“We are sharing the same dream. It is a dream come true that I never imagined. Fate brought me to you Mai and I shall die if this was our only night together. If that were to happen I would die a satisfied man.”
When they cracked open the door, neither Angus nor Mai, knew what would happen. Surely, Rufus and Cox knew they were in bed together. It was nothing to be ashamed of, as they were both consenting. Desire of the flesh and perhaps more had been unavoidable. It was risky behavior, as she was promised to Lord Harper but worth it nonetheless.
Mai laid her head on Angus’ strong chest where his mother’s emerald ring still dangled from a chain. “Are you going to explain what hangs around your neck Angus? I have scratches on my body from the gem so I believe an explanation is owed.”
Angus was about to explain the ring and its importance when they heard clamoring in the other room. Mai’s violet eyes widened as she struggled to throw on a slip. Angus pulled up his trousers and went to grab his sword when he realized he left it propped beside the hearth. Angus screamed for Rufus but got no reply.
The door to the bedroom was thrown open and a dozen men wearing armor with swords drawn entered the room.
“In the name of Lord Grey Harper we have come to take Maighreed MacKnabb. Do not try to defend her or we will kill Cox MacKnabb in her presence. They put their gloved hands on Mai and treated her as a stuffed doll as they dragged her off the bed into a waiting wagon. Her father had already been thrown in the rear.
“This action will not be tolerated. In the name of the Kingdom of Fife, I implore you to let the lass free. She is not an animal at auction and should not be treated as such. If you harm a hair on her head or on that of Cox MacKnabb, you and your Lord will pay with your lives.”
The men dragged out Mai with barely her slip to cover her body. As tears streamed down her porcelain face, she managed to speak. “I shall never forget you Angus. One night with you, my true love will last me a lifetime.”
Chapter Five
The wagon pulled away leaving the idyllic stone cottage in shambles. Rufus was cut and bruised but had no bones broken. Angus was in his trousers only as he paced over the wreckage caused by Lord Harper’s men.
“I don’t see an option, other than returning to your father’s estate,” Rufus said. He was missing several teeth so he found it difficult to get the words out.
“If you weren’t in bad shape, I would respond to your comment with a wallop.” Angus pounded his fist on the wood table causing it to crack. “I have never raised a hand to you Rufus which must convey my frustration. After we get you cleaned up we have to devise a plan to get Mai and her father back safely. Our first chore will be getting back our horses, which I hope we find where we left them. We will ride back to the estate where I will beg for my father’s aid. He fought Lord Harper once before and I need his help. The future of our kingdom lies on my ability to produce an heir. I want Mai to be my wife and the mother of the future Lord. If we can capture Lord Grey Harper’s lands in the process, my father will be more likely to help. He loves a good land battle.”
“Formulating your plan appears to be breathing life into you my liege. You can count on me to be by your side.” Rufus smiled, displaying his toothless grin.
****
Angus and Rufus were almost ready to leave on their mission when there was a pound on the door. Rufus looked up at Angus.
“A knock is odd; the last time Lord Harper’s men came they didn’t knock. Answer the door Rufus. I’m curious to see who are visitors are.”
Two men with metal tunics stood on either side of a man Angus recognized immediately as Lord Grey Harper. He was short, fat and old enough to be Mai’s grandfather. It was no wonder both his Mother and Mai detested the man.
“Lord Grey Harper.” The two guards introduced him as he stepped forward. He handed Angus an envelope.
“I am here as a favor, to give you fair warning Angus Blake and to your cohort as well.” He tittered when he looked at Rufus because he was a mess. He always looked out of sorts because he was so skinny and nervous, now it was hard to not chuckle when you looked at the poor soul. “I have claimed my wife-to-be and her father. They are where they belong and where the remainder of their days will be spent. Under my watchful eye, I might add. You will be escorted to the perimeter of my lands and never to set foot here again.” Lord Harper paused to cough. He was not the healthiest man Angus had seen. “Gather your things and get in the wagon immediately or harm will come to you.”
“I see you standing there Lord Harper, failing to mention what we both know. You lost in love once before. The fair lass Lady Blair was stolen from you by my father. I shall reclaim my love as well. Mai MacKnabb will never be your wife. The thought of you makes her shudder.”