Page 4 of Bride Takes a Laird (Highland Vows & Vengeance #2)

T he journey to the king’s castle finally ended just before the sun sunk low in the sky. Weary from riding in the rain and stopping little to rest wore Kendra out. Her father appeared confused as they approached the castle. Likely, he had forgotten again where they traveled to and why. She leaned to the side and patted his hand in the hope of settling him. Twice on the trek, her father asked where they were going. Kendra repeatedly told him that the king called for their attendance and that she would soon be married.

There seemed to be a good many people at the castle. As she rode through the two towers that flanked the gates, she noticed the many men about and the number of horses that were placed in a makeshift corral near the entrance.

Kendra slid from her horse’s back and stood near her father as he dismounted his horse. John and Linet retrieved their baggage as they waited for someone to come forward. John wouldn’t let her maid carry the heavy baggage and held four satchels whilst Linet held the satchel with the remaining foodstuff and her own.

A man greeted them with a wide smile. “Welcome, welcome. I am our great king’s chamberlain, Edmund.” The robust man smiled. “Come this way and tell me who you be.”

“Good day, Sir. I am Kendra and this is my father, Lord Rupert Graham.” She bowed to him and waited for his direction .

“Mistress Kendra, we are pleased you are finally here. Come, we shall have you taken to a chamber where you can make ready for the night’s festivities. There is no time to dally. No time at all.”

He walked quickly and she followed the man inside the castle. Along the tapestry-covered hallways and lavishly furnished passageways, she kept silent. Her father held on to her arm and now patted her hand in his attempt to soothe her. He always could tell when she was riled. Kendra’s shoulders tensed and her stomach was in a taut knot. Until now, she had avoided the king’s court, although from what she heard, the queen often entertained, much to the king’s disgruntlement. Fortunately, her father rarely visited Edinburgh, Parliament, or the king himself. In recent years, he tended to stay at their manor. In his weakened state, she was gladdened he hadn’t traveled much.

At a chamber, the chamberlain opened the door. “You are fortunate to have arrived in time, Mistress. I was about to send out the sentry to hurry you along, hoping you were on the road here. There is not much time to rest, I am afraid, because the king will soon meet with everyone. He has stated that he will have a private audience with all before the night’s festivity. I shall await here while you ready and then take you to his private room. Make haste.”

“All? Who else is the king meeting with?” she asked becoming confused at the purpose of her wedding.

“Our king is marrying off several of the ladies from Scotland’s border region. Amongst you, there are three others. This night, there will be a feast and you shall meet the other lassies and the men. Now hurry, because no one keeps the king waiting.”

Once the door was closed, she rushed behind a screen and changed out of her damp overdress. Fortunately, she had brought a few of her more acceptable gowns. Linet handed her a gown and asked John to help her father get ready. Kendra took little time to change and wash. Her hair was a mess and there was nothing she could do about it except pull half of it back and tie it with a ribbon .

When she finished, she despaired about what she would do with her father while she attended to the king. He had to appear with her and she vowed to keep an eye on him. But John would also attend and that relieved her somewhat.

“I shall stay here and unpack and ready the chamber for sleep. Go on,” Linet said.

“Very well, Linet. Hopefully, we are not overlong. Papa needs his rest. If I can, I’ll send him along earlier in the evening.”

Within minutes, she opened the door and they followed the chamberlain to a room near the great hall. Inside, she met the gazes of the other women and men whom she assumed were the other brides and grooms. She hoped her expression didn’t show her regard for the Highlanders. Kendra swallowed hard at the thought that they, she and the other women, were to marry the obstinate-looking men.

She found a vacant chair in which she settled her father. “Papa, stay here with John. Do not move from this chair and do not leave this room.” She looked at her father’s attendant and he understood her direction.

Her father nodded and another servant hastened forward and gave him a drink. She refused the drink that he likewise offered to her.

Kendra moved across the chamber and stood near the other women. She recognized one of the women, Isabella of the Forrester Clan, whose family lands bordered her clan’s property. She had met the woman on occasion in the village when she visited the merchant stalls. The woman stood alone, a little ways from where she and the other women waited. Kendra bowed her head to the women and smiled.

Her gaze slid again to the men who stood with them awaiting the king. They were attractive, strong-looking, and were most fierce in their stances with their arms at their sides and their legs braced. It was as if they were prepared for a fight. The men’s faces, though grim, were also handsome. Gracious Lord, she was to marry one of them. Her cheeks heated but she withstood the urge to fan herself .

A thud sounded and the king and queen entered the chamber. The side door slammed shut behind them. Alexander stopped near the men and spoke to them briefly, although she couldn’t hear what he said. The queen fell in behind him and they walked toward the dais. Margaret was richly garbed and appeared beautiful, as well as a queen should be. Alexander, King of the Scots, was a striking figure, and yet nowhere near compared to the Highlanders with their dangerous manner. Even so, there seemed to be a bit of nobility about the men with their staid gazes and haughty demeanor.

Kendra waited for the king to speak as did everyone in the hall. The silence of the chamber gave the atmosphere a certain apprehension. She shared a glance with a pretty woman who stood near her.

The king cleared his throat before speaking. “This is a day of import, and I am pleased to see you here. This evening, we shall have a feast with dancing and merriment. I will give you this time to greet each other and become familiar. Before the night ends, the selections will be discussed and finalized on the morrow. I bid you now to eat and drink.”

She took a glance to ensure that her father remained in the chair she’d put him in. He sat beside another older man and they conversed. John remained ever watchful behind him.

Kendra hadn’t felt so awkward in such a long time. She wasn’t coy but she wasn’t outspoken either. In waiting for the men to make their introductions, she lingered by the lovely lady next to her and they glanced at each other again.

“I have not met you before. I am Sorsha d’Avranches.”

Kendra dipped her chin. “I’m pleased to meet you, Mistress d’Avranches. I am Kendra of Clan Graham.”

The woman smiled and it reached her eyes. “Sorsha, please. I used to be Lady Chattan. Are you as delighted as I am to have been chosen by the king?”

“I suppose I am,” Kendra said and hadn’t spoken falsely. Although the choice of groom daunted her, at least now she didn’t have to marry Heatherington. She offered up a quick prayer that whomever she married was noble and kind. The last thing she wanted was to end up with a man akin to her odious neighbor.

“We should go and greet the men.” Sorsha set off, leaving her alone.

Queen Margaret approached and Kendra curtseyed low until the queen spoke, “Mistress Kendra, attend me. I have heard that you are a spirited woman from some of my courtiers and I should like to get to know you.”

Kendra waited a moment before rising with a smile fastened on her face and then kept her gaze on the queen’s plainly adorned head. Margaret wore a simple wimple fastened with a band of gold over her brown hair. “My Lady, I am…” She didn’t know what to say. “…am humbled and pleased to be here.”

Margaret tucked her arm with hers and pulled her to follow. “Walk with me about the chamber so we might speak in private.”

She did as the queen requested and kept her gaze on the floor as she walked. Kendra didn’t want to step on the queen’s toes, or God forbid, trip her. Laughter and voices rose around them.

“You look beautiful, Mistress Kendra, with your golden hair, and I am certain you have already caught the eyes of many of the grooms. Have you selected the man you wish to wed?”

Kendra shook her head. How could she make such a choice when she had yet to speak to any of them? “Nay, I shall speak to them and hopefully influence the man I wish to—”

“Do you see that man there,” the queen said cutting her off, as she pointed to a tall, dark-haired man. “That is Laird Cameron. ‘Magnus’ to his friends. He is a reserved man and speaks little but he’s a favorite of mine and it distresses me that he is so serious. He claims that he has no time for frivolities. The man has many burdens on his shoulders as the newly proclaimed laird of his clan. I deem he needs some joy in his life and a vivacious woman to appease him. Are you up for such a challenge?”

“If my lady wishes it so, then aye, I am up for the challenge.” Kendra wasn’t sure what the queen wanted of her but she wasn’t about to gainsay or deny her.

“If you make him smile before this night is through, then he shall be yours.”

“Mine? But is not the choice his? The king said—”

“He did say that,” she said cutting her off once again. Margaret laughed, her light snicker drew the attention of her husband. “Oh, but it is the Highlanders’ choice. Nevertheless, we women have a way of getting what we want in the end and influencing such matters. Do we not?”

Kendra nodded quickly at the queen’s supposition. “I shall do my best, My Lady, to make him smile.”

“Go then and greet him. I shall be watching. Remember, just one smile, Mistress Kendra, and he is yours for the taking.” Margaret dislodged her arm from hers and waved her forward.

Kendra was about to cross the gleaming floorboards to approach Laird Cameron, but then the double-wide doors suddenly burst open. Servants bustled about the adjacent room and she stood in awe of the great hall’s splendor. Three large candelabras held enough candles to send a glow to the far reaches of the room. Foodstuff in trenchers, baskets, and trays lined the table and the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meat filled the air. She whirled around at the sound of music when the first strings of a harpist began playing.

Never had she been at such a feast. Her father had never had the wherewithal to pay for such a lavish event at their manor home and most of the festivals and holy days were spent in Dunbartan’s village. Now there were a good number of people moving about the chamber: servants, family, the king’s attendants, the brides, and the grooms. Kendra felt out of place but she kept her eyes on Laird Cameron and considered how best to approach him. In truth, she wished she could fan herself because, honest to God, all the Highlanders were intimidating with their good looks, hard manners, and steely bodies.

Before she could intercept Laird Cameron, a man with light brown hair that reached his shoulders approached. Her breath caught a little at the sight of him. He was extremely handsome, with a lean but muscular body.

“Mistress,” he said and bowed his head. “I am Laird Mackintosh. ‘Shaw’ to my friends.”

“Laird Mackintosh,” she said and bowed. “Shaw.” He had a charming disposition about him and his smile surely could melt a woman’s heart. “I am Kendra of Clan Graham. Are you enjoying the king’s festivities?”

He nodded. “’Tis the truth, I would rather be home but och , at least ye ladies are pleasing on the eyes and I am not put off from taking one of ye as my wife.”

At that moment, Sorsha drew near. She deftly distracted Laird Mackintosh from attending to Kendra and in a moment they joined the dancers on the floor.

Kendra moved to greet Laird MacKendrick, but he seemed so formidable that she absconded just as quickly and went to meet another of the grooms, waiting for him to finish his conversation while keeping her eye on Laird Cameron. Somehow, she had to figure out how best to fulfill the queen’s request to make him smile—or even meet him—but he had yet to make eye-contact or even glance at her.

Through the open doors of the great hall, she glanced around to locate her father to make certain he’d stayed where she had put him. A slight panic overtook her when she noticed that he was gone from his seat. Before she could move off to find him, another man appeared to notice her and approached.

“Mistress Kendra,” he said as if he’d already been introduced to her, and bowed. “I am Breckin…Laird Buchanan. ”

“Laird Buchanan, it is a pleasure to meet you.” Although she wanted to run off to find her father, she had to greet the man to maintain politeness. She lowered her chin and took a breath as she curtseyed. Buchanan was far more intimidating than the rest of the men with his piercing blue-eyed gaze and broad shoulders. Kendra found herself stepping back, just to put a little space between them.

“Do ye wish to dance?” I fear I might step on your toes, but the king insists we join in.”

“Oh, I am sorry, Laird Buchanan, but I must go…” She grabbed her skirts and lifted them a little so she wouldn’t trip and hastened away. Her gaze shifted from one end of the large hall to the other in search of her father. Where was John? He was supposed to be looking after him. A terrible pain twitched her stomach at the thought that he’d gone off again. How would she ever find him in an unfamiliar and extensive castle?

As she roamed the large hall, her eyes darted to the corners and beyond. Finally, she spotted him, lingering behind the buttery with John next to him, and with a great sigh of relief, she approached and took his arm. “Papa, I told you not to leave your seat. Come, and sit back down. Let John get your drink. John make sure he stays at the table, please.” She led her father back to the table and gently pushed him into the seat when they reached it. John hastened after them and set a cup before her father.

“I was but refilling my drink, Dearest.”

“Let John attend to you. Now, promise me, Papa, that you will not move from this spot. I do not need to worry for you when I have other…” Her words trailed off when her father nodded vigorously.

“I will not move,” he said and lifted the cup of ale John had fetched for him.

Kendra searched amongst the revelers and found Laird Cameron. He stood out as he was taller than most of the men and she walked toward him. When she reached him, she turned to face the center of the room. “Good eve, My Lord.”

He bowed his head but kept his eyes on the room. Kendra drew a slow steady breath and was disheartened that he wouldn’t even look at her. Gaining his interest would take more thought and courage on her part.

A servant passed by them and offered a drink. The Highlander shook his head.

“Are you not thirsty?” she asked, making small talk.

“’Tis naught but watered-down ale.”

Kendra smiled at the sound of his voice. It was rugged, deep, and affecting. The timbre of it was a little raspy and manly, yet appealing. He didn’t smile but turned his head and finally gazed at her as she asked, “Perhaps you prefer a stronger drink?”

“A strong ale would be preferable, but I doubt there is any to be had.”

She peered up at him. His height put him well over a head taller than her. Like the other men, he was muscular and strong. But he was definitely more pleasing to look upon than Lord Heatherington or the other men who were offered as grooms. In truth, he was probably the most handsome man she’d ever beheld. His light greenish-brown eyes remained on her. The slight frown he wore and the tightness of his lips on his whisker-free face framed by long, thick brown made him appear stern and somewhat intimidating. He rubbed the nape of his neck with his large hand as if he was restless.

Kendra folded her hands in front of her and tried to appear demure and unaffected—a most difficult thing to do in front of this man. “Is that a challenge, My Lord?”

“Laird Cameron,” he said with a genuflect, “‘Magnus’ to ye, lass. And aye, perhaps it is a challenge. If ye find me a good strong cup of ale, I will offer ye my favor.”

“I am Kendra, daughter of Rupert Graham. If I find you a cup of strong ale, will you dance with me?” She raised her eyes to regard his mesmerizing greenish-brown and lingering stare.

“I would—”

She didn’t give him time to finish his words. “Await me then and I shall return.” Kendra rushed from the hall and stood outside the door. In the long hallway that led to the exit of the keep, she peered about for a servant but saw the chamberlain walking toward her. Excellent. Just the man she needed.

Edmund stopped before her. “Mistress, are you in need of aid?”

“Sir, I hope you can help me.” Kendra curtseyed to him and smiled.

He bowed in return. “Aye, Mistress, I am at your service. What do you need?”

“I need a cup of good, strong ale. Not for me, you see, but for one of the grooms. He says the hall’s ale is weak and I promised to bring him a cup of strong ale.” She rambled her explanation.

“Let me see what I can find, Mistress. Await here.”

The chamberlain set off and she lingered by the hall’s entrance. Time seemed to drag while she waited for his return. Kendra paced the hallway and studied a tapestry that spanned the wall. She noted several missed stitches in the battle scene which didn’t appeal to her at all. Noise from the hall drew her regard because she was uncertain if her plan would work. She hoped that she didn’t miss the opportunity to impress Laird Cameron.

Finally, the chamberlain returned with a cup on a small tray. “Mistress,” he said and held the tray out to her. “’Tis from the king’s private barrel of ale, much stronger than what the kitchen serves.”

“You are a godsend, Chamberlain Edmund.” He blushed at her compliment. Kendra took the cup and thanked him. She entered the great hall and marched to Laird Cameron. With little fuss, she handed him the drink. “I believe this ale is stronger than what is being served. It’s from the king’s personal barrel.”

He peered at her with disbelief. Laird Cameron took the cup, sipped the drink, then downed it, and nodded to her. “This is much tastier than that swill they are handing out. I believe ye met my challenge, Mistress Kendra. Shall we dance?” He set his empty cup on a nearby table and took her hand.

The touch of his hard manly hand brought her eyes to his. She lightly gripped him, but his hold was gentle and not at all as strong as it could be. The chords of the music started and a new song began. It was a softer, slower tune. She faced Laird Cameron and smiled. He had yet to smile at her but at least he was no longer scowling.

They began the dance and she rounded him, moving her feet to the steps of the melodic sounds around her. They shuffled toward each other, setting their palms in each other’s hands, and reverted around each other in the spatial pattern of the dance. Touching his hands drew her gaze to his eyes again. She’d never seen such a becoming shade. They weren’t green nor brown but a rich shade that blended the tones.

His skin was warm, rough, and yet, the contact was tender.

Unbeknownst to her, behind her, an older man danced with his wife. His movements were rather unskilled and chaotic, and his leg stuck out. Kendra stepped back and the man tripped her. She went flying in the direction of Laird Cameron. He caught her and held her close, his nose almost touching hers, his lips but a breath away. His touch and the way he held her lightened her heart and spurred her trust in him, trust mingled with a passion she’d never felt for anyone before. It swirled through her. Kendra couldn’t take her eyes from his.

The music came to an abrupt stop and all gaped at them. Kendra’s face heated at being the focus of everyone in the chamber. Magnus’s scowl could have felled the poor older man who had tripped her, but then he returned his eyes to hers and his frown lessened. “Lass, I believe ye are falling for me,” he said almost with a humorous lilt.

The music began once again and all those around them returned to their partners. Kendra gasped and he helped her to straighten to her feet but continued to hold her in his arms. He made no move to right her or release her. His strong hands held her waist and he peered at her with such a smoldering gaze, that a warmth rose to her chest. “Perhaps I am, Laird Cameron. Maybe I can get you to fall for me too.”

“Is that a challenge, Mistress Kendra?”

She couldn’t hold back her smile. “I do believe it is, Laird Cameron.”

Laird Magnus Cameron’s laugh reverberated in the room and was heard by all, even over the soft sounds of the harpist’s music. The queen watched them with a smile and she bowed her head to her. Kendra had just chosen her future husband and she wasn’t displeased by it at all.