Page 50 of Highland Guard
“C’mon, Naomi, what’s it going to be?” Dermid asked.
“Aye, you best decide fast before the baron breaks the doors down,” Henry said.
“Would you all stop harassing my fragile nerves? I need to think about this. Tis a big life decision—”
“Time’s up, lass. If you think about it anymore, we’ll all be dead by morn. Father, proceed,” Kieran said. Clasping Naomi’s hand and pulling her in front of the priest.
“But I cannot decide between Dermid and Henry.”
“You’ll be marrying neither.”
They were now standing in front of the priest, and Kieran turned to face Naomi. She had a confused look. “But they’re my best choices. Don’t you see, MacKenzie, I’m doing this for you.”
“No, you’re not, wench.”
Naomi said, “If you’re forced to marry me, you’ll soon regret it. Take your freedom so I can choose my groom.”
Kieran replied, “You’re looking at your groom right now. Father, if you will. Please make it fast.”
“Absolutely not! MacKenzie, I will not marry you.”
“You dinnae have a choice, lass, tis me or the pretty faced lack wit over there. Or would you prefer Henry, who looks like he canna protect you from a strong wind?”
“Hey!” Henry and Dermid protested.
Kieran said, “Do you notice how they’re grumbling but not coming to your aid with swords? That means they’re not up to the challenge. But I am. So, as infuriating as you can be, I’m prepared to make the sacrifice and marry you.”
“Oh, well, how can a woman refuse such heroic sacrifice?” Naomi replied sarcastically.
At that moment, the loud banging was followed by sounds of swords clashing.
“Wench. We dinnae have time. Ye need to be wedded and bedded,” Kieran growled.
“All right!” she yelled. “Just get on with it, then. But I’m telling you now, this will be a marriage in name alone.”
“Like hell it will. I plan on ravishing you every chance I get, so you better get used to it,” Kieran snapped.
Gasps and guffaws could be heard from the crowd as women fanned their heated faces and men joined in ribaldry.
“How rude, you big oaf. The entire court does not need to hear your base thoughts.”
“They’re not just thoughts, wench. I plan on acting on them and you’re going to enjoy every moment,” he replied.
Naomi thought she would spontaneously combust with the heated look he threw her way. Instead, she replied, “Why, you brute—”
The priest interjected, looking harried and giving a nervous look out the doors. “Please let us begin.”
Five minutes later, Naomi Augusto (alias Graham) married Kieran MacKenzie in front of a congregation of courtiers and a smirking king and queen.
The moment the priest decreed them married and parchments were signed and sealed. The doors to the hall burst open, and Guy of Brionne and his entourage strode inside. Dalziel was by Kieran’s side and said, “Up the stairs, first chamber on the left. Be sure to leave the door unlocked.”
Kieran clasped Naomi’s hand and started running to the chamber upstairs. A small contingent of men and women followed behind.
“What are you doing?” Naomi asked.
“We need to consummate the marriage, and fast.”
“You make me gasp and swoon.”
