Highland Legends 04 - Captive Highlander (22 page)

“There will be no wedding until
my family is freed from Rannoch,” Katie interrupted. “I love Ian, but my family
will be free and at our wedding or it will not occur.”

Asilinn raised her brow and
looked at Ian. “A fitting wife for my wayward brother,” she taunted. “I see
Katie is a high-spirited woman who kens her own mind. I am so happy for both of
you.” She took Katie’s hand. “Please be seated and I will have the servants
fetch some refreshment.” Asilinn showed them to a table close to the blazing hearth
and hurried off.

No sooner had Asilinn left then
the Dragon of Dunbocan strode into the hall. Tall and muscular with broad
shoulders, he wore his plaid well. His crisp, white shirt enhanced the midnight
hair that fell to his shoulders. Katie felt his sparkling, emerald eyes
studying her as he came closer and sat down beside her.

Laird Jared MacLean took Katie’s
hand and kissed it. “I am delighted to meet the woman who could interest Ian in
marriage,” he said. “I trust you will treat him well. Despite his mischievous
ways, he loves you as he has no other.”

“How do you ken this, Milord?”

“I found him on the field left
for dead, cared for him as he recovered, and listened to him call your name in
his restless sleep. You are his muse. No other woman could tame his wild ways
and make him want to marry.”

“I heard your sister may have.”

Jared MacLean burst out laughing.
“So Ian prepared you for Skye.” He leaned across the table and took her hand.
“My little sister is so like Ian that the two of them have shared a special
bond for years. Skye may challenge you to test your suitability to be his wife,
but all she desires is his happiness. Especially now that she has found her own
with Gabriel Ravenwood.”

Asilinn entered the chamber
trailed by two servants with plates of biscuits, cold sliced chicken, and jam.
“A small repast to tide you over,” she said, sitting down across from Katie.
The servants laid out the food and left.

“Are all the forces gathered?”
Ian asked. “I would free Katie’s kin so I can finally get her before the bishop
and seal our union.”

“Everyone is here and we must
make haste. I received a missive from Robert the Bruce. Soon he will call us
back into his service. He has a plan to try and capture Edward and hold him
until England agrees to recognize the legitimacy of the Scottish throne.”

“Did he give any hint of when?”
Ian asked.

“The king waits on word from his
spies in England. Now that you have succeeded in your mission, we will depart
before dawn tomorrow. We need to stop at The Stagg Inn to join others who are
waiting there. Once we have all the necessary forces, we will time our arrival
at Duntaigh Castle under cover of night.” He glanced at Katie. “Today we rest
and feast… give Katie a chance to meet everyone and feel at home before you leave
her in their midst.”

Katie stiffened. “I want to go. I
can be of help. I ken all the secrets of Duntaigh. I will ride with you.”

“Out of the question,” both men
said at once.

“They are my family. I need to be
with you.”

Ian grabbed her wrist and brought
her hand to his lips in a brief kiss. “Katie, I canna do this and fear for your
safety. You will remain here with Asilinn, Devon, and Skye. I promise you I
will free your family. Tessa and Jamie will help.”

Asilinn snorted and all eyes
turned to her. “I ken Katie’s father has been poisoned. Perchance Katie and I
should both accompany you to Duntaigh.”

Surprised by Asilinn’s
suggestion, Katie sat stunned as the two men stared at Asilinn in disbelief.
“That is a fine idea,” she agreed.

“It wilna happen,” Jared rasped.
“Both of you will stay safe within these walls until we return.”

Katie started to object. Asilinn
caught her eye and gave her a slight nod. “As you wish,” Asilinn said.

Ian turned to Katie. “And what of
you, love? Will you abide by my wishes?”

Fighting down her agitation,
Katie elected to wait and see what Asilinn meant by her nod. “I dinna wish to
distract you from the task of freeing my family, so I will abide by your wishes
even though I dinna agree with your thinking.”

“Good,” he said reaching across
and squeezing her hand.

“Let us eat,” Asilinn suggested.

They finished off the small
repast and Ian stood. “I would see father then go to discuss the plans for the
attack,” he said planting a kiss on Katie’s brow.

When the men walked out of earshot,
Asilinn leaned close. “We will talk more of going to Duntaigh later,” she said.
“Now I would offer you the comfort of our home. To keep up appearances, I will
place you and Ian in adjoining chambers. The door between the rooms will allow
you to be with each other away from prying eyes.”

Feeling her face flush red, Katie
drew a deep breath. “I thank you for protecting me from rumor, even though I
have brought scandal upon us with my lack of restraint.

“I am sure my brother had a
little something to do with that.”

“He took liberties with me…
but… but… he left the final decision to me,” she stammered. “I wanted him
to take me before the vows were spoken. In truth, I wasna sure what would
transpire or what his intentions were and still I gave him that which I can
only gift once.”

Asilinn sighed. “Ian is very
experienced with the ladies, but I have never seen him so enamored before. I
doubted he had the ability to want only one woman. ‘Tis clear that I was wrong.
He loves you and wants you for his wife.”

“Are you sure? I have done many
things that put him in danger.”

“I glimpsed the passion you share
when you are together. This is not an ordinary conquest for him and he doesna
take it lightly. For the first time in his life, he wants to marry and have a family.
I believe you want the same thing. Would you deny it?”

It seemed the Enchantress of
Dunbocan looked into her very soul. “I canna deny it,” Katie said. “When I
thought he perished on the battlefield, I wanted to die myself.” The fire
crackled and popped. Katie jumped.

“All is well,” Asilinn assured
her. “Would you like a hot bath to wash away the grime of the trail?”

Katie’s mind flew to Ian. How
long did it take a man’s seed to take root? Should she wash his residue away?
She looked up and saw Asilinn watched from across the table. “A bath, aye, I
would love a bath,” she mumbled.

“There is a hot spring deep in
bowels of the castle. They say it has a restorative power and I have always
found it to be so. I will take you there so you can freshen up before you meet
everyone.” Asilinn rose and motioned for Katie to follow her.

“Asilinn… I… I….”

Asilinn paused. “If the seed Ian
planted has taken root, bathing wilna undo it.”

Katie stopped short and glared at
the woman. “It is true what they say about you. Only a witch could ken my mind
even before my thoughts are fully formed.”

Letting out a melodic laugh,
Asilinn pulled Katie along. “I only sought to ease your mind. Come, let me take
you below. I think I was about your age when Jared stole me from Cairngorm
Castle. My father didna arrange a marriage for me because of the value my gift
had to him,” Asilinn said. She smiled. “Jared changed that.”

“My father has been ill for the
last year. I became like a mother to my sisters and my brother. When my body ripened,
I had no thought of marriage. My father’s infirmity protected me from an
unwanted union.”

“And then Rannoch petitioned the
king to take you for his wife.”

“Aye, so. Now he seeks to take
my sister, Brianna, in my stead. She is two years younger than me and ripe by
Rannoch’s measure, but unable to see him for what he really is.”

“Your sister desires this union?”

“Aye, although I canna fathom how
she could be so taken with the man.”

“He is wise beyond her years. And
you did something that made it impossible for Rannoch to be satisfied with
you.”

Katie felt her face go pale. “Are
you saying this is my fault?”

Asilinn wrapped her arm around
Katie as they walked. “It is not your fault that you fell in love with Ian. You
gave your innocence to my brother. You let him take you at will and now you
hope you carry his child. The two of you are a good match. Some arranged
marriages work out well.” Asilinn commented. “I dinna think you marrying
Rannoch would have been one of them. Did you ken that Jared and your father
have a betrothal agreement for your sister?”

“Brianna? Would this save her
from Rannoch?”

“Not Brianna. Tessa is betrothed
to our eldest son, Thorne.”

“What?” Katie could not hide her
shock. “Father has never told us this.”

Asilinn shrugged and let out a
long sigh. “I dinna ken if it will come to pass. I attended your mother at the
time of Tessa’s birth. I has unable to save Lady Katherine, but she bade me do
all I could for the babe. She feared Tessa would be weak and frail because of
her difficult birth. Lady Katherine asked me to join Tessa in marriage with our
family as a protection.” Asilinn took Katie’s hand and squeezed it. “After your
mother died, Jared and your father signed papers to assure Tessa would be
Thorne’s wife when they come to the right age. Your father must have chosen not
to speak of it until Tessa is older.”

“Well, Thorne will have his hands
full if the union does occur.” Katie smiled at the thought. Tessa would not
listen to anyone. She hadn’t in her whole life. Katie almost felt sorry for
Thorne MacLean.

“Aye, he will. I will try to
prepare him to deal with a wife who shares some of my special gifts.” She
laughed. “Perchance it should be Jared who sees that he is ready.”

Chapter 28

Ian walked through the adjoining
door and into her bed chamber. “I see Asilinn found you a fresh gown. You look
lovely.”

Katie’s hands fluttered across
her bodice and smoothed the skirt of the light blue satin gown Asilinn had
provided. “You sister is very kind for a sorceress of such great power.”

“That she is,” Ian agreed with a
laugh. “Tessa has some of the same gifts Asilinn has.”

“Aye, but your sister is more of
a mind reader.”

“How so?”

“When she took me to the hot
spring to wash off the dirt of the trail, she saw a thought that passed through
my mind and commented on it.” Katie sighed. “’Twas a little frightening.”

Reaching over, Ian traced his
finger across her forehead. “What were you thinking, sweet Katie? Did you savor
memories of our time together in the cave?”

Feeling her face flush, Katie
looked away then back at him. “Nay, Milord. I thought of the seed you placed
deep inside me and wondered if bathing would lessen the chance of it taking
root.” She paused and gazed into his eyes. “I want your child, Ian.”

Ian must have bathed in the hot
spring as well. She could smell his clean masculine aroma when he pulled her
close. The scent of him filled her with desire and ignited heat between her
thighs. He let out a low moan and sealed her lips with passionate kiss. All too
soon, he broke it off and took a step back. Ian’s gaze roamed over her. “You
will be the death of me, virgin Katie.”

“I dinna think that name fits
anymore, my love.”

“Ah, but you gave me what you
offered the night we met. Your beloved innocence was mine to take and I shall cherish
the memory until the day I die.”

“As will I,” Katie told him.

“All I crave right now is to take
you to bed and show you how much I love you. I want to take you over and over
until I give you what we both desire.”

Her pulse quickened. “You want to
give me your child.”

His knuckles traced her cheek.
“Aye, love, nothing would make me happier.” He drew in his breath sharply.
“Alas, they all await us.”

Placing her hand on Ian’s chest,
she gazed up into his eyes. “I am so moved by their support. I didna expect
it.”

“Your father is respected. They
rally to save him from evil.” Ian hugged her. “All will be well.” Kissing the
top of her head, he released her and took her hand. “Come, time to feast.” He
did a mock bow. “Lady Katherine Blackburn, please accompany me to the great
hall.”

“It would be my pleasure,
Milord.” She gave him a sly smile. “Almost as pleasurable as so many other
things I do with you.”

With a groan, he led her from
their chamber into the more bustling world of Dunbocan Castle.

The crackling smell of burning
peat permeated the great hall. The entire inner circle gathered to partake in
the feast that Jared and Asilinn had prepared. Katie’s eyes scanned the room.

A man who strongly resembled the
laird of Dunbocan raised his glass in their direction when they entered. It had
to be Jared’s cousin, Liam. As they moved closer, she could see that the
biggest difference between Jared and his cousin was their eye color. Liam had
piercing, dark brown eyes flecked with gold.

Beside him stood an ethereal creature
with fire-red hair and perfect creamy skin. This must be the wife once accused
of murdering her first husband. Devon MacLean glowed as she stood beside her
husband. Her reddish-brown satin gown brought out the magnificent color of her
hair. A shot of jealousy sprang in Katie’s chest when she noticed Devon’s
stomach protruded in a nice round ball that her husband kept stroking as he
talked to her. Would this happen for her and Ian? Ever since she thought she
lost him, her desire for his child was almost unbearable. She found herself
running a hand over her own flat stomach.

Ian’s hand closed over hers.
“Soon enough, love,” he whispered.

Tears welled in Katie’s eyes. “I
pray so, Ian.”

“Liam and Devon, may I present my
betrothed, Katie Blackburn.”

Liam hugged her and smiled.
“Finally he has found his match.”

Devon’s sweet laugh drew Katie’s
attention away from Liam. “I guess you can see we are expecting another child,”
she said with a happy smile. “I hope you and Ian find the joy of children.”

“As do I,” Katie said. “How many
children do you have, Lady Devon?”

“Just Devon will do, Katie. We
are all family here, are we not?” She smiled up at her husband. “This will be
our third and I ken my husband wishes for a boy. We have two daughters.”

“I dinna care if it is a boy or a
girl,” Liam said with conviction. “I am just grateful our family continues to
grow.” He looked at Ian. “I think Skye has her eye on your intended.”

Katie glanced over and saw a
beautiful raven-haired woman gazing at Ian. Skye bore a striking resemblance to
her brother. She wore a green velvet gown decorated with shiny golden beads
that glittered in the candlelight when she moved. Her silky, dark hair fell to
her waist and her green eyes sparkled when she caught Ian looking at her. “That
is Skye?”

Ian grinned. “Aye.”

Tall for a woman, Skye stood
beside an even taller man. Katie surmised it must be Gabriel Ravenwood, her
husband. His dark good looks made him appear as if he could have been one of
the MacLean Clan, but he rubbed Skye’s back and nuzzled her neck the way a
lover does. “One could not tell she gave birth to twins within the last year.”

“Aye, so,” Ian said, pulling
Katie with him as they moved toward Skye MacLean Ravenwood. Ian grabbed Skye
and hugged her. “How are the twins?”

“Healthy and happy,” she said.
“And who is this beauty who hangs on your arm, Ian?”

“You ken full well ‘tis my
betrothed, Lady Katherine Blackburn.”

“Please just call me Katie,”
Katie mumbled finding herself nervous under Skye’s scrutiny. “Twin boys or twin
girls?” she asked.

Skye grinned. “I have a boy and a
girl.”

“That is quite unusual,“ Katie
said.

“Aye, twins are rare and one of
each sex even more so.”

“Are they here? I should love to
see them.”

“Nay, Katie, Gabriel’s mother and
father watch over the twins back at Carraig Castle. I worry about leaving them.
Still this became my opportunity to see most of the family in one gathering. I
miss them so, but I longed for a visit home. I havena returned to Dunbocan
since my husband carried me off to his home.” She smiled. “I didna expect the
surprise of getting to meet the woman who could steal Ian’s heart.”

Katie saw Ian shoot Skye a
warning look. “Katie, allow me to introduce you to Skye’s husband, Gabriel
Ravenwood next Earl of Carraig.”

Gabriel Ravenwood took Katie’s
hand and kissed it. “I am happy to meet you.”

“Perchance one day soon you and
Ian will have a babe of your own,” Skye said.

“I pray so. I want Ian’s child,”
Katie blurted out.

They all laughed and Katie felt
her face color with a blush. “Dinna be embarrassed to admit wanting this,” Skye
said. “There is no greater joy than having a child with a man you love.” She
looked Katie up and down. “I think you and I should have a little talk after
dinner,” Skye said. Ian groaned and Skye laughed. “I must be sure she is the
right one for you,” she teased.

“She is,” Ian assured her.

Placing her hands on her hips,
Skye grinned. “I will be the judge of that,” she spat back.

“She is mine, and I dinna care
what you think.”

Ian grabbed Katie and led her to
their seats at the table. The evening passed with glorious stories of the
adventures they all had together. Katie felt like an outsider, but they did not
treat her as such. There was a long way to go for her to feel part of Ian’s
extended family.

After dinner, the men adjourned
to discuss the plan for the attack on Duntaigh Castle. Despite Katie’s protest,
Ian would not allow her to go with them. “If we have questions, I will come to
you,” he promised as he left.

Katie sat at the table staring
into the fire. Suddenly she noticed that only she, Asilinn, and Skye remained.
Skye’s emerald eyes moved over Katie. “Do you love him?” Skye asked moving to a
seat directly across from Katie.

“Aye,” Katie replied.

“He deserves no less.”

“He told me he proposed to you
once,” Katie ventured. “Did he love you?”

Skye laughed. “Like a sister. He
loved me the way he loves Asilinn, not as a wife. Ian only asked me to marry
him because I was in a lot of trouble and he hoped to help me.”

“’Tis a lot to offer,” Katie
said.

Skye studied her with interest.
“Aye, so, but I would have done the same for him. Ian is special, Katie. He
needs a wife who will love him without reserve.”

“I am that woman,” Katie said.

“Are you sure? I wouldna see his
heart broken now that he has finally found love.” Skye’s eyes turned a piercing
shade of green as she brushed an errant strand of midnight hair from her
shoulder. “How do I ken you speak the truth?”

Clearing her throat, Katie
straightened in her chair. “I have given him all and I trust him to say the
vows and make this right.”

She had Skye’s attention now.
“You have been with him?”

Katie nodded. “Nothing in my life
prepared me for Ian. He makes me feel complete.”

“As it should be,” Skye said
raising an ebony eyebrow. “But you used trickery to capture him, held him in a
dungeon, and almost got him gelded at the hands of Rannoch. These things are
hard for me to forgive, even if Ian has.”

“How do you ken these things?”

“My brother told me.”

Katie wished the floor would open
and swallow her up. Skye MacLean Ravenwood stared at her as if she expected a
full explanation of all these events. “What do you want me to say?” Katie
asked.

“The simple truth will do,” Skye
snapped. “How do you go from having Ian as a captive to letting him under your
skirt? Did you do it to win his help or do you really love him?”

“I fell in love with him,” Katie
said simply.

“Was he the first to take you?”

Rising from the table, Katie
slammed both fists down hard. “I was a virgin when I gave myself to him,” she
shouted. “He made my body come alive and now I am his for as long as he will
have me.”

“Good,” Skye said simply. “Have a
care with Ian’s heart,” she warned. “If you dinna, I will track you down and
punish you in ways you canna even imagine.” With that, Skye rose and left the
room.

Katie felt hot tears burning down
her cheeks. In a few short minutes, Skye questioned her whole relationship with
Ian.

As Katie started toward the door,
Asilinn stopped her. “Skye only seeks to protect him,” Asilinn said.

“She insults me with her
questions.”

“Because she loves him like a
brother,” Asilinn retorted. “She has had her say. Now she will just watch and
see the truth of your words.”

“I will go to our chamber,” Katie
said feeling shaken by Skye’s attack.

“I would speak with you first,”
Asilinn petitioned.

Katie sighed and sank back to her
seat at the table. “Ian goes to free my clansmen and he wilna let me go with
him.”

“Not if he kens you are going.”

Asilinn had her attention now.
“What are you saying?”

“Please, come and sit with me a
bit longer,” Asilinn entreated. She led Katie back to the table then took the
seat Skye vacated. “I sense I need to go and help your father. My husband would
not allow this were I to tell him. Ian has already told you not to go.”

“What do you propose?”

“When they leave, they go to the
inn to gather their forces. We could leave right after they do and go directly
to Duntaigh Castle. I could help your father while you prepare your siblings to
help Ian and Jared defeat Rannoch.”

“You would go against Laird
MacLean’s wishes?”

“Aye, I have had strong visions
of this battle. You and I must be there to assure their victory.” Asilinn
shrugged. “If they canna accept that then we will do it on our own. In the end
they will see it needed to be done.”

“What of your children?”

“Devon and Skye will watch over
them while we are gone.”

“My sister….”

“Tessa,” Asilinn said. “She is
very gifted for one so young. I have seen her in my dreams. One day she will do
great good. You must not doubt her gifts.”

“You see Tessa?”

“Aye, for some years now she has
haunted my dreams. I didna ken why until recently.”

“What of Brianna? She is under
Rannoch’s spell.”

“Aye, all the more reason we must
ride for Duntaigh as soon as the troops leave. Will you come?”