Page 5 of Bride Takes a Laird (Highland Vows & Vengeance #2)

T he gloomy morning was spent trying to allay her father’s emotions. He threw fits over the food he was served for his morning fare and stated that he knew not where he was, or who she was, for that matter. It took a great deal of coercion to get him to calm down and to keep her tears at bay. It was so unlike her father to behave so irrationally and that troubled her. He was getting worse. Not only did he have moments of forgetfulness, but now he appeared to be so unlike the gentle, sweet-natured man, she knew him to be.

With the rain lessening to a drizzle, John suggested a good walk would do wonders to ease her father’s discontent. John helped her to settle him and they now walked about the grounds around the castle. That gave Kendra time to make ready for the day’s activities—the day of her wedding to a Highlander. As if she didn’t have enough trepidation in her heart.

Linet helped her to dress and chose her favorite frock. The light-blue linen gown with flowing sleeves wasn’t too cumbersome. She wrapped her neck in an ornate leather strap and set a matching one around her upper arm. Instead of putting her hair beneath a wimple, Linet parted it in the middle, braided it, and wrapped it into a coif to which she tied with another thin piece of leather.

“’Tis your wedding day, Mistress, and you should look your best.” Linet fussed over her and she loved her for it .

“Linet, please… How many times must I tell you to call me Kendra? We are friends and even though you take care of me, I don’t want you to be so formal.”

“Whilst we are here in the king’s castle, Mistress, we shall maintain…” Linet finished her hair and patted the blond coif. “…a demeanor beholding your station.”

“Very well, but it hurts my ears to hear you call me ‘mistress’.” Her nerves had gotten the better of her not only because she dealt with her father’s outbursts, but also because she would be bound to a man this day. She’d eaten little fare and paced the chamber they stayed in, until a knock on the door jarred her from her ruminations and caused her to jump off the floor.

“My but you are jittery this day. I cannot imagine why…you are only getting married.” Linet teased her. “Go on, Mistress, I shall gather our belongings and tidy up the chamber.”

“Pray for me, Linet, because I am going to need it.”

Her dear friend smiled and pulled her into an embrace. “You shall be well. Worry not.” Linet turned her, took her shoulders, and guided her to the door. “Any of those handsome Highlanders would do well for a husband and they’ll be fortunate if they get to choose you. Now, put a smile on your face, be brave, and try to appear winsome.”

Kendra snorted a laugh. “How is it you always make me feel not so distressed?” She reached the door and ambled through it. Along the way to the outside where the bouts would take place, she met up with the other ladies offered as brides.

She was hopeful that her choice of husband would win the brawl that day. If she had to choose one of the Highlanders for her husband, she hoped Laird Cameron would win her hand. Not only was he handsome, but his demeanor well suited her. He had a seriousness about him but she’d noted the edges of his mouth moving when he tried not to smile. The queen had challenged her to make him smile, but she’d done more than that—she made him laugh .

His laughter lightened her and she sensed that Magnus rarely showed that side of himself to anyone. She’d brought out a mirthful sense in him, a lighthearted mien. Ever since, she’d found herself smiling too, for no good reason but the memory of their encounter.

The rain had ceased and the small puddles all but dried now on the walkways. She stood with the small crowd of people awaiting the second brawl of the day. The first fracas seemed to go quickly and was but a blur to her. MacKendrick and Mackintosh fought almost brutally in their attempt to win the first choice of bride. Kendra winced quite a few times as she watched. How wretched it was to witness two grown men fighting. Even though to her it was most barbaric, those around her cheered with enthusiasm. The cheers and jeers alluded to the fact that most thought Mackintosh hadn’t given his all in the fight. MacKendrick easily won and chose Lady Isabella as his bride.

Edmund, the chamberlain, bellowed, “The draw for the next bout has taken place. Those fighting are to be Cameron and Mackintosh, and shall commence shortly.”

As Kendra waited for the announcement of Magnus’s fight with Laird Mackintosh to begin, she watched Magnus who stood afar from her. He appeared impatient and paced before the marked square where the fighting took place. Mackintosh stood a short distance away and he kept glancing at her. Lord, she hoped he didn’t want to choose her. Shaw was most charming, but Kendra admitted Magnus had more appeal. Magnus seemed to be studying his opponent too. Shaw wore the marks from the first brawl and she hoped that he was too tired from fighting with MacKendrick to win the battle with Magnus.

Queen Margaret, with her small entourage, walked toward Shaw. Kendra kept her gaze fixed on them because it appeared the queen was having a private discussion with him. When Margaret walked away, Shaw marched off in a different direction and looked angry. In fact, his stride was almost furious.

Margaret glided regally toward her and when she reached her, she stood next to her and faced the Highlanders. Kendra curtseyed to her and tipped her chin. “Good day, My Lady.”

The queen shielded her mouth with her hand and spoke low, “Laird Cameron, my good friend, is ready to fight for his woman.” Margaret’s smile widened. She tapped her arm and turned her head. “There is no doubt that he shall win. I asked him if you were to his liking and I gained his promise that he would choose you.”

Kendra’s body stiffened with both excitement and trepidation at the woman’s words. “I thank you, My Lady, for your benevolence.” She couldn’t believe the queen’s audacity, but then she found herself wanting to smile. Who but Margaret would insert her wishes upon them? “What if he chooses another just to spite me?”

Margaret snickered. “Magnus knows better than to incite my wrath.”

“I certainly hope so, My Lady,” she retorted and laughed lightly. Kendra found the queen’s trickery amusing and she supposed Margaret would find a way to get what she wanted. Fortunately for Kendra that was her hand in marriage to Magnus.

The horns sounded and the call for the brawl was made by the king’s chamberlain. She bowed to the queen who set off to join her husband on the dais.

Magnus made his way to the center and faced Shaw.

Kendra joined the other ladies who gathered on the far side of the square. Sorsha linked her arm with hers. She set her hand on her forearm because the lady was just as tense as she was.

Sorsha whispered, “Do you know that they have known each other most of their lives? Their clans are close in proximity but they’re not in an alliance. They usually keep out of each other’s way.”

“It sounds as if you know them well.” Kendra leaned her head closer when she spoke.

“My husband was a comrade of Shaw’s and I know him very well. I haven’t been in Magnus’s company much but I tell you both will want to win this fight. A Highlander never wants to lose. It appears Magnus is in a fighting mood this day.”

Kendra wondered why Lady Sorsha was offered as a bride and what had happened to her husband. She couldn’t be forward by asking, and instead, she turned her gaze to Magnus. “I hope they do not kill each other because not only am I fond of Magnus, but Shaw is a charming man who doesn’t deserve to be thrashed.”

Sorsha nodded. “Very true. This fight will impact us both for I’ve heard the queen wishes we wed them. I wouldn’t be disappointed with either of them as a husband. We shall see what happens.”

She didn’t know what the woman meant, but wouldn’t ask. Who did Sorsha want to win? Had she hoped Magnus won so he would choose her? Kendra wasn’t about to tell her that the queen had taken the glory from the fight. Now if only Magnus won and chose her as the queen predicted.

Alexander stood on the dais and when all silenced, he bellowed, “The second battle will commence. Those fighting are Cameron and Mackintosh. I remind you, there are to be no weapons but hand-to-hand combat only. You will fight in the square to the finish. If you step out of the square for any reason, you shall be declared the loser. If you falter and call a truce, you will forfeit the fight. The winner of the match will choose his bride.” The king backed up and waited for the chamberlain to signal to the troubadour.

Kendra’s breath ceased in her throat when the two men met in the center of the square. They both appeared formidable in their tunics and tartans, were brawny, and stood as tall as each other. If either of them held their swords, she’d probably be of a fainter heart. Still, her hands trembled and a rush of panic rose within her. She was near enough to hear them.

“Shaw,” Magnus said, greeting his rival. “Let us make a good showing.”

“Magnus.” Shaw chuckled and said, “I hope ye are ready to be flounced. You’ll wear a few bruises before I am through with ye.”

The horn blew and Magnus charged at Shaw. He tried to grab him, but Shaw was quick on his feet and eluded him. Magnus circled Shaw and threw the first punch. The sound of his fist hitting Shaw’s face made her flinch. Shaw retaliated and struck Magnus several times before he was able to shove him away. Magnus growled and scrambled forward. His fist made contact with Shaw repeatedly and he grunted. Magnus’s face reddened from Shaw’s retaliatory strikes. The crowd cheered but Kendra couldn’t make a sound. Her throat had gone completely dry but her eyes watered and shimmered with tears. She wanted to weep at the cruelty of it but somehow maintained her decorum.

Shaw wasn’t about to give up easily and continued to bait Magnus. Both now had blood on their faces from cuts on their noses, lips, and chins. The rest of the fight was a blur to her because they wrestled, threw punches, tripped, kicked, and flipped each other within every space of the square. The crowd appeared pleased by the fanatical and passionate way the men fought. Most shouted in glee when a strike rendered an opponent to sway on his feet.

Magnus licked at his bloody lip and seemed to grow tired of the fight. He marched to Shaw and threw his arm out. His fist settled in the center of Shaw’s face and when he drew back, Magnus shouted an expletive. He flexed his hand and shook it. Shaw laughed but then fell to his knees. He tried to stand but he was a wee bit shaky. Magnus took the opportunity to end it and punched him again. Shaw landed on his backside and promptly fell back and groaned. He lay there with his eyes closed, and yet, Magnus’s opponent wore a smile on his face. Magnus frowned at the man.

Kendra’s heart clashed in her chest. The fight was brutal and she felt every punch in the pit of her stomach. Why in heaven’s name was Shaw smiling? Magnus had beaten him, but she suspected Shaw hadn’t given his all. Instead, it was as if Shaw cared not that he lost. Had the queen told him to lose on purpose? Margaret alluded to that fact, but Kendra couldn’t believe Shaw would so easily allow his opponent to win.

The horn sounded and the chamberlain announced the end of the bout. Magnus waited by Shaw and when his opponent opened his eyes, he threw his hand down to help him up. Kendra moved closer to the square within hearing distance, folded her hands, and placed them on her chest where her heart thumped madly.

“Ye were a worthy opponent, Shaw. Sorry about that last punch, but I wanted to get this over with,” Magnus explained.

Shaw bellowed a laugh. “Aye, and I am gladdened ye did because we could have gone on for a time. Let us go forth so the king can make his damnable announcement and I can get a bloody drink.”

They stood before the dais and when asked who he selected for his bride, Magnus stated in a clear unwavering voice who he wished to wed. “I choose Mistress Kendra of Clan Graham, Sire.”

Kendra didn’t know whether to shout with glee or faint dead away. She was pleased to hear her name, and yet, she was apprehensive about marrying such a strong, warrior-like man. Hadn’t she professed to want a man the complete opposite of Heatherington? Well, Magnus was indeed that very likeness.

“Well done, Cameron. This eve we will hold your wedding. Remember, there will be no annulment pleas. You will consummate your marriage and you will uphold the promises you made.” Alexander motioned to Margaret and they left the dais.

“Next time I meet ye in combat, ye can be sure ye will not fare as fortunate as ye did this day,” Shaw said with terseness, shoved Magnus’s chest, and marched away.

Magnus made his way toward the castle and looked confounded by the entire ordeal.

Kendra rushed after him. He looked like he could use a drink and a cool wrap for his hand. He turned to her and his mouth widened in a swollen-lipped grin.

“Oh, how awful, Laird Cameron.” Kendra sidled next to him and gave him a pitying look.

“Magnus,” he said. “Call me ‘Magnus,’ lass.”

She smiled at him and nodded. “Come then, Magnus, let us get you cleaned up and I am sure you could use a drink too.” Kendra grabbed his good hand and led him into the castle.

Magnus allowed her to lead him through the hallway to an antechamber of the great hall where some washed in a basin before meals. The basin appeared to be filled with fresh water and had clean cloths folded neatly beside it. Kendra forced him to sit on a chair next to a screen by pushing on his muscular chest. Hardness met her fingertips and she smoothed her hand over his tunic for a moment. He sat back and watched her with his light eyes.

She ambled to the basin and said over her shoulder, “I heard what you proclaimed when the king asked who you chose.”

“Aye,” he said gruffly.

“Are you going to ask me for my hand? Or are you assuming that I will agree to be your wife when we are at the altar?” She stood by the basin and dunked a cloth in the water. She’d teased him and hoped to hear him laugh again but she knew sure enough that she had no choice in who the king gave her to. Kendra had meant her remarks as banter, but his manner was far more serious.

Magnus scowled deeply and stared at her. To appease her, she supposed, he decided to give her what she wanted. “Mistress Kendra…”

She wrung out the cloth and waited with bated breath for his proposal.

“Um…Mistress Kendra, I would be pleased if ye would accept my offer of marriage.”

“I shall gladly accept your offer, Magnus.” She held the cloth and approached him. With a gentle hand, she dabbed at his bloody lip. The care she took in tending to him caused him to close his eyes. Being close to him again sent a tingle through her body. Excitement meshed with longing. Both rarely felt emotions swarmed her.

His words came in almost a whisper as he sat back and seemed to enjoy her ministrations. “I haven’t been cared for in such a way since I was a lad but then, my mother’s servant, Ellen, always nursed my wounds. I never coveted a woman to look after me, but I’m coveting it now.”

Kendra sighed softly, disheartened to hear that he’d been tended to by servants. How sad that his mother didn’t care for him. Or perhaps she had died and he’d been left motherless like her. She’d have to ask for more details, but later, when she knew him a bit better.

With her hand pressed on his cheek, she dabbed the now-dried blood from his face. She set the cool cloth on the other side of his cheek that swelled and pressed gently.

“That feels good, lass.”

As tenderly as she could, she had him cleaned up and soothed in no time. “Before we settle this contract, you should know that I am not a wilted flower to be stomped on by her husband. I am an intelligent, caring, trustworthy woman, and I expect to be treated as such. What I am not is a simple-minded, tenderhearted lass who is easily squashed. I shall not weep and carry on over insignificant matters. I will not demand that you love me. I understand the contractual joining betwixt us.”

Her tirade brought forth a light chuckle from him. “Aye? That is good to know. Ye needn’t sing your praises to me, lass. I do not mistreat women, wives, or otherwise, and I abhor a weeping woman so that appeases me. Tears will not sway me to give in when a command is necessary.”

“I have never used tears to get my way, Magnus, and I do not plan to start using them now. But I suggest that you ask, not command, when it is necessary to direct me.” She nodded and returned to the basin. After soaking the cloth and wringing it out again, she moved back to him and continued to soothe his injuries. Magnus held up his hand which now showed a bruise from striking Shaw’s face.

“Oh, I dare say you might have broken a bone or two in your hand.” She left him again and retrieved a different, thicker cloth, soaked it with water again, and wrung it out. Kendra took his hand and with the lightest touch, wrapped it in the cloth. She held his hand and peered at him with concern. “You might want to have a healer look at your hand.”

Magnus appeared taken aback and his grip on her hand tightened. Kendra was extremely gentle and as his hand sat in hers, she reveled at the touch of his skin. The contact was warm, hard, and strong. Perhaps she was exactly what he needed: a woman to care for him, one who wouldn’t weep, one who was trustworthy, and one who didn’t require love. He might get used to such care…eventually, she hoped. As for love, she found herself thinking she could easily love him and she doubted it would take years to do so.

Kendra leaned toward him and pressed back the dark locks of hair by his forehead. “I am gladdened that you won the brawl, Magnus, and I thank you for choosing me.” Her soft voice seemed to allay him and he closed his eyes briefly again.

Magnus then gazed hard at her and with a shiver, a rush of warmth swarmed her. He pulled her to sit on his lap and he kept his hands firmly on her waist. “Aye, ye are welcome, lass. I believe I fell for ye as ye predicted last eve. I want to kiss ye.”

She could barely draw a breath as mesmerized as she was by his words. Magnus appeared to be awaiting her response and so she said, “I want you to kiss me.”

His face shifted nearer to hers and his nose practically touched hers. He set his mouth on hers and gently kissed her lips. Magnus briefly pulled away at the touch of their lips but then set his mouth back on hers. Nothing mattered at that moment except for the kiss he shared with her.

Kendra placed her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his. He tightened his hold on her and she marveled at the hardness of his arms. Everything about him taunted her to want more—more of his touches, his care, and his body. She returned the kiss and the soft mewing sound from her throat stiffened him. She felt him flinch.

Magnus heightened the kiss and he used his tongue to deepen the desire that surged between them. The pleasure of it nearly forced her to groan. No man had stirred her desire like Magnus had. For all the torment she’d endured over the past year, finally, something had gone her way. She’d marry the handsome Highlander and before the sun set that day, he’d be hers.