by S MacLeod
Sonya removed the horse's saddle, handing it to the stable boy. She started brushing the horse's coat. "Bay, I think I would rather marry you!" The horse nickered in response & tried to nibble her hair, making her laugh. He was a beautiful horse. She rubbed his neck & hugged him. He blew through his mouth at her & she smiled. She went to hand the brush to the boy, but he was gone & she was being watched. Rowan was leaning back with his arms crossed, smiling at her. She wanted to smile back, but dare she? He must have left just after her. Sonya shook her head & Bay nickered again & she pat him. Rowan came over petting Bay's nose. Sonya was about to begin brushing again when Rowan stayed her hand, backing her up against the stall. She looked up at him, but said nothing as he fully leaned against her. He looked at her, leaned down & kissed her. She dropped the brush, wrapping her arms around his neck. When they parted he stepped back.
"Do ye think ye will be here when I return?" he asked.
"Yes, of course I will be," she replied. "Where did you think I was going?"
"Do ye think ye will love me one day?"
Sonya smiled & said, "Any woman who did not love you, Rowan, would be a fool."
A smile spread across his face. "I will see ye shortly." He kissed her again & left.
Sonya watched as he walked across the grounds before she picked up the brush & started brushing Bay again. "See, what I mean? Who can figure humans out?" The horse nickered in response.
And she meant everything she said. Anyone that didn't love a man like Rowan was a fool. He was kind, smart, quick witted, loyal, brave & caring. He had passion in him. This was the first time he had his body pressed up to hers like that & she wasn't quite sure what to make of it all. It was no wonder humans went around making stupid choices all the time, it was just too damn confusing feeling all these emotions at the same time!
Sonya pet Bay on his whiskery nose & left to wash up.
This was the last evening with Rowan until his return. Sonya wore a dress of pale yellow for the evening. She tied her hair up with a yellow ribbon & laced on her shoes. As she hurried down the corridor & down the stairs voices carried from the hall. When she reached the doors Rowan called out to her.
"Sonya!" She looked up & smiled, walking towards him. She took his hand outstretched hand & he turned back the way he came.
"Where are we going?"
"I thought we'd dine alone tonight." Sonya smiled at him & he smiled back, his green eyes shining bright.
They entered a room lit with candles. A table was covered with a cloth & music played at the back of the room. Sonya smiled at the players whom she had seen often. Yes, she mingled with the common! She figured you couldn't get more common than she was.
"Rowan this is wonderful!"
He beamed with pride. "I doona wish to share ye this nigh." Sonya smiled at him & they sat down.
They spent the time talking in between bites. It was a nice quiet evening with just the two of them.
"I wish I could go with you," she said.
He looked at her a moment without answering.
"What?"
"Why do ye wish to come?"
"Because I want to see what you do."
"Or is it because Duncan will still be here?"
"What would that matter?" she asked as innocently as she could.
"Hmm," was his reply as he swallowed his drink, his eyes shimmering in the candle light.
"Are you worried about Duncan still being here?"
Rowan got up from his chair & took her hand, pulling her up. He wrapped his arms around her as they slowly swayed to the soft music. She wrapped her arms around his neck. They kissed each other & when they parted he said, "Aye, I am worried. Any man would be a fool not to worry."
"You know, I never had so much attention before I came here," she said trying to lighten his mood. Rowan looked surprised.
"Well then, yer world is full of fools." Rowan held her close to him & she was glad she had had this time with him.
As they slowly walked towards her chamber, their hands swaying together, she asked, "What happened if we married & then you found a woman who made electricity shoot through you just when she looked at you?"
"That would matter nay, lass. If ye be my wife, ye will be my woman."
"And if that feeling is there?"
"Is that how Duncan makes you feel?" Rowan glanced at her, but she continued.
"I just want to know what happens if you fell in love after you married me. You cannot stop what nature may create."
"Nay, but I would not dishonor ye, lass."
Sonya smiled at him. He really was a wonderful man, but you can't stop nature. "I know you wouldn't."
Standing in front of her bedchamber door she recalled another time when she stood with a man like this. That night she would have happily taken that man into her chamber. Here was the opportunity again, but it was different. Not because of how she felt, but because of Rowan's status. Because he was a prince & maybe if she was just a dalliance it would be one thing, but he was courting her to marry.
Rowan leaned toward her & she took in a breath. His hands were on either side of her shoulders. He looked at her & she smiled.
"I will miss our talks," she whispered.
"Aye. As will I, lass." He kissed her & she kissed him back. When he looked at her, just inches away he said, "But I hope that is not all ye will miss." And he kissed her again. When Rowan bid her a final kiss farewell, she went into her room, smiling.
Rowan would be gone in the morning. Then what?
Sonya sat up breathing in the cool morning air. It was getting cooler. She hopped out of the bed & quickly got dressed in front of the dying fire. It was drizzling out, so she opted to practice in the armory after breakfast. She opened the door & smiled. There, before the door lay three daisies. Picking them up she tucked them into her belt.
Angus sat reading papers as he ate. As usual the hall was full of various people & Sonya took a seat next to Angus.
"Good morning, Your Majesty! How fare we today?"
He looked up from the paper in his hand & grinned. "We are in quite a good mood this morning, lass."
"Yes, I am."
"I am glad. And did I nay tell ye to call me Angus? As for me, I would be much better, if people would behave themselves!" Angus grumbled, but with a grin. Sonya laughed.
"Perhaps you should come practice with me."
"Alas, Sonya, I canno today. Perhaps another time."
"Yes, perhaps," she stood, taking a green apple. Patting Angus' arm she said, "Don't work too hard Angus."
He chuckled. "Have a nice practice, lass."
She toss the apple, catching it. "I plan too. Thank you."
Angus looked after her. He really had become fond of that girl. Looking back to the parchments before him, he frowned & shook his head.
*
Sonya pushed open the big heavy door & walked to where her sword lay. Picking it up, she twirled it in her hand & took up her stance in the center of the floor. She shivered & shrugged it off. She held the sword in front of her. Quickly she lifted it & turned, startled when it hit metal. She inhaled quickly as she looked into Duncan's eyes. She stepped back pulling her sword away.
"Good morning, lass."
"Duncan." She stood for a moment looking at him. "You know…I have a strong dislike for how quiet you are."
His brows rose. "Really?"
"Yes." Sonya held her sword up waiting to see what he would do. He grinned as she waited.
And so it began.
Duncan was built much bigger than Rowan, but she cleared her mind from all thought that she couldn't handle the challenge. Rowan had taught her well & she would do well. The blades met & she focused only on the metal before her, not the man. Duncan wasn't there, just the swords. The swords crossed between them & his blade hit hers up with great strength which she used to spin her arms around to the right meeting his blade again in the center, hitting his aside. Again the metal rang out with grunts & groans that few would no
tice. Duncan swung his sword down on Sonya's left & she fell hard to one knee, but her block held. She quickly kicked out with her foot hooking it behind Duncan's leg, causing him to lose his balance. Sonya rolled & got back onto her feet & brought her blade to rest above Duncan's heart. After a few moments of hard breathing she stepped back. Duncan's look of surprise quickly turned to one of delight. His sword lay on the floor next to him, within a few inches of his reach. That little trick she taught Rowan, courtesy of her uncle.
Sonya turned without a word & placed her sword onto the rack. Taking a deep breath she turned back. Duncan was still on the floor, lying on his side, propped by his elbow, watching her. Sonya raised a brow. She walked over to him & stopped by his legs. She leaned down to give him a hand, knowing what touching him would do. Well… she thought she did. As he took her hand he pulled her down, rolling her under him. Duncan held Sonya's arms above her head. She took in a ragged breath, feeling Duncan's body resting on her, one of his legs between her own. Looking up at Duncan she tried to ignore the immediate heat between her thighs. His grin was disconcerting.
"Ye did verra well, lass."
Oh my God! I am lying under a man, trying to hold a conversation as if I was standing across the room from him! Augh! Letting out her breath she answered in an even tone, "Thank you. I have worked hard."
"Aye, lass, ye have."
"So, when are you going back to Ronin?" Crap, her when hit a new high note!
Duncan chuckled. "Well Adair is there, so I am really in no hurry."
"Great," she said flatly, trying to slither out from under him, which she couldn't do. He simply shifted himself & boy what a shift that was! Sonya shut her eyes, begging anyone on any astral plane that may hear her, that this was all a dream! Open eyes. Nope not a dream!
"Is there some reason…uh…we are down here?"
Duncan looked around & grinned down at her. "Well, I could think of many reasons why."
That was it. Sonya hit him! "Get off of me! Now!"
"Alright, lass." He rolled off of her & she got up, glaring at him. Narrowing her eyes she thought about kicking him, but didn't want to risk what could happen! She pushed open the door & stormed out.
"Sonya, how was your practice?" Angus asked.
She stopped & looked at him. "Quite frankly, it was annoying!" She continued to storm down the corridor, muttering to herself. Angus stared after her.
Duncan stood up, putting his sword back in its scabbard. He had had a loud & robust laugh after Sonya left. When he opened the door Angus was on the other side with his arms crossed & a scowl on his face.
"Angus! How are ye?"
"Duncan…"
"Aye? What's wrong Angus? Has something happened?"
"You tell me lad. Why is Sonya upset?"
"She got mad at me after she kicked my arse in a duel."
Angus raised his brow. "Really? She got mad because she beat ye?"
"Nay."
"Ah, I see," Angus made a face at Duncan, who chuckled.
"Come on Angus. Rowan has got months on me."
"Aye & he is happy & she has been happy."
"Aye."
"Doona be hurtin' the lass, Duncan. It will fash me greatly."
"I doona wish to hurt her, Angus. Honestly."
Angus looked at his friend a moment, then nodded & they walked down the corridor together.
*
"Crap! I knew this would happen." Sonya couldn't help it, she picked up her boot & threw it across the room. "Damn it, why did he have to come back here? Why couldn't he have left well enough alone? Why? Why can't I just get this feeling out?" She flung the other boot letting out a frustrated holler. Unable to stay in the room that suddenly seemed so confining she ran out, barefoot down the stairs. She ran as hard as she could to the crest of the loch. She looked out, breathing hard out & then ran down the bank straight into the loch. It was freezing & it stole her breath from her. She lay back & floated taking in deep, painful breaths. When she calmed her breathing she waded back out. Sitting on the bank Sonya rested her head on her arms & cried.
Sonya felt like she had two families & she was being torn apart. Getting up she walked back towards the gardens, shivering. Anne stood at the end of the garden. She wrapped her plaid around Sonya's shoulders & pulled her to her in a hug. She didn't say a word until they walked into Sonya's room where a steaming bath awaited her. Sonya smiled though it hurt her reddened, stinging face. Anne always had everything under control.
Getting into the awaiting tub, Sonya let out a sigh. Anne sat in the chair by the fire, gazing into it. Sonya looked over at her, sitting there so regally. She would have made a wonderful queen. She reminded Sonya of everything she had heard about Queen Victoria, another strong woman.
"Well, Sonya, what will ye do now?"
"Do? What do you mean?"
"Well, ye canna stay hiding in yer room, deary. Ye can'na make the decision without the parts playing out."
Sonya looked at Anne & Anne laughed. "Ah, lass, doona look at me like that. I too wed a man, but it was'na a man I learned to love in time. Nay, I fell for him the moment I gazed at him, across a gathering of people at a festival."
"Really?"
"Aye, really. My husband, Connor, told me that I was his true mate & he knew it the moment he saw me. Then when we touched, he said he knew for sure." Anne looked over at Sonya.
Oh my God! She knew. She understood.
"Let it play out. They are both good men & we both know it."
"Aye, that we do," Sonya replied.
"Ye will be a proper Highland lass yet!" Anne beamed.
"But Rowan, Anne. I do care for him."
"Aye, deary, but is this what ye really want?" she asked opening her hands.
"I don't know. I just don't know."
"I think ye may, lassie, but ye will figure it out." Anne stood. "And my Rowan is a strong man. He will be alright."
Sonya smiled. "I know."
"Well, deary, get ye warmed up & come down to sup," Anne smiled with that shimmer in her eyes.
"Anne?"
"Aye, Sonya?"
"Thank you."
Anne smiled & closed the door behind her.
*
So this is how he wanted it. He wanted to play games. Fine, she could play this game. As Sonya dressed she looked into the mirror. She tightened her corset tighter than usual, pushing her breasts together & up as much as she could without them falling out! Her chemise, which normally fell to her feet, was pulled up & pinned about two feet shorter. Yup, safety pins! She had on the Amethyst Duncan had given her & fastened the brooch from Rowan just below her breasts at the top of the ties. That should be noticeable. Shaking her head upside down she put part of her hair up in the back, tying it with a ribbon. On each side of her face she placed a small braid, tying it with the copper rings they used. Sonya dug out the eyeliner she hadn't worn in months & put brown eye shadow on. It made her ice, blue eyes stand out. Lip stick on, she was ready.
Sonya closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. She could do this. It seemed louder than usual in the hall tonight & she frowned as she rounded the corner. Her first clue that something was aims was the royal announcer. Oh, no! What was going on? The man's eyes along with the young boys' opening the doors opened wider & their mouths gapped. Sonya grinned. She took that as a good thing! Whatever was going on tonight, this was not the night to back out & be coy. She nodded her readiness.
"My Lady, Sonya MacLeod," he announced to the room.
She entered to some gasps from some of the women & a great many stares. She was pleased to note just how many men grinned & several woman just shook their head. It was the first time she saw Angus' smile fade & his eyes grow so large that she wanted to laugh. Next to Angus Anne patted her son's hand & chuckled.
"Ma?" he said in a strangled voice.
"Aye lad. He started it. Now close your mouth."
Angus looked at Anne & then at Duncan who audibly clicked his mouth shut. As Sonya stepped
before the dais she curtsied, being very aware not to go too far!
"Your Majesty. It would seem we are having a special occasion." Sonya could hear the whispers behind her. She still wanted to laugh & resisted just by smiling.
Angus cleared his voice. "Aye, lass, Mary is visiting." Sonya looked at Mary who was sitting to the side of Angus.
"My Lady," Sonya inclined her head. Mary inclined her head back & smiled, looking amused, but Sonya wasn't sure who she was amused with. Her or Angus. Sonya stepped up on the dais & as she passed Angus she whispered, "Thanks for the warning!" Angus chuckled & Duncan stood, tripping over the chair leg. Oh my God! Sonya thought she may burst if she couldn't laugh soon, but she probably couldn't with her corset that tight anyways! She glanced away & Duncan righted his misstep as he looked Sonya up & down.
Angus grabbed her hand before she got to her chair & whispered, "So we have declared war then lass?"
"Aye," she replied firmly.
Angus grinned. "It serves him right!" he replied.
Now she finally had her chance to laugh & she did so, loudly as she took her seat. Duncan retook his seat next to Mary, but didn't take his eyes off of Sonya. She lifted her spoon & glanced him.
"Duncan?" Angus asked.
"Aye," he said in a deeply guttural voice.
"Are ye alright, lad?"
He cleared his throat. "Aye. I am well."
Angus couldn't hide his amusement, but Duncan wasn't paying him any mind. Sonya had looked away & started to eat her meal. Duncan couldn't have told you what he ate if he tried. The only thing he focused on was Sonya, who didn't seem to be paying him any attention at all!
After the meal was cleared & Angus took Mary to the floor, Anne asked Duncan if he would be so kind as to accompany her. He did, glancing at Sonya several times to which she just turned away, as if something much more important was taking up her attentions. Sonya wondered how on earth she was to bounce around with her chest like it was! Ye brought it on yerself, Sonya, she told herself.