by S MacLeod
"Well, that is grand. Ye will be able to share them with me when ye come back."
"Of course I will."
Anne smiled. It was almost like having a grandmother. Sonya never got to know either of hers, but Anne was too young for that. Perhaps an aunt.
"That is a long line. When did your line go to the New World?"
Well, she certainly couldn't say some time in the 1700's! "I don't know the date for sure. But it was William that was born over here somewhere."
"We will have to try & find out where. This is all so verra exciting." Anne waved her hand at her. "Go on with ye now. Ye go roam around & do what it is ye young people do. As for me, we aged women folk, need a rest!" Sonya laughed, curtsied & left. She couldn't imagine that 'aged' woman needing a rest at all!
As Sonya walked down the corridor, she felt along the cool, large stones of the wall. She stopped & looked up. Imagine building one of these. Imagine the men & the time it would take. Suddenly, she got a weird feeling like she was being watched & looked back down the corridor. There stood a well dress & very handsome man that greatly resembled the king. He was muscular with longer hair than Duncan's. It was a dark blonde with a hint of red. He stood there with his left leg crossed over the other, the toe of his boot on the floor, & a hand upon the wall, leaning against it. He looked rather amused. It reminded Sonya of a cat watching a mouse. She raised her eyebrow, she didn't like the thought of being the mouse.
"Are ye lost, lass?"
"No, My Lord, I am not. Are you?"
He chuckled. "Nay lass, nay. You ken who I am?" He seemed surprised.
Sonya walked towards him, suddenly feeling the need to leave the corridor quickly, but he stood just in front of the stairs she needed to get down! "No, My Lord, but there is a strong resemblance between you & His Majesty, the King."
"Ah." He uncrossed his legs & walked towards her. Cat about to pounce. "And ye know my ma as well? I saw ye coming out of her chamber."
"I do."
"Then just who might ye be?"
Sonya wondered if she should say, 'One of your clansmen' or perhaps say that she was 'of Duncan MacLeod's household'. She decided to let him wonder. "A friend of the family," she countered. He was handsome like Angus. The green he wore brought out his green eyes, which sparkled. He stopped a few feet in front of her.
"A friend? How is it I have not met ye before then?"
"I have been far away."
"Really?"
"Aye." He was looking her up & down & she wasn't too sure she liked how it felt. Kind of like she was a horse he was appraising! As he opened his mouth, she was never so grateful to hear a familiar voice!
"Rowan! Leave that poor lassie alone!" Anne was sticking her head out of her room. Sonya looked at him smugly, crossing her arms, which didn't seem to be a good idea since his eyes immediately dropped to her chest. She dropped her arms & he chuckled.
"Mother! How are ye?" He smiled at her mischievously for a moment & then hurried past to embrace his mother.
"Come greet your ma!"
"Ma, who is that lass?"
Sonya laughed to herself & hurried down the stairs. As she turned the corner at the bottom she ran smack into Duncan! Could she have any more awkward moments today? Of course, she didn't mind this one so much though. Duncan grabbed her behind the elbows as she smacked into him, steadying her. Man he had muscles!
"Where are ye off to, in such a hurry lass?"
Sonya took in a breath & smiled up at him. "More like escaping."
He frowned. "Escaping?"
"I believe I have just met the King's younger brother."
Duncan laughed as he took her arm & they went down the walkway. "That explains a lot."
Sonya looked up at him questioningly.
"Rowan is young & likes the ladies."
"So I noticed!" Sonya had no idea where they were going, but she didn't care. She liked walking with Duncan. "Where were you going?" she asked.
"To find ye. I thought maybe ye'd like to go down by the loch."
"Ooh! I would love that. I love the water," she said excitedly, a smile spreading across her face. Duncan chuckled at her enthusiasm, as she tugged his arm to hurry him along.
They traveled around the gardens & across the field. As Sonya hurried down the hill she slipped off her shoes & hiked up her skirts, tying them in a huge knot at her side. She ignored Duncan's rising eyebrows & ran right into the water. It was wonderful! She sighed, content.
"I love the green as much as I love the water." She looked back at Duncan who seemed to be watching her with amusement. Why is everyone so amused with things I do? Was it just the differences in cultures or was she just particularly funny & never knew it before? She put her hands on her hips & then waded back out, smiling.
"Okay, come on."
"Wha…? Nay, nay lass."
Sonya grinned & grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the edge. "Boots off or on?" He looked at her for a moment & grinned, as he took his boots off, tossing them on the bank. Taking his hand they ran towards the water together. After a bit of splashing, they stood there together looking out over the water. Her hand was in his & for reasons she didn't understand, it just felt right. Like this was the way it should have been from the beginning of time until the end of time. The rippling water & the sky met. It looked beautiful. Duncan looked at Sonya & she took in a deep, ragged breath.
"Lass?"
"Aye?"
He smiled. "What if ye can'na go back where ye came from?"
She looked over at him, grinned, & looked back out over the loch. "I guess I will just have to stay & drive you crazy!"
Duncan let out a hearty laugh. As she listened to his laugh she noted that he had asked her this same question several ways now. Had she assured him this time that she didn't want to leave? She never used to be such a chicken! As they were wading back to the shore Duncan slipped & fell.
"Are you all right?" Sonya laughed. She couldn't help herself, but she started laughing so hard that she couldn't stop. There he was, the Laird of Ronin sitting on his butt soaking wet! "I am sorry," she laughed, "I just can't stop." Duncan grinned wickedly at her & before she could comprehend why, he reached up & grabbed her, pulling her down with him! She let out a yelp falling on top of him! Laughter ceased as they lay there taking in deep breaths. Now there was just the sound of the water lapping gently. Duncan held Sonya, his hands on her hips, her hands upon his chest. Rolling off, she sat next to him. There she was in this beautiful dress all wet & probably ruined. She leaned over & nudged him with her shoulder. Duncan put his arm around her & she lay her head on his chest. Her heart was beating so fast & her stomach was doing more flip flops than the fish! Duncan was trembling. Trembling? This big, strong, sturdy man, was trembling? She sighed. It was a sigh of contentment.
"Ah ha! There ye be!" The spell was broken. It was Rowan. He was standing up on the hill looking down on them, the mischievous smile on his face. Duncan pulled Sonya up, looking at her a moment before they moved. They turned & walked hand in hand. Never had she wished so hard that it had been Angus that happened upon them instead. Duncan grabbed his boots & jogged up the hill. He shook Rowan's hand, greeting him with a hearty smile & a clap on the back. Sonya looked out over the loch one more time. She took a deep breath, picked up her shoes & walked barefoot up the hill. Rowan put out his hand to help Sonya the same time Duncan did. Great. She took both hands. Duncan & Rowan grinned & she had a feeling there had just been a challenge issued, at least to one of them.
"Thank you," she said trying to sound as if their help meant nothing. Just what she needed.
"Did I interrupt anything?" Rowan asked. Sonya wondered if that grin ever left. Duncan was walking so close that she could feel a ripple.
"What on earth could you have interrupted?" Sonya said sweetly. Duncan saw the glint in her eyes & grinned. Rowan laughed & took her wet arm, wrapping it around his. Duncan took her other arm. Oh brother. If these two grew up around each other, she wondered ho
w much of this went on with innocent young girls in the middle! Then again, what girl wouldn't be happy to be in the middle of these two handsome men?
*
"Hmm."
"What?" asked Anne. She walked to the window & stood next to Angus.
"I think maybe Duncan has some competition," he responded.
Anne looked down at the three of them. "Perhaps she will be the one lass that can settle Rowan down," said Anne.
"I doubt that mother."
"And why is that, lad?"
"Ye know how Rowan is. Rowan likes to be the trouble. With Sonya, I think he would be getting trouble."
"Well, we shall see." Anne turned & walked back.
"Aye, that we will."
"I like her." Anne called over he shoulder.
"So do I, mother. I guess it is good she is a Highlander!"
Anne smiled.
*
"So, Sonya, ye have met my brother?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I have." Angus was grinning & so was Rowan. Anne gave her a sweet smile & started to tell Angus about the generations of Sonya's family. He seemed most impressed.
"We have many written records of family lines now."
"That sounds very wise. I think that is something we will look into mother."
"Aye, Angus. That is a good idea."
Duncan gave Sonya a smile & she smiled back.
"So, Sonya, will ye be staying in Scotia for a while then?" Rowan asked.
She was never so glad to answer. "Yes, I will be remaining at Ronin Castle." Duncan smiled in triumph & Sonya smothered her own grin by taking a drink. She wondered if it was just competition or if he understood once & for all that she wanted to return to Ronin.
"And how long will ye be staying here at Scotia Castle with us?"
"Well, I…uh…"
Rowan leaned forward addressing Angus, "Ye must make her stay, Angus, at least for a while…so we can to get to know the lass."
Angus raised a brow & Duncan looked displeased.
"That would be very nice," answered Anne. "For just a short time."
Sonya couldn't believe it! She smiled politely. "Perhaps for a little longer?" she looked to Duncan with a silent plead, but he had turned away & remained silent. She couldn't even think of any real excuse not to stay for a few more days. After all, finding out about the MacPherson's was one of the reasons she was coming to Scotland. Perhaps Duncan wouldn't speak against the Queen mother's request & would stay just a bit longer. After all Adair was at Ronin.
"Great," Rowan said & took a hardy bite of his dinner.
Sonya looked at Duncan, but he had not looked at her. She stared at her own meal, but didn't feel so hungry. This was all going wrong. They asked Sonya question after question & Duncan excused himself during one of these times. She went to her room feeling sad. She would talk to Duncan in the morning & sort it out. She would come up with a reason not to stay. She had Ewan, her friends & more papers on the genealogy to go through for Anne. Then she could come back & show her.
*
Sonya's disappointments were adding up. There was no answer at Duncan's bedchamber door. He wasn't on the grounds as far as she could see from her window & as she entered the hall she was immediately disappointed again. There was no Angus to start her day off to a cheery day & worse, there was no Duncan.
"Sonya!" greeted Rowan. He had been talking to a group of men at one of the lower tables.
"Good morning, Rowan. How are you?"
"I am well. Join me." He took her arm & then held a chair out for her. She hesitated, but took the seat. Somehow she had no appetite, but grabbed a piece of fruit.
"Bread?"
"No, thank you. Where is His Majesty this morning?"
"Oh, he had a wee dispute to handle."
"I see. And Duncan?"
Without taking his eyes off of his food he casually said, "He decided to go back to Ronin before light this morn."
Sonya nearly choked on the fruit she was swallowing. She took a quick drink from the mug the young girl had just placed before her. "He what?"
Rowan looked up. He seemed confused by her tone. "He said he was returning to Ronin."
"Is something wrong at home?" Now she was worried.
"Nay. He just said since ye were remaining here there was no reason not to return."
"Is that so?" she said standing. She knew eyes were turning in their direction, but she could have cared less. "Excuse me, Rowan." Sonya stomped down the dias & out the doors. As she left she passed Angus in the corridor. "Good morning, Your Majesty," she said, trying to sound polite.
"Is it? What is wrong lass?"
"Nothing, I just didn't sleep well. With your permission, I will return to my chamber."
"Of course, lass, of course. I hope ye will be better soon."
She smiled weakly & ran the rest of the way to her bedchamber. After she closed the door she stood there in the middle of the room., taking several deep breaths. "So! You have nothing to delay your return Duncan MacLeod. Well, that answered my question indeed! And to think how foolish I have been acting! What a fool I've been! Well, Professor Higgins, without you twirling it the world still spins!" Sonya went to the bed pulling off one of the feather pillows. She took one & proceeded to beat the seat under the window with furry! She couldn't hit Duncan, but she sure as hell could beat the crap out of this feather pillow!
Below the window, outside, Anne watched feather's falling as she sat on a bench reading her daily passages in the sun. Her brow raised & she chuckled. She could hear mutters coming from Sonya's room. "Maybe now she will give my Rowan a look."
A knock on the door stopped her in mid-swing. She looked at the mess she had made & started to laugh. "Yes?" she called out.
"Uh, Sonya, it is Rowan. I was wondering if ye would like to go for a walk."
She looked at the door & back to her mess. Grabbing a cloak, she opened & then quickly shut the door behind her. Rowan stood there looking like his self-satisfied self. Sonya smiled. You couldn't help it.
"So, where are we off to?"
"Gardens?"
"Sure. That would be nice."
He offered his arm & she took it.
"So, Rowan, where were you before you arrived the other day?"
"I had been handling a dispute in the lowlands."
"Ah, I see. Do you do that a lot?"
"When Angus needs me to."
"So, you settled it then?"
"Aye. Twas nay a big matter."
"That is good."
"Ye have been living at Ronin then?"
"I was," she said, annoyed.
"Did ye like it there?"
"Yes, I did. What do you usually do then, Rowan?"
"Well, I do a great deal of traveling for Angus. I accompany the guard when they are needed."
"You are a soldier as well as a prince then?"
"Aye," he chuckled, "I guess I am. We were taught since boys though, but I did remain with a regiment for quite some time."
Well of course they would be. It isn't like her time. She keep forgetting!
"Can you teach me?"
"Teach ye what?"
"How to use a sword."
He hesitated just a moment. "Sure. When?"
"I will go change."
"Change?"
"Did you learn to use a sword in a dress?"
Rowan's eyebrow went up. "Nay, lass. I would say, nay."
"Then I will be back."
Sonya went up to her room & put some trews on. Just to be on the safe side, she also put the bra she had brought on. She certainly didn't want to have that issue while swinging a sword! Going down the stairs she realized she was feeling much better. Rowan was waiting down the corridor, leaning against the wall like he was the day she met him. He was sure of himself. She envied that. Rowan looked her up & down.
"You approve?" she asked, somewhat annoyed at the assessment.
"Oh, aye. I do indeed," he grinned.
"Well then, shall we get on
with it?"
"Aye. At least I hope I can."
Rowan took them into a large room much like the hall. There were various weapons around the room. He handed her a wooden sword & she took it. Rowan came over behind her, adjusting her stance. His hands lingered on her hips a bit longer than she suspected they needed to be. Then he moved to her hands, showing her how to hold the handle properly. She was nervous, but more than that, she was determined.
"Ready?" he asked.
Sonya nodded.
She wasn't expecting Rowan to hit so hard & the reverberations hurt as they went up her hands, but she didn't say anything & she didn't drop the sword. He grinned at her. Again he hit, but this time she took the hit & swung her hands down & brought the wooden sword back around knocking his downward.
"Good. Now let's see how you handle this." Rowan brought his sword straight down & Sonya raised the sword up halting his strike. She could feel her arms shake with the weight & she rolled her sword around over his, bringing his sword down. He looked surprised. "Good. Again." This time she did it quicker, but swung the sword back up, resting the tip by his neck. Rowan's eyes grew wide & he grinned.
How much time passed Sonya wasn't sure when from behind them someone applauded. She smiled back at Rowan & dropped the wooden sword. As she stepped back Angus came forward.
"Ye best be wary what ye teach the lass, brother, she may best ye one day."
Rowan came over putting his arm around Sonya's shoulders. "She seems to be a natural, Angus. She learns fast."
"So I see. Be careful or Duncan will nay be thanking ye for her lessons."
"If she goes back to Ronin."
Angus raised a brow at his brother & looked from him to Sonya, but said nothing. Rowan returned the swords to the rack & Sonya excused herself to wash up. Who knew! She found something she was good at! The lesson was exciting & something she always thought would be neat to learn how to do. It surely came from all the stories she read & her mother's love of King Arthur. Hmm. When was he around? She would have to find out. So wild! Rowan said she was a natural. Ha, a credit to the Highlander movies. Cool.
Sonya washed up & as she went out of the door with her hair wet, who should be leaning against the opposite wall, but Rowan.