Plead Forgiveness: Betrayed Twice (Loyalty Series)

by Dobsyn, Aury

  Ella stood with her head bent to Apollo’s, gently stroking his neck and whispering inaudible words to her beloved friend. Paen assumed she spoke of her grievances. He soon realized his mistake when he moved closer. Ella whispered prayers for her family and their safety, as well as Gavin and his men.

  While he waited for her to finish her prayers, he remained hidden from her sight. Alas, Arth discovered his presence and jumped up to greet him. At the same moment, Leif entered the stable and then raised his eyebrows in Paen’s direction.

  Leif broke the silence the way all children do, with complete ignorance to the true nature of her discontent.

  “Good Morning, Milady! Do ye wish to go riding? I can saddle-” Paen halted the lad’s words with a swift cuff to the back of his head.

  Paen rolled his eyes at the stupidity of Leif’s statement. Ella would be sore from losing her maidenhead last eve, and had no wish to endure a painful ride.

  Attempting to change the topic of conversation away from riding, Paen said, “Lady Ella, my thanks for yer efforts with Righ. I wish to learn and continue the training that ye have started with him. He is a magnificent animal, but his previous master abused him severely.”

  “How long did his previous master have him?”

  “I dinna ken, but suspect not long,” he replied and saw her piqued interest. “On the way to the Highland fair, a local clan captured and sold him to a rich merchant on opening day. The merchant boasted to all who listened that he could break the wild horse within three days. After the first day of witnessing his methods, I snuck into his tent and persuaded him to sell the horse to me.”

  “And your methods of persuasion were?”

  Paen grinned at how perceptive she is, and then answered, “A blade to his throat made him quite willing to sell Righ.”

  His ruggedly handsome face transformed with that smile, dramatically lessening his usual surly demeanor. Ella smirked in approval.

  “You should have taken a whip to his backside, but a blade to the throat is still good.”

  Amusement flickered in Paen’s eyes when he met her gaze. “’Tis good to see that ye dinna lose yer spirit.” Stupidity is contagious, he thought the moment he said the words.

  Her eyes instantly darkened like angry thunderclouds when she asked, “Did you know of your brother’s plan to force me to wed?”

  “Aye,” he said without expression or hesitation.

  The knowledge twisted and turned inside her chest as she spat, “Then the devil can take you, too.”

  When she tried to stomp past him, Paen stepped into her path and waited for her to look up. When he saw her angry glare, he said, “Anybody can become angry-that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way-that is not within everybody’s power and is nae easy.”

  The tenderness in his expression surprised her, as did the recognizable quote. “Aristotle.”

  He nodded.

  “He has always been my favorite of the Greek philosophers,” she admitted.

  Paen heard the thawing in her tone.

  “Aye, mine too. When I returned from fostering with the English, my rage was so great that Gavin suggested I speak with our priest. He often quoted Aristotle, Plato, and Antisthenes.”

  Ella’s anger slowly subsided when she confessed, “The monks at Westshire Abbey often quoted the same philosophers. When I showed interest they began my education.”

  “I dinna think it common practice for monks to educate females,” he stated.

  She knew the age-old argument that the church proclaimed women inferior and that their minds were as weak as their bodies.

  With defiance, she proclaimed, “’Tis not common, but after a year working within their walls and absorbing their knowledge about horses, they realized that my mind is not weak. Since I knew how to read, they had me study manuscripts on Greek philosophy, which we would discuss while we tended the horses. Since Aunt Eleanor trained me as a healer, they offered to continue my education in Latin for the purpose of reading the anatomy and medicinal practices of the Greek and Romans.” She did not elaborate that her mother had actually been the one to teach her the difficult language.

  “I am impressed they recognized a woman’s mind is just as keen as a man’s,” Paen stated, hoping to appease her defensive tone.

  She gave a sidelong glance of utter disbelief before asking, “You agree with educating a woman?”

  “Aye, I do. Lady Esme raised me since the tender age of five summers, and her intelligence far surpasses most men. During the reign of my father, she single handedly kept our food stores full, our accounts organized, and our production of goods profitable.”

  Paen saw that his words enthralled her, and had a similar effect on Leif, who had not been part of the Macleod clan at the time.

  “My father’s enemies made it difficult by seeking retribution with constant raids against our clan. We lost many men and women, as well as numerous herds of cattle and sheep. ‘Twas my mother’s idea to have the cattle drovers and sheep herders move the animals each night to the Macleod-Mackenzie border. The ploy duped raiding clans into believing our livestock belonged to the Mackenzies.”

  Clearly confused, Leif asked, “Were ye nae afraid the Mackenzie would pilfer our cattle and sheep?”

  “My father would have ne’er attacked such a powerful clan, thus they ne’er raided our land.”

  Turning to Ella, Leif explained, “The Mackenzies have always been a force to be reckoned with, or at least ‘tis what my father says.”

  Instantly uncomfortable at the mention of Clan Mackenzie, Ella turned the story back to the impressive Lady Esme. “Your mother is indeed brilliant for coming up with such a clever ploy. I can now understand why the Macleods flourish with good tidings.”

  Pride filled Paen, at hearing Ella praise his mother’s clever scheme and the wealth the Macleods accumulated since the death of his father. He wanted Ella to feel proud of the clan she married into, but now, she felt only bitterness and betrayal. At least she dinna hide in her chamber, bemoaning her fate and crying useless tears.

  “Nae more talk of my mother, women’s intelligence, forced marriages, or dead philosophers. ‘Tis time to work with my stubborn mule of a horse. That is, if ye are willing to help me?”

  “Aye, of course,” she replied without hesitation, and then turned to Leif. “While I work with Paen and Righ, can you see to Apollo. I fear he becomes quite disagreeable when he is stabled for long periods. He is used to helping me train horses.”

  “How?” Leif said.

  “You will have to wait and see, my young friend.”

  “Aye, Milady.”

  Turning back to Paen, she stated, “I must check on Colban before we begin.”

  More than pleased that she wished to continue as healer, Paen offered, “I will escort ye to his cottage.”

  Paen stood in awe, watching the warm greeting Ella received when they entered Colban’s cottage. Helena embraced her as if she were a long lost sister while Colban, in a fatherly manner, insisted on speaking with her in private.

  “Bring my healer to me, and then be gone!”

  Before rushing out, Helena mumbled threats to starve Colban while Paen defiantly crossed his arms over his chest.

  With a smirk, he said, “Ye can be quite nasty, old man, like a disagreeable bairn.”

  Not in the least bit intimidated by the warrior before him, Colban responded, “Ye are naught but a highly irritating young whelp who has over stayed his welcome.”

  A genuine smile transformed Paen’s face when he responded, “Welcome am I?”

  “Nae, but out of respect for the lady, I attempted to be polite,” Colban admonished.

  Paen quickly realized the old man’s intention. Colban had raised Boyd and Iain, his younger brothers, as well as his own two daughters to maturity. He now, with Ella, returned to the role of paternal protector. Paen did not fault him, since the ol
der man had a hand in raising himself.

  On more occasions than he liked to remember, Paen found himself at the stable master’s cottage after a fight with his father. As always, Colban had welcomed while his wife, Beth, tended to the bruises inflicted by his sire.

  “I will remain outside,” he said with a nod of approval. “Take as long as ye like.”

  Although surprised by Paen’s easy acceptance to leave the cottage, Ella had learned that Colban held much more respect than that of a simple stable master. Once alone, the older man signaled for her to sit in the stool next to the bed.

  “’Tis always a pleasure to see ye again,” Colban said in a gentle tone.

  “You as well. How are ye feeling this morning?”

  “My leg is healing just fine and well ye ken. I rather talk about ye and how ye are fairing.”

  She managed to shrug and say, offhandedly, “I take it you know I am now married to Gavin.”

  “Aye, I also know why ye were reluctant to marry our laird.”

  “Not reluctant, completely against,” she replied sharply.

  “Aye, this I ken, too. But tell me this, if ye did go back to England and marry this Montgomery fellow, what would become of yer aunt?”

  “Philip assured me that Aunt Eleanor would be safe.”

  She displayed her innocence quickly clearly, Colban thought. “Is Philip a man of honor?”

  The absurdity of that statement almost made her laugh, instead, she answered honestly, “Nae.”

  “Yer aunt has nae given him children,” Colban pointed out. “I’m told that Sir James acted as the king’s watchdog these past five years, yet is nae longer in service at Greystone, Aye?”

  Distraught that he knew so much, she asked, “Who told you?”

  “Ye dinna answer my question, lass.”

  “It’s true, all of it. Now, who told you?”

  “That dinna matter. What is important is that Philip intended to rid himself a barren wife once ye wed Baron Montgomery. I am surprised he dinna have the marriage annulled years ago.”

  “If Philip annulled their marriage, he would lose both his title and land. King Henry awarded Greystone to him upon his marriage to Aunt Eleanor and the death of her father.”

  Pleased at the direction of the conversation, Colban probed further. “If yer aunt died, would Philip retain the title and land?”

  “Aye,” she whispered slowly. The full impact of his words hit her like a lightning bolt. Philip intended to kill his wife once Sir James completed his five years of service at Greystone. She had been completely ignorant of her guardian’s scheme.

  Colban covered her trembling hands and gave words of comfort and advice for the future. He cared for the bonny lass and hated to see the dismay in her eyes. The days ahead would be difficult for her, but in his heart, he knew that she belonged here with the Macleods.

  Ella departed Colban’s cottage an hour later, feeling more confused and angry then she had when she entered. Would Philip really kill Aunt Eleanor so he could remarry and produce an heir?

  Philip had always seemed fond of Lady Eleanor, treating her with respect and kindness. Only when she interfered on Ella’s behalf did he raise his voice, and sometimes his fist.

  At only a score and six years of age, Aunt Eleanor still had her youth. Philip enjoyed having a wife that made men envious, yet rarely took her to court, preferring to show her off only at Greystone.

  Paen walked silently beside her as they made their way to the stables, giving her time to absorb the recent revelation. He saw the fresh wave a pain that engulfed Ella. Her hands shook and her eyes glazed over with renewed hatred. During her conversation with Colban, he sat by the open window and had heard everything within the cottage. The older man did Ella a kindness, he thought, by revealing the truth.

  Ella remained silent as she gathered the items needed for Righ, and then only spoke to give Paen instructions.

  Understanding that she needed time to assimilate the truth, Paen did not take offense to her brusque manner. He followed her directions without comment and after two hours, Righ finally accepted him.

  As soon as Leif arrived back at the stables with Apollo, Paen sent him up to the castle for food and drink so Ella did not have to eat in the hall. Leif arranged their midday meal in the hayloft that overlooked the bailey.

  Suspicious as to why Paen bid her to go to the hayloft, Ella made her way up the wooden stairs and saw Leif standing next to a blanket covered with food and drink. Relief and joy reflected on her face. Paen soon joined them while Leif opened the wide doors so they could watch the warriors train in the bailey.

  She had always enjoyed watching men train for battle, and today even more so because it gave her a reprieve from conversation. Throughout the meal, neither Paen nor Leif brought up topics that made her uncomfortable. Instead, they jest about the warriors and Bowen, who led the training.

  When they finished the meal, Ella spoke to her companions. “Paen, Leif . . .thank you.” With them, she did not have to say more.

  5

  During the following days, the threesome worked with Righ, slowly socializing him with others. Apollo played an essential role in this phase of Righ’s training, which Ella explained to her two male companions.

  “Righ spent the bulk of his life around other horses. Apollo’s presence will ease some of his anxiety.”

  With confusion lingering on his brow, Leif asked, “They are both stallion, will they nae fight?”

  Unlatching the door to Righ’s stall, she answered, “Righ is younger then Apollo and accustomed to being in a herd with other wild horses, including stallions. Since Righ is so young, he is used to submitting to other stallions. Apollo will dominate him and once Righ accepts that, he will follow Apollo’s lead.”

  Paen took Righ’s reins from her offered hand and said, “I am nae sure I like my horse being dominated.”

  “That is your male pride speaking, not the common sense God gave you,” she said over her shoulder as she went to fetch Apollo.

  Paen snorted. Yet, her boldness to speak to him in such a manner honestly impressed him. Most women fear me, as they do Gavin, but Ella is fearless.

  Alone in the enclosure, the two beasts instantly charged the other. They reared up on their hind legs, sending their hooves slashing in the air. When Righ attacked, Apollo deftly moved to the side, and then cornered him against the fence. Apollo kept the younger horse contained until he calmed, then nudged it to show his dominance. When Ella called for Apollo, Righ followed the older stallion.

  “Paen, Leif, stay where you are.”

  The trio stood separated around the enclosure, so neither she, Paen, or Leif were in close proximity.

  Ella stroked both horses then offered them the caramelized sugar apple cubes, which they accepted without showing aggression. As she walked over to Paen, both horses followed on the other side of the fence.

  “Now you try.”

  Mimicking her slow movements, Paen fed the two stallions and began to stroke their heads. He turned toward Ella and asked, “Should I use the Latin commands ye use?”

  “It will help his progression, but if you rather-”

  “Nae, I want to continue as ye have done. Will ye teach me these Latin words? I only remember ‘good’ and ‘turn’.”

  “Aye, I will teach you the words.”

  Paen lifted his brows and said, “And more about training horses?”

  She stared at the hardened warrior who spoke with child-like eagerness. “Aye, I will teach all that I know.”

  An hour later, the threesome headed to the village with Apollo and Righ in tow and Arth on their heels. As instructed, Leif warned the villagers to keep their distance while they worked with Righ in an attempt to socialize him. The villagers did as bade with a smile, and waved at the odd group when they passed.

  If anyone thought it strange that Laird Gavin’s new wife, his bastard brother, and a stable boy walked two gigantic stallions, with a wolf dog trailing behind,
they did not comment on it.

  Unbeknownst to Ella, Colban and his family had explained to the villagers why Laird Gavin forced Ella into marriage. They also affirmed Ella’s heroic acts, generous nature, and remarkable skills in healing. In response, the people of the Macleod Clan disregarded her English heritage, and now eagerly awaited a chance to welcome the amazing woman.

  The threesome returned to the castle at twilight, exceedingly happy with the day’s progress with Righ. Unfortunately, their happiness ended the moment they learned who awaited them in the main hall.

  *

  Paen and Leif protectively flanked Ella when they entered the hall and greeted Lady Esme.

  “Our priest has explained to the king’s men that ye are my son’s lawfully wedded wife and that ye will nae return to England. They brought with them a midwife to examine ye and verify yer lack of virginity.”

  “How did they know to bring a midwife?”

  Lady Esme grimaced, but answered, “The King of England has dealt with similar situations in the past. I am sorry, but ye canna refuse. They will allow me to be present during the examination.”

  One of the king’s soldiers stepped forward, obviously impatient to finish the task.“Is this Lady Ella?”

  Lady Esme stepped in front of her new daughter and glared at the soldier as she said, “Aye.”

  The English soldier gestured for the midwife to take the young woman above stairs and examine her. He then turned back to Lady Esme and said, “If Lady Ella is still a maiden, she comes with us and the marriage will be annulled.”

  Mortified, Ella followed the midwife and Lady Esme above stairs.

  Lady Esme and the aging midwife reentered the hall a short time later with confirmation that the lady in question was indeed wife to Laird Macleod. The king’s party left, but their presence lingered.

  The great hall filled with numerous Macleods for the evening meal, yet the mood remained far from jovial. Seated at the head table on the dais, Lady Esme, along with Paen and Tavish, spoke with Father Logan.