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.

Several ladies gasped and shrieked. Lillia smiled and hoped to cause him to be somewhat mannerly. “Good Sir James, come and have some morning fare and we shall discuss this.”

The ladies and numerous servants fled the hall. Given James’ fierce glare, she understood their fear of him.

Fiona wouldn’t leave her side and clasped her hand. She seemed to know James and waved. “Cousin, since when do you concern yourself with the paltry troubles of women? I hear you have terrorized the English, so much so that many fled Scotland.”

She was astounded to hear Fiona address him informally. “You’re related to him?”

Her friend leaned close and spoke behind her hand. “Aye, on my mother’s side. Och I always thought he was brash, even as a child, even before he was sent off for his education in France. ‘Tis said he squired for William Lamberton, the Bishop of Saint Andrews. I deem that is the cause of his surly nature.”

They shared a quick laugh over her summation.

James approached and bowed to them. “Lady MacKintosh, ye are not to interfere with the king’s business.”

“Posh, oh devil take you, James. You’re not going to harm this lady.” Fiona stood and blocked his view of her.

“Nay, he won’t.” All eyes shot to the entrance where Heath stood looking quite irate. “I should’ve known you’d be able to get past my gate and sentry. I won’t ask how, but now that you’re here, I bid you to leave.”

“I’ll leave when I’m good and ready.”

Before Lillia might stop him, Heath plodded forward and punched James. She stood, aghast that they would resort to brawling within the great hall.

The commotion brought many inside. Standing about, the men did nothing to break up the melee. The king’s guard gave their opinion as to who was winning and Brodin even suggested a wager that Heath would victor. The Fraser men likewise called out wagers on who would win and the MacKintosh men hooted when Heath got in a good strike. Cheers arose when their attack reverberated and they ended up on the floor.

Lillia had enough. She yanked her hand free of Fiona’s and hurried to her husband. James threw a fist at Heath and hit her shoulder, causing her to fall back. She bent over her husband and sent a glare to the surly man, hoping he would cease his violence.

Fiona shouted. “Cease before you injure her. Lillia, move away. You cannot come between them, not in your condition.”

The noise in the hall abruptly quieted. Lilla wept over Heath, and her voice squealed when she spoke to him. “Did he harm you?” Heath lay in her lap, smiling up at her.

“Nay, Sweetness. Did Lady MacKintosh just say—?”

“But your face …” She glared at James. “You are the very devil, James Douglas. How dare you hurt him?”

“So I’ve been called. He started it, my lady. I have a right to defend myself. Och, I didn’t mean to strike you. Are you harmed?” James’ voice thickened with concern. He backed away and held his head.

“I’m well, James, don’t concern yourself.” Lillia shifted the locks of hair from in front of Heath’s eyes. “I couldn’t bear if anything happened to you.”

The crowd dissipated except for the king’s guard. Graeme helped James from the floor and said, “I don’t like that there is contention between us. We rely on you, James, to aid us in our endeavor to protect the king.”

“If there were a way to prove the lass has no designs on the king’s throne, I might be able to convince Robert to ignore the matter. What with the news of her … condition. I cannot subject her to being confined by our king. Besides, Heath would never forgive me.” James rubbed his jaw and scrunched his eyes at Heath.

“There is a way.” Lillia pushed Heath from her lap and pulled the missive she’d written from the seam of her overdress and handed it to James. “I have given my word to King Robert that I am not the lass he deems me to be. That I shan’t covet his crown. I bid only the king to read these words. James, please you must leave off, otherwise I shall never see my family again.” She tried not to let her tears fall, but the drops fell nonetheless.

Fiona approached. “James Douglas, if you persist in removing Lillia from her husband, I shall do the unthinkable.”

She gazed at Fiona whose husband had joined them. He stood behind his wife with his hand on her shoulder, nodding in support.

“What’s that?” James clipped. His voice filled with angst.

“I shall speak of this matter with your mother. Aye, she will seek you out and you will surely receive a lecture on chivalry. You know that she insists all Douglas’ treat women with respect and gallantry. She’d be quite disappointed of your treatment of Lillia and once I tell her of it, you’ll rue …”

James muttered an expletive and his shoulders slumped.

Lillia’s heart eased. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Heath leaning against her. He smiled and nodded to James.

“I shall take your missive to the king and if he is agreeable, I shall not pursue you any longer. I shan’t make any promises.”

Lillia let out a breath of relief. “James, about my supposed birth … It is only speculation. There is no proof of what the Comyn’s claim. You must make the king understand that.”

“I will, Lillia. I do this for you and the king’s guard. What Graeme said, ‘tis true. I rely on them as well to see to King Robert’s protection. Without them, we would have a difficult time keeping the king’s passionate nature under a semblance of control.”

She nodded. “The king’s guard will return to Dumfries. Be sure to go there to relate the king’s regale and his decision.”

James bowed to her and left the hall.

She turned to Lady MacKintosh. “My thanks, Fiona, for your assistance. Without it, ‘tis doubtful James would have cooperated.”

Fiona smiled and chuckled a delightful sound. “If you think James is wretched, you should meet his mother. She is quite the harridan, but I adore my aunt nonetheless. We must go. I hope to see you again soon.”

“I shall always consider you my dear friend.” She hugged Fiona and released her.

“And I you.”

The men moved off to see the MacKintosh’s departure. Lillia had a moment to calm herself inside the empty hall. She waited for Heath’s return and skulked by the window casement, a beautifully designed glass that held the Fraser coat-of-arms in the center. The craftsman ship was remarkable, and she studied it so she wouldn’t think about the oncoming conversation with Heath.

“We must talk.”

She turned and found him walking a slow pace toward her. The deliberate movement resembled a big cat on the prowl. “Aye, we should.”

“I’ve bid all to stay out of the hall so we can have privacy. Come and sit with me by the hearth.” He took her hand and led her to the chair.

Lillia shook. A chill overtook her for she was certain Heath would agree to send her back to her father. That was the last thing she wanted, for she loved him so very much it hurt to look upon him. But if he wanted her not, she had to leave and would do so with honor. He tried to pull her upon his lap, but she freed herself from his grasp and sat in the chair across from him.

She folded her hands and tried to appear sedate. Her decorum teetered and if she wasn’t careful, she’d likely throw herself upon his mercy and beg him to stay with her. But his life was with God now, not with her. A calming breath did little to allay her dread.

“I understand, Heath, there is no need to explain your reasons. You never wanted to wed me. You only did so because of your … honor. Now that Roderick is here and you’re able to set out and join the clergy as you’ve sought to …”

“Lillia—”

“I’m certain the church will give us a dispensation if we both send for one. It may take time, but perhaps our father’s positions will persuade—”

He held up his hand. “You weren’t going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?”

He sighed. “About the bairn. I explained, Sweetness, that it only takes once.”

“Aye, and we’ve … many times. I was going to tell you, but now things have changed.”

“Nothing has changed. My brother refuses to be laird. He wants me to assume the role when my father passes. We agreed and I shall continue with the plan that when I can return and lead the Frasers, I will. Until then, my father will rule and my brother will assist him. John and Lagan will keep everyone in control.”

“So you are amiable to becoming laird? What of your desire to serve God? Can you put that aside? It’s what you’ve wanted for the longest time.” She wanted to reach out to him, to console the obvious choice that had been made for him.

“The matter is settled. My life it seems was meant to serve this clan. God will understand my reasons for my acceptance. We made peace with the MacKintoshs. I have you to thank for that. Why didn’t you tell me you saved Lady MacKintosh?”

Lillia gazed at her lap. “It was long ago, when we first came here. I’d forgotten …”

“We should stay here, especially with your … condition.”

She raised her eyes. “You don’t want me to go? To return to my father?”

“Of course not. Nay, love. I never have wanted you to leave. You’re the one that got it in your bonny head that our marriage was void. Do you not understand?”

She shook her head. “Understand what?”

“Since the day you kissed me beneath the willows I’ve been yours. And you’ve been mine.”

“Are you saying—”

“Aye, I’m saying I love you, Lillia Fraser, with all my being. You gave me your heart and I now give you mine.”

“You really mean it?” Lillia couldn’t stop her hand from shaking as she tried to tuck her hair behind her ear. His words brought the most joyous tears to her eyes.

“I do.” Heath leaned forward. “I have a way to prove to you I mean what I say.” He untied the tassel secured to his boot and tossed it into the fire. “I only want to serve you, if you’ll allow me to, for the rest of our days.”

Lillia wiped at her eyes. “Why did you do that? I know how much it means to you to receive forgiveness for those you’ve killed.”

He grinned. “I’ve decided to release myself of the quest. I’ve forgiven myself as will God. For all the killing I’ve done, I’ve atoned. I won’t hold guilt for taking lives when my hand is forced. There are times … When the clan or you are threatened that will force me to defend without remorse.”

She leaned forward, her heart heavy with his admission. “I don’t want to stay here without you. You will go with the guard when they return to the caves?”

Heath pulled her from her chair and settled her on his hard thighs. “I must go with them. Until the king releases us of our vow to protect him, we’re beholden. Are you certain you want to go with me? It has not the comforts found here.”

Lillia held his face in her hands and smiled. “Where you go, so shall I. And besides, I’m not bringing this bairn into the world without you nearby.”

He chuckled. “Lillia, Sweetness, you are fearless. Aye, fearless of loving, fearless of protecting, and fearless of living. I am naught if anything but impressed by you. You’ve loved me and I’m humbled by that.”

“I do love you, Heath, and always have.” She kissed his face and pulled back to see the many clansmen and friends trying to see inside the hall.

Heath forced her against his chest and grinned. “Promise me one thing, love. That your face is the very first thing I see when I awaken each morn.”

“I promise.” Lillia pressed her lips against his to seal her pledge. Life would be easier now. Now that she knew Heath loved her in return.