“A woman, a smith, actually, who is close to Madelaine and me.” How could I explain Uald to Gillacoemgain?
“Scáthach, I presume?” Gillacoemgain smiled. “You’ve some interesting acquaintances, Lady Corbie.”
If only he knew.
Gillacoemgain handed the sword back to me. “Perhaps you can convince her to forge a blade for me.”
“I think she would like you. She might consider it. That is a fine dagger you wear on your belt as well.”
Gillacoemgain pulled off the dagger and handed it to me. The dagger was very old but well-made. There was a strange flower symbol on the pommel. It looked Pictish.
“It’s lovely.” I handed it back to him.
“It comes with a long story. It will suffice for now to say it has been in my family for a long time.”
I nodded, eyeing the dagger once more. The craftsmanship was superb. It reminded me of the torcs from Ynes Verleath. Where had Gillacoemgain found such an ancient piece of weaponry?
Gillacoemgain motioned to the nearby tent. “Your lodging is prepared, whenever you’re ready.”
“I’ll stay under the stars a bit more.”
“We are here amongst my men only. Perhaps…perhaps I can join you this evening?”
My stomach knotted. “Of course,” I whispered.
It was then that one of Gillacoemgain’s men pulled out his pipes and played a tune. The sweet melody washed over the forest. We ate a meager meal as the men talked and the piper played. Soon, the gathering dispersed, and the men took their rest, lying down beside the fire.
Taking my hand, Gillacoemgain led me to the tent. The men, I noticed, paid their Mormaer no mind. At least, they pretended not to notice.
Inside, they had laid a bear fur on the ground and heaped it with blankets. Once inside, Gillacoemgain embraced me gently then pulled me into a kiss. His mouth tasted of wine, his lips soft and warm. I caught that sweet scent of lavender and cedar once more. I fell into the kiss and allowed myself to be with him. Despite the rumors, he seemed to be a good man. And if he wasn’t, then the raven knew what to do.
“Corbie,” he whispered, stroking my long hair.
Gently, he undid the laces on the back of my dress then pulled it over my head. I slid off my riding breeches then stood naked before him. I shoved away all thoughts of Banquo and of Duncan. I had to. I closed the lid on those feelings and tried to be there, only with Gillacoemgain, in that moment. Gillacoemgain slid off his clothes then gently laid me down. My hands danced across his strong back. I then stroked his arms, feeling his muscles, his body, as he drizzled kisses down my neck. He then gently kissed my nipples while his hands stroked my body.
In spite of the violence I had faced, in spite of everything, my body responded eagerly to him. Any woman would have found him attractive. I knew that my mind was my enemy so I tried to rule myself. One day, Duncan would pay for what he’d done. In the meantime, I would give Moray an heir and take control over my heart and mind once more. I closed down the thoughts tripping over themselves and emptied my head. I let myself feel his flesh and take what pleasure I could.
He entered me gently, still careful with his young bride. The sensation sent me spinning, and my mind went to Banquo. I closed my eyes and shut away the thought. I tried to breathe in Gillacoemgain, to honor and respect the spirit inside him. The only problem was, the spirit within me wanted only one man. Despite my best effort, I made love to Gillacoemgain while dreaming of Banquo, knowing my true love’s soul was lost to me.
Chapter 9
We arrived the next morning at the ancient fortress of Cawdor. The keep, built upon the site of an old Pictish stronghold, was constructed of pale gray stone. We rode our horses through the gate to the ward.
“Welcome home, Lady Gruoch,” Fergus said as he helped me dismount.
Gillacoemgain’s household rushed outside to meet us, and the scene soon turned into a busy flurry of activity as horses were led away to the stables, servants headed inside with my belongings, and news was delivered.
A small man wearing a red tunic came to Gillacoemgain’s side and buzzed about him like a bee. He unloaded all manner of information on the Mormaer as soon as Gillacoemgain. “Enough, Artos. I must see to my wife,” he said then turned me. “Gruoch, this is Artos. He is my counselor here at Cawdor.”
“Lady Gruoch.” The man bowed deeply.
The raven eyed him and decided she did not like this man.
“Artos.”
“Corbie, we’ve employed a maid for you,” Gillacoemgain said then, waving over a red-haired woman who had been amongst the other members of the household. “This is Ute.”
“My Lady,” she said, dropping into a curtsey.
“Ute, please take the Lady of Moray to my chamber and get her settled in,” he told the girl then turned to me. “I must go to council now, but I will come as soon as I can,” he said softly then kissed me on the forehead. “Welcome home, my bride.”
“Thank you,” I said, squeezing his hand in farewell.
“This way, My Lady,” Ute said, motioning for me to follow her.
I whistled to Thora, who came padding along behind us.
“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Gruoch. To think, you are the niece of King Malcolm. It is my pleasure to serve you.”
“Thank you, Ute,” I replied. “But please, no formalities between us. Let us be friends.”
Ute smiled. “Thank you, My L—thank you, Gruoch.”
I was led through the castle, which was not unlike Madelaine’s keep, to a bed chamber with a good view of the ward. The room looked as though it had been freshly spruced up for Gillacoemgain and me. I could smell the scent of freshly washed linens and new straw. From the look of the stones, the floors and walls had recently been scrubbed. A fire burned, driving off the last of the chill in the spring air. I sat down on the bed, realizing then that I was exhausted. The road had been long, and my body ached.
“Ute, I think I shall take some rest,” I told the girl.
“Of course.”
I looked down at Thora. “This is Thora. She is dear to me. Will you see that she has something to eat?”
Ute smiled down at Thora. “Well, bonnie girl, how about a bone?”
Thora barked, which made Ute laugh.
“Would you like some help getting undressed? The Mormaer had some things brought for you. You’ll find all manner of dresses in the trunk,” she said, motioning to a wood chest.
I shook my head. Suddenly, I felt quite dizzy.
“No, thank you.”
“Take your rest. I won’t wake you unless the Mormaer asks for you,” she said then left.
Sighing deeply, I crossed the room and opened the chest. Gillacoemgain and Madelaine, it seemed, liked the idea of seeing me in court gowns. Inside I saw red, green, and blue gowns trimmed with fine lace and embroidery. I pulled out a simple nightdress. Pulling off my riding gear, I slipped on the gown and lay down. I was a bride. And soon, I would be a mother. Taking one step out of Ynes Verleath had changed my entire life.
Ute woke me later that evening and helped me bathe and dress for dinner. I had already grown tired of the constant grooming. I pulled on the red gown, brushing out my long, dark hair, and then followed Ute to the dining hall where I was seated beside a very tired-looking Gillacoemgain. He smiled as best he could, but I could see that the ride, and the onslaught of news, had exhausted him. I was introduced to the Mormaers of Buchan and Mar and people talked of trade and of Thorfinn of Orkney. I listened.