Page 58 of Highlander’s Evil Side

Helga shook her head. “Yer body is not yer own, Beitris. Ye must obey Fraser if ye wish to have a happy marriage. Whether it is in the marital bed or out.”

Beitris stilled. She stared at Helga, not knowing what man she spoke of. Fraser had always given her a choice. He was even concerned for her well-being while in bed. She knew he wouldn’t take her body as if she was merely an object to satisfy his desires.

“The moment yer bound in marriage, ye must comply with Fraser’s wishes, Beitris.”

“But,” Beitris started. Her mouth felt dry, her body numb. Maybe that was the way Helga had been treated by the late laird, but Beitris knew Fraser had more respect for her. She forced a smile, wanting this discussion to be done. “I hope I will make a good wife for Fraser.” Her smile widened, and she added, knowing deep down she was speaking these words from the heart, “I am looking forward to my future with him. I believe we will have a happy marriage.”

Helga didn’t smile as she pushed herself up from her seat, her body wobbling on her feet. Beitris quickly stood, reaching for her to help stable her, but the elder woman batted her hands away. “I’m fine, my child,” she murmured, her eyes wide and staring at the floor as if seeing something Beitris could not. “I am,” Helga paused, grimacing while biting her bottom lip. Her eyes briefly closed, and she inhaled deeply before saying, “I am happy ye feel that way.” Helga straightened her shoulders, her eyes opening and turning towards the ceiling. She muttered something underneath her breath, something that Beitris didn’t quite catch. “I will take my leave now,” Helga rushed out, turning her back to Beitris and striding briskly towards the door. “I hope my advice was helpful.”

“Aye, thank ye, Lady MacClery,” Beitris said softly.

She clasped her hands while she watched Helga slowly close the door. There was something in the elder woman’s gaze that made Beitris’s insides run cold, that made the hair on the back of her neck rise and her mouth go dry. A spider-like crawl shuddered down her spine, and she turned towards the desk, quickly taking out paper and quill.

Something was afoot, and Beitris wasn’t going to wait to find out. She found a jar of ink and set to writing, knowing she would have to send her message secretly once she was finished:

My Dearest Hendry,

I wish I was writing ye on better circumstances. Assuredly, you have received the announcement of my upcoming wedding. Such a wondrous event has been tainted by the presence of a dark shadow haunting Dunnegan Castle. A shadow in the form of Fraser MacClery. We believe a man has been posing as my future husband. We do not know whether he be mortal or no, but, of what we know, he has no goodwill towards Fraser or his people. The village in the west was burned to the ground five days before, and a coin with the Black Stag’s blot was found. I plead you, Hendry, we must have your aid in order to combat this evil. I fear this Fraser fraud will attempt an attack during our wedding, and not everyone within our walls can be trusted.

Please, Hendry, come in haste. The future of our clan depends on it.

Always Your Loyal Friend,

Lady Beitris Gordon, the future Lady of the MacClery Clan.

Beitris reread her letter. After finishing, she reread it, again and again, wondering if she should add Helga’s possible treachery. She stared at the letter, grimacing while wondering who to give it to. A knock sounded at the door, and she quickly folded it, shoving it deep within the pocket of her dress before striding towards the door and opening it.

Beitris smiled brightly at the servant waiting on the other side. “My lady,” the servant murmured while bowing her head. “Cook was wondering if you’d prefer beef or venison for the wedding celebration?”

Beitris stifled an irritated groan, her cheeks hurting from the forced smile on her face. “Why don’t ye take me to Cook,” she said while closing her door. “I will speak with her myself about the wedding feast.”

“Why, of course, my lady,” said the servant while briskly turning around.

Beitris would be happy when all of it was done and over with. All she wanted to do was go to the garden, sit under a tree, and read her book. She didn’t think she could take any more evil Fraser doubles, the Black Stags, Murdo, or wedding planning.

She paused on her way to the kitchens, peering outside one window and finding Ian standing on the battlements, guarding the wall. Maybe he can send my letter, she wondered while moving towards the door leading outside. He had been such a loyal soldier and companion the entirety of that day.

“Ian!” she called while rushing outside.

He turned towards her, his eyes widening while he bowed lowly. “My lady, what brings ye out here? Shouldn’t ye be busy making preparations?”

Beitris grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her, looking around briefly and finding no one around them. “I must ask ye for a special favor,” she said lowly.

“Of course, my lady. Anything.”

Beitris slipped her hand into her pocket, grabbing her letter and pressing it into Ian’s hands. “Ye must tell nae one of this, do ye hear me?”

Ian nodded vigorously.

“Ye must ride to the Dunbars this day and give this letter to nae one but Laird Hendry Dunbar. Ye must ensure nae one sees ye. The future of the MacClerys resides in yer hands.”

“Of course, my lady,” said Ian while sliding the letter into his pocket. “Ye can put yer faith in me. I will ride at once.”

Beitris nodded and quickly turned away. She knew it was right to send for Hendry. He would help them. She only hoped he would arrive in time.