The Devil's Laird Page 9

  “’Tis not every day that I ask someone to marry me, lass.” Hell, he never thought he would utter those words again in his lifetime.

  “But you didn’t ask me.”

  “Ye will marry me lass and be under my protection. I command it.”

  “You cannot command someone to marry you.”

  “Aye, I can.” He looked smug as he rocked back on his heels.

  “But we don’t know each other very well.”

  “People have started with less.” He extended his hand down to her. “Let’s go back to Black Dawn and make the announcement.”

  Siena took his hand and stood. “Are you sure you want to do this?” She saw a sparkle in his eyes, and before she knew what was happening, Roderick had jerked her into his arms and kissed her. Not a gentle kiss. It was more like he was branding her. The demanding kiss robbed Siena of her breath. His tongue sank into her mouth and she felt the intimacy as she returned his kiss. She was so shocked at her own eager response that she couldn’t think, blood pounded in her brain and made her knees tremble. The kiss was exhilarating, making her want to get closer to him.

  Suddenly, he lifted her away from him. The cold air quickly replaced the warmth of his body, and she knew she had a startled expression.

  “Ye will marry me.”

  “As you wish, milord,” Siena murmured, knowing at this very moment she couldn’t deny him anything. There was something about Roderick that pulled at her, and she liked these new feelings.

  “Obedience. I like that,” Roderick chuckled.

  Once they had mounted, Siena noticed that the road was just a small rut to the castle and it appeared to have iced again, so she rubbed the stones together and wished for an open road to the castle. When she opened her eyes, sure enough the road was clear with the ice pushed to the side, so the horses had a perfect path.

  “I wonder how long it took Duncan to clear the road?” Roderick more or less said this to himself. “Must have taken all night.”

  Siena smiled. “They did a good job. They must have been worried about you.”

  “Aye.” Roderick nodded, but still shook his head because the road appeared to never have seen the first drop of ice.

  As they entered through the gates the clan started to gather. Siena wondered if someone was going to throw a stone her way because they really didn’t look happy. She wondered if they all thought she’d seduced their laird. If they thought that, then they didn’t know him very well.

  Once they stopped just outside the great hall, Roderick dismounted, then helped her down. He guided her to the steps before he turned to address the crowd. He kept his arm around her.

  “I will be marrying Lady Siena in three days hence. Know ye this, she did us all a great favor when she killed our enemy, Fidach, so she avenged our loss. Now, Lady Siena is going to be a member of Clan Scott, and I expect everyone to welcome her.”

  “She bewitched you, laird,” someone called out.

  “Nay, she did not. I’m the same mon I was the day before. Put such thoughts from yer head.”

  Siena watched everyone nod. She wished he’d said that he loved her and that was the reason for the wedding, instead it was as if he were repaying a debt, and nothing more. However, she wanted more and somehow, she would find a way to make Roderick love her.

  They turned and stepped into the entrance that led into the great hall. “I bid ye good day, lass.” Roderick excused himself to attend to more important matters, leaving Siena to wonder if she was doing the right thing. Did they have to post bans in Scotland? She wasn’t sure.

  She didn’t know … she didn’t know anything. Everything was happening much too fast. Her reaction to Roderick confused her. And then she thought what other choice did she have? She liked the safe feeling she had here with him, and though she didn’t want to admit it … she liked Roderick.

  Siena climbed the stairs in a daze. Agatha waited at the top for her.

  “Where have you been?” Agatha asked. At the moment, she reminded Siena of an angry cat with its hair standing up on its back. “I was worried sick about you, milady.”

  “I’m sorry to have worried you, but it wasn’t my fault, so you can calm down.” Siena took a breath, then continued, “I went to the cave with Laird Scott.”

  “Aye, I knew that.” Agatha threw her hands up in the air. “But you didn’t come back.”

  Siena swept by Agatha and headed to her solar, but she said over her shoulder, “The weather changed and turned into sleet, so we couldn’t risk the horses falling and breaking a leg.”

  Agatha was dead on Siena’s heels. “You spent the night with the laird?”

  Siena felt like a child. Agatha had been the only one to ever discipline her, so Siena remembered all the lectures. She really couldn’t think of anything to say so she nodded as they entered her chamber.

  “Oh, my Lord. I need to sit down,” Agatha held her chest as if she were in pain and stumbled over to a chair by the window to take a seat.

  Siena poured a cup of cool water and handed it to Agatha. “Drink this and calm down. Don’t go getting out of sorts. Nothing happened,” Siena said as she sat on the bed and shoved her hair over her shoulders.

  “I should hope not. I raised you better than that, but you know you shouldn’t be alone with a man without a chaperone.”

  “Yes. I should be hung.” She smiled at her own joke. “I guess you didn’t hear the announcement that was made just now?”

  “What announcement?” Agatha set her cup down. “I’ve been mending a couple of your dresses.”

  “I’m getting married. Roderick just made the announcement.”

  Agatha gasped again, and then a slow smile formed on her lips. “My baby girl is getting married.” She sighed. “Now that is good news.”

  “But I don’t know how to be a wife. I don’t know how to run a home.”

  “Then you shall learn, milady.”

  The next three days became a blur to Siena.

  Siena and Agatha walked over to see the church. It wasn’t a very big chapel, but it had a quaint feel to it that Siena liked. There were ten rows of benches on each side and they had the Scott red plaid on the floor leading to the altar. Surely, she could make the short walk down the aisle without fainting and making a fool of herself.

  As they left to go back to the main holding, Siena turned the small stones over and over in her fingers. It was a habit she was developing when she was thinking. “I wish there would be flowers in the church.”

  “If you were getting married in the spring that might be possible but with this frozen ground nothing could live,” Agatha commented.

  “I know but still ….”

  Siena felt like she was going to another hanging, and this time there would be no one to save her. Then she would think ‘save her from what?’ She actually cared for Roderick. There was no denying that he was nice to look upon, and he had been good to her. So why, couldn’t she be happy?

  Because he didn’t love her. She hadn’t seen that spark in his eyes that told her of his love, and so far, he sure hadn’t mentioned the word. The only thing he felt was the need to protect her with marriage. Well marriage would certainly do that and there could be no greater champion than Roderick, but she wanted love. For once in her life, she needed someone to love her.

  Her mind was whirling when Agatha entered with Siena’s gown.

  “Are you pacing again, milady?” Agatha placed the gown on the bed and smoothed the skirt with her hands.

  “I feel so restless, Agatha.” Siena was wringing her hands. “I’m going to throw up.”

  “All brides feel that way on their wedding day. It isn’t unusual.”

  “You mean everyone wants to throw up?”

  Agatha chuckled. “Something like that. It is a big step, but I do believe that it will be good for you. From this day forward, you will be protected.”

  “I know. But what if I’m expected to . . . well you know.” Siena felt her cheeks grow warm. �
��I don’t know what to do.”

  Agatha smiled. “Don’t fret, milady. Believe it or not it will come to you. Remember when you first learned how to ride a horse?”

  Siena nodded.

  “You were afraid until you got the hang of it and then you thought riding was wonderful. It is just that simple.”

  Siena gave her a doubtful look. “But I still don’t know what to do.”

  “Your husband will show you. You just have to trust him. He will not hurt you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Aye. I remember my Robert when he was alive,” Agatha sighed, locked in a long-ago memory. “By the way, the laird’s brothers have arrived this morning, so you will be meeting his family today.”

  “Have you seen them?”

  “Just a glimpse. They are fine-looking huge men. Perhaps not as handsome as our laird, but I wouldn’t turn any of them down.” Agatha’s face turned a lovely shade of red.

  “Agatha! I’ve never heard you talk like that.” Siena laughed. She felt all the tension leave her body, seeping away like water going to sea, and she finally felt calm.

  “I have something for you,” Agatha said before she disappeared into the solar. It was only a couple of seconds before she returned with a small cup of whisky. “Here drink this. It will help with your nerves.”

  “Thank you.” Siena sipped the whisky, feeling that slow burn down her throat. “It isn’t bad.”

  “Let’s get you dressed.” Agatha motioned for Siena to come over to her. “We have taken one of your dresses and redesigned it. I wanted it to be fancy for your wedding. I think you will look lovely in this gown.”

  Siena slipped on her hose and then her kirtle. Next came the cotehardie which was emerald green velvet. It had large sleeves that had been trimmed in gold. Next, Agatha had Siena sit upon a chair, so she could pull her hair up in curls which spilled over her shoulders.

  “You look so pretty, milady,” Agatha said once she’d finished. “Let’s go downstairs. I believe everyone is waiting in the chapel for you.”

  Chapter 10

  Once outside, the church was to the left of the keep.

  Two trees flanked either side of the building as if they offered protection to the church which was made of the same stone as the keep. A set of double red doors greeted all who entered. The red was to keep the devil out.

  Siena hadn’t paid much attention to the small building when she’d been out before, but now she had to admit it was lovely sitting nestled in the snow. The sky was a brilliant blue with not a cloud in the sky. It was a beautiful day for a wedding. Her wedding. She still couldn’t believe she was getting married.

  A noise caught her attention and she looked over her shoulder and found clansmen walking up the hill. What was their mood? Thankfully, she would enter the church before they gathered just in case they wanted to throw stones.

  Agatha held Siena’s gown up so that it would not drag in the snow and wet mud where others had walked back and forth, creating a sloppy mess. Once they entered the vestibule, Agatha helped straighten Siena’s gown.

  “You are ready, milady,” Agatha said as she smoothed her hand across the dress once more.

  “What if this is some kind of sick joke and Roderick is not inside the church standing by the altar waiting for me? I’ve not seen him in a couple of days. He could have changed his mind.”

  “There. There.” Agatha hugged Siena. “You’re nervous as all brides are before they are married. It is only natural. Take some deep breaths.” Agatha patted Siena’s back as she tried to control her breathing. I’ll go inside and sit down and then you are to enter. If Roderick isn’t there, then I’ll come back out and we can leave.”

  “Thank you,” Siena murmured as Agatha walked away. Siena waited and held her breath, slowly she let out her breath. It seemed like forever before she got up the nerve to shove the door open and enter the church. What had she told herself before? She was finished being afraid of everything. She was a strong woman . . . she hoped.

  Siena gasped. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. The church was filled with red and white roses. Sprays of flowers were on each pew and the altar was covered in blood red roses. Her wish had come true.

  All heads turned toward her. Siena hoped she managed a small smile as she held her head high and took the first step to a new life with a man she hardly knew. Her legs were a little wobbly as she moved down the aisle.

  When Roderick turned toward her, she noticed that his brothers stood beside him. They were all huge, strapping men. Roderick was maybe a couple of inches taller, but they all had those piercing black eyes. However, it was Roderick’s gaze that held her and kept her moving forward instead of running back out the door. Today he was especially handsome dressed in a white shirt and his red kilt. His crimson tartan swept from his right shoulder in a graceful drape. His silver crest stood out. A stag trippant encircled in a leather strap inscribed with the clan’s motto “Amo”. She’d found out that meant I love.

  When she neared the altar, she took Roderick’s warm hand. He squeezed her cold fingers as they turned and faced the priest who motioned for them to kneel.

  Roderick felt like he’d been punched in the stomach. His little mouse now looked like a beautiful woman. Her skin glowed in the candlelight and her eyes glistened silver as did her long black hair. A surge of warmth soared over him. He’d kept his emotions under control for so long that the surge of warmth that swept over him once he saw Siena was bewildering. And bewildering wasn’t something he cared for. He liked control, but he had to admit at the moment he felt wonderful.

  The priest after saying a prayer asked for the ring, which brought Roderick back to the moment. He turned to Galen who placed their mother’s ring in Roderick’s palm.

  Father Collins took the ring from Roderick and blessed it, then he said, “Place the ring on the fourth finger.”

  Roderick first placed the ring on her thumb and said, “In the name of the Father.” Then he moved the ring on her index finger and said, “And of the Son.” Next was her middle finger. “And the Holy Ghost.” Last was her fourth finger as he said, “With this ring, I thee wed.”

  Siena nodded as she looked at the large ruby that twinkled up at her. The stone was breathtakingly beautiful and large. She wondered if it had belonged to Roderick’s first wife.

  Siena was actually glad she wasn’t required to say anything. She would probably croak like a frog because at the moment everything seemed surreal. However, she did have to repeat her vows and her voice shook, but she got through them.

  Then before she knew what was happening, she caught a flash of silver out of the corner of her eye and her wrist was cut.

  “Ooww,” Siena cried as she jerked back her arm and stared at the thin line of bright red blood.

  “Trust me,” Roderick whispered. “’Tis part of the ceremony.”

  She frowned at him, thinking this was a strange custom.

  Next, he cut his wrist, and then placed it over her cut so that their blood mixed. And in that very brief moment, Siena saw glimpses of Roderick’s son, Michael, and it gave her hope that the child lived.

  A small white strip of cloth was placed around both their hands.

  “Our blood has been mixed. Yer blood is mine and my blood is yours until the end of time.”

  Siena was so touched that tears sprang to her eyes. They were one, she thought. Maybe this was a good custom after all. She hoped this meant Roderick couldn’t get rid of her. “You promise?” she whispered.

  Roderick nodded with a slight smile.

  The priest kissed Roderick’s cheek, then announced, “The kiss of peace.” Roderick in turn kissed Siena briefly on the lips before he turned her to face the congregation. There were whoops of Scottish enthusiasm.

  Later Siena would think that she didn’t remember anything about the ceremony other than the cut on the wrist, and that she did remember. All she had to do was look at her wrist with the linen tied around the cut t
o remember.

  Once they were outside of the church, they stopped so Roderick could address the clan. “May I present, Lady Siena Scott. You shall pledge yer loyalty to her as ye have to me.” Everyone cheered. “Then let the feasting begin.”

  Siena glanced up at her husband and she felt the blackness closing in around her as heat made her skin feel hot, and everything was swimming. She vaguely remembered being draped across Roderick’s arm. She could hear what was going on, but she couldn’t respond.

  “I see ye’ve swept your bride off her feet,” Angus said with a chuckle.

  “Aye, it appears the lass is overcome with emotion and she has fainted.”

  “Wull, if I am marrying yer sorry ass … I’d faint, too,” Galen added.

  Roderick frowned at his brothers before he scooping his bride up in his arms and heading toward the keep. Evidently, he’d overwhelmed his bride. He hoped it was a good sign.

  Siena felt terrible when she came to. Agatha was holding a cool cloth to her head.

  “What happened?” Siena asked, blinking with bafflement.

  “You fainted, milady.”

  She sat up. “How embarrassing.”

  “It is probably lack of food, and you were a bit nervous. Do you think you can join everyone for the celebration?”

  “I think I’m good now. If I go down again just leave me,” she said with a laugh as she experienced a gamut of perplexing emotions.

  The door opened and The Green Lady swept into the room.

  “I came to see if I could help,” Elen said.

  “I’m not sure why I fainted but I’m feeling better … maybe a little weak.

  “Drink this,” Elen said as she dug into her pouch and brought out a very small, brown bottle.

  Siena reached for it. “What is it?”

  “Just a few herbs that will make ye feel better. I take it myself. When ye are hundred and sixteen, ye need something to keep you movin’.”

  Siena drank the potion. “It does taste good.”

  “Aye.” Elen nodded. “Now it’s time to join the celebration. “We’ve waited a long time to see our Laird happy again.” She swept out the door.