Naturally Tina was the first female to challenge the hill.

She raced both of her brothers, easily beating Duncan because her light weight made her sledge fly over the grass. Davie was too sly and cunning, however. He deliberately cut in front of her, causing her to swerve off and lose the race. This only spurred her on, of course, and by stooping to his tactics, she beat him at his own game. She thought shed never laughed so much in her entire life.

Gavin Douglas joined in the fun, giving the other men a run for their money. There was a streak of recklessness in Douglas men. Gavin shot down the slope so heedlessly that he came a cropper before he reached the bottom. His great body flew over the oxen horns, and he lay sprawled directly in Tinas path. She screamed as her skull collided with Gavins and she was flung directly on top of him. They stared into each others faces for one horrified moment, then went off into peals of laughter at the undignified spectacle they were creating with their arms and legs entangled.

Ramsay Douglas had been watching the silly game for some time through jaded eyes that were drawn again and again to the streaming copper tresses of the Kennedy wench. She was truly a wanton, heedless of her grass-stained skirts flying in the air, making herself the center of attention. His jaw tightened as he watched her collide into Gavin, the pair of them laughing like lunatics.

As Tina and Gavin helped each other to their feet, she caught sight of his oxen skull and went off on another trill of laughter. You ugly brute! Your great weight has crushed your damned skull!

He felt his head in mock alarm, and Tina laughed up at him. I suspect your brains are in a much lower place.

He grinned and rubbed his buttocks. Suddenly they sobered as they looked into the dark face of Black Ram Douglas, who was in no way amused. They were able to keep straight faces for a count of perhaps five or six seconds, then they both went off again into paroxysms of laughter, far too giddy to maintain a semblance of decorum.

Yeve not the smallest shred of sobriety. His hard voice relegated her to the ranks of foolish, shallow women who cannot be held responsible for their stupidity. He was so tall and broad-shouldered, he blocked most of the sun.

You are so old and dried up, youve forgotten what innocent fun is. Have a care your face doesnt freeze with pious disapproval.

Violent, angry energy flamed between them like sheet lightning. In that instant it was apparent why he was called Hotspur and she Firebrand.

Chapter 14.

Even though the chapel royal at Stirling was massive by church standards, there certainly was not enough room for all the members of all the clans who had gathered. Bishop Kennedy had come down from St.

Andrews to officiate at this wedding, and the front of the church overflowed with the red-haired clan.

Archibald Cassillis, the Kennedy earl, looked about the church at all his people. He knew it would not be long before Rob Kennedys lasses exchanged their vows.

Ram Douglas and Arrans heir were spectacular matches for his nieces, yet he hadnt broached the subject to Rob because instinctively he knew Elizabeth would object to allowing her baby to go to Douglas. He agreed the poisoning years ago had been a bad business, but the damned woman must learn to forgive and forget. Hed had his orders from the king, and the Kennedys of Doon would have their orders from him, but hed wait until they were back home before he issued them.

A pale Meggan Campbell walked down the aisle overshadowed by her powerful father, trying to swallow the lump in her throat as she wished her mother, long dead, could have been with her, or at least her elder sister Elizabeth She shuddered. That was impossible, of course, for Elizabeth was wed to the traitor Lachlan MacLean and she would likely never see her again.

Meggans eyes caught sight of the back of Donal Kennedy standing so stiffly by the altar, and suddenly she was no longer afraid. Unlike the savagely cruel MacLean, Donal really loved her. In a world where women never got to choose their own fate, Meggie Campbell felt truly blessed.

The nuptials were being solemnized just before the hour of noon so the couple could receive the Holy Sacrament. Megan had the requisite six bridesmaids, all Campbell cousins except for Tina and Beth. Their dresses were a much paler shade of blue than those of the Kennedy sisters, but all blended together well enough.

The small bride had the lovely Blackwatch tartan of the Campbells draped across one shoulder, and she listened solemnly to the words of Bishop Kennedy. He exhorted the young couple and the congregation in general in a resounding sermon denouncing sinful pride.

Tina glanced down the chapel royal at the sea of high- held heads and thought irreverently that if he preached from now till doomsday, he would never rid the Scots of sinful pride. The bishop then gave a blistering declamation of womens lewdness and mens filthy lust.

He had just touched upon adultery and fornication when the king cleared his throat and gave him a black look. Without missing a beat, the bishop demanded, Who giveth this woman tae this mon?

Argylls burly figure stepped forward garbed in a silver wolf pelt. His scarred hands with missing top finger joint placed Meggies hand in Donals, then he planted his feet, declining to step back until hed witnessed the marriage legalized.

Elizabeth Kennedy was crying openly, and Tina saw that Beth was shaking like a leaf to be exhibited before such a great throng. Silly child, thought Tinadoesnt she realize no one is looking at her?

The wedding banquet began at two oclock and would go on for the next twelve hours. The food was plentiful because the clans wealth was in sheep, cattle, and oxen and the rivers and forests surrounding Stirling teemed with fish and game.

The pice de resistance, however, was Mr. Burques towering wedding cake, the likes of which none had ever seen before. The top layer was an imitation of the deep blue sea, and rising from the waves was a great dolphin, the Kennedy device, cleverly wired so that it rose up from the water in a magnificent leap.

During the first hours of the banquet, decorum reigned, but by dusk most of the men were well on their way to being drunk. The king and queen, who had sat down together, were now absorbed in other partners. James Stewart danced tirelessly with Janet Kennedy, a natural- born wanton, wholehearted, generous, and unashamed of their affair.

Queen Margaret had hot eyes and hands for the Master of Douglas, that ambitious young man who had been taught by his father, the Earl of Angus, that power was the only thing that mattered.

The rest of the Douglases had spurned the wedding in favor of hunting. Colin showed to advantage in the saddle, while the dance floor was a nightmare for him.

Ram hated the very atmosphere of weddings. They gave him a trapped, caged feeling he found difficult to dispel. Gavin and Cameron vied with their cousins Ian, Drummond, and Jamie to bag the most game. The stags were only just losing their velvet and coming into season. All knew that at days end when they returned from their sport, there would still be plenty of roast bullock and ale to wash it down with, a bedding for their entertainment, and a castle filled with amenable young wives whose husbands would be unconscious or at least incapable with drink.

Valentina had so many men clamoring to partner her that she quite neglected Patrick Hamilton. She did it on purpose, to punish him for not showing up earlier in the week. He found that in order to dance with her at all, he had to cut in on an arrogant Gordon or a wild Stewart, most of whom were jumped-up whelps or by-blows in spite of their royal blood.

For miles outside Stirling, the crowds surrounded crackling bonfires and indulged in fighting, screaming, singing, and finally mass lovemaking, all to the accompaniment of skirling bagpipes.

Inside, the behavior of the celebrants was in danger of degenerating from bawdy to profligate. The matrons retired in disgust at the mens inherent coarseness, removing their youngest daughters from the danger. At this point the banquet turned into a bacchanalia The lewd songs became grossly indecent and were accompanied by graphic gestures. Serving wenches now sat upon mens knees with their skirts pulled above plump thighs. The racket was deafening as silver goblets and sword-hilts were banged upon the tables to a rhythmic demand that the bride and groom kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss!

Donal obliged the crowd, while his little bride grew visibly more nervous. Archibald Campbell drained a silver drinking cup, hurled it down the table, then picked up another. Archibald Douglas, drunk as a lord, bellowed intimate appraisal of every female in sight.

Valentina stayed for only one reason: She feared for her little sister-in-law, Meggie Campbell, now Meggie Kennedy, as the crowd banged their goblets and chanted, Disrobe, disrobe, disrobe, disrobe! She knew she must rescue the bride and spirit her away to the nuptial chamber. Tina managed to reach Meggie and take her hand, but that seemed to be the signal the revelers had been awaiting The women, led by the queen and the Howard sisters, descended upon Donal and began to strip him, while a mob of drunken males tore Meggie from Tinas grasp and lifted her on high, tearing at her gown and veiled coif Meggan screamed, her face a pale blur above the heads of the men as they began their exodus to the nuptial chamber, their progress impeded by the bodies of those who had lost consciousness and lay among the vomit-fouled rushes.

Tina followed helplessly, unable to aid Meggan. It was all she could do to protect her own person as she heard her gown tear, and to slap hands away from her breasts and bottom.

The bride and groom were stripped quite naked by the time they were carried into the bedchamber, and Tina could do no more than shrink into a corner in horror as the mob pushed the groom on top of the weeping bride and chorused, Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!

Ramsay Douglas glanced into the room with jaded eyes.

They flickered over Tina Kennedy with disgust. She was in the thick of things, as usual. She was making for the door before they could strip her too. She looked up into his face with dismay. His pewter gray eyes reflected her image, but the depths were filled with contempt. He cast one last look at the women in the chamber. He had laid most of them, and there was not one he would have been bothered to lay again.

The bride was distraught. Through a bleary haze Donal saw that the fun and games had gone too far. He glanced about looking for help. His brother Duncan and Patrick Hamilton were enjoying the spectacle far too much to desist. Davie was hateful enough sober; drunk, he was almost demonic. Donal looked in vain for Meggies father, but Argyll had been too far gone in drink to even climb the stairs to the nuptial chamber. The women with their hands at his groin and all over his body were even worse than the men. In desperation Donal appealed to the king: Sire, I need yer help!

The good-natured James elbowed his way to the bedside. Ye want me tae bairn her for ye, laddie? Then he saw that the little bride was past hysterics and going into shock. In a brisk deep voice that brooked no refusal, he took command of the situation. The revelers staggered from the room holding each other upright.

The ones who were still bent on lewd and lascivious conduct suggested other bedchambers they could invade as the king herded them safely away from the newlyweds.

Meggie lay sobbing, her pale face pressed into the pillows. Donal in his clumsy way tried to comfort her She shrank from his rough hands, never wanting to see or hear or smell another man as long as she lived.

Gradually she became aware of a tender hand stroking her hair over and over and a voice pleading, Dinna cry, lass.

She realized that from this day forward Donal Kennedy would be her only source of strength or tenderness or love With a sob she turned blindly toward him. Donals arm encircled Meggies waist, her hand stole into his and held it tightly, and her head folded into his shoulder.

Each fulfilled a need in the others life.

Since Ram Douglas had enjoyed the hunting more than anything else at Stirling, he decided to go again the next day. His brothers and indeed most of the males were nursing massive hangovers this morning, so he went alone. In the royal stables he noticed that the lovely damson-colored mare he thought of as his was gone.

He was mildly surprised that others besides himself were in the saddle this early In no time at all he was swallowed by the dense forest that surrounded Stirling. His senses were alert for any sound or movement that signaled game. His ears easily picked up a bellowing roar, and as he rode toward a clearing and a steep, grassy hillside, he knew what he would find. It was a wild bull, a relic of an ancient breed that had roamed all the uplands at one time. The bull had stolen two domestic cows that grazed the lower slopes to breed wild, misbegotten offspring.

A bull hunt was a far more exhilarating and taxing sport than hunting hart or boar. Bulls were totally unpredictable when maddened and would charge and gore anything in sight with their long, viciously curving horns.

Ram tried to drive the bull further into the trees, where he would be hard pressed to turn and charge, but the creature was far too wily to fall into such a trap. Ram watched the bull cautiously, wishing his brothers were there to aid him. His wolfhound, Boozer, would have been an invaluable help too.

The wild creature was a dirty white with a massive, thickmaned neck and a wicked six-foot spread of horn.

For one split-second he questioned the wisdom of hunting it solo, but the challenge was far too tempting for Ram Douglas to ignore. The shaggy-coated creature with massive shoulders was obviously cunning as well as savage, for it ran out into the clearing, where it would have room to maneuver and charge.

Rams eyes scanned the perimeter of the grassy slope, noting a long outcropping of stone that formed a ledge with a steep drop beyond. His horse must avoid that danger, but the rest of the ground didnt appear too rough a terrain.

The bull saw her before Ram did. Its red eyes rolled in its head, it pawed the ground, it let out a snort and charged downhill. Valentina Kennedy had seen Ram Douglas mounted on his great black stallion long before he emerged at the clearings edge. She watched in disbelief as he waved at her and shouted, Get the hell away!

It was almost too late when she saw the maddened bull tearing up great clods of earth in its efforts to charge her. She spurred her damson mare cruelly, knowing if she did not, the bull would tear into her mare broadside.

Ram knew there was not a split-second to lose as he rode out into its line of vision and tried to divert it from its chosen goal. It was roaring now, savagely intent upon the girl and horse. Rams knife was more a short- bladed sword. He screamed a Douglas war cry and headed toward the bulls rear quarters, hoping to crash into it and roll it over while at the same time avoiding its vicious horns His vivid imagination saw the Barbarys exposed underbelly being ripped like a punctured bladder if he could not divert the bulls attention from its intended disemboweling. Indigo was screaming, eyes rolling wildly, as she shuddered with terror Ram glimpsed Tina, her face as white as her riding habit, her hat gone, her fiery hair licking across her face and neck like flames.

Then he had no time for anything but his prey as the bull dug in its forelegs and pivoted about, thinking to expel its great fury upon its attacker rather than upon a creature intent upon fleeing Ram was now face to face with a head-on charge. He could save himself by leaping from the saddle, but his stallion would be sacrificed upon the vicious, upthrusting horns. He made his decision instantly, hurling himself with a vaulting spring upon the brutes back. He knew the reaction would be instantaneous The white bull thrust down its head, arched its back steeply, and convulsed its hindquarters into the air Rams powerful fingers dug into its shaggy mane to save himself from being tossed forward over the brutes head, then with thighs, calves, and ankles curved about its belly, he unsheathed his short broadsword and drove it into the brutes neck. The bull lashed its head to right and left, trying to hook its clinging burden with its great horns. It did manage to tear open his leather breeches and gash a shallow wound along his lower leg.

Ram was now as enraged as the bull, and he removed both hands from the thick mane to plunge his weapon deep behind the beasts shoulder blade He felt the shudder convulse through the powerful body as it coughed but did not go down He knew he had not found its heart. The enraged killer was going to toss and gore him any second if he bungled again Desperately he drew his dagger and plunged it to its hilt a few inches farther back than his short sword Finally he felt it stagger, but it did not drop Maddened by pain, it began to run. Desperately Ram struggled to pull out his weapons for another onslaught The bull still had enough strength to roar as it hurled its massive body toward the trees where Tina had taken shelter.

Ram gazed upon her for one horrified moment before the bull faltered, tripped, its forelegs buckling, and he was thrown to the ground at her feet. The brute finally lay dead, its head twisted at a grotesque angle, scarlet blood flowing from its mouth Her terrified mare shuddered uncontrollably as she tried to gentle her.

Shes nearly mad with fear, she said huskily.

His eyes were murderous as they swept over the white velvet riding dress and the cool beauty of her face. No trace of fear could be detected in the golden eyes that viewed the carnage before her. Black fury was written in every line of his face His leathers were slashed at chest and thigh, where the bull had tried to gore him, and he was drenched in blood He was in the Devils own temper Ye have a knack for attracting misfortune tae yourself, and ye dont give a damn if ye attract it tae others! He seized her by her slim waist and shook her like a rag doll. Have ye no brains? This forest is dangerous. Wild beasts and death lurk behind every tree. Yer a reckless little fool tae ride without even a groom. Ram Douglas seldom tasted real fear, but it had filled his throat when he saw the beautiful girl about to be gored before his eyes He had expended a superhuman effort to save her, and now that he had done so, his fear was released by anger.

Her compelling eyes blazed like golden fire, fringed by black lashes above proudly slanting cheekbones. Your bloody hands have damaged my velvet, she accused.

For a moment he stared at her in utter disbelief that all she cared for at this moment was her gown. Any other female would have fallen trembling in his arms. This one showed not the slightest gratitude. He tore his weapons from the bulls carcass and picked up the hem of her white velvet skirt. Damage it? Ill ruin it, he threatened, intending to wipe his swordblade.

She shrank back from him, but still her eyes showed more defiance than fear. So this is how a chivalrous knight aids a damsel in distress, she said with cool contempt He had the decency to flush. Christ, why did she always bring out the worst in him? He could charm any woman in Scotland save this one He released her and wiped the dripping sword upon the grass It gave him time to leash his blazing temper. He realized how easy it would be to physically dominate herbut where would be the satisfaction? He would cut her down to size with her own weapon: carefully chosen, cutting words. His eyes were the pewter of stormy seas. I did it tae save the mares life, not yours, he said bluntly, so dont bother tae thank me.

You apparently not only expect thanks, youd like me to grovel. You think me a bitch wholl lick your hand and wag my tail. Im more likely to relieve myself upon your leg!

All women are bitches, he thought silently, but this one had managed to get under his skin He was irked that he could not humble her; worse, he felt his loins blaze into a desire so intense, he caught his breath. Christ, she wasnt just under his skinshe was under his foreskin!

With a lust he had seldom experienced, he wanted to take her on the forest floor. He wanted to arouse a response in her to match her suddenly savage beauty.

His eyes licked over her, revealing his smoldering desire, and in a voice husky with sensuality, he stepped close and murmured, I want tae tame ye.

She raised her riding crop and deliberately slashed open his cheek. Without hesitation he took hold of her whip hand and squeezed until she yielded it up to him.

He turned upon his heel, ignoring the blood trickling down his leg from where the bull had gashed him, vaulted into the saddle, and cantered off without a backward glance.

By evening all traces of her mornings misadventure had faded in significance. More pressing matters were now upon the Kennedy ladies. On this last night at Stirling, there was the queens fancy dress ball. Their mother, worn out from the emotions of the wedding, was not attending, and she argued with her daughters about their participation. When she saw the look of disappointment on Beths face, she relented and agreed they could go, providing Kirsty and Ada went along to keep an eye on them. The four rushed to the sisters bedchamber to solve the problem of costumes, and Kirsty immediately antagonized Valentina and Ada. They can wear their blue bridesmaids gowns again. So much work went intae them, tis a pity tae wear them only once.

Absolutely not, said Tina impatiently.

Well, the costumes must be appropriate fer modest young maidens. Perhaps simple shepherdesses. I shall wear ma gray uniform, of course.

Youre simple, said Ada rudely.

Kirsty bridled. Well, madam, what outlandish costume will ye opt fer?

I was thinking perhaps a nuns habit, Ada said dryly.

Kirsty compressed her lips. Beth shall wear full dress Kennedy tartan, she said decisively, and took Beth back to her mothers chamber to gather the accessories they would need.

Ada said to Tina, Well, I shant presume to advise you.

Whatever you wear will be a standout. I shall wear a gown with a neckline cut to the clavicle and a tiny mask to deceive them into thinking me a countess.

Tinas wicked juices had begun to bubble. Of course, to carry off her plan she would need a male accomplice.

She immediately ruled out Patrick Hamilton. He would definitely frown upon his future betrothed making a spectacle of herself. She wished Heath were herehe would dare anything for her. By a process of elimination she was left with Davie. Hed do it if she turned it into a dare and perhaps sweetened it with some sort of bribe.

She took a gold-plated collar-necklace from her jewel casket and hurried along through Stirlings outbuildings until she came to the blacksmiths forge and with one brilliant smile pressed the muscular smithy into attaching a long chain to the collar.

Later she stood in front of a polished steel mirror to survey the effect. She was going as a wild jungle animal, whichever one was striped. Though she had never seen one, she thought perhaps it was a tigress. She wore the gown with the filmy orange and tawny markings with the black underskirt showing through.

She wore her flaming hair unbound in a wild mane and painted black stripes sweeping from her golden eyes, slanting across her temples to her hairline. Davie lounged on her bed in hunters green, his bow and arrows lying negligently on the floor. As she fastened the collar about her neck, she admonished, Now after you lead me in on the chain and present me to the queen, dont forget to detach the chain. You mustnt actually give me to her as a gift. Its supposed to be merely symbolicthe hunter presenting his spoils.

The great chamber at Stirling had what was called the fire end and the throne end. Valentina had not dined in the banqueting hall, so that she could make her grand entrance in the great chamber. The costumes were amazingly inventive for people who had not been forewarned they would require such things. There were sailors and jugglers, Gypsies and shepherds, wizards and Vikings, Romans and goddessesbut there was only one tigress!

A small hush fell over the crowd as the young hunter led his prey down the entire length of the chamber to where the king and queen sat upon their thrones. The hush gave way to a murmur as more people stopped talking to stare at the vivid creature. Flaming Tina Kennedy! The name was on every lip.

Beth and Kirsty gasped, some whistled, others applauded. A mans voice said, Id like tae pierce her wi ma arrow! The womens faces hardened, the men hardened also. Davie, who never did anything without a little malice, led her directly to the king. Tina tried to lead him toward the queen, but he made a great show of yanking her chain, so that she had to obey him. Tina looked as if she were about to claw him. When Davie gave the chain into the kings hand, some swore their monarch had selected a new concubine.

James Stewart immediately released her from the chain and led her out to start the dancing, gallantly exclaiming, The captor becomes the captive Black Ram Douglas stood at the far end beside the fireplace As the couple danced toward him, the fireshine played over Valentinas molten hair and tawny gown, turning her into the most breath-stopping creature he had ever seen.

Desire flared in him like banefire. He wanted something wild to tame.

When the dance ended, the queen asked her where she could get such a gown for herself, and Tina was relieved that she hadnt taken offense that James had partnered her in the first dance.

Valentina looked up as a strong hand took possession of her wrist. Her golden eyes widened so that the tiger stripes slanted exotically as she realized who had taken hold of her. No, thank you, I dont wish to dance, she said in a cool voice. Rams eyes changed from pewter to midnight black. Ye owe me a dance. His voice cut like the crack of a whip, and the pressure of his powerful fingers on her wrist became painful. She set her will against his. You are hurting me, she retorted.

I hope so, he replied with relish.

You base-born dog! she muttered low.

Perhaps it is the dog in me that attracts the bitch.

Oh! she gasped as he swung her into the pavane. She knew an overwhelming need to say something equally outrageous, and the scandalous words she had overheard at court were off her tongue before she could stop them. It takes more than six stiff inches to attract me.

More? He raised an amused eyebrow. I have more.