Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

I t had been a week since Katherine’s arrival in the castle, though for some strange reason, it felt far longer. It felt as though she knew so much about the people there, especially Thora and Enya, who had clearly already adopted her as a sister.

The previous night had proved that, for the three had bonded as though they had known each other for years when they were in the library. In fact, Katherine could not recall one time before that occasion where she had laughed so much it had physically hurt.

She hadn’t realized she had fallen asleep, until she found herself in Domhnall’s arms. Those huge thick arms that betrayed his strength without him having to do anything to show her.

Something had come over her the night before, some form of courage, for she could not have imagined having such an embarrassing conversation with any other. It was strange in a way, for he was so gruff, and at times abrupt with her, and yet, maybe it was that which told her he was the right person to ask. He would tell her the truth.

That, and the fact that he’s going to be your husband soon.

Her curiosity had got the better of her, but when they were in the bedchamber, something else had taken her over. Something she could never before have imagined happening. He had approached her so slowly, like a tiger stalking its prey. But rather than feeling like she was going to be devoured, Katherine had wanted it. She had wanted him to kiss her, and she was certain, as he had lowered his head, that he was about to. But then, something that looked like terror washed over him, and he had practically fled from the room.

Had that happened before last night, she might have run away in dread herself. It had surprised her, when he had closed the door quietly behind him, that she had actually felt disappointed.

At breakfast that morning, Domhnall acted like nothing had happened between them, and with her manchet bread and honey placed on her plate as usual, the conversation at the table appeared entirely normal. Katherine could not say that she felt entirely normal, however, and rather than involving herself in the topic, she found it better for her to hold her tongue and pretend to listen instead.

As always, everyone dispersed afterwards. Thora and Enya walked out into the corridor with her, and turning to her, Thora said, “I am busy this morning preparing fer the Yule celebrations, but how about we tak’ an afternoon walk together.”

“That sounds like a plan,” Enya agreed. “I too, need tae go and help Brianna with some potions she’s experimenting with.”

“That woman will experiment us all intae the grave,” Thora quipped with a grin.

“I admit,” Katherine added, “whatever she put into the potion really knocked me out. I don’t think I’ve slept so long in my entire life. But yes, I would love to spend the afternoon with the two of you.”

“Good,” Enya said. “I’ll come and find ye when we’re finished.”

The men had already left, and feeling once more, a little at a loss for something to do, Katherine headed back to the library. She had finished that small book Domhnall had given her. It was certainly forbidden reading, so now she could cross yet another item off her list.

As she scoured the bookshelves of the library a half hour later, the same messenger boy as the last time stepped into the room.

“Me lady, I have another missive fer ye.”

“Oh, thank you,” Katherine replied, taking the folded paper from his hands.

The boy left as quickly as he had arrived, and though Katherine had left the door ajar while she was browsing, she now closed it to give herself some privacy.

Dear Katherine,

I am writing to you to try and discover what news you have found out to help our cause. While I appreciate that things are not easy for you there, I must impress the urgency of our situation.

Know that there are already scouts searching the island, and the sooner we can find a way to take down Laird MacLeod and his clan, the better. We are well hidden, but I do not know for how long we will remain so.

I have concluded that you cannot get word out to me, and thus, I deduce that a meeting might be more suitable. There is a well just off the road on the other side of the village. Meet me there tomorrow at dusk.

Make certain you are not followed.

R.

Katherine held the letter to her bosom and heaved a sigh. The attack the day before had been terrifying, and at the time, she had been too frightened to think. Since then, however, it had occurred to her that those men might have been sent by her brother. To what end, she was not certain.

Surely, killing the laird outright would not bring down the clan. He had two brothers who could take his place at his demise, and thus, the clan would continue. But then, the attack seemed too coincidental to be anybody else.

She hadn’t made any more attempts to discover anything to prove that Domhnall had killed her father. A warrior he had proven himself to be, and she had no evidence to the contrary, but particularly after their ride yesterday, she now doubted the fact more than ever.

But how was she supposed to tell that to Reginald? He was a man of logic and preciseness. A gut feeling was hardly going to convince him. More than that, and despite his sometimes, barbaric demeanor, everyone in the castle loved and respected Domhnall.

That hardly proves his innocence. After what he’s told you, his people would hardly care if he killed an English noble.

Of course, they wouldn’t. After all, it was the English who had devastated the clan by slaughtering Laird and Lady MacLeod, Domhnall’s parents. Still, she couldn’t shift this feeling that Domhnall was not her father’s killer.

Tucking the missive away, Katherine felt she needed some fresh air, and leaving the library, she wandered out of the castle and into the gardens. She went a particular way, for she knew where the men sparred. She had watched them several times now, and found that observing them fight had become a favorite pastime.

She did miss her sparring training. It certainly wasn’t something an English lady ordinarily did, but her father had noted her feisty spirit, even as a child, and instead of curbing it, he had encouraged it. Maybe, had her mother been alive to advise him against it, Katherine might never have had that opportunity. Instead, she had relished training, first with her father, and afterwards with a tutor who was an expert swordsman.

Having promised Domhnall she would never humiliate him again, she had been forced to stand by and observe, but upon reaching the area where the men usually gathered, she was surprised to find Magnus there training alone.

Not one to shy away, Katherine moved closer, watching him strike the air with his great sword. His steps were measured, and she could not help but admire his form. He certainly was advanced in his approach.

If only I could ask to spar with him. But then, Katherine shook her head. I cannot. I might offend him, like I offended his brother.

In that moment, Magnus seemed to smile, and lowering his sword, he turned toward her.

“I couldnae help but notice, the last time ye took a sword from me hand, that ye were rather adept with it. Would ye like tae join me?”

Katherine stepped eagerly forward, nodding as she went.

“I would love to.”

“The short sword seems tae be yer weapon o’ choice,” Magnus said, throwing his broad sword down, and lifting two short swords from the snow at his feet.

But as Katherine took it from his grasp, she hesitated.

What if Domhnall sees me, and is angry that I am sparring with his brother?

Magnus smiled and swung the sword around a little.

“Dae ye ken, Katherine, that in the Highlands, a man isnae offended that a lass can fight. It is strange, but nae so uncommon. In fact, we often see it as a strength. Me braither will only see yer sparring as a good thing.”

Katherine frowned, for it was as though the man was reading her mind. Perhaps her face had betrayed her worry.

“Now,” he said, “let’s see what ye can dae.”

They started off slowly, Magnus displaying a more tentative approach for Katherine’s benefit. The swords clanged together, the sound echoing off the castle walls. Magnus advanced, pushing her back, but after a little time watching his movements, Katherine had started to preempt them.

“Ye were taught well, Katherine. I must say, I have never seen a lass who masters another’s moves as quickly as ye,” Magnus panted.

“My father taught me,” Katherine replied breathlessly. “He was a noble man, but also a great fighter.”

Even though his skill could not save him in the end.

“I am sorry he was killed, Katherine,” Magnus said, advancing once more. “I am also sorry ye think it was Domhnall who killed him.”

Hearing those words, Katherine hesitated in her next strike, and seeing her falter, Magnus brought his sword to his side.

“I’m… I’m not really sure I believe that any more,” she said.

Maybe he wasn’t the person she ought to be saying that to, but it seemed to just leak out of her without her thinking.

Magnus took a few steps toward her. Looking down at her, he tilted his head to the side. “Why? What’s changed?”

She matched his gaze and shrugged. “I can’t really say. I suppose it’s just…” But she trailed off.

“Just what?” Magnus pressed.

“You will think me foolish,” she replied.

But Magnus shook his head. “I doubt that. I’m the smart one o’ the family,” he quipped with a smile.

His remark made Katherine giggle a little, and then she said, “It’s just a feeling. I know, it sounds ridiculous, but?—”

“Nae at all. Our gut feeling is there fer a reason. Me skin has been saved on several occasions by listening tae me gut.”

“Really?” Katherine said, feeling suddenly validated that someone else understood.

“Och, aye. God gave us brains, but he gave us senses too. I dinnae think he would give us them if we werenae supposed tae use them.”

“Give us what?” a gruff voice came from behind Katherine.

She spun around to see Domhnall approaching with long strides, and upon reaching them, he looked from one to the other. “Give us what?” he repeated, sounding a little frustrated.

While Katherine was now worried at his tone, Magnus was beaming from ear to ear.

“What’s the matter, Domhnall? Are ye jealous that I am training with yer future wife?”

“I’m worried fer her safety,” Domhnall replied gruffly. “I ken how bad ye are with that thing.” He nodded abruptly at the sword Magnus still held.

“Actually, he’s rather good,” Katherine jumped in to defend Magnus.

Domhnall gave her a piercing look. “Och, is he now?”

“It appears me braither is a little possessive o’ his wife-tae-be,” Magnus chuckled.

The brother’s shared a look that confused Katherine, and she could only stand there, looking from one to the other as a light-hearted argument began.

“If possessive means I’m trying tae keep me betrothed alive until I can marry her, then, aye, maybe I am,” Domhnall growled.

Magnus was still grinning when he said, “I think ye’ll find yer betrothed is quite adept at looking after hersel’. In fact, maybe when we next go intae battle, I’ll tak’ her instead o’ ye.”

Katherine couldn’t help but start laughing at the brothers, for as grown as they both were, they got on like a couple of competitive boys. When they realized they had become her entertainment, Domhnall brought the banter to an end.

Turning toward Katherine, he said, “Shall we go inside fer some of the spiced wine Cook has specially prepared fer the holiday season?”