A Journey Out of Time

by S MacLeod

  "And what of offering her of the Clan MacLeod?"

  "She is welcome here. I have already told the lass that."

  "If she gets over this."

  "Well, she is from a different world than ours. A world where they travel on great metal things that we just make jewelry from."

  Adair raised his brows. "A different world?"

  "A different world. Whatever you want to call it she is nay from here. Besides," Duncan grinned, "she is too stubborn to be told what to do anyhow."

  "Hmm."

  "Hmm, what?" Duncan sat watching the brown liquid in his cup as he awaited Adair's response.

  "Well, my laird, it was a long trip, so I will retire."

  "Aye. Goodnight Adair. It is good to have ye home, lad."

  "Thank ye, My Laird."

  Duncan sat there thinking. The stone he had given Sonya, she wore around her neck in the center of a symbol of his world. Her world & his world…together. Just touching her face tonight made him forget everything around them. He felt the surge when he lifted the necklace up, saw the quickening of her breathing, knowing his own breathing came more rapid at the touch of her cool skin on his hand. The surges that continued to go through him. Could this be why he never found his true mate? Why he didn't tell his brother he was going to ask Aaralyn to marry him? Could it be that this woman that did crazy things to his mind, heart, & body was his mate & he hadn't found her before because she hadn't come to his world yet? He prayed it was. And he prayed she wouldn't be mad for long, or he would have to take matters into his hands by taking her into his hands.

  *

  Sonya wasn't sure why she had gotten so annoyed. It wasn't that important & yet it was. She had paced half the night. Maybe it was hormonal. Goodness knows she had been having so many emotions & feelings that she had no clue what to do with! Then when he stood in front of her, looking down, she saw how his beautiful blue eyes glittered. Was that a smile playing at the corner of his mouth? The nerve! "Maybe it was that he was directing me about like a sheep! I am no sheep!" she muttered.

  A knock at the door stopped her from gathering her things. "Come."

  "Good morrow, Miss."

  "Good morning, Sarah."

  "Are ye ready, Miss?"

  "Yes." Sonya took her back pack & swung it over her shoulder along with a messenger bag. Sarah followed her from the room & down the stairs.

  "Have a safe trip, Miss."

  She looked at the girl & smiled. "Thank you, Sarah."

  "Come back soon, Miss." Sonya nodded at her, but said nothing.

  Outside Duncan was waiting. He sat upon a beautiful, big chestnut colored horse. The horse looked as noble as his rider. Beautiful. There he sat in his white shirt & plaid wrapped around, ready for the journey. Next to Duncan sat, Rhys, his man in charge of the guard. She had seen Duncan talking with him several times. Several of his men were riding with them.

  Duncan smiled at her & said, "Good morrow, lass."

  "Good morrow," she replied with a nod of her head, but darn it he called her lass & a shiver ran down her spine! Walking over to a horse she assumed was for her, she hiked up her skirts, put her foot in the stirrup & swung herself onto the horse. Thank goodness she had ridden before. She had loved it. It hadn't been since she was a girl, but at least she had. She also knew she would have quite a time walking after this trip, but she was smart enough to wear pants underneath & a bit of padding as well! She adjusted the skirts as best she could. Duncan gave the surprised stable man a grin as she took the reins.

  "Thank you."

  "Aye, Milady."

  There was a younger man standing on Duncan's other side. She hadn't seen him at first. He had a smile as well, but it was friendly; more in the way of a hello.

  "Sonya, this is Adair. He runs things for me."

  "When he lets me," Adair smiled. She let out a snort. "It is nice to meet you, Sonya MacLeod."

  She raised a brow & looked at Duncan. "It is nice to meet you as well, Adair." Leaning down towards the man she said, "Perhaps we can talk when next he sends you off to the king."

  Adair laughed & it was clear that Duncan understood her meaning from his sardonic smile. She never looked away from Duncan's gaze until Adair cleared his throat. "Have a safe trip, My Laird."

  "Thank you, Adair." Duncan spurred his horse forward & she followed. Or the horse did.

  After a while of riding Duncan called to her & she pulled her horse aside his.

  "Yes, My Laird?"

  He glanced at her. "Doona call me that lass," he said, sounding annoyed.

  "Just practicing for when we get there," she said as sweetly as she could, glancing at him sideways. She wasn't even mad at him. She was sure he was just trying to do what he felt was the proper thing, presenting a relative of the king to him. She still wasn't sure why she had gotten so upset. Perhaps it was that she didn't want to leave Duncan & it felt like she was being shoved away suddenly. She wasn't the type to be shoved unless she wanted to be. Hmm wouldn't be a bit stubborn would I? Nah.

  "I think the only practice ye need is saying, "Your Majesty."

  "Well, that shouldn't be too hard."

  He smiled at her & they rode in a nice silence. There seemed to be a trillion things running around in her head that she wanted to tell him & ask him. Instead, she kept silent & was just happy that he had called to her & that they now rode side by side.

  *

  Spending the night outside on the ground wasn't that appealing to Sonya, but it wasn't like you could just get onto the motorway & be there in a couple of hours. Dirt roads & no car. Man how she missed her little car. She called it her box on wheels. Now the only thing on wheels were carts!

  As Sonya swung her leg down she felt the crack as her foot hit the ground. Man, did that horse grow since she first got on it? Straightening up she wandered over to the stream they had stopped near. She splashed some water on her face & neck. After her drink & her horses drink she tethered him near the water. She untied the roll from the horse & removed the saddle & blanket.

  "I would have had someone do that for ye, lass."

  Did he have to be so quiet? What if he did that when she was behind the bush taking care of business? "That's okay, I got it."

  "Aye, I can see that. Ye have experience with horses."

  Damn. Did he have to look so good? "Yes. I had uncles that had them. I rode whenever I could."

  "Well, you seat a horse well."

  "Thank you."

  "If ye hand me your roll, I will put it near the fire for you."

  Sonya picked up the roll & started to walk toward the fire with him, but he took it from her. He lay it down & lay down another one. Right next to hers.

  "There. Come, sit." He sat down & motioned to the blanket next to him. She sat down & he handed her some bread, cheese, & fruit.

  "Thank you." Sonya hadn't realized just how hungry she was. Nor how tired until she felt someone lightly pulling her wrap & blanket over her.

  Duncan lay down next to Sonya, watching her in the firelight. She had smiled & snuggled into her blanket when he laid it over her. It made him smile, giving him a warmth in his chest. Emotions flitted over her face even as she slept. Perhaps she dreamed. Would she dream of him? She was certainly an intriguing woman. None like he had ever met before. He reached out & traced her face with his finger & she sighed. Oh, how he wanted the lass. How he hoped she wouldn't stay with the king. Friend or no, she was his.

  When Sonya opened her eyes it was to realize that she not only had had a most restful sleep, but that there was a definitely male arm draped over her! She certainly hoped it was Duncan's. A grin stole over her face. Duncan's arm, draped over her. She closed her eyes & quietly inhaled the scent of the man laying next to her. Suddenly the arm tightened, pulling her tight against him. Her eyes flew open, wide & her heart began to race. What did one do in this situation exactly? One could lay very still imagining all sorts of things…Or a guard could call out startling everyone including the man wh
o had his arm around you. And of course, that is exactly what happened.

  As Sonya felt Duncan jolt, she held very still. She grinned to herself as she felt him gently lift his arm off her & then roll away. The lack of warmth where his body had been made her feel bereft.

  "Lass," he said softly. "Lass, we need to be on our way."

  Sonya stretched out & she thought she heard him groan. She looked over at him & he seemed very focused on rolling his blanket. Rolling off her own blanket, she began rolling it up. When she stood Duncan handed her some hot porridge & took the blanket from her hands as she ate. He went to ready the horses & she wondered how well she would mount that horse today. A day of riding, a night on the ground, & back up again. Yes, she definitely missed her car!

  Duncan about wanted to die the second the lass stretched out. As her arms went up so did her breasts & after waking to find himself with her tightly in his grasp it was almost too much to handle first thing in the morning. He splashed a bit of water on his face & scrubbed. It would have to do. He led the horses over to where she stood waiting. As Sonya put her foot in the stirrup she felt Duncan's hands on her waist helping her up. It took all her strength to open her eyes from the surge it sent through her, warming bits it wasn't descent to mention.

  "Thank you."

  "Aye, lass."

  Sonya watched as he mounted the horse. The muscles in his legs tightening was enough to cause a woman to…stare. Right up until the point where he sees you are watching & grins over at you! She rolled her eyes. Good Lord, what a moron she was in this man's presence!

  *

  When they arrived Duncan & Sonya were immediately led into the hall. Sonya stayed behind Duncan wishing she could blend into the beautifully ornate walls. They had beautiful scenes painted from top to bottom with golden swirls. She was trying to rehearse how she was going to greet the king. She had heard nothing of a queen. She never asked. Why didn't I ask? Were they both 'Your Majesty'?

  The hall was full of people. There were men in kilts from different clans, some in trews. Some of the ladies wore dresses more ostentatious than others, but all eyes were on them. Nothing like being a fish in a tank! At least she spoke to her fish…a tap on the glass…Duncan led & she followed. She was pretty sure they would have heard her knees knocking if she hadn't had pants on! She wished she had had the chance to change before presenting herself. Duncan reached behind him & took her hand & pulled her next to him. Sonya looked up & must have appeared terrified because he smiled reassuringly. His beautiful smile of white teeth. Leaning down to her ear he said, "Relax, lass. Everything will be fine." Now besides her knocking knees she felt warm & week at the brushing of his lips & the warmth of his breath on her neck. Oh to die right now & be happy! Yup, I could do it.

  Duncan bowed & she curtsied low as he said, "Your Majesty, may I present Sonya MacLeod who is also blood of the MacPherson Clan."

  King Angus stood & walked towards them. Sonya thought he looked amused, but she wasn't sure why. He reached for her hands & his brow rose as he saw her remove her hand from Duncan's. As he took her hands she immediately felt at ease.

  "MacLeod and a MacPherson!" He had a jovial spark in his eyes & smiled kindly. She returned his smile.

  "My great grandmother's name was Marie MacPherson, Your Majesty." She was fairly certain her voice trembled.

  "I see. Marie MacPherson."

  "Yes, but I am a MacLeod," she added too nervous to turn & look at Duncan. There were mummers behind them & as she looked people in the crowds began to bow & curtsy. Duncan & she turned & did likewise as a woman walked forward. Sonya didn't mean to, but as she glanced up she let out a gasp, bringing all eyes to herself. Don't you love it when you want to be invisible & make a spectacle of yourself? Duncan looked at her concerned.

  "Lass, are ye all right?" he said in a low voice.

  A picture that she had brought of her mother for courage, slipped from her hand. It had been the one thing that kept her from fleeing. Her mother wasn't the fleeing type & she didn't think her grandmother would have been either. The Queen Mother stopped in front of her. She touched her head & Sonya rose up. She pointed & one of her lady's maids picked up the picture, handing it to her.

  "This is an unusual portrait."

  "Yes, Your Majesty."

  The Queen mother looked at Sonya a moment. "Come."

  Sonya followed her, stopping next to the seat the Queen mother took next to the king. His mother handed him the picture of Sonya's mother, Ruth. Her mother who looked so much like his mother, that she had gasped out loud. She was nearly a twin to her grandmother in her youth. The king took the picture, looked at Sonya & smiled.

  "There is quite a likeness," Angus said, handing the picture to Duncan. He stepped forward & took the 'painting'. He looked at the picture & automatically to the King's mother. He looked down again & then looked at Sonya & smiled. She smiled nervously back & shrugged her shoulders.

  "I didn't know," she confirmed helplessly to him.

  The king stood, "We will have a feast to celebrate!" Suddenly, the whole room came alive as if everyone had been hanging on every word. Sonya looked at Duncan, she just couldn't escape this celebration thing!

  "Come, my dear," said the King's mother, who rose. Sonya glanced back at Duncan who nodded & she followed the Queen mother through a heavy, burgundy curtain that hung behind the throne & out a door. After they left the noise behind she said, "As ye have probably surmised, I am Angus' mother. My name is Anne."

  Sonya smiled. "That was my mother's middle name."

  "Was?"

  "She died recently."

  "I am sorry, my dear." She truly looked regretful.

  "Thank you. She would have loved to have met you."

  She smiled kindly. Sonya followed her up some stairs & down a corridor, entering a room with a large bed in the center. There was a huge window with a seat that overlooked a courtyard. Sonya could see a loch further beyond, off to the right. The curtains were a deep purple of velvety material. The satin bed covering was the same colour.

  "Do you like it?"

  "Oh, yes, Your Majesty. It is very lovely."

  "It was my daughter-in-laws room."

  "I am honored."

  Anne smiled at her. "I am sure you would like to rest after your long journey. I will send one of my ladies with some things for you that you may like to wear this evening."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  Anne closed the door behind her.

  Sonya paced around the room & finally ended up at the window. The courtyard below was beautiful with long bushes & flowers so lovely that she thought she could smell them two stories up. Yet, all Sonya wanted to know was where Duncan was. As if God read her mind, she suddenly saw King Angus & Duncan walking along the courtyard path. At the sight of Duncan her stomach flip flopped & she smiled. She wondered what they were talking about. Was it something important that was going on in their country? Maybe it was about the festivities? Could it be about her? Oh, Sonya, why on earth would it be about you? How arrogant that is! As if you were the most important thing in the world. Suddenly Duncan turned & looked up. Their eyes met & held & then she stepped back; her cheeks flaming. Going to the bed she fell back on it smiling & took in a deep breath. She had so much racing through my mind that she wondered if a person could drive themselves crazy. If anyone could, I bet I could!

  *

  "Duncan, first yer da helps Scotland negotiate peace with England & now ye have brought us a long lost relative. Where is she from again? Ye will have to tell me some time how she ended up here."

  "Of course, Your Majesty. She is from the New World; America."

  "Ah," Angus sighed. "I wish your ma & da were here. They would be so excited about all of this!"

  "Aye," Duncan smiled.

  Duncan looked up & saw Sonya looking out of the window & returned her gaze. It was like a magnet. Angus smiled a crooked smile at Duncan which Duncan ignored as they continued on down the path.

 
*

  Sonya was nervous about the evening. She didn't dance. She didn't know how to do anything but curtsy! Duncan may think of Angus as a Highlander, but he was still king; the ruler of Scotia. She was terrified of doing something wrong. After taking off her riding pants & padding, she gratefully washed up & lay on the bed thinking maybe she could sleep, but she was too restless. What was she doing here? All she wanted to do was to go back to Duncan's. All she wanted was to be with Duncan. She wanted to see Ewan & Sarah, Kerry & the girls, Cami & John. Oh, I wish the others had come. I feel alone. Then there was a soft knock at the door & Anne came in.

  "Can'na ye rest my dear?" She smiled knowingly.

  "No."

  "I didn't think ye would be able to. I could'na sleep for a week after coming here!" Sonya smiled. "I have brought ye a few things ye may like to wear tonight. " Sonya must have looked terrified as Anne laughed. "Doona worry. It is'na that bad, just a lot of people at dinner."

  "I don't think I am cut out for all this excitement."

  "Few of us are really. It just happens that Angus likes Duncan a lot. Their father's were friends & Angus & Duncan have known each other their whole lives."

  "I didn't realize that."

  "Aye. Sometimes I think Angus has taken over as Duncan's father, despite how close in age they are. And he can never pass up a reason for a gathering!" Both ladies laughed. "Here we are."

  Anne lay out several things on the bed. There was a beautiful dress in a pale green & one overdress in a deep red. Sonya also recognized both the MacPherson & the MacLeod plaid. "I have never had a MacPherson tartan. What do you suggest I wear?"

  "Well, deary, I think ye will have to choose for yourself. No one can choose for you."

  Sonya searched her eyes for a moment & looked back at the choices. She got the distinct feeling Anne was telling her something other than what clothes to wear.

  "Thank you, Milady."

  Anne smiled. "Do try to rest. Angus has a bad habit of staying up late!" She turned & shut the door behind her.