The Highlander's Warrior Bride (22 page)

The morning did not bring sunshine with it. When Julianna opened her eyes, it was still dark, and if she didn’t feel a little rested she would have thought it was the middle of the night. Tossing back her covers, she climbed from bed and opened the wooden shutters. Gloom met her.

The sky was dark grey, wind whipped, pelting stinging, cold rain into her face. She winced, took a step back. The trees in the forest beyond the bridge swayed, their branches bending at dangerous angles, and thunder clapped loudly above followed by a sharp white light searing the sky and smacking into one of the rocking oaks.

This was not good. In the Highlands, weather was unpredictable, and a storm like this could be over within the hour, or turn into a blizzard, covering them in a foot of snow by noon.

Risking another beating to the face, she stepped forward once more and glanced down into the bailey. Not a soul. No one was preparing. Had the Bruce already given the order not to move out today?

Julianna slammed the shutters closed, and hopped on the cold floor toward her wardrobe. She hurriedly dressed, splashed water on her face, whipped her hair into a tight
knot, complete with her pins
. Sgian dubh
in her boot, daggers at her waist and more pins up her sleeve, she left the room in search of her brother. The corridor was quiet and dark, all the torches burned out. It felt eerie, and a shudder passed over her. Then panic. Had they left without her?

She quickened her pace, almost running up the circular stair until she came to her brother’s chamber. She knocked swiftly three times, sucking in a quick, deep breath. The door was answered almost immediately by Wallace.
Her breath came out in a rush of relief.

They’d not left her.

“What is the plan?” she asked, stepping past Wallace into the room.

“With the storm, ’twould be best if we waited,” Wallace warned.

Robert lay in his bed and glanced over at Julianna. He was covered up to his chin in blankets and sweat beaded along his brow, making the hair around his temples damp. His skin was pale, nose red. She frowned and took brisk steps to his side.

“Why are ye still abed?”
She glanced back at Wallace, wanting answers, but then Robert gave a gut-wrenching cough drawing her attention back. The effort to clear his lungs made his eyes red and bulge.

“Are ye ill, brother?” Julianna’s stomach plummeted and she dropped to her knees beside him.
He couldn’t be sick! Not now!

“Just a small ague
,” he wheezed.

Julianna put the back of her hand to his forehead. He was not too hot.
“Have ye seen the healer?”

“Aye, she’s given me a tisane. I will be fine. Dinna worry overmuch.”
He reached a hand from his blankets and patted her hand. “But dinna rush out in this weather. Ye know our mountains. Snow could trap ye and freeze all of ye to death.”

Julianna nodded. “We’ll ride out the storm here, but as soon as the sun peeks
through the clouds, we are for Kinterloch. What can I do? Do ye need more blankets?” Julianna glanced around the room frantically, wanting, needing something to make her brother better.

He’d never been ill, beyond the common stuffy nose. This sounded awful. And brought to mind images of their father when he was nearly at death’s door.

Robert gripped her hand and pulled her down. He glanced wearily at Wallace and then locked eyes with her. “Do ye think ’tis a sign?”

“A sign?” Julianna whispered back, her brow furrowing.

“Aye. That we should leave Ross be?” He searched her eyes, a desperate look coming over him.

Julianna shook her head, squeezed his hand harder. “Nay. Nay, that is not it at all. ’Tis simply affording us more time to prepare. Perhaps even giving us the element of surprise. Ye are doing the right thing. Ross is your enemy. An enemy to Scotland. He will do everything in his power to see that ye do not gain power. He sees Longshanks as his King. He will never give ye fealty and even now he gathers more to his side, more to King Edward’s ranks. He must be dealt with. Or forever see Scotland in English hands.”

Robert let out another chest rattling cough that made Julianna cringe.

“I know ye are right. But even our own father believes in Longshanks
’ rule. How can I see this through when the man who gave me life is against me?”

Julianna swallowed past the lump in her throat. “Ye are strong, brother. Stronger than our sire. He is weak and doesna want to have to f
ight for what he knows is right; he’d rather give in when a chest of coin is presented. He doesna believe in the power of freedom like we do. Everyone here in the castle, this country, they all look to ye for council, as their future king. Ye will rule this country and bring Scotland to greatness. We need ye. Do not waver in your cause. Believe in Scotland.”

Robert nodded, his eyes closing and a tear spilling from the corner of one. “I need ye, Julianna. Ye’ve heart. Conviction.”

“I am here. I am with ye always.”

“Go prepare.
I must rest.”

Julianna kissed her brother’s hand and then turned to Wallace. “We ride as soon as the storm ends.”

Wallace nodded. “I will go and ready the men, so we might be prepared to embark as soon as it’s over.”

Julianna called in a servant who lurked in the corridor awaiting orders.
A young boy. “Get the healer. I want her to sit with the Bruce until he’s well.”

Then Julianna headed to the castle chapel to do something she’d not done in a long time. She prayed.

Chapter Twenty-Two

T
wo days later, the rain ebbed. All the rain touched had turned to ice, leaving the world looking glittery and cold. The morning began as though the rain had never visited. The sun shined and the ice started to melt, its water trickling slowly from the trees and buildings. The grass, which had crunched underfoot, became soggy and mud grew prevalent in well walked areas.

Julianna stepped out of the stables
, leading Brave, her boots and hem covered in brown muck. If she were more of a lady, she’d be disgusted, offended, perhaps even embarrassed. She eyed Myra who stood on the stairs of the keep. That was where she’d be. Sometimes she wished she was more of a lady, but then… Julianna patted the dagger at her hip, checked for the sword strapped to the side of her horse. If she were more of a lady, she wouldn’t be headed into battle with Ronan.

Glancing down at her muddied feet, she smiled. ’Twas just another
honor for being a warrior. Being muddy meant she was alive.

She waved to Myra who waved back, then she caught sight of Ronan staring at her. His eyes were crinkled, h
is brow furrowed. He looked stern. Deep in thought. Julianna smiled, hoping to ease his worry. They’d not spoken since the argument on the stairs. ’Twas better that way for them both. They needed to get through the next few days, and then Julianna was resolute in her decision to speak with Ronan and Bruce.

Her brother was feeling much better. Whatever ailed him
appeared to have ebbed. His coloring was back, coughing significantly less. Although it was discourteous, part of her wondered if his illness had anything to do with the confrontation about to take place.

Ronan approached her, his gait steady, smooth. A confident swagger in his step. The way he moved was fluid, sensual in a way that she’d noticed before, but now
, having seen him walk without his plaid, all she could think about was the way the muscles of his backside tightened with each step.

Feeling her cheeks heat, Julianna looked toward the heavens hoping to get herself under control.

“Are ye ready?” Ronan asked, his voice low. He stroked a hand over Brave’s neck. How she wished it was her own.

“Aye. And ye?”

“Aye.” His gaze locked on hers, serious. “I want ye to stay close to me.”

“I will. But please,” she put her hand over his on the horse’s mane, “I dinna want
ye to worry for me. I have been trained my whole life.”

Ronan took her hand in his beneath the mass of horse mane so no one could see for sure that their fingers were intertwined.

“Honestly, lass, I have every faith in ye. I’ve seen ye fight. I know ye’re good. But there is still the fear that ye might not turn in time to see the axe sink into your back.”

“Gruesome image,” she said with a teasing smile.

“And to any other lady, I wouldna have planted it, but ye are not an ordinary lady. Ye, Julianna de Brus, are a warrior. Beware to all those who come before your blade. To say I wasn’t impressed before now would be to lie. Ye enthrall me.”

A shiver laced its way up her spine and Julianna had to clench all of her muscles to keep it from showing.

Before she could respond, Robert stepped from within the keep, looking stronger than he had when she visited him that morning. He was wrapped thick in plaid and furs, and he held up his hand. The courtyard, filled with warriors prepared to leave for battle, went silent as everyone turned to give him their full attention. Daniel and Brandon flanked him.

“Today ye go forth for Scotland. Ye will seize
Kinterloch and all those who go against our cause.”

The crowd cheered.

“But be sure to show mercy to women, children and those men who have found the truth in our country, in our people. Show mercy to men who wish to fight for us. Who have fallen under the spell of English riches and greed. Let them see a better side.” Robert held his fist in the air and once more the men cheered.

Julianna too, raised her fist and shouted, feeling the rush of excitement filling her blood. Soon she’d have Ross at the end of her sword. A few of his bastard soldiers too. There was one in particular, her jailer, that she wanted to see take his last breath.

Ronan leaned close as the cheers died down and whispered, “Dinna let the desire to seek revenge rule ye this day. ’Twill only blind ye. Ross will bleed, but dinna let yourself become a victim because of how hot ye burn with rage.”

Julianna swallowed, nodded, and glanced away, pretending those weren’t her exact thoughts. She was
a skilled warrior, trained. And yet, she had been letting emotion rule her. One of the first rules of battle—and she’d broken it. But wasn’t it important to fight with conviction, heart?

“We will return. All of us,” she answered. “With his head.”

Ronan chuckled. “I like the way ye think. Your confidence is boosting.”

“I have faith in ye too, Ronan.”

He squeezed her hand and then let it go. “Stay close to me.”

“I will.” She glanced up at Robert on the stairs, deep in conversation with Daniel and Brandon. Myra hung in the background, watching the crowd, but Julianna guessed, she wasn’t really seeing it. Her face was passive and when Julianna waved, she did not return it. Myra had much anxiety when it came to fighting. And Julianna couldn’t blame her. She’d been so strong, been through so much, she deserved a bit of peace. Spring could not come soon enough for her, most likely.

When they returned from Kinterloch, there would be much to celebrate.

The Bruce beckoned them
; Daniel and Brandon looking stern, flanked him. Myra had slipped down to the bottom stair and when Julianna approached, she gripped her arm and pulled her in for a hug.

“Be well, Julianna. I know ye’re brave, and strong. I dinna doubt it, but just be sure to return to us.”

Julianna embraced Myra, her heart suddenly full with a good friend and a man she…loved. “I will be sure to return with all those who go with me.”

Ronan climbed the steps pas
t her, and Julianna was not about to be left out of whatever Robert was going to say. She gave Myra one last squeeze and then finished climbing to the landing. Her brother looked grave.

“Sinclair will join ye.”

“I thought ye were going to stay here and assist Daniel in holding the castle,” Ronan said to his cousin Brandon.

“That was my plan, but the Bruce believes it will be better if I were to join ye.”

Ronan nodded, and asked Daniel, “Will ye be all right?”

Daniel laughed and punched him in the shoulder. “Ye canna
be serious. Of course I will be fine. I’m not only a warrior but a laird. I’ll keep Eilean Donan safe until ye return.”

“Dinna forget that I
, too, am here,” Robert said, coughing slightly at the end of his sentence.

“How could we ever forget? Ye are the future king and one of the reasons the castle must be kept safe. We canna risk ye being harmed,” Julianna said, studying her brother’s color. He
’d looked pinker when she’d visited him early this morning. Stepping out of bed must have taken much from him. “Go now and rest. We will do our duty to Scotland and make ye proud this day.”

“Ye make me proud every day, lass.” Robert reached out to grip her hand. For a moment, she was reminded of
their father. They had much the same coloring, the same smile, and her father, too, had once talked of his pride in her.

Julianna’s smile faltered. No doubt, she was not the only one in need of praise. “As I am of ye,” she answered.

Before tears could threaten, Julianna blinked. Her throat was already tight. She turned away, and came face to face with Ronan. His expression was unreadable, but when their eyes locked, some deep emotion passed between them. Again, she had to look away or face tears. She hoped no one else witnessed their exchange.

Facing the courtyard, she watched Wallace approach. She glanced back at her brother.
“We must go, else we willna reach the outside of the village afore nightfall.”

“Aye,” Wallace procl
aimed reaching the base of the stairs. The guards say there’s nothing of note beyond the bridge. Best for us to leave now while no one approaches. Provisions, weapons and horses are ready. We’ll return within a sennight.”

Julianna hoped it would be less time than
seven days. The village was only a day’s ride away if they ran into no obstacles along the road. They would most likely make camp when they arrived, and take the village in the morning. Another night possibly, and they’d be home within a few days.
If
all went well.

The sun beamed down on them, and the sky was a pretty blue. Spring would be upon them within two months, but the weather made it seem like much sooner. She longed for the time when she’d be able to walk leisur
ely through a field of wild flowers. Something she’d snuck out often enough to indulge in. The only time she really felt at peace. Besides when she was in Ronan’s arms.

She stole a glance at him to find he was watching her. Feeling a blush take her cheeks, she rushed down the stairs toward her horse. The sooner they were off, the sooner she could return. And the closer they were to being together.

The ride back toward Kinterloch was easy. Too easy, for Ronan’s peace of mind. Their horses pounded over the road. The few scouts they spotted were easily subdued. The weather held out. Sky was blue, the temperature cold, but the light wind made it so the chill didn’t seep into his bones. Julianna’s cheeks grew pink and she looked so vibrant, alive. This was in her blood. The chase, the fight, it all exhilarated her and he once again found himself completely fascinated. Couldn’t stop looking at her. Watching the way she rode only made the time fly by quicker. Wisps of her hair escaped the tight knot of her hair.

Things just weren’t supposed to fall into place
this easily. Not when they were embarking on a journey that would change so many things. The country’s future hung in the balance. If Ross were to pull more of the Scots to the bastard English king’s side, when spring arrived and Longshanks crossed onto Scottish lands, there would only be that many more people they had to fight against.

But if they were to set an example today
, that traitors would be punished, it would hopefully discourage others from joining Ross and Longshanks’ ranks. Ronan frowned. That shouldn’t be what kept people on the side of their own country. They should believe in Scotland. In the future of their country. He certainly did. Wholeheartedly.

Ronan was willing to give up everything for his country. He stole another glance at Julianna. She was one thing he didn’t want to have to give up. When he was with her, he felt whole. Alive. Battle used to be the only thing that gave him a rush of excitement, the feeling of immortality. Not anymore. She made him feel that too.

A cold slice of fear gripped his spine. Why did he keep having this feeling that something was about to go wrong. Doom and gloom. Completely negated the beautiful weather and surroundings.

Julianna seemed pleas
ed with how their journey was transpiring as did Wallace, Brandon and the rest of the men. But not Ronan. His skin prickled, his scalp tingled. All signs that his instincts were in a frenzy. Something wasn’t right.

For several moments
, they continued on, but his stomach tightened, and his blood ran cold. They were too close to Kinterloch for him to not take heed of his gut instincts. Ronan held up his fist in the air for the men to stop. Wallace lifted a brow.