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“I will be leaving on the morrow.” He said, and I panicked.
“So soon?” I asked, and he nodded. I could tell that there was still something weighing on his mind, but Scott was not ready to share it with me. In time. I reminded myself, but I worried that perhaps he’d never speak openly with me about what ailed or bothered him. I tried to tell myself it was a needless worry, trying to concentrate on one thing at a time.
“I will be going through your village. This is not going to be an easy journey. We will be traveling hard if we make a stop, but would you like to come? You reminded me that you had good relations with your parents tonight.” He huffed, and I could tell that he was unsure of bringing me along.
“I would be so very grateful if you did. It is so kind of you to allow me to see them. I have feared for them ever since I had left” I told him truthfully. I looked up to see him grinning.
I was thankful that I didn’t have to breach the subject, and I wondered if it was Osgar who had brought it to his attention. Tiredness started to overtake me, and I took pleasure in the fact that tonight and every night from now on I’d soon be sleeping in his arms. His strong heartbeat was the only lullaby I needed. It erased my fears, allowing for me to embrace the now with his strong arm wrapped around me. I ached in a completely different way, but this was one I was much more capable of dealing with. I felt satisfied.
Chapter Six
Getting up had been hard, and now dressed for the ride, I felt my heart pounding once more. I had never expected to be returning so soon to see my home, and I certainly didn’t expect so soon to see my parents. It was only by leaning against Scott’s form on his horse that I was able to calm down. There was no wagon this time, just Scott and a few of his men. I was thankful to look around and still see no sign of the ones that tried to force themselves on me. By the time that the sun set down, we had only stopped once to grab something to eat, and now Scott tried to help me down.
My legs were cold and numb from the riding, and if it was not for his strong arms holding me up, I was sure that I would have fallen to my knees. Derek, one of the men riding with us nearly snorted his laughter. I thought for sure that I would be sleeping alone, but thankfully they set up to start to see if they could catch something before dinner, and Scott went with them the moment that they gotten a fire started. I was left to tend it. Sure enough, it was less than an hour before they had two rabbits skinned and I helped to prepare it.
Scott smiled at me mischievously. I didn’t know how he could find me attractive like this. I certainly didn’t look like a lady crouched over the fire helping to cook two bloody rabbits, but every time he looked at me I felt as if I was lighting up from the inside. At least, before the dread of what I was telling him soon enough came back, making me groan inwardly. It wasn’t until after everyone had separated and I was alone with Scott that I was able to get up the courage to talk to him.
“Scott…” I said as I was curled to his chest once more. He was gazing at the sky, clearly still in thought about where we were going. It hit me that he had yet to tell me why we were going. Only that it was meant to be a friendly diplomatic trip, and he looked at me.
“Lass if we weren’t going to sleep, I have better things we could do.” He managed to say playfully. I put my questions aside, realizing that it was now or never. I wouldn’t have the courage otherwise.
“I need to tell you something, but I am so scared to tell you.” I said. I didn’t bother to hide my trembling, and with that Scott shot up. I tried to hide my face in my hands, knowing I had gone too far to back out now, but he grabbed my tender wrists looking at me with concern in his eyes that nearly broke me right then and there. I knew that his care was genuine, and I was about to hurt the only man I had ever loved.
“What is it, Amelia?” He said. “Has someone hurt you?” He said in an urgent, strained whisper. I shook my head.
“No, but I need to tell you something about Lady Briana.” His face seemed to grow cold, and he looked at me with concern in his eyes.
“Has she hurt you?” He whispered with an odd strain in his voice. It was obvious then to me that he would choose me, and it was only that thought that allowed me to blurt out what I needed to. He looked at me urgently.
“I will not allow her to hurt you, Amelia.” He said with such intensity that I felt as if I could say anything at that moment and he would still take me in his arms.
“She’s sleeping with your brother.” I said, and my voice cracked. His hands fell from my wrists, and he looked at me with wide eyes. It was as if I had just struck him, and I couldn’t help but to have my heart break again.
“No.” He said.
“Osgar.” Was all I said in response, and I felt as if I was going to be sick.
“They shall hang.” He said, spitting on the ground. With that, the tears came fresh and real, rolling down my cheeks as I looked at him. I threw my arms around Scott, holding onto his torso, and his hand was on my back soothingly.
“I will not allow them to hurt you.” He whispered. “Nor am I mad at you, Amelia.” He said with such tenderness that I only cried harder. He was tense under me from both my crying and the betrayal that he was felt. That I was certain of.
“No, that’s not it, Scott.” I said, and he looked at me strangely. “I cannot bear the thought of them hanging because of what I’ve said.” I told him, and it was true. The startling realization that I had just about condemned them was so much.
“It is because of their actions.” He said sternly, and it made me recoil. I didn’t get far with his arm still around me.
“We are no better!” I nearly shouted, surprising even myself. He took me by my shoulders, shaking me sternly but gently.
“Do not say that.” Scott bit out, and yet I knew I felt the truth of the words deep in my heart.
“I am your mistress.” I told him. “That is no better than she taking a lover.” I told him, and his anger was starting to boil over. I was afraid that he would strike me, and yet my own stubbornness forced me forward with my words.
“I am not your wife. I am your bed warmer. Just as my father had been concerned.” I said as more tears made tracks down my face. I was shaking as hiccups started to form from the crying.
“Then I will make you my wife. Once Briana and Osgar are taken care of, what is to stop me?” He nearly shouted. I was sure by now we had woken the others, but I did not care. They knew well enough to stay quiet with their Laird in such a foul mood.
“Do you expect me to want a marriage paved on the blood of their deaths?” I whispered in despair, and that seemed to startle him. He frowned but the anger had not left Scott as he fixed me with a hard glower.
“What would you have me do then, Amelia?” He asked.
