Blessing The Highlander (16 page)

 
           Garrick was a bit relieved and related the tale to him. Once he was finished, King Alred picked up his copy of the betrothal contract and turned to Garrick. “If I find an answer I will return to enlighten you. Until then, be happy with the gift I have given you...son.” Then he was gone.

 
           Lokai remained for a moment contemplating Garrick. He did not see what there was about this laird that had captured Diedre’s interest.
It must be his dark looks. All Fae were blonde of one shade or another. That must be it. And the fact that he rejected her attentions. Diedre would not have understood that. He was just a passing fancy to her, anyway.
Lokai decided that he could trust this mortal. His heart was true.

 
           “Before I go, I want to explain to you what happened concerning Seonaid. How she came to know of me.”

 
           “I ken that she calls ye her ‘Golden Warrior’ as if ye will save her from all the ills of this world, protect her. That is my duty now...nae yours.” He gave Lokai a surly glance.

 
           “You are right. She is your charge now. But I am Captain of the Royal Guard and heir to the throne when King Alred chooses to pass it on. One of my duties is to protect the royal children. Even though she is half mortal Seonaid is still a Princess of the Realm, and as such, still under my watchful eye. I have protected her for all of her life until Diedre interfered secreting her to the future life she had. I could not locate her until her sister brought her back where you found her.

 
           That is where I erred. She would have died from the internal injuries she had, but I healed the worst of them. She saw me as I slipped the missive into her garment. It was not necessary to leave it but I felt that she deserved to at least know her name.”

 
           Garrick considered Lokai’s admission. “Ye did more than that. Ye paved the way ta our marriage with that parchment. Was it so Diedre would look elsewhere for affection?”

 
           He smiled. “Perhaps. Although our betrothal was already sealed. For the most part it was to see Princess Seonaid happy. She has never had that in her life. I thought it was about time.” He thought quietly for a moment. “I believe you can make her happy. She has a great affection for you. I can only hope that you feel the same, Brother.”

 
           “How could I nae,” he grinned. “I thank ye for looking out for me bride when ye were able. When do ye wed your li’l hellcat, Brother?”

 
           Lokai was a little taken aback over the inference to Diedre’s character, then laughed. “I never thought of her as such before but it is fitting! Three days’ time we say our vows… if she confesses to her father about Seonaid.” He scowled.

 
           “But the King already kens.”

 
           “Yes, he does, but she must confess just the same. She is not aware of his knowledge and she must be taught a lesson.”

 
           “And if she does nae...?”

 
           Lokai’s muscles clearly clenched as he looked to Garrick. “If she does not… she will learn that it is not wise to displease me. She will obey me...sooner or later. But I detain you from your celebration. I would just have you know that if you have need of my succor do not hesitate to call me, Brother.”

 
           “Ye have me thanks, Lokai,” he answered as they clasped forearms in friendship. And with a brief nod Lokai was gone.

 
           Garrick smiled to himself as he realized that his new family was going to be very entertaining. And the worst of it was that he could tell no one...not even Seonaid. He shook his head and set off in search of his bride.

            “Are you assured these things belong to me?” Seonaid queried as she beheld more than forty gowns made of the richest materials, some even blue, which was very difficult to make and most lavish. “I can nae fathom why I would need so much. I must be very vain.” She eyed the gowns strewn about the bed as if they were vipers about to strike.

 
           Mary giggled behind her hand. “Aye. Your father’s mon said that all of this be yours. Tis wondrous! There has nae been a mistress here since Laird Brodie’s maither passed nigh on thirty years ago so this be a real treat for me. But I do nae believe ye are vain, m’lady. Mayhap before but if it were true, that should still be your nature in spite of your recollections.” She clucked her tongue in thought. “Nay. I do nae believe it. Besides, a Countess has need of many gowns when the nobles come ta visit.”

 
           Seonaid ran her hand over the silks, satins and wools savoring the textures and colors. “Which do you think would please my husband?”

 
           Mary cackled, “None of them! I be sure the Laird would prefer ye with naught on!”         

 
           Seonaid blushed violently. “Mary!”

 
           She laughed. “Ye do nae want me ta lie ta ye do ye?”

 
           Shaking her head, a reluctant smile crossed her lips.

 
           “Och! I think this one, m’lady,” she said as she held up a satiny white gown with gold Celtic knots, interlaced with seed pearls gracing the bodice, sleeves and hemline.

 
           “Tis truly beautiful! Aye. I think he will be keen on that one.”

 
           The hours passed swiftly as Mary dressed her and arranged her hair on top her head, tying it with a gold ribbon and letting the rest cascade to her waistline. She then took an intricately knotted mesh of white silk netting and bound it around her auburn tresses as they lay against her back.

 
           When she finished, Mary stepped back with tears in her eyes. “Oh, m’lady! Ye look like a princess!”

 
           “Nay. Nae a princess,” came a husky voice behind them. Awestruck, he said, “She looks like a Queen.” Garrick could think of no words that would do her justice. The satin gown clung to her willowy curves drawing the eye down the length of her where it flared out at her feet, covering the tiny white beaded slippers. Garrick swallowed hard as he tried to control his lustful thoughts which were beginning to cause what promised to be a painful swelling in his groin. His eyes grew dark as his desire rose. He wanted her… here...now!

 
           Mary cleared her throat loudly, shaking him from his thoughts. Then he remembered why he came.

 
           “I brought ye a gift but I fear it will pale against your beauty.” He reached her in three strides holding out his hand. In his palm lay a gold chain with a large opal attached, about the size of her thumb.

 
           She gasped. “Tis beautiful, m’laird. Will you help me with it?” She turned her back to him and exposed her long neck as she held her hair aside. He hooked the delicate clasp with shaky fingers brushing lightly against her soft skin, sending delicious chills down her body. When done, she turned, smiling up at him. “I think I must like gifts. This pleases me greatly, Garrick. Thank you.”

 
           He returned her smile. “Twas me maither’s, given ta her by me father on their wedding day...and ye are welcome, Seonaid.” He stroked the large stone where it lay nestled in the valley between her lush breasts. Her body quivered in response to his touch. Gaining control of his thoughts he stepped back holding out his arm. “Are ye ready ta meet your da?”

 
           She drew her bottom lip into her mouth apprehensively and almost nodded before her eyes flared wide. “I need help with my arsaid!” She quickly donned it and Garrick pinned it for her careful not to prick her skin. “Now I am ready.” She took her husband’s arm as they proceeded to the great hall.

 
           Mary followed them from the solar to find Angus waiting in the corridor. She looked askance at him. He glanced at Seonaid then back to her. She leaned over and smelled him, inhaling deeply, and beamed. “Since ye nae longer stink ye may come ta me bed this eve, husband.” She laughed as he smacked her round bottom.

 
           “Tis good of ye ta say so wife cause that is where I will be, stench or nae stench.”

 
           There was copious merriment coming from the hall. Laughter, music, loud conversations by some attempting to be heard over the din. The chamber was lit by torches spaced out around the area to chase back the shadows.

 
           Garrick and Seonaid stood in the entrance noting all of the good cheer. Garrick spotted Seamus standing on the dais flirting with a serving girl and pointed him out to her.

 
           “There be your da, Seonaid.” She followed his line of sight and sucked in a deep breath as her grip squeezed his arm. Her shocked gaze rose to his face as she shook her head.

 
           “Nay, husband. That is nae who I saw in the vision!”

 
           Garrick was stunned but he recognized that they could not speak of it now. “Just the same, that is Seamus MacGregor, your da. We will speak of it later...in our chambers.” He gave her a leer to ease her stress and she giggled.

 
           “Aye husband. It will keep.”

 
           Garrick, satisfied, looked to a man at the entrance who gave a short blast on a horn to hush the noise. Then he proclaimed them.

 
           “Laird Brodie and Lady Seonaid...The Earl and Countess of Elgin!”

 
           All noise ceased as everyone’s eyes were averted to them standing in the entranceway. He was the envy of every man in the room. Garrick saw it in their eyes. He mentally began counting the many weapons he had on his person. Not enough. He will see the armorer in the morn to obtain a few more. Mayhap something for his wife, too.

 
           As they ascended the dais, Seamus approached his daughter with a worried smile on his weathered face. “Ye are stunning lass. I ken that I be like a stranger ta ye, but could ye oblige me with a small embrace?”

 
           Seonaid regarded Garrick who gave a miniscule nod, then stepped toward her father. With a warm smile filling her face, she embraced Seamus. “I am sorry that I can nae recall you, Father, but I will try. If nae, then we shall create new remembrances together. I will nae distress you or your feelings. I would nae wish to cause you pain.”

 
           Seamus searched deeply into her emerald eyes as he pulled back from her. She looked like his daughter, he thought to himself, but he had never known Seonaid to care about anyone or anything except Seonaid. His eyes darted to Garrick as he held her at arm’s length. Garrick placed his warm hands on her shoulders, smiling back at Seamus. “Did I nae tell ye? This be your daughter’s true nature and I am fortunate ta be her husband.”

 
           Seamus grinned broadly. “Aye! Pleased I am with this blessing, as well.”

 
           “Come. Let us begin this feast and ye can become reacquainted with your daughter.” They took their seats with Seonaid between them as the food was brought in and placed on the tables. Garrick motioned for the music to resume as the noise in the room gained volume. He observed many of his men staring at Seonaid while she spoke with her father unaware. Mayhap he should move his chambers to the armory, he chuckled to himself.

 
           “So tell me, Seonaid, are ye pleased with your new husband? He treats ye well?”

 
           Her expression softened to a wistful look as she thought of Garrick. “Oh aye. He is very considerate of my well-being. Tender about my feelings although sometimes I wish he were nae so logical.”

 
           Seamus raised his brow in question. “What mean ye lass?”

 
           “Naught really. Tis just that sometimes he thinks excessively much. Tis frustrating! There are times that a lass desires actions...nae words. But I will cure him of that malady.” She gave her father a determined stare.

 
           Seamus chortled loudly as he recognized his daughter’s burning resolve. All was not lost with her memory, it seemed. “Aye, daughter. I have perceived that look afore. Usually right before ye got into some mischief.” He leaned into her and murmured, “Beware that ye do nae push him overmuch. Ye may nae like the result. Everyone has a limit to their tolerance...even Garrick. He did nae always have such a tight rein on his temperament. Twas the death of his da that made him step back and show some restraint.”

 
           She glanced at her husband speaking to Liam, then turned back to her father. “Aye, I assumed as much. I will nae ask for more than he can give me. Tis enough that he desires me.”

 
           Seamus stared at her a bit stunned. Was this his vain, selfish, spoilt daughter uttering those words so sincerely? He graced her with a pleased grin. “Ye love him do nae ye.”

 
           Seonaid gave it some thought then smiled as her heart warmed. “I ken nae of love… but if what I feel is truly love, then tis a wondrous thing indeed. My heart surges at the thought of him and my body warms at the sight of him. When he touches me...I tremble. Is that love, Father?”