by Lucy Lixx
I leaned against him reassuringly. I had no intention of staying, but the thought of being able to tell my family that soon I’d be Lady McKenzie was more than I could bare. He had me direct him to our home, and sure enough my father was working the fields, but I could smell fresh bread being made. Knocking on the door of the home that I had grown up in seemed to be silly, but my mother had her apron covered in flour by the time that she came to the door. Fear lit up in her eyes the moment she noticed Scott and his men.
“My Laird…” She said, curtseying. “What do I owe this visit?” She said with her voice strained with worry. I stepped out from the side, hoping that she would see me, and when she did I saw tears spring to her eyes.
“Amelia.” She said, wrapping me up in a hug. “I thought I should never see you again.” She cried, and Scott smiled at the tearful reunion, but it was tense. I knew that it would be a short visit, and he was busy.
“Your daughter wished to visit.” He said, and I nodded. Mother ushered us in with a smile on her face, but it was clear that she was confused. I did not care. I was overwhelmed with joy to see her safe and well. Without the threat of taxes, father and mother seemed to be recovering, and I was sure as Lady McKenzie I could help my family in a way I would not have been otherwise, but I pushed those thoughts aside for later.
“I shall call for your father.” She said, telling us to make ourselves at home. My father looked at me with the same unshed tears as my mother, seeming both thankful to see me and scared of the cause. I had not expected to frighten them.
“How may we assist you, my Laird?” He asked, and mother had already disappeared into the kitchen. I looked at Scott.
“May I join her?” I said before he answered my father, and he nodded allowing me out of his sight. The men seemed uncomfortable, excusing themselves to tend their horses.
“We had heard you were assigned to the Lady Briana.” Mother said, and I was sure that she had heard everything. The memory of the lessons, especially the last one, ran through my mind and shame and arousal ran through me. I hoped that my mother could not tell, but luckily she continued to speak.
“But we had not received news since.” She told me, and my heart was both relieved and broken.
I didn’t relish the idea of telling my mother that I had become the mistress. I could tell that she was having a hard time preparing the stew, and so I took over peeling the potatoes. Best she does not have a knife in her hands when she hears the news. I thought as I persevered, telling my mother what all had transpired since I had been sold to the McKenzie clan to pay our taxes. Her reaction was a mix of pride and horror. I knew that I was in for a long night ahead.
“Your father will be furious.” She said. “You’re a Mistress?” She asked, and the soup was done. It was as if my mother still could not believe her ears. My own face was beet red with embarrassment.
“Yes, but not for long, mother.” I said. I had left out Briana’s infidelity, and so I did not know how to tell my mother that soon I would be Lady McKenzie.
“Your father…” She said, shaking her head.
As I feared, it was as if my mother could not look at me. How I had handled myself had filled her with pride, but it was as if I had dashed that pride quickly. Soon enough everyone was in our humble living space, and Scott had me sit right beside him, which made my father’s brow knit together with worry and concern. He looked at my mother as if to answer a question, and his face went pale. As the dinner progressed, the laughter and friendliness that Scott and my father had shared seemed to disappear.
“My Laird, may I be as bold as to ask a question?” He asked in a tense tone that made me sit up straight, eyes on him with worry.
“Please call me Scott.” He told my father, which only seemed to worry him further. I wanted to blurt out everything right then and there, but I feared, like my mother, that my father’s temper would get the best of him. My anxiety must have shown because my father continued onward with his questioning in an even more worried tone than before.
“Why does my daughter sit with you like that?” He asked, and I felt as if I had stopped breathing.
“She is my Mistress…” Scott said, and all of the men that had traveled with us had the decency to look away. They knew how a farmer’s family would take the news. I wanted to bury my face as to not see the look of hurt and anger flit across my father’s face, but I was sure that the image was burnt into my memory now. My eyes were fixed on him as he stood up abruptly.
“You cannot!” He screamed, and if my fear could double it did just then. Scott was not used to being ordered around, and by a farmer no less. He tensed, and I feared for the worse, but instead Scott seemed to harden as he put his arm around me.
“I have.” He said, and my father’s anger was bubbling over. Just as I was sure that the situation would escalate, Scott continued talking saying just about the only thing that would diffuse such a situation.
“She will soon be my wife.” He said, stopping my father in his tracks as everyone around the table let out a soft gasp. My mother’s eyes were confused and wide and all I could do was lean closer to Scott, hoping that nothing further would anger him or my father. His voice was cold, but the words rang true.
“Wife?” My father asked tensely as he resumed his seat. I knew as his anger abated even he knew how foolish his actions had been. You do not order around your Laird and not pay a price, and yet Scott had not harmed him.
“Yes, Lady Briana has been unfaithful, and I plan to take Amelia as my wife. It is why I wished to bring her home for the news.” He said, lying easily.
“Ye have my blessing.” My father said after a moment of silence. My mother just looked awed, and much to my surprise, Scott bellowed a large laugh.
“I do not think I was asking it, old man.” He said, but his tone was light and teasing.
The rest of the meal was more comfortable, but before the sun had risen, Scott whisked us away, promising that we’d have more time to visit when we returned in a week or so. My father and mother had hugged me before I mounted the horse with Scott, but this time the goodbye was filled with tears of joy instead of sorrow and fear.
Chapter Eight
As we were on our horse, riding through the day with very little breaks, I had time to think and process what had happened to me. I had made it from Mistress to wife, and I was sure that I had spared Osgar and Briana. At least I hoped so, but still the questions that I had the night before nagged at me. Where are we going? Why is he riding so hard if this is friendly? I thought to myself, wondering if I should voice the thoughts aloud.
“It is time I tell you why we are riding.” Scott said. His tense tone had me on edge.
“We are to discuss rebels. This is a safe place, so I figured we could take you along, but this will not be a discussion for a lady. You shall stay in your rooms.” He told me, and I couldn’t find the words in me to protest.
“Rebels?” Was all I could manage through my disbelief.
“Yes, there are threats of rebels in the lowland. Sympathetic to the English cause.” He said, spitting on the ground in disgust as he dismounted his horse, helping me down once more.
“Scotts sympathetic to the English rule? Do they not wish for our freedom?” I couldn’t understand how anyone would want our way of life taken away, and yet I knew that Scott would not lie to me. He just nodded grimly. I couldn’t understand what would cause someone to say such things. I just didn’t understand at all. My head was spinning.
“We will be staying with the McDougal’s, as they are our strongest ally, but I fear that they may not be an ally much longer. If we have to leave hastily…” He said, and I could hear the other men grunt as they dismounted as well.
“Why would they not be our ally?” I asked. I felt as if there was something they all were trying to avoid saying.
“Because they were in favor of Lady Briana.” Derek said, eyeing me. Everything started to fall into place. I realized then that they should hav
e left me with my parents at the village. There would be no hiding Scott’s declaration, and I was sure that he was not the type to deceive either. I shook my head.
“You should take me back.” I demanded, and Scott huffed at me.
“I will do no such thing. You are to be my wife and I shall not let you leave my side.” He said, but I stubbornly shook my head.
“I do not wish to incite something.” I told him persistently, but Scott would hear nothing of it.
He went to make a fire, motioning me over so that I could tend it as they once again hunted game. I was left with my thoughts and a soon to be husband that would not budge. I could only hope for the future, and yet my worry would not leave me. Even as he held me that night, pressed tightly to his chest with a full stomach, I could not quell the worry inside of me. It was not a worry for our future, but for our people. Looking at Scott as he drifted off to sleep, I knew that he would not abandon me. I will have to find a way to see him through. I thought, trying to close my eyes and sleep. It was only the thought that I’d not part from him, his words echoing in my ears that allowed me to finally drift off.
Sneak Peek: Dangerous Times
Peasant Diaries Book 3
When alliances are threatened, it is not the time to demonize a beloved Lady, but that’s exactly what Scott was doing when he left Lady Briana to marry me. I knew now that we would not have the support of the clans if we did not tread carefully. As the new Lady, McKenzie I would be expected to be more than just a pretty figure. I had to help my Laird and my love as much as possible, but looking at the Chief across the table, I was sure that he did not trust me. I was but a peasant, when his son had once had the best.
I did not compare to Lady Briana’s beauty, but the chief’s wife smiled at me with acceptance which made me sure that she had known of Osgar and Briana’s betrayal long before. Sure enough, the harvest was upon us, and a rebel group was causing trouble in the Lowlands. If negotiations did not go well, we’d soon be at war with our own people with the threat of the English still looming over us. My thoughts were interrupted as the Chief spoke.
“You plan to banish your brother in such times?” He nearly hissed, and Scott’s face hardened.
“He has committed adultery.” He said tersely.
I did not think the table was the time nor place to argue about such things, but sure enough the entire manor knew by now, and so no one tried to hide it any longer. Lady Briana and Osgar were surely nowhere to be found, and I was in her seat. Even without a proper announcement, it was clear to many what was happening. When dinner had ended, I had excused myself since Scott was needed with his father to discuss the future of Osgar and Briana.
I felt sick to my stomach, wondering if I had succeeded in sparing them the gallows only to still be driven from each other. When I was on my way back to the room, that’s when a large hand snaked its way around my waist. I thought surely that Scott had snuck away early, tired of arguing with the Chief, but as the hand clamped down on my mouth, I was struck with the realization that this was not my lover. With a sharp pain, everything went black. Rebels. Was the only thought that I could manage before I succumbed to darkness.
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Daddy’s Sweet Lollipop 1
Chapter 1
As I was preparing for dinner tonight, mom walked in the room and stood behind me, both of us staring into the mirror:
“Honey, you’ve grown into a beautiful woman!”
I was staring at myself in the mirror, short black dress and not too high heels, and was pleased with what I was seeing.
I felt my face blush as I turned to her: “Mom, I’m only 18. I’m not a woman yet.”
“I’m so proud of you.” – She whispered, hugging me tightly before continuing: “I really can’t wait for you to meet Michael.”
I stood there, smiling, acting all polite, for my mom’s sake. She was a great person, after all. Michael was her new boyfriend, the first one in a string of relationships she actually wanted me to meet. And, as the good daughter that I am, I fully obliged. As for me, I am 18 now and I’m not dating. Not for now, at least. My friends make jokes about my virginity, but I’m in no hurry to go and fuck someone immature and childish. I have been on a couple of dates with boys my age, but I’ve realized that: they are only boys. Given the circumstances of my upbringing, I’m far more mature than any of them, thus I’ve decided to wait for the real, mature man in my life. The type of man that is strong, reliable, secure, stable, the type of man that knows how to talk about anything and everything and that will make me weak in the knees just by looking at me. Until this man shows up, I’ve decided not to date.
It has been over two years now since my dad died. As much as it was extremely hard for both mom and I, we kept strong for the other one and we tried to move on with our lives. It was difficult for me as I was barely 16 at the time and I had no idea what was happening. It was devastating to have someone so dear taken away in a second. That being said, I’ve matured faster than my generation as I’ve seen what life can do to you. No, life is not fair, and it’s not meant to be and the sooner you embrace that, the better it will be in the long run.
After dad died, mom decided it was time to move. And we moved a lot. The first year, we were still depressed from our loss and our house was pretty quiet – I was never the angry teenager, quite the contrary really. The second year, I saw my mom was trying to move on: she started dating again. And, as much as it made me angry, I tried to understand her. After all, she was still young and full of life, she certainly deserved love in her life.
The minute we walked in the restaurant, I saw him. Tall, blonde, gorgeous, perfect smile, broad shoulders, deep blue eyes… Maybe a year or two older than me. As I stepped into the restaurant, my breath was taken away.
“Oh honey, here we are.” – I heard my mom saying, as she was walking in HIS direction. I was so confused, I thought I’d faint.
“Hi, Brian! This is Elizabeth, my daughter. Is your dad here yet?” – Mom was blabbing, nervously.
The Greek god shook his hand and turned to me. As he approached me, I felt lightheaded.
“Hi, Beth. Mind if I call you Beth?”
“You can call me anything you want to.” – I thought, but instead of speaking, I just nodded.
“So, my dad and your mom. That makes you my step-sister, right?”
I blushed and nodded again. I was confused as Brian was still holding my hand. Then, it dawned on me: a step-sister? What?
“Hold on. What do you mean your step-sister?”
He smiled: “Oh, you don’t know? They are engaged. Your mom probably didn’t want you to find out until you met us.”
Unbelievable. She goes behind my back, finds another guy and wants to marry him again? I felt angry, really angry, all those mixed feelings were slowly combusting from within and I was running out of air.
“Let’s get you out of here. You need some fresh air,” he said to me as he grabbed my shoulder, tossing a look to my mom and nodding his head toward the front of the restaurant, signaling to her that we’d be right back.
We stepped outside and as I was breathing heavily, Brian stood next to me and lighted up a cigarette. “You know, your mom is a nice person. I’m happy for them. But then again, I will be off soon so it’ll all be on you, little sis.”
“It’s just…it’s too soon and it’s so…”
“Unexpected, I know. But, at least they are good together. You’ll see.” He said
“How are you so okay with this whole thing?” I asked.
Brian smiled and looked at me: “Who says I am?”
“Ah kids, there you are!” – Mom showed up, obviously out of breath: “Come on inside, our table is ready.”
As we went into the restaurant, I realized this was one of those high-
end places. Very luxurious, all white decorations with beautiful flower arrangements on the tables. The waiter escorted us to our table where my mom’s new boyfriend was already seated.
“Michael, this is Elizabeth.” – My mom said, sounding like a squeaky teenager. As I approached the table, I saw what the fuss was all about. The man: tall, greyish hair, deep, dark blue eyes, stood up and walked up to me. As he extended his hand for a handshake, I felt weak in the knees. It wasn’t the normal weakness, the one you feel when a hot guy approaches you, it was a weakness that basically put me down on my knees, a weakness that wanted to show him I’ll oblige to anything he asks for.
“Beth, nice to meet you, finally. I’ve heard so much about you.” – As we shook hands, I couldn’t help but sink into his eyes, a feeling that made me blatantly uncomfortable, as if the handshake was something forbidden, something mom shouldn’t have seen. As that thought passed through my mind, I blushed. The heat that spread through my face made me even more uncomfortable. At that point, I realized I was still holding his hand and staring into his eyes, without uttering a single word. My mom, noticing my uncomfortableness, cleared her throat: “Beth, are you okay?”
I looked down, breaking eye contact, trying to acclimate and to hide my attraction to this man that was supposed to be my new father.
“Nice to meet you too…” – I whispered as I continued to take my seat.
“Michael. My name is Michael. But, you can call me Mike…or daddy.” – He spoke, with a voice so deep it made my toes curl.
The table we were seated at was beautiful. Four chairs only, a private affair, and it seemed that the waiters were told not to bother us. Appetizers and drinks were already served, and by the gesticulations of my mom’s new boyfriend, I could tell he was the one doing the whole thing. He simply oozed of confidence and strength, something I had forgotten how it looks. I could easily see women being attracted to this man as moths to flame. After all, he really was a flame, a type of flame I haven’t seen before. I was seating between my mom and Brian and Mike was seating right across me. I saw him looking, giving me the same look from a little while ago. Suddenly, it didn’t feel uncomfortable. Suddenly, all I wanted was his eyes on me, forever.