Page 13 of Bride Takes a Laird

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, shestood 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 willwant 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 beflounced. 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 thequeen 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.