The Draig's Choice Read online

  Sarah nodded and picked up the soggy ball, bringing Bella to her feet. “I need water for her.”

  “Of course. We can grab a bowl from the kitchens.” Peter began walking up the hill to the open gates. “I don’t feel right leaving you alone, but I need to make certain Conall is set to announce the marriage. I have a feeling he may need a few reminders on why it is so important.”

  “What do you mean?” Sarah asked as she walked alongside him.

  Giving her a sideways glance, Peter said, “I saw the way he looked at you. Given where you are from and the legends in this place, he may have developed other ideas.”

  Sarah laughed despite her inner turmoil. “Oh yeah. Hot medieval guys totally dig me. Nice try in the distraction category.”

  Peter stopped just before the gates. “For once, I’m not joking. Conall couldn’t take his eyes off you. But I need you to stay back and away from him. The marriage has to happen. He knows that but promise me you won’t try to interfere.”

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, get over it. I mean, look at me. I’m not exactly what you would call temptation on a platter.” Her hands swept down over her full figure in the borrowed gown. But she did have to admit that her full chest worked in the laced bodice.

  “What are you talking about? You look great.” Peter said after glancing from her head to her feet.

  “Said the man who prefers men.”

  “True, but I can see what he sees.” Peter gave her a wink. “Just promise to not get in the way of the marriage and everything will be fine. Besides, Conall won’t be here long. Within a few weeks, the Bruce will call him back.”

  Sarah abruptly stopped. “You don’t mean Robert the Bruce?”

  “The very one. Conall is on leave from his service and expected to return to finish keeping the English from controlling Scotland. Elspeth only has to tolerate Conall for a few weeks.”

  “That should take some pressure off of the reluctant bride,” Sarah offered as more of a joke, not that she found an arranged marriage entertaining. But the thought of Conall being gone bothered her. “Why is he leaving?”

  “While the Bruce holds claim to Scotland, England wants it back. There are still battles to be fought, probably big ones. Too bad I never paid attention in history class. But that’s why I need Elspeth to learn to trust me. I don’t know if Conall will return.”

  “You’re saying he could die.” Sarah felt cold spread down her spine at the thought. But I only just met him.

  “It’s war, and there are no guarantees. But Conall is strong and capable.” Peter shook his head and seemed to think before he spoke. “I need Elspeth to work with me. When Conall leaves, I’m back in charge. Can you help me with that?”

  Sarah took a step back, away from Peter. “I’m not sure what you think I can accomplish. I’m a therapist, not a magician. She has to want to talk to me before anything else. Besides, it goes against my education, training and personal code of ethics to attempt to sway anyone into doing anything that isn’t in their best interest.”

  Peter nodded. “Fair enough. I only want what is best for this clan. Peace is priority one. Having Elspeth content would only make my job easier. She’ll be my responsibility once Conall leaves.”

  Her eyes fell to Bella beside her, a safe place to contemplate her new reality. Since she had impulsively jumped through the door, the fabric of her universe had become a jumbled mess. I’m stuck in the past, in a foreign land, I’ve been asked to counsel a woman on forced marriage, and then manipulate her to cooperate with someone else. The hot guy who had my pulse racing is getting married and then leaving to potentially die in a war that took place hundreds of years before I was born. One thought rang true and clear in her thoughts. I don’t think I like it here.

  Following Peter’s gaze to her hair, she shook her head. “Yeah, I know, the frizz is multiplying.” Add in the humidity and she decided she really didn’t like the place. If Rachel could see me now, she’d have one heck of a good laugh.

  “Not that, you have some mud on the side of your head. Probably from lying down in the grass.” Peter pointed, and her hand lifted to feel the muck stuck to her hair.

  “This day just keeps getting better,” she mumbled to herself.

  “I saved the best of the tour for last. This place has an amazing bathing chamber. It’s totally out of place and reminiscent of Roman design, hot water without waiting. No other keep I’ve ever visited has anything like it.” Peter resumed walking and led her through the gates. His explanation of what the clan called travelers, or people from her time, made sense with regards to plumbing. Or she guessed it did.

  “Don’t suppose you have any Moroccan Oil anywhere?” She questioned with a light laugh, hoping that something modern would show up and ruin the illusion of where she thought she might actually be.

  “Sorry, no Alberto VO5 hot oil treatments here either.” His comment had her stopping on the paved courtyard.

  “No longer a cool product?” he questioned.

  “No,” Sarah answered, barely remembering the product name from childhood commercials.

  “We make the soap here. Some of it’s pretty decent. I’ll find you something that smells girly.”

  “Gee, thanks.” His off-the-cuff humor made her soften towards him. But his story was as fantastical as was hers.

  Pieces of the conversation with Peter flitted in her thoughts and she asked, “What movie were you and Dan going to see?” While not a movie buff, it seemed like a relevant pop culture test.

  Peter smiled wide and leaned in close, presumably to keep passersby from overhearing. “We were going to see Star Wars again. We thought seeing it drunk would make the special effects even more far out. Did you see it?”

  “You’d have to be living in a bubble to have not seen them. Which one?”

  “What do you mean which one? There was only one and it was the best thing I’ve ever seen. Well, aside from a door that left me here.” His grin widened at his memories.

  Sarah had seen both trilogies more times than she could count, thanks to Scott. He loved the series and she had sat with him when he picked the movie, not her. Not to mention the new movies thanks to Disney. One more passive move on my part.

  Peter interrupted her thoughts. “Is there more than one?” His face beamed with interest.

  “There were originally six, but they recently started making more.” As if she spoke to someone new on the planet, she went through the series by name and in what order they were released and when they happened in the timeline of a galaxy far, far away. Facts she could care less about, facts she knew because she had watched Scott’s choices rather than voicing her wants for something different.

  “Could you tell me the stories?” Peter asked with wide eyes.

  “Seriously?” Sarah wanted to dare him to download them on hidden tech, but what she shared seemed so new and foreign to him. The scale is tipping dangerously into this being a brave new reality.

  “Not much else to do after dinner. I would love to hear what you remember.” He looked like a child waiting to hear that Christmas came early.

  Holding his gaze, she stepped closer. Her only thought to disprove where she was, to force Peter to admit her reality wasn’t what it seemed. Deepening her voice, she uttered the phrase everyone had heard at multiple points in their life. “Luke, I am your father.”

  Peter’s eyes widened like saucers and he staggered back as if she’d struck him. “There is no way. Please tell me you’re screwing with me.”

  He had never heard that before, she was certain. Not sure what to do with the sinking feeling that threatened to swallow her whole, she closed her eyes and let emptiness fill her mind. “I would like that bath, please.”

  “You want to bathe now? After dropping that on me?” His voice dared her to look at him, but she refused. “Are you okay?” Peter asked when her shoulders slumped.

  “No.” Her voice was a faint whisper. I’m not okay. I’m stuck in the past. Rachel isn’
t with me. This isn’t even based on a good story. The handsome laird is going to marry someone else.

  She felt his hand wrap around hers. “I’m sorry.” He tugged, and she followed him into the keep, only opening her eyes to prevent stumbling.

  Leaning his head back against the tub, Conall inhaled the fragrance that clung to him. He could smell Sarah’s intoxicating scent and mixed with the steam of the water, his mind pictured being entangled and lost with her. While he had bedded many, never had he wanted one with the fire that consumed him with her simply in his arms.

  He blamed his want on the fact it had been moons since he’d had a woman. But he’d gone much longer without feminine comforts. Wars and battles had consumed his life, not the pursuit of pleasure. While Robert had occasionally sent a lass to see to his needs, he had never been drawn to one. Not like with Sarah; his body still craved hers even hours after holding her.

  His hand dipped into the water to knead the ache that built in his flesh. Conall mixed the scent of her on his skin with the memory of her lush curves filling his hands. Thoughts became less coherent and in mere moments, his release stole his breath and her name danced on his lips. Regret erased the quick burst of pleasure, certain he would never be able to touch her in life. His fate was set and had no place for women of legend.

  Inhaling deeply, he knew only the physical ache had been eased, not the one that called to his soul. I want her. Instead of having the woman with flaming hair and eyes so blue they spoke of the sea, he would have one who roused naught within him. The thought made him wish to take his sword in hand and vanquish the enemy, but there was no corporeal body to slay.

  Rising from the cooling water, Conall dried his body and absently wondered if the scars marring his body would appeal or repel his bride. Not that it mattered; Elspeth would know her duty as he knew his. Both of them were trapped, compliments of generations of strife.

  His movements to dress quickened as he heard the great beast sound a bark. Despite the fact he had already eased his body, tingles tore up his spine and he knew she was near. I can feel Sarah. He opened the door to Peter knocking on the bathing chamber next to his.

  “This one is open,” Peter said to the pale beauty next to him. Dressed in clothing he recognized, her loveliness made his chest ache with longing never to be eased.

  Sarah only nodded mutely, though Bella darted into the chamber with her nose to the ground. Stepping in behind them, he listened as Peter instructed her on how to fill the tub and then release the water when finished. The mere thought of her bare in the water had his blood boiling.

  “Sarah, did you hear me?” Peter questioned.

  “What ‘tis the matter?” Conall asked with concern growing over her silent nods.

  “Sarah has realized where and when she is. You will never understand how hard it is to accept, so let me handle this.” Peter held his gaze and motioned for him to leave.

  Not willing to leave the lass in pain, Conall entered the chamber, moved in front of her and lifted her chin to see her hollow eyes. “Sarah, you are nay alone. We will do all possible to aid you and make your life fine.”

  Her cheek nestled against his hand that had moved to cup her cheek. Sad and empty eyes stared at him. “But you’re leaving soon.”

  “Aye, the Bruce will need me. But I plan to return.” If he had wanted to survive battles before, he had a new drive to stay alive. He wanted to return to her.

  Sarah pulled back away from his touch and he hated the loss of her skin. “Of course, you want to return. You’ll have a wife waiting for you.” He caught the hurt undertones and dared to wonder if she felt the same overwhelming attraction.

  Her words stung with their truth. Conall would do all he could to survive but he would come back to Elspeth, not Sarah. Her muted voice filled the space. “Both of you can leave. I’d like to be alone.”

  Hating the hurt in her voice, Conall allowed Peter to push him out into the corridor. “She should nay be alone.”

  “Agreed, but I doubt she wants to take a bath with an audience.” Peter chuckled but not with his usual humor. “She’s coming to terms. Let her have some peace.”

  “Fetch Lena and have her tend Sarah.” Conall commanded even as more filled his mind. “Why have you dressed her as a servant?”

  Peter shook his head. “She was given something that fit. Relax, Lena promised me that something better would be ready for her before the evening meal. Sarah will attend the meal attired for her station. I want her viewed as someone of import before the clan.”

  Reading thoughts on Peter’s face, he questioned, “What are you planning?”

  “Only to present her as a potential companion for Elspeth. I’ve already spread the word that Sarah and I are distant relations. Elspeth may soften toward her when she learns that Sarah was forced to be here.” Peter always had a master plan in all he did. “I, we, need to make your bride comfortable here. Sarah can help. She’s skilled at making people wish to speak with her.”

  “You would use a woman of legend to manipulate Elspeth?” Conall saw the wisdom in bending Elspeth to their side but loathed the idea of employing Sarah.

  “I will use whatever means necessary to have this marriage done. Not only to honor your vow to the Bruce, but to keep the clan safe for years to come. The Campbell clan’s raids can bring death, you know that. If Sarah can help us with Elspeth, then so be it.”

  Given the wisdom, Conall had no argument. But his belly churned with distaste at wedding a lass who wouldn’t even exchange a mild pleasantry. How in the hell am I supposed to get her with child when she won’t even eat at my side? The Bruce had clearly stated he wanted Conall to leave his bride with child to secure the Draig legacy, a feat that seemed nearly impossible given the bride. Add in that I have no desire for her and I doubt to see a bairn.

  “Lena is likely upstairs. Let’s go find her. I’ve already checked with the kitchens and the meal is running on time. You need to change clothing and I need to find your brother.” As always, Peter still spoke to him as if he were a young lad in need of lessons.

  “I will speak with Evan,” Conall asserted as he followed Peter up the back staircase.

  “Then speak firmly. He needs to start paying attention to what goes on around here. Someone has to act as laird when you leave.”

  “Have you no wish to continue as you have in years past?” Conall knew his father had no issue leaving the clan in Peter’s hands. He had planned to do the same.

  “I will do whatever needs to be done. But I think the Campbell clan and the other clans would prefer it if Evan at least appeared to be in charge for trade and other negotiations. If something were to happen to you, Evan will be laird.” Peter’s harsh reminder had him wincing.

  “The bairn I will leave shall be laird if I fall.” Conall reminded Peter.

  “You are assuming you will leave Elspeth will child, that she will carry with no issues and that said child will be a boy. You’re asking for a lot.” Before Conall could argue, Peter held up his hands and stopped them at the top of the stairs. “Your child will need a guardian and someone to act until he is old enough to assume the lairdship. Evan is your brother and best suited for the task.”

  “You are best suited for the task. My brother has no head for the clan’s needs, nor does he show any interest in learning.” Conall didn’t enjoy berating his younger brother, but at nineteen years of age, Evan should have already taken control.

  “That’s my fault,” Peter admitted with a sigh. “I raised him with too soft a hand. I overcompensated for the strict approach of my parents. Rest assured I see my mistake and will do everything I can to correct that with Evan.”

  Grasping Peter’s shoulder, Conall spoke, “You have done more than my father or I could have ever asked. The clan has been in good, strong hands and prospers. I will also work with my brother to ensure he sees what needs to take priority.”

  Peter smiled and Conall knew he trusted the man as if he were truly kin. If only Ev
an inspired such faith. “‘Tis late afternoon, where should we seek the lad who fails to tend his duties?” Conall hadn’t had a glimpse of his brother all day.

  “Well, he isn’t on the training fields, or Sarah and I would have seen him. Given that I highly doubt he is helping the men till the fields or working in the village, I say we check his chamber. If he’s not there, we can ask who has seen him.”

  Conall nodded and as a pair, they failed to find Evan anywhere in the keep. After asking Lena to assist Sarah, they headed outside. He grumbled at the notion that he spent his time seeking the lad rather than seeing tasks completed.

  “Let’s try the stables. Maybe he took a horse out for a ride,” Peter suggested as they walked into the building that smelled of clean hay.

  His grumbling became a growl at the soft lilt of feminine laughter from the back of the stables. Male whispers could be heard and Conall grew furious, certain that his servants spent the afternoon in pleasure rather than work. Too much always needed to be done for such nonsense. He recalled the Bruce whipping a man for shirking his duties, though Conall doubted he would ever be so harsh.

  When he heard his brother’s voice, any notion of leniency faded from his mind. The fool does naught for the clan and spends his days coaxing lasses from their skirts. More giggles came from an empty stall and Conall pushed past Peter and placed his hand on the closed gate.

  “Let me,” Peter whispered with a wink. “Evan, leave the lass be. I need to speak with you on matters of great import.”

  Hushed murmurs and the sounds of crunching hay met his ears. Evan’s voice called out, “I have matters of great import within my hands. Find me later.” More laughter flitted to his ears.

  Evan shook his head. “You can help Margaret with her matters later, just like yesterday.”

  In a heartbeat, the laughter ended and the sound of a face being slapped filled the air seconds before a lass stormed from the stall. “See to your duties, Robena, and I will nay tell Lena where you have been.”