Page 44 of Married to the Highland Devil
Amelia heard the retreating footsteps, and in the next second, Duncan came over to her and drew her into his arms for a tight hug. She stayed still in his arms for a long time, unmoving but enjoying his warmth.
When he drew back, she did not get the chance to say a word to him before he marched away from her.
Amelia let Dahlia lead her back to her chamber, and she spent the next day locked up in there, too shaken and scared to move an inch.
It was later that night when Yvaine came to visit. Both women had only spent time together when Yvaine had helped Amelia write a letter to her father some days back.
Amelia thought Yvaine was a cheerful spirit as she always laughed, and her tone stayed light all the time. Even now as she came into the chamber, carrying the scent of lavender with her always, Amelia could only smile because of her voice.
“How are ye feelin’?” Yvaine asked her. “Everyone in the castle is talkin’ about what happened earlier this mornin’ with Laird MacGregor.”
Amelia patted the side of her bed, so Yvaine came to sit next to her.
“Who is that laird?” Amelia asked, hoping Yvaine would explain in detail to her what the history was.
Amelia did not think Duncan would talk to her even if she asked. He was used to carrying everyone else’s burdens that he probably did not know how to let his down.
“Laird MacGregor and my faither were very close friends, just like his son Arran and Duncan are. They grew up together, learned to fight together, and even talked about gettin’ married on the same day. They were inseparable.
“It stayed that way for a very long time. Our clans were the most powerful in the Highlands as we were allies, and once, my faither even boasted that he would conquer the world and hand it all to me and my brother. But that was the problem… My faither was a dreamer, but his friend Malcolm was an achiever. When Malcolm’s wife died suddenly, we all grieved, but it did somethin’ to him… It changed him in many ways, and he went over the edge.
“He talked my faither into startin’ wars with other neighborin’ clans and talked of conquerin’ the entire Highlands. He also wanted to merge all the clans into one and rule with my faither as his right hand.
“My faither knew he was insane at this point and tried to stop him… Duncan and Arran tried too, but no one could really stop the madness brewin’ inside Malcolm’s head. Then, one day, my faither returned from Malcolm’s clan and changed his mind. He decided to charge into battle with Malcolm and act out his madness. Nothin’ anyone said could deter him, nae even my maither…”
Amelia reached for her hand and squeezed it comfortingly.
“My faither died in battle nay long after, and we found out that the reason why he joined in Malcolm’s war was that he owed him a large sum. We dinnae ken what happened or how he incurred that debt, but Malcolm has been bent on collectin’ ever since. Malcolm says that my faither also promised me to him. Duncan says he will never allow it, but I am nae sure there is much he can do at this point. Our clan is weak, and MacGregor has only grown stronger by allyin’ with other clans who think my faither is the one who wanted to start the war.”
“He was betrayed by his friend.”
“Aye, and sent to his death.”
Amelia hugged Yvaine tight and patted her back gently. If Duncan had explained this to her then she would have insisted they wed in England, so he could have her dowry.
Amelia knew she had to write her father and tell him of this recent development. She wanted to help Duncan’s clan more than anything, and the one way to do that was by marrying him, so he had the dowry he needed.
“I need you to write a letter for me, Yvaine,” Amelia said, steadying her shaky insides by drawing in a deep breath, “to my father in England. I wish to tell him that I want to be married at once. We must help your brother, and this is the only way I know how. I can convince my father to come to Scotland soon, thereby moving up the wedding. All I need to do is tell him I am in love and do not wish to wait any longer.”
Yvaine was quiet, and Amelia sensed her hesitation.
“I dinnae think we should do that… Duncan willnae be pleased.”
“Duncan needs our help,” Amelia argued. “I will not do nothing while that vile man continues to hurt and ruin your clan. Your mother said I was family.Thisis what I would do for my family. I would help them in any way I can.”
Yvaine sighed after a long time then said, “What do ye need me to write?”
20
Duncan was with Arran when he opened his eyes the next morning.
“I wish I could see a bonnie lass first thin’ when I come back from the dead,” Arran joked weakly when he met Duncan’s gaze, and Duncan laughed a little because the joke meant his friend was back.
“I missed ye,” Duncan said, leaning over to pat Arran’s shoulder. “Ye didnae die on my watch,” he continued. “Ye most certainly didnae get to stay unconscious for over three days.”
“What can I say, I got back to the castle alive, did I nae?”
They both laughed now, and Duncan rose to his feet. “It is good to have ye back.”
