“I need to see to my da’s care. I can stay with Cadel and his wife until we see how this goes. What if you need my help in gaining access to the castle though? We could say that James was having me returned, but he has to see my da and speak to him about Lynette. Seamus would be a fool to earn James’s ire. James has too many brothers who are in charge of clans or can call on other clans to come to his aid. Seamus wouldna realize that James perceives you as his brother and would most likely believe that if Lynette wed someone in the MacNeill clan, Seamus could benefit from the arrangement.”
“I do not like the idea. Too risky. What if Seamus believes you will marry him?”
“Unless you lay siege to the castle for months, what other choice have you? My excuse for returning would be to see my da, that Cadel had sent word he still lives, and I beseeched James to bring me home. You will tell Seamus I am your wife and James will verify ‘tis true.”
“If Seamus even allows James and his men into the castle, he will have us disarmed.”
“Aye, but any man loyal to my da will aid us, arming us as soon as we are inside the castle.”
Gunnolf took her hand and squeezed gently. “What if your father did not survive his wounds?”
Brina knew that could very well be the case. She didn’t want to believe it, yet she knew it was important to think of worst-case situations. “We will learn what has happened from Cadel before we approach the castle. If he tells us my da has died, then we will return here. Inga and her people will have to make peace with Seamus on her own.”
“I still do not like the notion of you coming with us.”
“We have to learn if my da is dead or alive, and aid him if we can. I strongly believe I can help us to gain access to the castle when James might no’.”
“I worry what Seamus will attempt to do to you once he has you in sight.”
She lifted her chin and pulled Gunnolf down for a kiss and whispered against his lips. “I will have my Viking warrior to protect me.” Then she wrapped her arms around Gunnolf’s neck and kissed him fully on the mouth, loving this, loving him.
The hall filled with conversation suddenly grew very quiet, and when she and Gunnolf broke free of the kiss, cheers resounded.
Gunnolf raised his tankard of ale. “The lass has agreed to wed me!”
Woots and whistles and more cheers filled the air.
“Tonight,” Lady Akira said smiling, though she appeared serious about it.
“Tonight,” James agreed, and Eilis kissed her husband’s cheek with approval.
As soon as the meal was done, Lady Akira, Lady Eilis, Fia, and Lynette quickly ushered Brina out of the great hall and up the stairs to Eilis’s chamber.
“I have a gown you may wear for the wedding,” Eilis said.
“I do also,” Fia, Eilis’s cousin, said.
“I will wear my red one.” Brina loved that gown above all others, which was why she had worn it beneath the rest, protecting it on her journey. Not to mention it was so bright in color, she knew she would have been spotted a mile away across a glen. And it was her warmest.
“’Tis a lovely gown,” Lady Akira said, holding the red one up and admiring the embroidery work. “Even prettier than the red one Matilda wore when she married King Henry.”
“You were there?” Brina asked, surprised.
“My sons have been to the English court a number of times, and I went with them on that most festive of occasions. Aye.”
“Must have been wondrous.” Brina had stitched for weeks embellishing the details on the hems of her sleeves, neckline, and skirt. She never imagined she would be wearing the gown to her own wedding. “Will you wed Tibold?” Brina asked, thinking that if Lady Akira loved the man, she should not let another day pass without making her feelings known, as the ladies helped her out of her blue one and on with the red.
Lady Akira attached an embroidered circlet to a veil over Brina’s hair. “I have to be asked.“
“Ask him,” Eilis said.
“Aye, ask him.” Lynette’s eyes were bright with amusement.
Fia just beamed. “I will go with you when you do.”
Eilis laughed. “You only wish to see Tibold’s sons, the ones who are no’ wed.”
Fia blushed.
Brina wished she could meet this man whom Lady Akira thought so fondly of.
“With your dark hair, the red looks astounding,” Lady Akira said.
“Did you believe this was where we were headed?” Brina asked.
“Aye. And we are glad. I wouldna wish Gunnolf to marry a woman no’ suited to him. You are perfect for him,” Lady Akira said.
“But I have my faults too.”
“He will love you just the same.” Lady Akira sighed. “You are beautiful, Brina. Come, let us no’ keep Gunnolf waiting any longer as I am certain he is concerned that you might change your mind as James worried about Eilis when it was her turn to walk down the aisle.”
All the ladies laughed.
“What bargain have you struck with the lass?” James asked Gunnolf as they waited for Brina and the other ladies to meet with them in the stone chapel.
Appearing to have found a home here, Beowulf was chasing several deerhound pups through the building, yipping and growling.
Gunnolf explained what Brina wanted to do. He knew at once James didn’t like the idea the way he frowned, just as Gunnolf didn’t, but he knew her notions were valid also.
“I dinna like it,” James said honestly. “But her plans have merit.”
“Anything could happen though. I still do not trust her father or that his people would still be loyal to him.”
James rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then folded his arms. “What if none of his men provide us with weapons?”
“’Tis a possibility. We have never let that stop us from waging war in the past. A few aggressive men, tactics that can force a man to lose a dirk, and the next thing we know, our men are armed and theirs are not.”
James smiled. “Aye. You dinna feel pushed into this marriage, do you?”
“Nay. The time is right. She is the right woman for me.” Gunnolf knew why Lady Akira was in a rush to have this done. She was good at thinking up battle strategies and ensuring that their people benefited from clan politics and often advised James on matters, whether he wished it or not. They had to do something now, and not wait any longer, if they were to learn if Robard still lived. Not only that, but Lady Akira was an excellent judge of character. She knew that Brina and Gunnolf would be good together, and once she decided something, she hurried to make it happen. Just as she did when Eilis came into their lives, and James had fully intended to marry another lass.
Even so, Gunnolf wasn’t certain how Lady Akira would react regarding Brina going with them. He hoped that Brina would convince her how sound the plan was, and somehow they would manage to pull it off with little blood spilled. Only Seamus and his men’s, if they decided to stay and fight.
Eilis entered the chapel and motioned to her husband that it was time to do his part.
“This is the best part,” James said to Gunnolf before he left to escort Brina there.
“For you? Or for me?” Gunnolf grinned.
James laughed. “I knew someday I would see you tied down to a lass. You will find being married to Brina is well worth it.”
Gunnolf agreed and waited while James left the chapel and the other ladies accompanying Brina hurried to take their seats. After attending so many weddings in the MacNeill chapel over the years, Gunnolf couldn’t believe he was now the groom eager to see his bride and waiting for his own wedding to commence.
When Brina entered the chapel wearing the red gown she’d worn underneath the others when he’d first met her, her arm on James’s arm, Gunnolf’s heartbeat quickened. He couldn’t wait to say the vows, celebrate, and slip away to his chamber with her, then make love to his beautiful wife.
12
This was happening so fast, Brina couldn’t believe she was truly marry
ing Gunnolf. Never had she imagined she would be wed to a Viking, not with the trouble they’d had with them. Yet she recalled the day so long ago when she’d found him bleeding in the tall grasses and had wanted to get help for him, wanted to help him herself, and then he had vanished. Who would have ever thought their paths would cross again? And this would be the result?
When she saw him standing at the altar, waiting for her to join him while James escorted her down the aisle, she felt her knees weaken. Gunnolf stood so tall, his eyes dark, a warm smile in place. Like most women she’d known who had suddenly found themselves marrying, she was excited about the prospect of the bedding later this eve, but also worried. Would she please him?
She hoped they’d be successful in helping her da, but she wasn’t marrying Gunnolf for that reason. Yes, her da wished it of her. And yes, it meant she couldn’t wed Seamus. But more than anything, she wanted this. She wanted Gunnolf.
Before she knew it, she was standing beside him, saying her vows, looking up at him, his blue eyes steady on hers until he lifted her face gently so that he could kiss her. She closed her eyes, blocking out everyone else as if she and he were standing in the shadows beside the stable, supposedly out of everyone’s sight. She parted her lips, beckoning him to kiss her like he had kissed her before. Her hands settled on his waist to give her balance, because when they were kissing, she felt her world spin out of control. Like now, his mouth pressed against hers, sweetly at first until somehow tongues came into play. He pulled back and looked down at her as if she were the most beautiful woman in the world
She smiled up at him, still nervous about tonight, but wishing they could finish what they started right now.
Among cheers and well-wishes, he led her out of the chapel and back to the great hall where they had yet another feast—more spirits, music, laughter, and celebrating.
“You told Lady Akira about what we were doing on the morrow?” Gunnolf asked Brina.
“Nay. I knew she wouldna like it and try to convince me no’ to go.” Brina glanced at where Lady Akira and James were speaking. Lady Akira’s jaw dropped. Her gaze shot toward Brina. “I believe James just told her.”
Lynette was frowning, then speaking, and both James and Lady Akira were listening to her. Lady Akira shook her head, but Lynette raised her hands in a way that said what else could she do about it. Lady Akira shook her head again.
James began to speak, and Eilis put her hand on James’s arm, then spoke.
Brina had a bad feeling about this. “Is she saying I shouldna go?”
“Not sure, lass. But everyone looks distressed over it.”
Brina sighed. “I am going. I have to.”
“Just as we planned. We will be leaving before first light so I thought we would retire sooner than is usual for a couple newly wed. You do not think we will appear too eager, do you?”
Brina laughed. But it was more nervous laughter than anything.
He reached over and squeezed her hand as if to reassure her and she loved him for it. “I will make the announcement that we are retiring to the bedchamber because we have such an early start in the morn,” he said.
Brina’s whole body warmed with awkwardness at the thought. She knew this would be the way. Everyone would know about it, but it still didn’t make it any easier. “Lady Akira said they would help me get ready for you.”
“I would help you, but I know they feel they must.” Gunnolf smiled, then frowned. “As long as it does not take too long.” He rose from the bench and raised his tankard. “We must leave before dawn and so—“
Cheers and whistles filled the hall and Lady Akira, Fia, Eilis, and Lynette rose from their benches, then headed toward Brina and Gunnolf’s table.
“They dinna appear happy that we are leaving so early,” Brina said.
“The celebrating will go on for much longer and no one will miss us.” Gunnolf pulled Brina into his arms and kissed her soundly before the ladies reached them. “If they do not come for me soon, I will meet you in my chamber anyway.”
Brina smiled at him. “I love you, Norseman.”
He chuckled and kissed her mouth again. “I was getting used to you calling me Viking. I love you just as much, Brina.” He glanced in the ladies‘ direction as they approached and bowed his head a little.
Brina saw the strain in Lady Akira’s expression, and the other ladies looked just as upset. Brina thought it was a good thing to retire early to bed since they had to get up so early on the morrow. Clearly, they’d breached some kind of protocol.
As soon as they’d escorted her to the chamber, Lynette and Fia began to remove her gown, and then her chemise. They helped her into a new one embroidered around the hem.
“What is wrong?” Brina didn’t want them to be upset with her.
“I am traveling with you on the morrow,” Lynette said. “Laird James says you are going with Gunnolf. You canna go alone. I have been your companion for years. I know all there is to know about you. And I can help to protect you if need be.”
“Nay.” Brina didn’t want her sister to come and chance being hurt. “You canna. The risk is all mine. You said yourself you would stay here if I were to return home.”
“Aye. But I meant if you returned for good. If everything was settled with your da. My mind is made up. I am going with you and we will watch each other’s backs. When your castle is free of vermin, I will return here with Laird James and his men, and we can see each other whenever we are able.”
“I dinna wish either of you to go,” Lady Akira said.
Though Brina had only just met Lady Akira, she was like the mother she had lost, and she knew Akira wasn’t just saying it to include her because she didn’t want Lynette to go.
Eilis nodded. “’Tis too dangerous. Anything could go wrong.”
“What if this Seamus has taken complete control over the clan? What if they dinna want Gunnolf to lead in the interim? Or Robard to return to power?” Lady Akira asked.
“Anything is possible.” Brina let out her breath in exasperation. She didn’t think she was going to have this discussion with the ladies on her wedding night or on the eve of what could turn out to be a major disaster for them. She also had no idea Lynette would want to go with her. She would love it if her sister was with her under other circumstances, but she didn’t want her to share the risk.
“Lynette, I appreciate your concern, and I value our friendship so much so that I canna let you go with me.”
“You said yourself that I was the reason for James going there to see Robard as a pretense he doesna realize Seamus has taken over. James is going concerning me. That I am his half sister and he wishes to make it known that not only was he grateful that the clan took care of me for all these years, but that he wishes an alliance. What better way to prove he is sincere than to take me with him? It willna appear as though he intends to do battle with Seamus then.”
Brina hated that Lynette’s words made sense. She really didn’t want her half sister in harm’s way, but it appeared she was going anyway.
“I am coming and that is all there is to it.” Lynette did have her stubborn streak, but Brina knew it was because she worried just as much about Brina.
Lady Akira looked on the verge of tears. Brina was afraid she had only just gained a daughter and didn’t want to chance losing her as she had lost her only daughter already.
Eilis took her arm. “Come, my lady mother. All will be well. Did you see Lynette and Brina plying their skills at archery earlier today and the day before? I wouldna wish to be in their line of sight when they loose an arrow.”
Brina was surprised Eilis had seen them practicing.
Lady Akira didn’t seem relieved to hear it. “We must leave the chamber before the eager groom comes and throws us out.” She gave Brina a small smile and hugged her soundly. “Gunnolf is so much like a son to me. He will love you well. I want us to get to know each other better. I dinna want the two of us to be strangers.”
Brina gave
her a hug back. “You are like the mother I lost, my lady. And I hope that when Tibold and you are wed, you will invite us.”
Lady Akira laughed. “I will, if it comes to pass.” She turned to Lynette. “I would like to speak further with you before you leave.”
“Aye, of course.”
“Eilis?” Lady Akira said.
“Aye.”
Lady Akira patted Fia on the shoulder. “You as well.”
Everyone gave Brina smiles and hugs, left, then Fia winked at her and closed the door.
Brina paced across the room, the large bed taking up much of the chamber, a chest in one corner, and pegs on the wall above that where tunics and a belt were hanging. Her gaze drifted again to the bed, the furs piled up on it, the curtains draped around it, open for now. She rubbed her arms from the chill in the chamber and the nervousness she was suddenly feeling now that the ladies had left her alone. She wasn’t thinking about tomorrow but tonight—and making love with Gunnolf in his bed.
Now, more than ever, she thought of the women back home telling a maid what to expect when she made love to a man for her first time. “Spread your legs wide, relax, and let him push his staff inside,” she’d overheard the one say, the other agreeing.
Brina shivered and rubbed her arms, thinking how it would feel to spread her legs wide for Gunnolf. Titillating and wanton.
In her thin chemise, she was cold and though she had thought to kiss Gunnolf and help him to disrobe before they retired to bed, she felt too chilled to wait. The furs looked so warm and inviting. She hoped he wouldn’t think her afraid of making love to him and hoped he’d be here soon.
She slipped underneath the covers and began to warm up. She breathed in his spicy male scent from the bed clothes, never imagining she’d be in the warrior’s bed, waiting in anticipation of making love to him when the door opened. She barely breathed.
Gunnolf entered the chamber, shutting the door behind him. “I met the ladies on the stairs. I could not wait any longer for them to send me word that you were ready.”