Rescued by a Highlander(2)
Alex’s vision wandered around the dirty hall. There were no beautiful tapestries, no chairs with cushions as in his hall. The stench of sour food permeated his nostrils. His sister, Brenna, kept everything spotless in his keep. His hall spoke of the rich Grant clan history. He was proud of the weapons on display, of the craftsmanship evident in the high-back chairs and tables. After seeing this disaster, he would be sure and thank Brenna for her hard work more often. He believed in treating all his clan well, unlike this laird. Even his dogs stayed far away from him.
Instinct took over as he turned back to his host. “Nay, Brodie, I will accept the laird’s offer. I would like a good night’s rest before we continue. Tell the guards we stay one night.”
Brodie glared at his brother with a questioning look. Alex knew he wasn’t making sense, but something was not right here. He could hear his father’s words clearly in his mind, follow your instincts, son, they will never let you down.
His instincts told him to stay.
***
Madeline attempted to open her eyes. One must be swollen shut as it didn’t move. She could see enough to realize she was in her chamber. It was not the beautiful chamber she had when her mother was still alive, but the bare, cold chamber her stepbrother allowed her. Attempting to roll, she groaned as sharp pain seared through her midsection as her bruises hit hard wood. The pallet was no longer filled with the soft feather covering her parents had given her. Instantly, her maid, Alice, filled her line of vision.
“Maddie, oh Maddie, are you all right, my dear?” Alice asked.
Her feeble attempt to follow Alice’s nervous movements failed. “Alice, please stay still, my head is pounding enough.”
“Oh, but Mac and I thought Kenneth had gone too far this time. You may have at least one broken rib, and your eye looks horrid. Can you see? Tell me he did not blind you. Please, Maddie.”
“Alice,” Maddie croaked, “I am fine. Mayhap some water, please?”
“Oh, of course.” Alice brought a cup to her lips to help her swallow. “What shall we do? He will kill you eventually. Just agree, would you not be better with Niles Comming? He cannot be as bad as Kenneth. Say yes, please! Agree to the wedding. I cannot bear to lose you. I promised your dear mother I would take care of you.”
Painful memories of the large, cruel body of Niles Comming forced their way into her mind. “Nay, I will not marry him. I must find my way to a convent. I will never be able to bear any man’s touch.” Maddie’s eyes closed as she finished the last of the water.
***
Brodie followed Alex through the corridor to the two chambers they had been given for the night.
“Alex, you must be out of your mind. Why stay in this filthy place? I would rather sleep under the stars with our men.”
“I don’t know why, but something is no’ right. We stay. Get some sleep.”Alex nodded toward Brodie’s door down the corridor before stepping into his own chamber.
After spying the thin straw mattress on the pallet, he sighed. Why was he here? He peered around the chamber. Dust covered most every surface. Removing his claymore, he set it next to his bed, clearly not trusting his host. He wrinkled his nose at the smell of the stale rushes on the floor. A small knock on the door interrupted his thoughts and a dark haired woman crept in when he bade her to enter.
She curtsied to Alex. “My laird sent me to be at your service this night.” She leaned toward him, offering him a view of her ample bosom.
Alex stared at the woman. She had soft curves and a kind face. He hadn’t been with a woman in a sennight. He probably should accept the gift.
But he couldn’t. The fear in her eyes was too much for him. What a cruel man her laird must be.
“Lass, I will tell your laird that you served me well, but I find I am too tired to see to it.”
“Please, I will do anything you ask, but do no’ send me back now.”
Alex searched her face and found it to be truthful. The lass had drawn blood where she chewed her lip.
“See to my brother, lass. I will not send you back to your laird.”
“Thank you, thank you.” She spun on her heel and rushed out the door.
Alex sat on the pallet, stirring up a cloud of dust. What was wrong with him lately? He often visited certain women in his village, but he had no serious interest in any of them. He wanted a relationship like his parents had enjoyed. They had adored each other. He had yet to meet any woman that sparked much in him. Oh, he knew what lust could do to a man. But lust was easily sated.
Since he had lost his father and officially became laird of his clan, he was too busy to think about a partner. Times like these, alone in a bed, he wished for more. Maybe he was not meant to be a husband or a father. His father had told him he was born to lead. Would that be enough?