who is the bluidy father-by-marriage of Laird Mackay!” King Robert was practically yelling by the time he rattled off the complicated family into which Brodie married. “She isn’t leaving this bluidy keep until you can promise me that whatever this is—” King Robert shook the parchment. “—is resolved.”
Brodie scowled, but he knew the Bruce was right. He wasn’t eager to travel with Laurel while bands of Lamonts and MacDougalls rained havoc on his clan. But he wasn’t eager to leave Laurel alone either. He’d just argued against doing that very thing. “If this weren’t so urgent, I would insist on the wedding today, but I must find my wife, then ride out.”
“Aye. She’ll be in the queen’s solar at this hour. They will have just returned from their walk,” King Robert offered, and Brodie bowed once more.
Brodie hurried through the castle’s passageway, with Graham his silent shadow. When the two Highlanders reached the doors to the queen’s solar, Graham stopped short and stepped aside. A royal guard opened the door only to reveal Laurel standing toe-to-toe with Sarah Anne. The queen wasn’t in sight, and the other ladies encircled the arguing pair. Laurel turned to look at the newcomer, her eyes widening when she recognized Brodie. She muttered something to Sarah Anne before swishing her skirts and making her way to Brodie.
Brodie could only imagine what made the color rise in Laurel’s cheeks, but he doubted he would have any sympathy for Sarah Anne when he learned. He brought Laurel’s hands to his lips, an appropriate greeting. But when he noticed Graham shift from the corner of his eye, he recalled he would soon leave Laurel. He pulled her toward him and brushed a soft kiss against her lips. Shocked, it took Laurel a moment to reciprocate. She kept it just as brief, but Brodie welcomed the touch.
“Something has come up, and I need to speak to you,” Brodie whispered. Laurel nodded as Brodie offered his arm. Graham trailed behind them until they reached their chamber, where the three entered. Laurel sat in a chair near the hearth and looked back and forth between the two warriors. “The Lamonts and MacDougalls led raids on our land.”
Laurel was on her feet and across the chamber in four strides. “What do you need me to do?”
Brodie thought his chest would explode. Pride and love filled his heart as he looked at the woman before him. He cupped her jaw and smiled. “Och, lass. I am a lucky mon.” The couple gazed at one another before Brodie sighed. “There is naught for you to do just yet. I thought to take you home, but King Robert pointed out how unwise it would be to travel with you until this is resolved.”
“You want me to stay here,” Laurel stated.
“It’s not what I want, but it’s the right choice. I won’t risk your life, Laurie. Here you are protected by Ross and royal guards. On the road it would only be my small contingent of men.”
“That’s not what I wanted to hear, but I know you’re right.”
“Graham and I need to ride out this morn, Laurie. I’m sorry to leave you behind, especially since we haven’t had the wedding yet.”
“We’re already married as far as we’re concerned. It doesn’t matter if the wedding takes place in six days, six moons, or six years. Seeing to our clan is more important. King Robert is only insisting upon it so he can have the last word.”
“You are a wise woman, Laurel Campbell.” Brodie bent to whisper in Laurel’s ear. “I would make love to you one more time if I had the time. Know that I will return as soon as I can. Know that I will miss you. Be well, thistle.”
“I will miss you, too, bear,” Laurel said as she pressed her cheek to Brodie’s chest. “And please, for the love of the Lord, be careful. I don’t want to be your widow before I have a chance to be your wife.”
Brodie and Laurel’s kiss blended passion and tenderness, a fitting symbol of their burgeoning relationship. All too soon, they drew apart. While Brodie fetched his satchel from beside the wall, Laurel was already folding his spare leines and stockings. He held the bag open for her, and she dropped the clothing inside. With another searing kiss that was over much too soon, Brodie departed.
Laurel avoided her brother as much as she could for the next eight days. She was hurt and angry with him, and