Highland Defiance

chapter Eleven



Mildred looked at the Defiance and waited.

Not nearly the size of the one they’d been at earlier, this window seemed much more the judge. Arms crossed over her chest, hands nervously clenching her arms, she stood in front of the fire. How could one magical window have so changed her life? Heavy frown, she began to pace. Yet, had the Defiance changed her life? No. Adlin had. Everything about him had transformed the way she looked at life.

When Iosbail entered, Mildred stopped.

After Adlin’s sister placed a dress on the bed, she turned and eyed Mildred as warily as Mildred did her. Iosbail cut to the chase. “I dinnae blame you, lass.”

“You shouldn’t. I saved your hide back there,” Mildred returned. Yes, Iosbail had lived a very long time and was her ancestor but that didn’t mean she should be less than honest.

Iosbail looked at the floor for a moment then her eyes locked on Mildred’s so hard it felt like the holding ceased to exist. “I will say this to you, Mildred, because as a lass, you deserve to hear it.” Iosbail stepped closer and the air thickened. “Never, not for a second, should you ever put who you think you are in the hands of a man. You define you. Not them.”

Mildred was about to agree but Iosbail turned and left the room.

No ‘thank you for keeping Adlin on track’ was to be offered. Who knows, maybe it irked her ancient ancestor that her brother had listened to a mere mortal over her. She supposed it would remain a mystery.

One fact remained. Iosbail was a hard, difficult woman.

For all she’d thought she and Iosbail had come far, they’d actually only traveled five seconds in two days. Not so far at all. Adlin’s sister was obviously bitter and even better at being evasive than her brother.

But Mildred knew why she was here.

Determined, she crawled into the crimson velvet dress and combed out her unruly hair. She pinched some of the colored juice provided onto her lips until they were a full, inviting red. When at last she left Adlin’s chamber with a servant it was with her shoulders back and head held high.

As promised.

The keep was alive as she descended. An unseasonable cold front had moved in and light snow fell beyond the sturdy stone walls. A pipe trilled and echoed up, an eerie sound as it met the small flakes blowing in on the wind. She looked down to see the white, icy orbs shift and dance toward their death below.

But it was no death for her.

More determined than ever, Mildred made her way to the bottom. The feeling of lightheartedness and joy from the previous night was gone. In its place, structure, determination… Bruce.

Iosbail took her arm at the bottom of the stairs and walked with her to a long table set before the fire. Laird Bruce waited, his gaze lusty and appreciative. When she sat next to him she scanned the crowd. Adlin sat at one of the long trestle tables. Instead of avoiding her gaze as he had before their gazes locked and held.

“I intend to have you for the night,” Bruce said.

Expression blank, she smiled. “I will be in the keep but you will not have me until we’re properly married. Surely you understand.”

She started to lift a goblet to her lips but he grabbed her arm. “I ken you traveled here for a chance at the MacLomain laird,” he growled, his cunning eyes slipped to hers. “How did that go, lass?”

“Not well,” she replied automatically. “I believe I spoke of his tastes.”

Bruce lifted his chin slightly and eyed her hair. “Not fair enough.”

She shook her head.

Though he released her arm and drank deeply, Mildred sensed that he didn’t believe her. When he turned his attention to the man beside her she looked to Adlin only to find him looking the other way. Her eyes turned to Iosbail. In true fashion, she was the ever devoted wife to the man she’d just married. Would she spin around the fire tonight enticing every man?

Unlikely.

Mildred contemplated what Adlin had told her when they’d arrived at the holding earlier. Apparently it was imperative that history flow a certain way. In order for that to happen she needed to agree to this betrothal and see it through until Adlin came up with a way to stop it. Iosbail had done her part. Adlin his.

Now it was her turn.

Under any other circumstance she’d be petrified and want nothing to do with it. But the thought of letting down Adlin didn’t sit well. She’d convinced him to allow her to stay and so here she was, doing what was right for all parties affected. Not only that, the thought of leaving Adlin was absolutely heartbreaking.

That was the real reason she agreed.

She didn’t want to leave him.

But she supposed any fool could see that. Even the non-fools like Iosbail.

When her eyes searched out Adlin’s, his were already on her. Had he been following her thoughts again? This time, she hoped not. He might not have liked it so much.

“I’d say he’s just fine with the darker haired lasses,” Bruce cut into her thoughts.

Mildred looked down and shrugged. “I’d say he’s just curious about your attraction to me.”

Bruce laughed, his barrel chest creating a rumbling sound throughout the hall. Everyone grew silent. As if he’d planned it, the MacLeod laird stood and his booming voice overwhelming. “No need to wait any longer. I’ll marry Mildred now!” He turned. “Have you a holy man, brother?”

Iosbail’s husband seemed wary at first then hardened his expression. “Aye.”

Stomach flipped inside out, Mildred tried to catch her breath. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way. Adlin had assured her the MacLeod laird would want the wedding at his castle despite what he’d said previously. Bruce was a man who liked things done in his immediate realm. When she looked at the MacLomain laird she realized that he was equally surprised by Bruce’s declaration.

“No.” Adlin stood.

A declaration from one chieftain against another meant battle.

The MacLeod and MacLomain clansmen drew their weapons, the sound of steel sliding a shrieking deathly sound.

Music ceased.

Women and children seemed to fade into the shadows.

Iosbail groaned.

As if he expected his new brother-in-law to do exactly as he had, Bruce rocked back on his heels and crossed two heavily muscled arms over his chest. “No?”

“No,” Adlin repeated.

The two lairds never took their eyes off one another.

“She’s mine, MacLomain,” Bruce said. “It’s been agreed.”

“Things have changed. I want her now,” Adlin replied evenly.

Mumbled sounds of disbelief rumbled through the crowd.

“Ye’ve always wanted her.” He glanced at Mildred. “Who wouldnae?” He fingered her hair. “Such a bonnie lass.”

Uncomfortable and fairly mortified to be so close to Bruce considering the repressed rage evident, Mildred tried not to keep steady.

Adlin’s eyes narrowed. He fingered the dagger at his waist. “Take your hands off her, MacLeod.”

Bruce kept twirling a lock of her hair around his finger, his crude eyes on Adlin. “What exactly will you do if I dinnae? Not only do I have more weapons in this hall, but I’ve the magi in me as well… or have you forgotten?”

“I’ve a bargain to make,” Adlin returned.

The room grew quiet.

Bruce chuckled. “You mean the great MacLomain chieftain is willing to make a bargain over a mere lass? As far as I know, you’ve never bargained a day in your life. It’s your way or no way.”

This earned him a small grunt from Iosbail.

“Unending support of the MacLomain clan to the MacLeod clan for all future generations.”

Iosbail muttered.

Bruce cocked his head, a flicker of interest in his eyes. “That’s a mighty presumptuous offer. How can you guarantee such a thing?”

“A pact.Signed here and now. Sealed with the magi.”

“I want more,” Bruce grunted.

“Nay.”

“Then there’s no—”

“And all of our newly acquired land southeast of the peninsula, hundreds of acres.”

A snorting sound clearly came from Iosbail at this.

Bruce raised his brows and looked at Mildred. “He must really be forgiving your lack of fair hair, lass.”

Mildred kept her expression blank and gave no response.

It was a wicked thing to be sitting in a medieval hall full of Highlanders with their weapons drawn, to feel the palpable tension reverberating between such strong, war hungry soldiers.

Set aside the fact two lairds were bargaining for her future.

After a long drawn out silence, Bruce said, “Give me one more thing and she’s yours.”

Iosbail clicked her fingernails on the table, her eyes full of warning as they watched Adlin.

Adlin’s eyes met Mildred’s and she got the distinct feeling that he truly dreaded his next words. As if they would have a mighty impact on their lives. “I will give one of your descendants a woman who descends from the Broun clan in the distant future. I will give you the promise of a marriage between the MacLomains and Brouns as you are denied one this day. It will be yet another way to ensure that our clans remain closely tied.”

Iosbail gasped.

Bruce stood up a little straighter.

Mildred narrowed her eyes, fear forgotten. What exactly did he mean by that?

As if Bruce understood exactly, his eyes wandered over Mildred then shot to Adlin. “One of hers to one of mine?”

This wasn’t sounding good at all and she shook her head.

“Do we have a deal?” Adlin ground out.

“I think we do.” Bruce nodded slowly then gestured at his brother.

Weapons were sheathed.

The next thing she knew, a young man walked forward with a scroll. Mildred watched in amazement as Adlin approached their table. The blank scroll was unrolled on the table. When Adlin and Bruce touched it, a long line of script appeared. After the words, two x’s burned bright then fizzled down to two signatures… Adlin’s and Bruce’s.

The lad rolled up the paper and walked away.

Adlin’s eyes locked on hers. “Come sit with me now, lass.”

Though she knew something not-quite-right had just happened feelings of relief and joy overtook. Mildred nodded and walked around the table. When Adlin’s warm, steady hand took hers she felt for a moment she’d be fine even if he’d just sold her soul.

It was easy enough to ignore Bruce once she sat with Adlin amongst his clansmen. The feeling of protection was comfortably overwhelming. “I’m so sorry,” Adlin whispered. “I was unwilling to lose you.”

“I’m very glad you were unwilling to lose me,” she whispered back.

He squeezed her hand, his face not nearly as relaxed as it should be. “Do you ken the bargain I struck, Mildred?”

Still too relieved to be safely near him, her lips wobbled. “Is it really so important right now?”

“Aye, ‘Tis.”

“Music!” Bruce roared.

When Mildred looked at the MacLeod chieftain it was to find him glaring at Adlin. Not surprised, she ignored the shiver of warning that shot through her body. This was normal. Any man would feel the way the MacLeod chieftain did right now. Especially Bruce, a highland laird jilted by another highland laird.

Better yet, a man jilted by his enemy.

Mildred focused on breathing and not panicking. The truth was she’d come between a predator and his prey. She had, however unintentionally, come between two men who had no use for one another and desire for the same woman.

Assuming Bruce ever really desired her, which she doubted.

In her estimation, she was a means to an end.

At least in one chieftain’s eyes.

“I like that you overthink, lass,” Adlin murmured. “After all, this time you’re absolutely right. One laird cannae stop thinking about you, not for a second.”

“I’d hope so,” she whispered and closed her eyes. While Adlin had publicly claimed her as his own, it certainly didn’t mean he wanted her. What existed between these warriors had nothing to do with love but survival of their clans… of their people.

No matter who came between them.

“I told you, Mildred,” he whispered. “I am in love with you.”

She opened her eyes.

They locked with his.

Adlin said softly, “Come with me.”

Mildred knew they shouldn’t leave the hall, Bruce was watching closely. Yet the idea of leaving what felt a cage seemed a wonderful idea.

“Okay,” she said automatically.

When they left the keep it was to travel to yet another place she would’ve never imagined existed. Heavy fur cloaks firmly wrapped around them, Adlin carried a torch. Cold wind whipped and snow fell. Instead of walking all the way onto the beach, he cut into an opening off the path; this put them in a small cave overlooking the water.

Adlin put the torch in a bracket attached to the cave wall and they sat on a crudely built bench. The view was spectacularly unusual. They looked upon a wide arch of cave overlooking the ocean. Heavy tornadoes of snow swooped into their cove but never quite touched them.

“Tell me what you ken about the bargain I made with Bruce.”

“Clan ties, land and my family.”

Even as she said it, Mildred’s brows furrowed.

“Aye,” Adlin said softly. “Your family.”

He watched her closely, waiting.

“My clan, I mean,” she said, suddenly unsure.

“Nay, Mildred, not your clan but your family, your descendant to be exact.”

She blinked several times. “Like my daughter or granddaughter or further along? Assuming I have one.”

“Aye, precisely.” Adlin took both her hands. “When you have one.”

Quite frankly, the idea seemed a little far-fetched. “Who says I’ll even have children?”

“What if you do,” Adlin said, his tone sad and serious. “How could you ever forgive me?”

“I’m only twenty.” She laughed nervously.

“Dinnae you want the wee ones?”

It was one thing to come to grips with the fact she’d fallen in love with a five hundred year old wizard, clansmen from medieval Scotland, another whole thing to consider children. “Yes, eventually, I suppose.”

What was he asking?

Adlin searched her eyes. “Still so young.”

“No.” Mildred shook her head and realized why she felt so calm. “Adlin, don’t you see, you can talk yourself out of anything. I know you can work around this.” She nodded. “If and when I have a daughter or granddaughter or great-granddaughter I know you’ll find a way to protect her. You will…”

Mildred couldn’t help but wonder, was he referring to his own daughter, great-granddaughter? He had to be! They would stay together, start a family. With a smile she squeezed his hands in reassurance. “I have faith in you, Adlin. You will take care of this.”

Expression tortured, his eyes searched hers. “What if I dinnae? What if I fail?”

Mildred cupped his cheek. “You won’t. I promise.”

He turned his lips into her palm. “Aye. I won’t fail if you say so.”

“I say so,” she murmured, ready when his lips closed over hers.

When he pulled her onto his lap, Adlin opened his cloak and folded her beneath. Bits of icy flakes touched their cheeks as the tide came in and lapped against the rocks. But none of it was felt or heard.

All that existed was the feel of his lips, the swoop of his tongue.

Mildred was no fool though. As the adrenaline from being in such a tense situation dissipated she truly realized what Adlin had promised Bruce. Should she be furious? Probably. But even if—worst case scenario—her children were not his, he’d acted in her best interest. And Mildred knew without a shred of doubt that Adlin would, in any time, act in her best interest for her and her descendants.

He would protect, save, and die for.

He was powerful.

Above all, he was truly good.

Crushed against his strong body, all logical thought soon fled and Mildred lost herself. If this moment could last forever, she’d be fine with that. His large hands roamed her body. Wrapping her arms around his neck, Mildred reveled in pure feeling.

When his lips pulled away and his head tipped back, she thought nothing of it but kissed his cheeks, forehead, ears. When his hands fell from her body, alarm ripped through her body. She froze and pulled back slowly.

Adlin’s face rolled to the side, deep in what appeared slumber.

“Adlin?” she whispered, uncertain.

“Unlikely he’ll answer, lass. After all, he’s good and dead.”

Mildred felt her heart stop when she turned eyes on Bruce and ten heavily armed Highland warriors.