aye, no longer the willful lass?”

  Lillia laughed a sound as light and sweet as a Dunnock sparrow on a spring morning. “I haven’t been willful since I was wee. Where have you been? I heard your father sent you away but I didn’t believe what was rumored …”

  He raised a brow. “You should believe what was told. I am in service to the king. So … tell me what had ye running and why you demanded I kiss you?” Heath almost groaned aloud when he noticed the glisten of her lips. He wanted to kiss her again, truth be told, for much longer and with much more passion. But Lillia was like a sister to him. They’d spent most of their childhood teasing and chasing one another. He shouldn’t consider her in any sort of romantic notion. Then why did his heart tense when he saw her? And why did it clash madly when she’d kissed him?

  “I told you, Heath, two suitors set on gaining a kiss from me, but I thwarted them.”

  “Aye, you thwarted them all right. Do your brothers ken you’re out here alone? Do ye make a habit of hailing off without protection? There are many strangers here. I’m surprised your father didn’t bid ye to stay in the keep.” The more he thought about her lack of care, the more ireful he became. “You should return home before something—”

  “My da forbade me from leaving the keep. But I worked hard preparing for the festival and wanted to enjoy it. I shall return home soon, but before I go … I …” She set her arms around him and hugged him close. “I’ve missed you, Heath. Will you not walk with me a bit before I return?”

  “I shouldn’t, but I will.” He should leave, but everything within him told him to stay. At least for a short while. He walked next to Lillia and continued to watch her. She was lovely. Her sunshine hair flowed freely. Her brown eyes sparkled with flecks of light and as golden as a new batch of honey. Not only was she beautiful, but she still had the winsome spirit he remembered. Lord how he’d missed her.

  They rounded a copse of trees and Heath knew where she was leading him–where they’d spent many a warm summer’s day–by the stream where they swam and caroused. Against his wishes, he kept his distance with a respectable foot betwixt them. Getting close to her would only cause his heart to war with his mind. His heart clamored and his mind rebelled.

  She slipped on a patch of wet leaves and ended up in his arms. Heath held her longer than was necessary to rectify her. Lillia felt right in his arms as if she belonged there. And yet he berated himself for thinking such thoughts. With a newfound view of her, he resisted lowering his mouth to hers.

  “You’re still gawkish. Aye, you always were.” He couldn’t hold back the grin that came, for she’d always made him merry.

  Her bonny eyes crinkled with mirth. “I am not clumsy, at least not anymore.”

  “You always walked into things and caused mishaps around you.” He grinned at the remembrance. “You need to be more alert.”

  “I’m always alert.” She released him and pressed her hands over her garments.

  “Aye? Then ye are aware there was a man following us?”

  “There was? Where?” She turned and peered at the surrounding trees. “I see no one.”

  “I believe we lost him when I veered you around the large crag. You ken, the one we used to jump from when we were children.”

  “Do you know who he is?” Her eyes widened, and he was positive now she feared the follower.

  “Nay.” Heath wondered if someone followed him and not her. Perhaps someone recognized him and was intent to apprehend him. But then why would she be fearful? He took a moment to survey their surroundings and listened intently for sounds, but no one was near enough, not even a small animal. “Worry not, Lillia, I’m alert enough for the both of us.”

  “You, Heath Fraser, are being boastful, and always were.”

  Assured he’d lost the follower, Heath eased. “Mayhap I boast a wee bit. Let us sit and take rest. Tell me of your life.” He’d rather continue kissing her, but needed something to occupy him so he wouldn’t do as he was wont.

  “I wish not to speak of it. Do you recall when you first kissed me the night all the fireflies surrounded the stream?”

  Heath remembered that night as if it were yesterday. It was their first and only kiss until this day. The magical night rivaled this one. He sat and leaned against a tree, gazing out to the flowing waters. His hand set against the bump of his dagger fastened to his leg. If danger neared, he’d be ready to face it.

  “It was the night of the summer solstice celebration.”

  He trained his ears again to notice any unusual sounds around them, and hearing none, motioned for her to sit next to him. “I don’t recall this night you speak of. I do remember you always followed me and your brothers.”

  Lillia sat next to him and stretched out her legs. She took the hem of her skirt in hand and tossed it to ensure her legs modestly covered. “That’s because you never took me with you and I had to sneak around. This night reminds me of it for it was dusk and the night air warm. You kissed me when my brothers climbed the willows and chased out the fireflies. It was magical with all their wee lights around us. I shall never forget it.”

  It was indeed a night to remember but Heath wouldn’t own to such triviality. It was best he refute her, because he didn’t want to cause her harm or hurt. Lillia Hunter wasn’t a lass he should consort with no matter how much his heart protested. He had too much respect for her father and brothers to woo her without their permission.

  “Have you married?” His question both surprised him and caused her to gasp. “I only ask in case your husband is searching for you. Mayhap he was the man who followed us.”

  “He wasn’t. What I mean to say is that I am not married. My da intends to betroth me and I shall soon leave. I won’t see you again.” Her tone suggested he’d wounded her which was not his intent.

  “Likely not because I only planned to stay this day.”

  “Why did you come?” She picked a piece of grass that found its way onto his tartan.

  He shifted the material to cover his thigh and grinned. “I am searching for my missing squire and heard he came to … enjoy the festivities.”<
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  “I fear there isn’t much fanfare for it appears the king hasn’t come.”

  “How do you ken the king hasn’t come?” Heath was pleased to hear that because Gilroy was safe enough for now.

  She folded her hands and kept her eyes faceted on him. “The gate’s men would have sounded the bells. They practiced days in advance to get the melody right. The bells didn’t toll and haven’t all day. He hasn’t come. My father will be disappointed for he’d spent a fortune in purchase of enough food and such for the king’s entourage.”

  “It’s probably better he hasn’t come.” Heath felt eased talking with Lillia. It was as if they’ve never been separated. “Are you joyful of your betrothal?”

  She moved closer and her long leg flanked his. He gritted his teeth against taking her in his arms and kissing the breath from her.

  “I am not certain if joyful is an appropriate word. But I should obey my father and wed the man, shouldn’t I? I always thought … that is, I gave my heart to—”

  Lest he be the one to give her ideas, he said, “We should all obey our das.”

  Heath was gladdened he wasn’t a woman. The fairer sex had much more restrictions placed on them than men. Women moreover subjugated and had to follow a man’s dictate their entire lives, first their fathers and then their husbands. If he ever married, not that he planned to, he’d never force his wife to follow his directives.

  Lillia turned and with her face an inch from his, she smiled. “I am disheartened you don’t remember our first kiss. Let me remind you.” She set her hands on his shoulders, tugged him forward, and her lips pressed against his.

  Heath groaned in delight at the softness settled against his mouth. Everything told him to push her away, to invoke gallantry. Everything but his heart. He clasped her in his embrace and pulled her toward him until he felt the swell of her bosom pressing his chest. Their kiss continued in a mindless mix of sensual desire and extreme lust. Heath had never wanted a woman as much as he wanted her. His hand caressed her back and his breath harsh. If he wasn’t careful, he’d delve his hand beneath her skirts to see if she longed to have him there.