A Chieftain's Wife Read online

  “I’d offer you a ride back to the castle on my horse, but I know you’ve not ridden in these past months.”

  “Aye, since the dreadful fright we had when we nearly lost the babe, I’ve not been on a horse. And I do so miss it. But, soon enough, when our son is born, I’ll be back upon a horse, and the child soon after, for sure he’ll be as able a horseman as his father one day.”

  “Aye, well, his mother’s no slouch in that area either. I have a clear picture of you as a child, ridin’ bareback across the glens with your lovely golden hair flyin’ out behind you. In truth, you were probably too young to be out alone on a grown horse, but you’ve always been a spirited lass and not one to be held back or told what to do.”

  “I know I must have seemed most difficult at times, though it was truly not my intention.”

  “Och, ’tis not a crime to be spirited, lass, though I can’t say I’d be declaring that so readily if you were my daughter or my wife!” He chuckled. “And would you like me to take these apples to young Cookson, then?”

  “No, they can be taken to the kitchen, Mac, but you may tell Cookson I’ll be makin’ a sweet dessert myself for my husband’s dinner.”

  “This day?” the captain quizzed doubtfully.

  “Aye, this day, Mac!” A bright smile crossed her full rosy lips. “Even as we speak, Killian is on his journey homeward, in only hours he’ll be back here with me!”

  The man was one of few who knew of the young woman’s many supernatural abilities for he had witnessed them firsthand, on more than one occasion.

  “Aye, well, I’ll tell the tower guards to be on watch for his return. I’ll alert you to his arrival, then.”

  “There’s no need, Mac, I’ll know as soon as he’s near. My heart will know.” She smiled as she spoke and she was pleased to hear his thoughts in believing he’d never known a couple so entirely in love as Killian O’Brien and his young bride.

  As Alainn continued walking she heard a familiar voice within her mind. She grinned as she listened telepathically to the soldier and druid, Danhoul Calhoun. He was a young man who was claimed many unusual abilities, many likened to her own. He had assisted Killian in protecting her back at Castle O’Brien. Her grandfather had once suggested Danhoul might come live at his castle so that he would be close by should he be needed again. It had been determined that Killian and Danhoul were to be Alainn’s guardians and protectors. However, Danhoul had reasoned she and Killian needed this time alone to begin their new life together. He had since returned to his life as a bonnacht in the Irish army.

  On occasion Danhoul’s voice would come to her and she always welcomed his telepathic thoughts for he seemed to understand her perhaps more than anyone else. He evidently was aware she was keeping her magical abilities at bay so it had been some time since he had sent his thoughts to her.

  “Are you well, Alainn?” Danhoul asked straightaway.

  “Aye, I feel well enough. Sure I tire more easily than I might if I wasn’t carrying a large, strong babe within me, but I am well.”

  Something in his tone had made Alainn wary.

  “What is it Danhoul? What causes you to be fretful?”

  “Nothin’ really... nothin’ I can actually put my finger on, but maybe that’s what troubles me the most!” he admitted.

  “Have you had a foreboding premonition, then?” she queried.

  “No... well, aye, I have foreseen a small battle involving your husband and his kin.”

  “You what... where... when... is Killian well? Has he been harmed?”

  She could detect the regretful tone in his words that came to her and he attempted to quell her fears.

  “No, truly all is well with your husband! I simply thought I would put your mind at ease lest you had a fearful presentiment of your own regarding the event.” He assured her.

  “Perhaps I should not have distanced my abilities as I have. How will I be capable of alerting those dear to me of oncoming peril if I do not allow myself to use my gifts? Yet my magical powers have caused much discord as well. Sure, it is a conundrum for me, Danhoul. It has been an encumbrance to me for so long, for I know not what to do.

  Morag, the old healer who raised me, always insisted I keep my powers hidden lest I be persecuted because of them. Yet, Mara, the woman I have discovered is my mother was of opposing beliefs in that regard. Now, my paternal grandfather who is a powerful druid believes I should become much accomplished in the use of my magic. But I want my wee child to know a life of normalcy. Sure, I know not what to do. Might you advise me, Danhoul!

  His voice came to her again and she welcomed his thoughts on the perplexing topic.

  “Nay, ’tis not a simple decision, and often our abilities are not actually within our control. I believe they were gifted to us for a purpose and that perhaps your grandfather is correct, it would be wise to both develop and harness them. Yet, I do understand with the use of these powers comes great responsibility and often dire consequences, as well.”

  She nodded her head to the emptiness beside her as though her were actually there conversing with her. Her eyes narrowed and her brow creased with concern.

  “I continue to have the reoccurring vision regarding Killian, and my cousins Rory and Riley’s death; it frightens me to the core each time. I fear for all of them every time they are away, that it may actually come to pass. It is why I have insisted they must never travel together or be together at one location at any time!”

  “Aye, and I am aware that Riley doesn’t take kindly to your suggestions!”

  “No, he does not welcome my abilities, nor have faith in their accuracy. He never has.”

  As the wind grew stronger against her face, Alainn turned her head and lifted her nose to the air. There was something amiss, most certainly an ill omen blowing on the breeze and she shivered to calm the dread she felt.

  “Aye, I feel it as well!” He did not try to keep his growing concern from her any longer.

  “Do you sense what it is, Danhoul? Is it a restless spirit or a being associated with the dark demon that once pursued me?”

  “Sure, I can’t say for certain but, at the moment, I believe it may actually be a person simply intent on causing much havoc. I will see what I can find out by way of my powers and you, Lady O’Brien, must do what you can to ensure you and the wee babe continue to remain well. So wipe those unpleasant thoughts from your mind and put a broad smile on your face for when your husband arrives this night.”

  That certainly brought a bright smile to her face when Danhoul confirmed her premonition of Killian’s early arrival.

  “You know he’ll be distressed if he senses a hint of melancholia or learns you’re fretting about anything at all, so be happy, elegant and noble Lady O’Brien!”

  She turned up her nose at his insistence at referring to her by her title and she laughed out loud.

  “Aye, my guardian, wise druid master and brave bonnacht!” She giggled.

  “Oh, be off with you, Alainn!” He jested at her sarcasm and she heard his laughter, too, as she turned and headed down the stone path that led to the massive castle.

  When she was a safe distance away, Danhoul allowed himself to appear in physical form. He lowered his head, kicked at the ground, and cussed out loud. His abilities were telling him he would be needed here most assuredly, that Alainn and Killian would soon be plagued with many troubling times and harrowing unpleasantness. Something or someone appeared to be blocking him from being able to determine where the vexation was coming from.

  Chapter Two

  As Alainn cut in to one of the pans of apple desserts she’d left cooling near the open window, she sampled a warm juicy sliver.

  “Oh, Cookson, ’tis lovely and sweet. You simply must try some!”

  The husky young man, whom at the moment was up to his elbows in bread dough smiled warmly at her spirited and cheerful enthusiasm.

  “I’ve no doubt it’s sweet; you’ve managed to use half my honey supply to make y
our husband’s favorite dish. And I’ll taste some in a moment, but you may have noticed, I’ve no free hand just now.”

  She smiled back at the man before her who had been a lifelong friend. Cookson, whose actual name was Joseph, came from a family who had been kind and generous to Alainn her entire life. His parents, Seamus and Margaret Kilkenny were extremely important to Alainn, and Cookson’s sister, Molly, was her dearest friend. In truth, the Kilkennys were the closest Alainn had to an actual family before she’d been wed to Killian.

  Alainn sliced another hearty serving of the sticky dessert and shoved it in the mouth of the unsuspecting young man. He nearly choked for he’d clearly not anticipated it and Alainn laughed at the man’s reaction.

  “Jesus, Mary and Joseph, you might warn a man if you’re goin’ to literally force him to sample yer cookin’!” He finally managed when he’d choked down the food.

  Her friend possessed a boisterous, contagious laugh and Alainn giggled happily. She wiped her very sticky hands on her frock and then attempted to push the many wisps of long blonde hair from her face which only proved to cause her lengthy hair to stick to her face unbecomingly.

  They heard a displeased sound behind them and Alainn turned to look into the face of Maire O’Donnel. She was the wife of Killian’s mother’s cousin, Cormac O’Donnel, another important chieftain of the O’Donnel clan. Alainn had only met the woman twice before, and neither meeting had been entirely favorable. Now the woman appeared filled with disdain at the sight she beheld, and she clucked her tongue in a disapproving manner meant to belittle Alainn.

  “Lady O’Brien, your behavior is hardly fittin’ of a chieftain’s wife; you do your husband no favor by acting so entirely unladylike, fraternizing with the servants, or acting brazenly with another man. And look at your messy frock, girl, it is improper to appear so uncaring of your own appearance. Most women of your station don’t typically care to be seen once they reach this point in their term. Sure it would be more proper and acceptable to be kept concealed within your chambers.”

  Alainn wanted to scold the woman, but she glanced at the meek woman who stood beside the chieftain’s wife. Eireen Flannery was a kind, gentle woman, and one who disliked conflict or discord. She and her husband, Fergus, the castle’s steward, had lived in Castle O’Donnel most of their lives. And in all the years since Killian’s mother had died and his father had been missing and presumed dead, the man had aptly run the castle while waiting for Killian to follow in his father’s footsteps and take over as chieftain.

  Eireen was clearly awaiting Alainn’s reaction to the other woman’s unkind words, for she had learned Alainn O’ Brien was not only undisputedly spirited, but not one to hold her tongue no matter what the situation.

  Alainn glanced back at Cookson for he, too, was obviously expecting his friend to deal severely with the unpleasant woman. Alainn smiled warmly and set them both at ease. She had decided she would not let this woman darken her day or spoil her jubilant mood.

  “Maire, ’tis so very good to see you. Have you missed your man as much as I’ve missed mine? Have you come in need of company?”

  The sweetness Alainn was showing clearly took the other woman aback, especially after her own insensitive and critical words.

  “I am much accustomed to being without the company of my husband and you might do the same. A chieftain’s duties oft take him away for long periods and with the English so near and ever present, it is likely soon they’ll seldom be here with us, unless it is to defend their castles.”

  “Have you had further word of the English approaching?” The seriousness in Alainn’s tone and the concern in her startling blue eyes were evident.

  “Aye, a messenger brought word this day. I have been informed both your husband and mine were in battle only days ago with a band of English near Dublin.”

  Alainn was well pleased Danhoul had warned her of the battle Killian had taken part in and she trusted Danhoul entirely when he said Killian was unharmed, and yet her heart sank at the possibility of the outcome being less fortunate.

  “Were there losses?” Alainn felt her heart constrict as she dared to ask the question.

  “No losses on our side, only minor wounds, I am told!”

  Alainn breathed a heavy sigh of relief and slowly lowered herself to the stool as she absent-mindedly wiped her sticky hands on her apron again.

  “You appear tired, milady! Allow me to escort you to your bedchamber for a time. You should rest; your long walk to the seaside had surely tired you this day.” Eireen suggested.

  Alainn sensed the caring woman wanted to berate the older woman standing beside her for both insulting her chieftain’s wife and causing her to be fret regarding her husband. Eireen gently touched Alainn’s shoulder in concern. Alainn pulled herself from her thoughts and smiled at the empathetic woman.

  “No, I am well enough, Eireen, but I thank you for your genuine concern.”

  “You walk to the sea yourself, and at this stage of your term? Sure that can’t be good for the babe; you’re liable to lose the child if you behave so recklessly. I tell you once again you should take to your chamber straightaway and remain there until the child is born for ’tis vulgar to openly display your condition and draw attention so boldly to the fact you share your husband’s bed!” Maire blurted.

  Alainn could still her tongue no longer and she glared at the woman as she spoke.

  “I will not lose my babe, and I will most certainly not lie in wait liken to an invalid because I carry a child. I am well and in sturdy health, and not ashamed I carry a child. I relish being with child; I adore carrying Killian’s babe. I will not be made to feel shameful because my belly grows or because I have shared a bed with my husband. I suspect most people are either learned or perceptive enough to know what causes a swelling belly and I’ll not be hidden away for fear people might reach that very conclusion. And I will spend time in the kitchen, with my dear friend, Cookson and whomever else I please, whenever I please for I do not in any manner need to answer to you, Maire O’Donnel!”

  The woman was clearly startled at the younger woman’s outburst, but retorted in an equally confrontational tone.

  “And if your behavior causes discord for your husband and reflects badly on him as a chieftain, would you not then feel shame, Lady O’Brien? Have you no absolutely notion how to conduct yourself as a chieftain’s wife?”

  Alainn proudly held her chin high in defiance as she replied. She wrinkled her nose and glowered at the troublesome woman.

  “Perhaps you might inform me then, Maire, write me out a lengthy list of rules to abide by so that I might act accordingly.”

  The woman narrowed her cold eyes at Alainn, but did not speak, therefore Alainn continued on with her ranting.

  “And sure my behavior will in no way affect my husband’s good name. Killian’s merit and reputation have already been firmly established. He is respected and his word is seldom questioned even by men who have been chieftains much longer than he. He has an apt understanding of our country’s politics and an uncommon ability to rally men. Perhaps his knowledge of strategy in battle, together with the fact he can best any man with his sword or sway them with his authority and eloquence, has ensured his swift appointment to the council of the clans. He is the youngest chieftain ever to be sworn to council.”

  “Aye, my husband is proud to be in allegiance with yours and ’tis true your man seems to have made a name for himself in an uncommonly short time. Though being members of the council does tend to keep men away from their homes and families. I can attest to that fact.”

  That would be a definite drawback having Killian away from her so much, but she knew it was necessary to keep peace in the country and hopefully to keep the English at bay.

  “Would you care for some apple dessert, Maire? It appears I have made enough for half the county.” Alainn hoped to make peace with the woman after snapping at her for Killian did think it was important to be on the good side of his ki
n.

  “Not this day, Lady O’Brien, perhaps another, for I must be off, my coachman waits.”

  Alainn sat soaking in the large round tub that Killian had recently employed the castle’s carpenter to make for them. He knew of her love of bathing even though many believed it was not proper to wash any part of one’s body other than the hands and face. Many were of the belief warm water might allow evil into a body as well. Alainn thought that was a ridiculous notion. She adored the sensation of feeling clean and smelling fresh. As she soaped her protruding belly with the rose-scented soap she’d created just this week, she inhaled the lovely scent and tried unsuccessfully to keep her thoughts from Maire O’Donnel.

  She believed the woman was entirely incorrect regarding her views on women with child. How could it be improper to allow people to see her simply because she carried her husband’s child? It was not considered sinful to share a physical relationship with her husband, it was how it was meant to be, the way the lord intended it. In truth, Alainn thought it was possibly the greatest gift ever given to a man and woman.

  Even women as apparently staunchly Catholic as Maire couldn’t truly think it was sinful to be out and about simply because a woman carried a child. The woman had six grown children of her own so it was evident she shared her husband’s bed, or did at one time at the very least. But perhaps part of what the woman had said might have rung a hint of truth, for Alainn often wondered if she possessed the ability to be a proper wife to a chieftain. She knew precious little about living life as a noble, and practically nothing about what truly might be required of her, what might assist Killian in his dealings as a man of importance.

  As she rinsed her lengthy hair, she tried to push the dismal thoughts from her mind. Alainn had vowed she would not let the unpleasant woman or her spiteful words dampen her joyful mood, but she’d fallen short of her good intentions as they nagged at her long after the woman had gone. Between the meeting with Maire and the worrisome conversation she’d had with Danhoul, she was beginning to feel most maudlin. She heard a soft knock on the door and she placed a wrap around her body and called out.