Fearless Heart (Legend of the King's Guard Book 3) Page 5

  He surely wanted to join his body with hers and he was certain he’d die a little if he didn’t.

  Lillia pressed her hands over his abdomen and kept up the torture until she reached his chest. His muscles flinched at the sensitive touches and before his desire got the better of him, he dislodged his mouth.

  Taking a moment to compose himself, his breath slowed. She affected him far more than he should allow and yet … “I’m sorry, lass, I don’t remember our first kiss being so … intense.”

  Lillia smoothed her thumb across his bottom lip. “I’m sorry I can never be yours.”

  Heath wanted to tell her it wasn’t true, but he wouldn’t deceive them both. He could never be hers either. The noise of a breaking twig sounded a little ways off and he stood and forced Lillia against the tree.

  “I hear someone. Stay there.” He pulled a dagger free of its scabbard strapped to his leg and set out to find the intruder. In a tight grip, he held the blade at the ready. With the lightest steps, he ambled toward the sound he’d caught.

  But no one was there. When he turned back to Lillia, she yelled out. The intruder held her and tried to pull her back by yanking her with his arm tucked beneath her ribs. Before he could get to her, she bit the man’s forearm and gained her release. Heath took aim and hurled the dagger at the assailant with such force it entered to the hilt. The man gripped the dagger embedded in his midsection and took several steps before falling to the ground.

  Heath reached Lillia and took her in his arms. He looked down to ensure the knave was dead. His aim true and struck the man’s torso. Considering the knave lay still and blood poured from his mouth, the attacker breathed no more.

  “Are ye sure you aren’t married?” Heath held her close. She shook in his arms and fear darkened the depths of her eyes. “I’d say he was a jealous lover.” He tried to make light of the situation, but it didn’t seem to help. She held on to him with a death-grip.

  “I never saw him before.”

  “He wasn’t one of your suitors?”

  “No. Hold me, Heath. I’m still shaking.”

  Heath did so and calmed her by pressing his large hand on the small of her back. “The danger has passed. You should be well enough now.”

  “Can I not enjoy being held by you for a few more minutes as I am wont?” She lifted her chin and smiled up at him, but then pouted.

  He moved his knuckles to the softness of her cheek and leaned forward. Heath found himself grinning at her jest even though he wanted to shout in conflict at the attack. His Lillia was as blunt as ever and he set a chaste kiss on her lips. Her fearfulness was but a ruse. “If I had my way, I’d never let you go.”

  “But you must, mustn’t you?”

  “I serve the Bruce and Scotland. I have to uphold my duty to the king. There are duties that keep me away for long periods … I won’t allow unreasonable thoughts of a wife …”

  “You need not explain. My father intends to betroth me, remember. This night in fact, to a faraway clan.”

  He held her face between his rough palms, peering at the softest brown eyes he ever beheld. “I explain because if things were different, I would surely make you mine.”

  Lillia reached down and plucked his dagger from the assailant’s stomach. “I believe this is yours. I should get back before my father sends out a search. We should go.”

  “You need to tell your father about this attack. I don’t like that the knave was after you, Sweetness. Promise me, you’ll tell him of it so he can send out more sentries and ensure no other threats are intended.” He held her face and gazed into the honey-colored eyes that always mesmerized him.

  “If it will please you, then I shall tell my father. But I’m certain it was just a ruffian set out for a kiss or some silly nonsense. You worry too much, Heath.”

  Worry which was warranted, he surmised. As fearful as she pretended a moment ago, a courageous spirit overtook her. Their return to the keep enmeshed in silence. There were many things he wanted to say to her, but it was best he keep the words behind his teeth. He wasn’t wrong in his reasoning. His life did not have room for a wife no matter how fetching and winsome she was. Near the keep, he forced her to release his hand. “Be well, fairest Lillia. Make sure your husband treats you well.”

  “If he doesn’t, I shall come and find you.”

  “And what would you have me do, Sweetness?” Heath chuckled at the silliness of her tone.

  “Why, kill him of course.” She laughed and leaned against him. “I jest. Be safe, Heath. It was pleasant seeing you again. I hope many years don’t go by before you visit again.” She kissed his cheek, turned and hastened into the keep.

  Heath watched the entrance until she disappeared. The lass hadn’t changed much since he’d last seen her. She caused a chaos of emotions to riddle him senseless. It was always the case with Lillia, for he supposed he’d been besotted by her since the day he’d met her.

  He shook off the encounter and glanced around at those still meandering around the courtyard. Many revelers departed for the tents and such. Little moon offered light, and he’d never find Gilroy in such darkness. He hoped his comrades made better progress.

  Chapter Four

  The great hall filled with people. Lillia was surprised to find her parents entertaining considering their earlier talk. With the present company it was unlikely she’d be reprimanded for leaving the keep. Many people gathered and there was even a few musicians playing their instruments in the corner. The table filled with various trenchers and the scent of roasted boar reached her, causing her stomach to rumble. She hadn’t eaten all day.

  Were they celebrating her betrothal? Her stomach rumbled for a completely different reason with that thought. Lillia slid into the hall unnoticed. She shuffled forward until she stood beside her father and Laird Fraser. Engrossed in their discussion about the king’s absence, neither noticed her until her father took a moment to observe the room.

  “Lillia, you’re here. We shall discuss your earlier disobedience later. This night is one to rejoice for you’re about to meet your betrothed. I will hear no rebukes this time. You cannot and will not refuse this suitor, Daughter. I’ve given you years of choice, but no longer. This night you will finally be betrothed. I want your agreement.”

  She lowered her gaze. “Aye, Father, I understand.” He sounded too excited for her to argue with, and she was resigned to obey him. She didn’t pretend to be shocked by his announcement and he didn’t show his astonishment at her acceptance. “Where is he?” Lillia decided to get it over with. It was best she meet the man at the soonest so she might go to bed and more than likely dream about Heath.

  “I shall bring him to you.” He turned to his great ally and said, “Simon, make sure the lass stays put. She makes a habit of disappearing.”

  Laird Fraser bellowed. “Worry not, Aylmer. She’ll be here when ye return.”

  As soon as her father left them, she faced Laird Fraser. “I’m sorry he bid you with such a mundane task as watching me, Laird.”

  “Standing with a bonny lass in a hall filled with envious men, I deem not so mundane. I’d always hoped your father and I would set a brothel betwixt you and Heath. Now it is not so.”

  She kept her tone low when she spoke. “As did I. I saw him.”

  “You saw Heath? I’m astounded for he hides to keep his life intact.” Laird Fraser perused his eyes around the chamber, but stood close to her.

  “He did not speak of that matter. Heath looks well, and yet he is still somber. I had always hoped you and my father would betroth us too. It appears I won’t have my wish, will I?”

  “You’re dismayed, lass, and I can understand why.” Laird Fraser motioned to the opposite end of the hall. “The wily Sinclairs. Your betrothed is called Angus. He’s the behemoth alone by the ale barrel. Nay, lass, ye won’t have your wish for your father is intent to ally with the Sinclairs. Foolish man.”

  Lillia wanted to gag when she saw the man he motioned to. The man
she was to wed was worse than a … a heathen. His manners were atrocious, his dress deplorable. He was as far from handsome as a man could be. Did her father really expect her to marry such an uncouth, vile man?

  Laird Fraser set his arm around her back. “Are ye unwell, lass? Ye look like you’re about to swoon.”

  Heat spiraled in her chest and wound its way to her throat. “I, I … am well.”

  “Ye don’t lie well, lass.” He grinned. “Your father is making a grave mistake by joining with the Sinclairs. There are other ways to keep ye safe. If you wish to avoid the marriage, you only need to secretly abscond to my land. We’ll hide ye from the Sinclairs.”

  “That is a comforting thought, my lord. Unfortunately, I wouldn’t ever do something so rash and ruin your alliance with my father.”

  The laird laughed. “Alliances have a way of remedying themselves when mishaps … happen. You’re a gallant lass. Och, I mean what I say. We’d hide ye well. Ah, your groom comes. Best consider my offer, lass, and take it to heart.” Laird Fraser stepped back when her father approached.

  Lillia peered at the banners hanging high in the rafters above them. Their colors blurred. Heat intensified and constricted her throat. She’d never experienced such a malady.

  “Daughter, I present Angus Sinclair, your betrothed.”

  The man stepped forward and belched. “Well now, she’s as bonny as ye said, Laird Hunter. I’m pleased with her. Aye, I accept her.”

  Lillia swayed on her feet. It took all she had not to fall to the floor a wail like a bairn. How she maintained her decorum was beyond her. And yet she wanted to act childish and throw a tantrum of the like they’d never seen. Her mouth went completely dry and she couldn’t speak to the behemoth to voice her abhorrence.

  Her father peered and her and pressed her for a reply. “She accepts you, do you not, Lillia?”

  She stumbled backward and held her throat, certain she was about to retch. The man, her loathsome betrothed, was not only uncouth, but he reeked of an odor she couldn’t place. His smell was so ungodly awful that she wanted to pinch her nose closed. Laird Fraser took hold of her waist and kept her from falling backward.

  “Daughter, are you unwell?”

  She nodded. No words would form on her lips. She wouldn’t marry the man. Even if she was outcast, she’d rather face the uncertainty of banishment than be wed to such a vile man. Lillia wondered were she to refuse the man if her father would banish her. Certain that would be the price for such embarrassment. How in God’s name did he expect her to joyously proclaim acceptance of such a sordid man? Did her father not care for her future, for her well-being, for her happiness? What of her children?

  Dear God Above! The last thing she’d ever do was allow that retched man to touch her. There’d be no begetting of children if she married him. Her breath quickened and she was certain she’d gag. Heat wound its way to her cheeks and her head spun with deplorable thoughts.

  Her father raised his hand and signaled her mother. “She accepts you, Sinclair. We’ll send for the clergyman and when he arrives, we shall settle the matter.” Her mother arrived and took hold of her elbow. “Wife, our daughter is unwell. Take her to her chamber and allow her rest. I shall call when all is readied.”

  Lillia leaned against her mother as she led her from the hall. Once up the stairs and when the door to her bedchamber was firmly closed, she fell to her knees, held her stomach, and wept.

  Her mother pressed her hair. “Dearest, ‘tis not as bad as all that.”

  She sniffled and wiped at her eyes. “Is it not? I’m to wed that wretched man? It is worse than imaginable. Father must detest me.”

  “You always make matters seem poorer than they are.”

  Lillia pressed her eyes. She thought about Laird Fraser’s offer. If she could flee, she might seek sanctuary with the Frasers. She had to come up with a plan, a sound way to leave the keep unnoticed. Her very life depended upon it.

  “You are aright, Mother. I suppose I have no choice but to accept him. I would like to bathe and dress properly for the …” She swallowed hard. “… wedding.”

  Her mother caressed her hair. “There, you see, all shall be well. It is for your own safety that we give you to the Sinclairs.”

  “About that …”

  “Nay, we shan’t discuss it.” Her mother’s eyes brimmed with tears and she shuttered. “’Tis bad enough you are leaving me, I shall not ponder it. I only want your happiness and hope your father hasn’t made a mistake.”

  “How can Da deem I’d be happy with that man? He is making a terrible mistake. Will you not tell him so? Please, Mother, plead for me?”

  “Dear heart, I would except I’ve already accepted your father’s position and decision. There’s no reasoning with him now. A bath will soothe ye and you’ll feel much better about the situation once you’re clean. I will have water sent posthaste. It may take a wee bit for the water to heat. I will return shortly and help you ready.”

  That’s what she was counting on, the water taking long to heat. “I’m in no rush, Mother. But I would like to bathe.” Lillia waved to her mother as she left the chamber. If only her betrothed bathed, she might be resigned to marry him. He mightn’t appear as reprehensible if he had, but she knew there was no reasoning such a thing. The man didn’t bathe given the odor permeating from him. A gag tightened her throat at the thought.

  Lillia hastened to her wardrobe and pulled a satchel from under a pile of garments. She quickly tossed inside her favorite overdresses and items she’d need. Her chamber lacked any weapons she might require on the perilous journey, but somehow she’d make do. She changed her overdress to a plain brown frock and covered her hair with a plain white wimple. Hopefully no one would recognize her or realize she left the chamber.

  Now all she had to do was find a way to sneak out of the keep without anyone noticing.

  Lillia snuck down the stairs which flanked the great hall. A wall betwixt the two rooms shielded her. She reached the bottom and saw two lads carrying a tub. The recess in the wall hid her as they passed. Their feet tromped and they grumbled about the chore, and carried the heavy tub up the stairs. She felt badly at being the cause of their useless task.

  When they were out of sight, she hurried to the door. With her hand on the ornate grip, she turned and found Laird Fraser watching her. Voices came and she froze. She was going to be caught and pleaded with him to help her. Her eyes wide and willful, told him she would flee.

  “Ah, Aylmer, come and have one last drink with me before I depart. Who knows when next I’ll see ye.” Laird Fraser led her father away from the entrance.

  Lillia pulled the door open and stole through to the outside. She released the breath she held and ran toward the stables. Too many people were about. She would have to hide and retrieve a horse when it grew dark enough for her to be unseen.

  She walked back toward the stream where she’d shared a lovely time with Heath. If only he hadn’t left. She might have gained his aid. But he had to be long gone by now. As she meandered toward the water, she turned when she heard cries.

  Lillia wasn’t usually brave, but she decided to venture forth and see what was happening. After she set her hefty satchel next to the large crag, she used the tree trunks to shield her movements. The closer she got to the screams, the more determined she was to rescue whoever was being tortured.

  A fire ahead lit a small clearing and sent a glow to the trees. She stopped at a shadowed trunk and watched the scene before her. Two men stood over a lad whose hands were tied behind his back. The men took turns punching their quarry. One of them used his dagger to cut the lad’s face twice before he relented. Her body stiffened at the sight and how such a wound would hurt.

  Lillia wanted to rush into the clearing and yell at the knaves, but she noticed they looked like the men who followed her earlier. She would have to wait until they were distracted or they slept, to rescue the lad. If he survived their beating.

  “He doesn’t k
now anything, Lyell.”

  Lyell poked the wee one’s chest. “We want to ken where the king’s guard hides. You were with them the night your lord killed ours. I saw ye there in the church.”

  “I … I wasn’t there and know not of what you speak. You confuse me with someone else.”

  Lyell slapped the lad and gripped his tunic. “I have no time to dally with ye, lad. You will tell us what we want to ken. And you’ll do it before sunrise or you’ll be no more. Watch him, Raef. I’ll find Artur. He went to find the lass and should’ve returned by now.”

  “What if something happened to him?”

  Lyell shoved his cohort. “What could’ve happened to him? He searches for the lass. There are rumors of the Guardians coming here after the king’s wife birthed the bairn. It shouldn’t have taken him this long in returning.”

  “What are we going to do with him?” The cohort punched the lad and knocked him back.

  “We’ll take him to John and leave it to his discretion. I hope Artur found the lass for I don’t want to be here longer than necessary. The Hunters grow suspicious of our attendance. Keep alert, and no sleeping, Raef.” He picked up his satchel, flung it over his shoulder, and left the clearing.

  His partner shoved the lad’s chest again and caused him to fall to the ground. “Best rest whilst ye can. We’ll leave at first light with or without the lass.” He stretched out on his bedroll and within minutes snored loudly.

  Lillia shook her head at the ruffian’s defiance of his cohort’s command not to sleep. After a good ten minute wait, she snuck into the clearing. She approached the lad and bid him to remain silent by setting a finger over her lips. Her fingers hurt trying to untie the tight ropes. There was nothing within sight to use to cut the ropes, for she’d realized he was bound at the feet as well.

  “In my boot,” the lad whispered.