The Border Hostage (47 page)

There was no time for explanations as they were surrounded by Douglas and Kennedy clansmen in the great hall. As the bride lifted her mouth for her husband's kiss, she knew that she would have to wait until tonight to learn the whole amazing story. She could clearly see that Heath was happier than he had ever been, and to Raven that was all that mattered.

Kate Carleton embraced her daughter and whispered, “You are such a clever girl, Raven! I warrant my mother must have inducted you into the Craft. Promise me you will do all in your power to see that they betroth Beth Kennedy to Heron?”

Raven's father, Sir Lancelot, claimed the first dance, and Rob Kennedy claimed the second. After that Raven had so many partners begging for dances, it made her dizzy. The Douglas men were dark, the Kennedy men red-haired, and other than that Raven could not tell one from the other. The music and feasting and drinking went on until after midnight, but long before that Heath spirited his bride upstairs to the Master Chamber, which Tina had prepared for the newlyweds.

By the time the door closed on the sumptuous chamber with the pink granite walls, Heath and Raven were in a fever of longing. Once their clinging and kissing began, explanations were postponed. Heath undressed his bride with reverent hands, then he proceeded to anoint every inch of her silken skin with worshipful kisses.

Raven lay naked upon the luxurious lynx fur. Heath's lovemaking was gentle and slow, and heartbreakingly tender. He honored and cherished her with his body as he had promised in his wedding vows, and his hands and his lips made her feel utterly beautiful. When she experienced her final rapture, he gathered her close in a tender embrace while they shared every last pulsation. She was amazed at the enormity of the love she felt for him. She experienced a sense of perfection and rightness as contentment filled her heart and her soul.

When they lay still with only their heartbeats intermingling, he poured out his love. “You have bound me eternally. I pledge you my love now and forevermore, Raven. I have never felt this way before. You are more precious to me than my own life.” He pushed up the pillows behind them, then scooped her up to cradle her between his long legs. He cupped her softening breasts possessively and told her everything that had happened to change their lives. “I had known that I was my father's legal heir for some time, but when he passed over the Lordship of Galloway to me, it came as a complete surprise.”

“You had known for some time? Did you know when you made me propose to you?”

Heath's grin flashed forth. “I did, but you don't understand; at that time I thought I might refuse his generous offer.”

Raven stroked his thigh.
I do understand, Heath. It was your pride that prevented you from proposing to me, and pride that prompted you to refuse his offer.
“What made you change your mind?”

“It was thoughts of my mother … and you. She was my father's legal wife, and the lordship is my birthright. But more than anything, I wanted to bestow the title of
lady
upon you. It means nothing without you, Raven.” His arms tightened about her as he told her of his plans.

“I am going to buy the Earl of Cassillis's herds of thoroughbred horses. I want us to travel across every mile of Kennedy land, visit every town and village and meet the people who live there. Beyond the River Cree is a Kennedy castle on the shores of Loch Ryan. If you love it as much as I think you will, that's where I would like us to live. Between the castle and the River Cree lies a vast stretch of land called The Moors, which should be ideal for horse breeding. Loch Ryan opens into the sea, which will be a great asset when we have enough horses to export.”

Catching his enthusiasm, Raven added, “It sounds like a marvelous place for me to breed hunting birds.”

Heath couldn't resist teasing her. “I don't think that's a suitable occupation for a lady!”

She jumped up from the bed and stood naked, hands on hips, ready to join the fray. “Be damned to you, Lord Kennedy. I am no ordinary lady!”

“Because you tame raptors?”

“No, because I have a Gypsy lover … but come to think of it, they are one and the same!”

He cocked a dark brow. “I don't cavil at being called ‘raptor,’ but I'll be damned if I'll have you think I can be tamed!” He lunged after her, but she ran out onto the parapet walk, and it took a minute or two to catch her.

Raven was laughing uncontrollably by the time his arms closed around her. “Standing here naked on the ramparts of Castle Douglas makes me feel most unladylike. Do you know what I've always wanted to do? Ride naked in the moonlight!”

Heath bowed low. “I am here to fulfill your every fantasy, Lady Kennedy.” He returned to the chamber for his cloak, then wrapped it about her and drew her down the outside steps. He found the stables deserted, for even the lowliest groom was celebrating tonight. He led Blackadder outside without a saddle, mounted him, then lifted Raven before him between his naked thighs.

When they reached the banks of the River Dee, Heath snatched away his cloak and touched his heels to Blackadder's flanks. The horse surged forward eagerly and Raven threaded her fingers through his wild black mane, feeling utterly wild and wanton. When Heath finally drew rein, he whispered wickedly, “My fantasy is to tumble an English lady under a hedge.”

Raven grabbed the cloak, slid down from the horse, and began to run. She looked back over her shoulder. “What the devil are you waiting for, Lord Kennedy?”