J. Lee Coulter (5 page)

Chapter Seven

Soft snoring reached Iona’s ears as she floated into the young laird’s chambers. The hour was late but she was bored. Ghosts had no need for rest so she rambled through the castle walls waiting for an opportunity to pester someone.

I wonder what he dreams of this eve. Still trying ta kill the beastie?
She smiled as she shook her head.
Nay. He dreams of his bride and…oh my!
Iona blushed as she intruded on Conan’s dream, or she would have if she had been alive. Retreating from his mind a bit, she called out to him announcing her arrival.

M
e laird, I wish ta speak with ye.
He groaned in disappointment as his thoughts turned from his wife.

Our business is finished spirit! I have done all that ye asked! We had a pact.

Aye, tis true but I am…bored.

Bored are ye?
He spun around in his dream to peer at the beautiful wraith.
Then why do ye nae go haunt your husband? Tis
his
turn!
He spit out petulantly.

With narrowed eyes and hands on hips she
screeched,
The bloody sot knocked himself out cold! He thought he could murder me twice!
She smiled wickedly at the thought.

Conan’s laughter rang through the glen where they stood.
Surely ye jest!

Nay! Tis truth! He attempted ta throttle me when I told him of Kyla’s fate, hitting the floor face-first.
She giggled.

Conan frowned at this information.
Ye told him? Are ye daft lass?

What? All I did was let him ken that she was wed…and bedded. There be nae harm done. How else was I ta torture him?

The young laird stiffened. Did she watch them as they consummated their vows? He could not allow that behavior…not even from a ghost! Grasping her arm he bellowed,
Ye will give us privacy in me chambers! They are off limits ta ye!

Do nae fash yourself, m
e laird. I was nae here at the time. I assumed ye would nae keep your hands ta yourself once ye saw me Kyla. I only spoke of it ta torture Clyde. I was nae ascertained of the truth of it.

He relaxed his grip as his fears were found warrantless. Only then did he realize that he had actually touched her.
Surprise filled his blue-green eyes as he glanced at her.
Ye are nae ghost here!

Tis only because I allow it ta be so.
She gave him a nervous glance as she stepped back. Iona had no wish to let him see that she was vulnerable in the dream state. Twould be disastrous!

Peering at him with a new thought she asked,
Has Kyla found ye pleasing as a husband? Has she accepted ye?

He gave a curt nod as he released her arm.
Aye, and she is aware of what her faither had planned for her, as well.

She nodded to herself.
Tis a hard reality ta bear. But she be strong-minded…she will learn ta accept the truth in time.

Aye…I believe she will.
Conan eyed the spirit before him as a new thought crossed his mind.
Why did ye lead me ta believe Kyla was unattractive? She be a fine bonny lass!

Iona grinned
up at him.
Would it have made a difference in your decision? I think nae. Besides, I never mentioned her appearance ta ye one way or the other when we spoke. I can nae be held accountable for your assumptions.

Aye, tis true enough,
he conceded.
Still, a bit of warning could have prevented me from insulting her with me first words uttered.

Where
is the fun in that?
She cackled with glee as the young laird frowned at her use of his favorite phrase.
She pleases ye then? I kenned that she would.

Aye…she pleases me a great deal. I feel I must thank ye for bringing us together, Iona, nae matter the reason behind it.

Ye are welcome, Conan.
Her voice softened with tenderness as her thoughts ran to Kyla.
Keep her safe and happy. Tis all that I ask. Ye will nae regret this decision, of that I am certain.
Sighing, she turned to leave.

Will I be seeing ye again or are ye finally going ta give me peace?

I will be visiting on occasion but nae ta frighten anyone. I just wish ta see Kyla from time ta time…and give ye updates on Clyde if there be a need.
With that, Iona faded into the mists of his vision.

Conan awoke suddenly from his dream with the wraith still in his thoughts. Her attachment to Kyla was strong and a bit mystifying. It was not unheard of to become close to your step-children but it was rare. Glancing at his bride he could understand it in this case. She was endearing. Kissing her brow, he wrapped his strong arm about her
possessively and drifted back to sleep.

Kyla awoke the next morn
to an empty bed and someone scratching softly at the door. Glancing about at the messy bedclothes she found the night rail that had been left for her and swiftly donned it as Myra came swooping into the chamber.

“Are ye decent, m’lady?”

“Aye. I fear that I have overslept though.” Chewing her lower lip, she inquired nervously, “Is me husband about?” The words felt strange to her lips.

The maid glanced over her shoulder at her new mistress as she went to allow entrance to an army of servants
toting water.

“Nay, m’lady. He broke his fast several hours ago then rode ta the village. The laird told us ta let ye rest as long as ye liked. I hope I did nae disturb ye too soon. Tis near the nooning.”

Kyla shook her ebony locks.

“Nay…Myra…is it? I do nae care ta sleep away the day. Tis good that ye woke me.”

The older woman smiled. Shooing the servants away as soon as the tub was filled, she aided Kyla in her bath. In no time at all Myra had her clean and dressed to meet the day.

“Ida and I have finished two gowns for ye ta wear m’lady and we have set some seamstresses ta work on the rest. The other gown is for your wedding feast this eve.”

Kyla glanced up in surprise.

“There is ta be a feast?”

“Och! Of course there will be a feast! Our laird was just wed ta a beautiful lass! Did ye think he would nae show ye off?”

She blushed as her eyes strayed towards the maids who were changing the sheets, one smiling at the blood stain she spied there. A few moments later Kyla cringed at the loud cheering as the sheet was draped out their window for all to see. She knew that this was the way of things but it still embarrassed her.

Speaking of food, her stomach protested loudly as she imagined what may be served that eve. She had not eaten much in the past two days. Turning to the maid she remarked, “I fear that with an absent husband I will need ye ta show me the way ta the hall. I am quite famished.”

“Of course, m’lady. Twould be me pleasure.”

Kyla trembled inside as they made their way through the endless corridors. She had not been allowed to dine in the great hall at Ramsey Castle since she got her courses. It was forbidden! No man had been allowed near her for years…except for Malcolm. He was the only one who had not feared her father’s wrath. He should have. Clyde had beaten her severely and executed him in her sight! She shuddered at the memory. And all of it was caused by a simple kiss! She hoped that her new husband would not care that she ventured out without him.

Boisterous sounds emanated from the chamber as they neared. Stopping at the entrance, Kyla took a deep breath and stiffened her spine as she p
repared to enter the noisy din. Startled, she jumped back as she felt a large hand gently grasp her arm.

“Were ye planning on dining without me, wife?” Conan frowned at the tremble of fear he felt
beneath his fingertips.

Peering into her husband’s aqua eyes, she noted the look of displeasure. Wondering if she had broken
protocol, Kyla shook her head.

“Nay, m
e laird. I grew hungered. Was I ta await ye before I dined? Forgive me if I have given insult. I do nae ken your ways here. I was nae allowed ta eat among the others at home but I am quite famished.”

A flash of anger crossed his face before it was masked with a wide grin.
What sort of man is this Clyde Ramsey? Tis cruel ta treat his own daughter thusly!

“
Ye have done naught wrong!
Tis just that I do nae want ye ta face me clan for the first time without me attending ye. They tend ta be a bit overbearing…at times. Come.”

The noise dimmed as they entered until there was
nothing but silence. All eyes fell upon the couple as Conan led his bride to the dais and seated her to his left. He remained standing as he looked out over his clansmen…clearing his throat.

“McEwens! As ye are well aware, for the last several moons we have been tormented by a spirit!”

Several warriors hollered “Aye!” and banged their cups on the tables as others nodded in agreement. When they quieted he continued.

“A few nights
past this spirit invaded me dream ta let me ken what ailed her. It turns out that she but desired ta grant me a precious gift!”

Kyla’s eyes shot to his face in alarm! Surely he would not shame her in front of his clan about her father!
Her body stiffened as she prepared to flee but his next words stayed her.

“She had been drawn ta me loneliness and so led me ta take a bride. But nae just any bride! Nae! Me bride had ta be the most beautiful lass in all of Scotia! So I present ta ye your new mistress…Lady Kyla Ramsey McEwen!”

Cheers rang out across the hall as toasts were offered up to them. Conan turned to her and pecked her cheek as he gave her a wink. Kyla smiled up at him with tears threatening to escape down her cheeks.

“Now none of that, me sweet,” his deep voice rumbled under his breath.
“Ye can rest assured that I will never shame ye. I give ye me oath on it.”

“For that I must thank ye, husband.”

Conan’s mind wandered to Laird Ramsey as he fed his bride from their trencher. What sort of man was he to treat his own daughter so poorly? He may as well have kept her in the dungeon! One thing was certain…he did not sound like the kind of man who would give her up without a fight. He would need to double the guard and let no strangers pass the gates for quite some time.

Noting his frown,
Kyla inquired, “Have I displeased ye, me laird?”

“What? Nay, me sweet. Twas just castle business that me mind drifted ta. Tis naught ta concern yourself about.” Smiling, he raised her delicate hand to his lips. “When ye finish eating I will give ye a tour of your new home. It has been lacking a woman’s touch for far too long, I fear.”

“I would like that…Conan.”

Chapter Eight

“Should we wake him?”

“Ye can if ye wish …just wait until after I have gone. I want nae part of his wrath when he
stirs!”

Donald and Seamus had stumbled upon Clyde
while they had been trying desperately to avoid him. It would not be much longer before he would ask about his missing horse and the lieutenant did not wish to be present for that discussion!

Seamus shook his head.

“Nay. Twill nae be me that does the deed.”

Just then a haunting sigh was heard on a cold gust of wind, ruffling both men’s hair. Donald shuddered as an uneasy look crossed his face. Without a word spoken the men glanced at each other and hurried from their master’s chamber.

Iona cackled as she clapped her hands, hastening their departure. The Ramsey fortress was showing itself to be filled with the promise of pleasure as she exacted her revenge. Donald was a lecherous braggart and Seamus, poor Seamus, was a simpering fool! It was time to even the score.

Once they had traveled a safe distance down the stairs
, Seamus croaked, “W-what…w-was…t-that?”

“What? I heard naught! Ye must be
imagining things!”

Astonished, Seamus blurted, “Ye did nae hear the sigh? The laughter as we fled? Not even feel the chill?”

“Nay! And neither did ye!” He whispered loudly. “Nae unless ye wish for the priest ta claim ye be possessed! I will nae hear more on the matter!” With that said, Donald headed for the stables to help with the rebuilding.

Seamus was stunned by his words.
Mulling them over, which took a while in his slow brain, he decided that his friend must be right. It would not do to have the priest try to exorcise a demon out of him that he was certain did not exist. At least not inside him. Picking up his pace, he returned to his duties.

Clyde groaned as he opened his eyes to find himself staring at the stone floor. His head pounded with the after
effects of an eve of heavy drinking as he pushed his hefty body to a sitting position. Bleary-eyed, he surveyed the room searching out the voices he thought he had heard.

Seeing that he was alone the laird brushed it off as the result of too much uisge beatha and rose to find the chamber pot.

Why does me face hurt?
Reaching up, he tentatively touched his bloodied nose and winced.
Me nose is broken! How did that happen?
Cringing as wee bursts of memory flashed through his throbbing head, he came to the conclusion that it was his own clumsiness that was the cause.

Bloody hell! I drank so much that I had visions of Iona!
Well I will nae allow that ta happen again!
He snorted in disgust at his own conscience. After cleaning himself and dressing, he ventured to the great hall to break his fast.

Several servants glanced sideways at him noting the two black eyes and swollen nose but none dared to comment as they brought him his meal. Clyde glared at one and all in the chamber, daring them to say anything.

Eyeing his trusted captain across the room he motioned him over.

“Aye, m’laird?”

“Be there any word of me daughter?”

Ivar shook his battle-scarred head.

“Nay. I have sent men out ta scout for a trail but there be naught so far.”

Nodding, a thought occurred to the portly laird.

“Have them travel ta surrounding villages ta see if there be word of any weddings these past few days.”

“Weddings m’laird? Surely ye do nae believe she ran off”

“Just do it!” he roared before clasping his head.

“Aye, m’laird.” Bowing curtly, he hurried from the hall.

Iona watched in contempt as her husband stuffed food in his mouth.
He even eats like a pig!
She glanced about the chamber searching for inspiration as to her next prank, smiling as she spied a shield on the wall behind him bearing the Ramsey coat-of-arms. Floating unseen to a position behind him, Iona tested the strength of the bracket bearing the shield. It was stuck fast!
Bloody hell!

Positioning a foot on either side, she grasped it as well as she could for a spirit and pulled with all of her might. Nothing! Iona was determined though so, with tongue-in-cheek, she gave it another try as she concentrated on her task.
It moved…a little. With fresh resolve she tugged on it for the next hour until it was ready for one last yank. The final heave sent both the shield and Iona crashing to the floor, missing Clyde by a hair’s breath.

He leapt to his feet in alarm spilling his ale in his lap.

“What the…? Bloody hell! Who is responsible for this?” His beady eyes darted about searching out the culprit. Startled eyes stared back at him.

Iona rose from the floor straightening her gown.
I must remember ta let go next time. Tis a shame that I missed me target.
Sighing, she glanced about to see what other mischief she could cause. Finding nothing interesting, she placed a cold hand on the back of his neck causing a chill to race through him. Temporarily satisfied when she felt him shudder, Iona faded away to make plans for her next attack.

Kyla was giddy with her new found freedom. Her father had barely allowed her out of her chambers and never unless he accompanied her!

Conan was completely the opposite as he encouraged her to wander about freely within the castle’s walls. His only restriction was that she not leave the castle gates without his presence. He feared that Laird Ramsey would find her and steal her away. This was something she could agree with so she was very careful not to venture out. Kyla shuddered at the thought of falling into her father’s clutches again.

“Be ye chilled, me sweet?” Strong hands grasped her shoulders from behind as she stood gazing across the bailey at a group of children playing.

Shaking her head, she leaned back against his muscular torso, absorbing his warmth.

“Nay…twas just a thought of me faither passing through.” Kyla turned her violet eyes on her husband. “Do ye think he will find me…us?”

“Aye. Sooner or later. Ye must nae fash yourself, wife. I will tend ta your da.”

“I will try but tis nae easy. I have been so happy this past fortnight that I fear it will nae last
.”

Conan was pleased to hear that he had made her happy. He smiled down into her lovely face as he stroked her cheek.

“It gladdens me heart ta ken that I have brought joy into your life. Ye have brightened me world, as well. I had nae realized how empty it was until ye filled the void.” She blushed as he bent over and kissed her soft lips. Forgetting where they were, the kiss deepened as Kyla’s knees began to buckle. The sound of children’s laughter brought them out of their bubble.

Glancing over as he broke off the kiss, he bellowed with a smile, “What? Have ye never seen a man kiss his bride before? Ye just wait till ye are older…ye will nae be laughing then!”

The children ran away squealing denials as they giggled.

Red-faced, Kyla stepped back from him with a smile. “I must return ta the keep. There is much work ta be done yet.” With her heart still pounding from the fiery kiss, she turned and scurried back inside.

Jamie approached just then grinning from ear to ear as his wife disappeared inside.

“Me thinks ye be growing fond of the lass.”

“And what be wrong with that?” he asked defensively. “She is me wife, after all.”

His captain threw up his hands to ward him off. “I did nae say there be anything wrong with it. Twas a simple observation…that is all.”

Conan relaxed his stance as a smile returned to his lips. “She be a bonny lass. It seems that the spirit did me a great service.”

“Aye, it would seem so. Speaking of the wraith…has she kept her bargain?”

Pondering the question for a few moments, he gave a curt nod.

“She torments me nae more. All she truly cares about is me bride’s happiness. I can nae fault her for that.”

Slapping him on the shoulder, Jamie grinned. “I almost forgot…I came ta see if ye would train with me this day…if ye nae be too busy.”

He snorted. “I am never too busy for that. Come.”