Battle Cry and The Berserker Page 19

  Skeptical, Rory gazed into Constantine’s tear streaked face. “You would truly give up your sister for me?”

  Taking a deep breath and then closing her eyes tightly against the unbearable pain in her chest Constantine nodded. Though the thought near killed her. She then looked up into his face. Deep sincerity radiated from her very soul. Rory was almost knocked to his knees as he realized she spoke the truth. He gathered her to his chest and held her fiercely, his anger at once forgotten.

  “I will do my best to keep your sister here, yet I would like something in return,” Rory asked.

  “Of course dearest, anything,” Constantine replied stunned, he should know he need only ask.

  “I find I enjoyed being with Lucius. He is a charming young lad. It was somewhat enchanting holding one so small clasped to my chest upon my mount, as my father once did with me, knowing he will grow proud and strong with my guidance and protection. I would like a child of my own,” Rory replied.

  “Then we had best get started,” Constantine said, smiling. She leaned up into him and captured his mouth.

  After a brief moment Rory broke contact. “You must swear you will never again wander off alone without me. If we are to have a babe I must know you will not place yourself or my child in harm’s way,” Rory said. His intense look drilled into her eyes. Only then did she truly realize how great his love was of her and the depth of his fear this day.

  “I vow never to place our child in harm’s way ever. Or myself in harm’s way again,” Constantine replied seriously. “Unless it is to save you,” she added.

  Rory gave her a stern look. She returned his gaze with defiance. Shaking his head Rory gave a soft sigh. “It would seem we have once again reached a stalemate,” he declared.

  “Perhaps we could discuss this later,” Constantine said and recaptured his lips.

  Rory picked her up and placed her on the bed. Later was a fine time.

  * * * *

  “What were you thinking?” Devon demanded of Juliette.

  He had been railing against her for what seemed forever to Juliette. Finally tired of his tirade Juliette stopped being the demure helpless female and lashed back.

  “I thought only to marry with you. How stupid of me to put my sister’s life in danger and my own when I foolishly thought I could aid you in your request,” Juliette snapped back.

  “You only wish to remain with your sister, ’tis not my request, ’tis your own best interest you wished to seek.” Devon growled. He disliked her wanting to foist the blame onto him when she cared not what he wanted.

  “You are right. How silly of me to forget you do not want me, it is my dowry you seek. Would that I could be wed to a lowly peasant if only he would show me some affection and love,” Juliette yelled then to her dismay she sobbed brokenly. She had never meant to show him her vulnerability. He would for certain laugh at her or throw it in her face.

  “Think you I feel nothing for you?” Devon asked her.

  “You yell at me when I only seek to help. You make fun at what you call my prowess. I wish I were Constantine. She is wanted and loved and cherished. I wish Rory could have us both. He does not seek to offend me at every turn. Though his wrath is fearsome I would be well protected. Perhaps he would even show me some affection,” Juliette cried out in anguish.

  “He cannot have what belongs to me.” Devon growled fiercely, dangerously. He strode with purpose to Juliette and claimed her lips in a passionate kiss. Never before had he been jealous of his brother, just the thought of her in his arms drove him to near madness. It was unfair Rory had Constantine and now Juliette wished he had her also. “You belong to me, do you hear and understand?” Devon snarled when he at last broke the kiss. She remained tightly gripped within his arms.

  Surprised and a bit frightened, Juliette gazed up into his angry expression. No one had ever kissed her thus. She had never before seen him like this and her heart thumped wildly within her breast. His intense fury confused her.

  “Do you not wish to be rid of me?” Juliette inquired.

  “I wish to keep you. I wish to hold you. I wish for you to want me,” Devon replied on a ragged breath.

  “But you are so angry with me,” Juliette replied, even more confused.

  “I am angered I almost lost you. It would have been my fault if he had injured you. Give me a chance my beautiful berserker. Let me love you and cherish you and want you,” Devon pleaded.

  Juliette gazed into his pensive expression. “Well you are awfully annoying,” she said playfully, a smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

  “My growth is impressive,” Devon countered.

  “’Tis indeed impressive. I think I will not mind making it pop once we are wed,” Juliette declared, then reddened.

  “Just what did you and your sister do to my brother?” Devon asked, again dying of curiosity.

  Juliette smiled up at him.

  * * * *

  “Emit, does thou still live?” Gregory groaned.

  “Unfortunately, my lord,” Emit squeaked.

  “I cannot believe my future son-in-law would seek to destroy me,” Gregory wailed.

  “I must point out Gregory, it was our dearest Constantine’s concoction,” Emit replied and belched.

  “The fiend purposely sent it over. Think you he has second thoughts about marrying Juliette?” Gregory asked.

  “I fear that is a safe assumption,” Emit concurred. His belly rumbled loudly and he moved in pain.

  “I am dying,” Gregory declared.

  “Nay, my friend, that honor is reserved for me.” Emit moaned.

  “If I recover I will kill him,” Gregory said and growled, yet his weak voice lacked menace.

  “May I help?” Emit enquired hopefully.

  “I cannot wed Juliette to one so spiteful,” Gregory whined.

  “Nay, my lord. Especially if we plan to kill him,” Emit said.

  “A quick death would be too merciful. Perhaps a slow lingering death,” Gregory planned.

  “’Tis a shame Constantine is already wed, she and her brews would have aided us quite nicely. Perhaps Juliette would battle him,” Emit said.

  “I thought you disapproved of their abilities,” Gregory questioned.

  “I feel now I might have been a tad hasty in my decision,” Emit declared.

  Gregory concurred. “What to do with Juliette?”

  “Perhaps something will present itself to relieve us.” Emit sighed.

  “Did you have to say relieve?” Gregory muttered, then stumbled quickly from the room. On a soft groan Emit fled after him.

  * * * *

  “Juliette and I wish to accompany you, my lord,” Constantine said. She stood hands clasped before Rory, her head bowed in deference. They were in the main hall. It was early. Rory had kept her busy until early morning in their chamber wanting her to prove again and again how sorry she was to have caused his anguish.

  Rory looked at her thoughtfully, surprised she was still not abed. She must be exhausted. She then looked up at him hopefully, imploringly into his steady gaze. He noticed Juliette also demurely standing not far from her sister.

  “’Tis a quest better situated to men,” Rory informed her with an air of superiority.

  “Please Rory. Perhaps father would be more willing if we begged him,” Constantine pleaded.

  “The only one I want you begging to is me,” Rory declared a trifle hotly.

  “I do beg you, my lord,” Constantine was quick to say in appeasement.

  “Please my lord, I beg you as well,” Juliette said, moving closer to sadly stare into Rory’s seemingly unforgiving eyes. She cast an imploring look in order to appease.

  Devon stood watching the scene with some amusement. He knew Rory had no intentions of leaving the two behind, he did not want Constantine out of his sight. They had spoken together and knew of their father’s inability to say no to either. Still, both men were vexed at the women’s behavior and still wished to make them repent.
Rory seemed to be doing a good job of it.

  “You would do what I ask, both of you?” Rory questioned. He seemed to ponder the thought in his head. He lifted his watered ale to his lips and took a long deep swallow.

  “Oh yes, my lord, anything,” both cried in unison, nodding vigorously with excitement.

  Rory seemed to be lost in thought for a moment. He then looked slyly at Devon. “What say you dear brother, think you they might have some influence in your cause?”

  “Perhaps they could be a tad useful,” Devon replied on a lingering drawl, smiling he noted Juliette’s quick glare in his direction.

  Juliette knew they were being baited, as did Constantine. Constantine approached Rory with a seductive swing of her hips. “Please Rory,” she begged again and kissed him. She ran a slender hand down his large arm and across his broad chest, melting into is welcoming embrace.

  Approaching Devon in the same sultry way Juliette smiled up at him, and then stomped heavily onto his foot. Devon groaned and sat quickly upon a bench.

  “Why my Lord Devon, it would appear you may need my aid upon your quest, you seem injured,” Juliette purred.

  “Most certainly, if I ponder the benefits of suicide,” Devon ground out. Vicious little vixen!

  Juliette chuckled, then ran a soft hand down the side of his face.

  “Think you may escape me so easily?” Juliette inquired.

  “If there really is a God,” Devon ground out and rubbed his injured foot.

  “Then it is settled,” Rory declared after breaking contact with Constantine. He glanced curiously over at Devon who was still nursing an aching foot. He had failed to witness their exchange having been caught up in his own. “We will leave after we break our fast.”

  “And my foot stops aching,” Devon mumbled under his breath.

  They partook of cheese and bread, swallowing it down with watered ale. The four of them left shortly followed by a double handful of knights. The day was cool and the air crisp. The last of the leaves were falling. Soon enough it would be unwise to travel with the threat of snow soon approaching. Juliette rode mounted before Devon as did Constantine with Rory. Devon held Juliette tightly wondering if this would be the last time he would be able to be close to her. Juliette and Constantine exchanged fearful glances with one another also sharing Devon’s disconcerting thoughts.

  Rory noted all of the pensive expressions. Even his boisterous knights were subdued. Yet Rory had thought up a plan. For everyone’s sake he hoped it would work. He disliked the idea of warring. He only hoped Constantine’s father would not be angry if Rory suggested to buy Juliette. He would return every penny of Constantine’s dowry if needs be. He knew in his heart he would do anything for Constantine. He could not allow her to be separated from her sister.

  “What think you brother?” Devon inquired. He noted the calculating look on Rory’s face.

  “I am pondering if I might be able to purchase Juliette,” Rory mumbled aloud.

  “Purchase me!” Juliette squealed. “I am no prize horse.”

  “Aye, not a horse most certainly, perhaps a mule.” Devon snorted.

  Juliette hit soundly with an elbow to his ribs. Devon groaned.

  “Do not fret so brother. I am certain we can work something out,” Rory said, mistaking his groan of pain to have stemmed from worry.

  “Lucky, lucky me,” Devon replied and rubbed at his chest. He scowled at Juliette who sat with a smug expression.

  “Do not be angry Juliette, ’twas just a thought,” Constantine soothed. “I am uncertain it will work, Rory. Father has money. He is not in need of more coin.”

  “Perhaps you can offer to name your first born after him,” Rory said.

  “Aye, if I am able to sire children,” Devon said and gave meaningful glance at Juliette’s feet.

  “Fear not Devon, I am certain you will one day sire an heir of your own,” Rory said with conviction.

  “Perhaps if I live long enough,” Devon chuckled then smiled down into Juliette’s annoyed expression.

  “Aye, you will indeed live. Who else would I torment? Who else would torment me?” Juliette said as a smile curved her lips.

  They rode in silence after that. Each lost in his or her own thoughts. Devon hugged Juliette’s small form closer. He did not want her to become chilled. Sheepishly he also realized she would be less dangerous if he held her in a bear hug. Though he admitted he would truly be sorry to lose his little berserker. She seemed to fit with him so well. As Juliette relaxed against him, clutching his arm possessively, Devon decided he would not let her go. Though he had not warred as Rory had, his emotions stormed within him. She was his. This possessive feeling would not abate, it seemed only to intensify. No one would seek to take her from him, of this he was certain. Else he would indeed battle.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lord Campbell’s castle seemed quiet as the entourage approached. Rory glanced about with trepidation. There were no shouts of welcome. None came to greet them. No knights moved about, even the hounds were quiet. The silence was eerie.

  “Rory?” Constantine questioned, filled with fear.

  “Do not afraid, little one, I am here. None will harm you,” Rory mumbled, his arms tightening around her.

  “Of that I am certain while locked within your embrace, ’tis my father and uncle I fear for,” Constantine replied. Her father should have been out to them already, his servants, someone. Where was he? Where were Uncle Emit and the castle guards?

  “I am certain there is logical explanation for his absence,” Rory soothed. Though he felt a certain dread within his chest.

  “’Tis fine, Pepper. I feel no great fear, just curiosity,” Juliette said, eager to calm her sister’s fears. There was no tightening within her breast. She was not in the least apprehensive.

  “Constantine? Juliette?” came a soft happy cry as Constantine lifted her arms to Rory while dismounting.

  All turned and noted Lord Gregory’s slow approach. Constantine became concerned, she raced to her father followed by Juliette.

  “Father you are ill?” Constantine cried. She ran a smooth hand over her father’s brow yet noticed he was not feverish just pale and a bit thinner than when she last saw him.

  “I seem to have eaten something that does not agree with me,” Lord Gregory explained.

  “As have I,” Emit whined as he too approached.

  “Come inside and I will explain,” Lord Gregory said.

  Once inside they all noted how quiet the castle was. “’Tis eerie. Reminds me of Lord Christopher’s castle the day I left,” Constantine muttered while gazing about.

  Emit glared at her. “Indeed. No doubt exactly the same.”

  “He did not,” Constantine cried out horrified, a hand to her mouth. “He would not.”

  “He did and he would,” Lord Gregory confirmed then belched.

  “Oh, father, Uncle Emit, I am so sorry. Please forgive me,” Constantine begged. This would not aid in their cause at all. What had she done? Had she ruined Devon’s and Juliette’s chance?

  “’Tis not your fault my dear. ’Tis my own...and perhaps Lord Christopher’s,” Lord Gregory offered.

  “I had no idea he would do such a spiteful thing to those who were innocent, else I never would have made my concoction,” Constantine said.

  “Would you like for me to run him through?” Rory asked, a gleam in his eye.

  “Nay, dear boy, ’twill be my pleasure,” Lord Gregory informed him.

  “I am allowed to help,” Emit said.

  “I am sorry father but you will recover soon, I promise,” Constantine soothed.

  Lord Gregory placed an arm around both of his daughters and gave them a quick hug. “Off to Juliette’s room my children. Constantine, your husband and I need to discuss something. I wish to inquire why he would think to steal one of my children, then wait so long to return her.” Lord Gregory then leveled a hard scowl in Rory’s direction.

  Surprised, Devon thoug
ht for a moment his big brother actually looked uncomfortable and embarrassed. Interesting. Rory towered over the older man. Yet, even in his weakened state both Rory and Devon sensed the bear protecting its young. Now Devon became uncomfortable.

  Knowing the tone of their father’s voice had both girls scurrying to Juliet’s room, although Constantine offered Rory a small smile of support.

  Lord Gregory sat at the table and bid the others do the same. None came to offer sustenance as the cook was incapacitated. “It would seem Constantine carries no heirs as yet?”

  “Nay, my lord, not as yet,” Rory mumbled. Damnation. He felt like he was again a naughty child being questioned by his own father.

  “Of course heirs would be conceived faster if Constantine had not been dragged off I suppose,” Gregory said in a pondering tone.

  “I can explain...” Rory stammered, completely embarrassed.

  “Oh, no need to explain my boy. You were busy stealing my other daughter. Was one not enough? Did you require the set? A matched pair perhaps, hmm?” Gregory questioned, eyes wide.

  “Nay, my lord. Constantine was near ill with the loss of her dear sister. It was my hope to reunite them,” Rory said.

  “Why did you not just ask?” Gregory replied and studied Rory.

  Rory frowned. Why did he not? He knew his father-in-law was a reasonable man. What had come over him? Was it Juliette’s sudden betrothal and Constantine’s anguish? Rory looked across up into Lord Gregory’s face almost overcome with new embarrassment.

  “I fear my intentions were entirely selfish. I honestly wished to keep my promise to you and keep my wife happy. Yet, I thought if I retrieved Juliette it would make Constantine love me more. At times she appeared so aloof,” Rory said honestly and was quite surprised with himself at his revelation.