Again I had a sleepless night. How was I to sleep knowing that there is a strong possibility that she will reject me! Looking out the tall window, I see my people going about their dailey chores. I sighed. The fear that speared into my heart last night was still there, I feel helpless and alone, knowing that soon she will wake up and the ball is in her court! James and Brendan wait like wolves to snatch her from me! I walk back to the bed and smile, she will not leave me, she loves me.
Fool, she hates your guts, the little voice whispered.
And I sunk to my knees, as the possiblity of that hit me full force.
Her eyes opened slowly, she's awake! I hold my breath, waiting to see what her reaction will be.
"Alexander." she whisperes sofly.
"Welcome back." I said, throwing her a smile.
She seemed a little spaced out. "What happened?" she asked.
"You don't remember?" I asked caustiously.
She tried to raise her body, but winced from the pain in her back.
I shrunk back, knowing full well that if she didnt remember a second ago, she sure remembers now.
She fell back slowly and sighed.
"How many days have I been unconscious?"
"Three." I whispered. and my heart skipped a beat. "I need to remove your soiled gown, and feed you. Do you think you can handle it?"
She nodded weakly, and I raised myself up, leaned over and slowly pulled the old gown off her. I heard her sigh a couple of times, and I winced, feeling guilt tighten around my heart. I tried not to stare at her nakedness, knowing full well that things happen to me when I do.
I covered her quickly with the silk sheet.
"Do you want to eat now?" I asked. hoping to prolong as long as I can conversation leading to the whipping.
"No not yet, first I think we should talk Alexander." she said, and I almost fainted from fear.
"We can talk later, now you must build up your strength by drinking the broth and eating the slice of bread." I told her, throwing her a smile to die for.
"No ALexander, we will talk now!" she said flatly.
I gulped and threw her a weak smile, "As you wish."
"Why didn't you stop the whipping?" she said, straight to the point.
"I could not, Isobel went to council and filed a complaint. If I interfered with the laws of the clan, your punishment would have been greater. I am cheif and fisrt in command, this is my clan, but I am not above the law ELizabeth" I told her, praying she accepts my words.
Her eyes narrowed before she delivered her next words, "Who is isobel, and what is she to you?"
"She comes from a very wealthy and powerful family." I said simply.
"She is very beautiful, Is she an old flame of yours?" she asked cooly.
I regarded her thoughtfully, resisting the urge to sweep her into my arms and kiss her plump lips passionately.
"She is beautiful, but she is not for me! I have told her this from day one, and I tried to sway her attentions towards my brother Brendan." i said, sucking in a harsh breath.
"Have you slept with her?"
"No I have not." I said.
"But you have kissed her, I was witness to it." she seemed inclined to argue. I remained quiet, because I knew that she would win the aurgument.
"Where were you that night, why did you bring her back with you?"
"I rode all night to get her and bring her back here, my thoughts were to convince her to marry Brendan, but my idea backfired." I told her, then I sucked in a harsh breath and continued. "and I did not kiss her, she threw herself at me." I told her, hoping she will forgive me now that she knows the truth.
I took her hands in mine and brought them to my lips and kissed them. I closed my eyes and savoured the feeling of her soft skin below my lips.
"And where is isobel now?" she asked.
My eyes flew open and my lips trembled when I answered her, "I think she is staying with Mary in her chambers."
She pulled her hands away from mine, and said angrilly, "Why is she still here, why is she not taken back to where ever she came from? Have you no respect for your wife, do you not care for my feelings?"
She was one hundred percent right.
"Forgive me Elizabeth, I was taking care of you, and did not think of Isobel. I will see to it immediately that she is removed from the premises." I told her, reassuring her that she is my first priority.
"Dont bother Alexander, she can stay, I dont care, I am leaving, so if you like, you can invite her to share your chambers." she said pensively.
Fear of losing her gripped my heart. "Please Elizabeth, lets talk about this." I said on a strangled breath.
"There is nothing to talk about! My mind is made up." she said with great satisfaction.
AUHORS NOTE: next chapter will be more intense, she is leaving him and he will suffer big time! please take a moment and vote. thank you kindly. xoxoxoxoxoxo
