Page 75 of Fearless Heart
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lillia awoke in a daze and opened her eyes to Heath’s hands shifting the material of her nightdress. She moaned at the pleasurable caresses of his rough hands.
“Sweetness, you don’t understand how much you madden me. I find myself thinking about my lips grazing your skin …” He set his lips on the flesh of her exposed stomach. His action caused her to think of the bairn. She pulled his hair, forcing him to look at her. “There are times when I gaze at you and disbelieve you’re mine. I cannot control myself when we’re like this.”
“Can you tell how much I want you?” Lilla swore there was a look of love in his eyes. He continued to peruse her with his lips. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the twinges of desire his mouth evoked. His hands meandered everywhere and she caressed the hard muscles of his body. He was handsome to look upon, strong, and vivacious.
“Please, I’ve been without you for too long. Don’t make me wait.” Lilia gasped when he joined their bodies. The sensation of him thrusting against her was intense. She returned his kisses and was consumed with meeting his passion. Their lovemaking fueled their lust as she urged him to hasten his movements and she spiraled into chaos as culmination took over every part of her. They reached the frantic climax together and in unison, they shouted their surrender.
Her heart beat ferociously, and beneath her fingers, his did as well. She stroked his skin, content to be touching him as she was wont. After a good ten minutes passed, her curiosity got the better of her.
“What happened at the meeting? Did all go well?”
But no answer came. She leaned up and saw Heath had fallen asleep. His face reflected serenity. If she had to speculate, she’d reason the meeting went well, but then his serene expression might reflect his happiness at their joining.
Taking a long moment, she studied the way his manly brows arched above his eyes. The fact that he hadn’t taken time to remove his whiskers this day brought forth her grin. His breathing eased, barely moving the heavy muscle of his chest. With a gentle touch of her lips to his, she wished him a pleasurable sleep.
Lillia lay awake for a bit after her husband sought his slumber. She considered what she would do about the king and the situation with the king’s guard. Her feet touched the cold floorboards and she pulled on a sleeping dress. She decided to follow Fiona’s advice and write to the king and hopefully persuade him from pursuing her. At the small desk by the hare covered window casement, she found parchment and ink.
After taking a moment to consider her words, she put the quill to the parchment:
My Noble King Robert,
I write because I behoove you to forgo your search of me. I have no wish to usurp you and grant you are far more capable at attending to the kingdom than I. Additionally, I believe the speculation of my supposed birth false. My parents are Laird and Lady Hunter. I was born on their land, into their family. I beseech you not to take me from them. There are none who live to refute this, and therefore, Good King, I wish to live my life peacefully, as a wife and mother should. It is my contention to follow my duty to my husband, a true and honest subject who gives nothing but his support and love to you and Scotland. I pray, Majesty, you honor my request and that we both have a blessed future.
Your loyal devoted servant,
Lillia Hunter
Purposely, she refrained from signing her name Fraser. The last thing she wanted was the king’s curiosity given Heath had served with him and was now being sought for treason. She sprinkled the parchment with a dusting of pumice and waved it to dry the ink. The candle burned her finger as she dripped wax to seal her missive. By the time she finished composing her letter to the king, morning had come.
Lillia dressed and glanced at Heath who continued to sleep. She left the chamber to search for someone to deliver her missive, but before she could leave the keep, she found the great hall busy with their guests and servants. Laird and Lady Fraser were absent, so Lillia would ensure the MacKintoshs were fed well before their departure.
Laird MacKintosh left the hall and Lillia hurried to speak with Fiona before she too left.
“You are not leaving already?”
Fiona smiled. “Nay, but shortly. Come and eat with me. I’m sure you must be famished especially given your condition.”
Lilla sat next to her. Fiona piled a trencher with foodstuff and pushed it toward her, but something smelled afoul and she pushed it away.
“Have you settled some of your issues? All is aright in your world now?”
She smiled at her friend’s concern. “Not particularly. It shall be, once my husband rises and we discuss the matter of our marriage, the king, and his position.”
“You did tell him of your news last eve, did you not?”
“Nay, by the time he came to bed …” Lillia blushed. They were too busy seeing to their passion to speak of woeful matters. “Heath needed rest, and this morning he was still sleeping when I left out chamber.”
“You must tell him at the soonest.” Fiona patted her hand.
“I shall when the right time comes. Do you know how the meeting went last night? Is there a truce between the clans?” Lillia pretended to take a bite of the food, and only nibbled on the hard bread she’d taken.
“There is. My husband is pleased with the outcome. The laird’s niece, Beth, I think her name … will wed one of the MacKintosh men. Our clans will unite and I must say I’m gladdened. Mayhap Laird Fraser won’t mind my taking of his mushrooms.”
Lillia snatched her cup from the table, but before she drank, she said, “I too am gladdened. And I’m certain the Frasers won’t mind in the least, if you were to come occasionally to search for the mushrooms.” She was about to speak of her problem with the king when James Douglas bounded into the hall.
“Lillia Hunter … ah, Fraser, by order of the king, I am here to apprehend you. I’m to take you to his majesty’s holding.” James progressed through the crowd now gathering.