“My lady,” he said, as he pushed in her chair once she sat.
As she approached, the man seated next to her glanced over their shoulders with wide eyes and jaws slacked open. She was grateful the table was not round, giving them a direct view.
The man with the black hair who sat next to her on the opposite side of Galen turned his chair toward her.
“My lady. My name is Alex Monroe Montgomery. I am the Laird’s high guard and advisor. O’er here, ye see Brandon and James, but pay no’ heed to them. Ye can call me Alex,” he said as he snatched her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it.
Ella retracted her hand as Alex scooted his chair even closer to hers.
“Allow me,” he said, as he filled her mug to the rim.
Ella picked up the drink and took a small sip. Warm liquid suddenly burned the back of her throat, as if she drank liquid fire. Coughing profusely, she began to panic. Throwing one hand to her throat and the other to her chest, she thought she had been poisoned. Fear escalated.
Galen quickly slid his mug in front of her.
“Here, drink this. Tis water.”
Ella grabbed the mug from his hand. The water instantly cooled the back of her throat.
“Better?”
Ella nodded, intermittently coughing.
“Have ye ne’er tasted whiskey before lassie?” Alex asked. Ella turned to him and the other men as well. Anger rose within her as they tried to hide their smiles.
“Dinna mind them. Whiskey tis like water, but ye must have a taste fer it,” Galen assured her.
Ella curled her nose at his comment. It was nothing like water. Devil’s spit or dragon’s fire was a better comparison. She took small bits of her trencher’s offering. The food tasted rich and salty compared to her normal bland diet, but it was filling. Midway through the meal, a group of men began playing music in the corner of the room.
As the music played, Ella found herself smiling and slightly bobbing her foot up and down. It was a lovely, cheerful tune. It was as if they chose the beat to match the tempo of her heart. Several people around her stood and started dancing about the room; at least, she thought it was dancing. Ella giggled though she tried to hide it.
In her world, music was a part of her everyday life, but it was nothing like this. It was much more calm and orderly. There was even a time when the sun rose, and the sound of music could be heard as the flowers and trees greeted the new day. The flowers would bloom and the leaves would uncurl from the cold night to absorb the light and warmth of the sun. But that was before the Uprising.
Turning in her chair, she looked over at Galen. Dressed in a white tunic with a tartan sash hanging from his right shoulder, he looked very handsome. Galen raised an eyebrow, as if he wondered what she was thinking. Perhaps not being able to speak was a good thing, as Ella knew she had a wicked tongue.
“Would ye care to dance?” Alex asked, interrupting her thoughts.
Dance? Though she knew very well how to dance, it was nothing like how the humans were doing it. That was not dancing! They looked as if they were a herd of crazed cattle running around in circles.
Ella indecisively furrowed her brows. Looking at her with sad eyes, he asked again. Biting her lower lip, Ella accepted only to stop him from asking again. Alex eagerly smiled and held his arm out to her. Placing her hand lightly upon it, she allowed him to escort her onto the floor. Ella quickly noticed his pleasant mannerism change from polite conversation to sweet words. Swinging her around the dance floor, she made every attempt to keep her distance and avoid eye contact. Though he was a handsome man, she felt nothing for him in return.
Seeing Alex and the lass together tore through Galen like a raging storm. Alex was a good man, and any lass would be honored to catch his attention. But the jealous monster within Galen was ready to break free, eager to drop Alex on his arse and bury him if he gave any indication of moving beyond flirtation.
Galen did not once remove his eyes from them. He kept close attention to where Alex placed his hands. With his palms beginning to sweat, Galen ever so patiently waited for the song to end. He swore the song was the longest he had ever heard. By the saints, when is this bloody thing going to end!
The crowd cheered for an encore as the musicians jumped right into the next song, without a pause in between. Galen had had just about enough watching Alex paw his hands on the lass. Bolting up from his chair, he briskly walked toward them.
“Forgive me, but may I have this next dance?” he asked, stepping into the vacant spot between them.
Alex bowed and stepped aside as Galen moved to her front. Standing so close, he was about a head taller. He could smell the scent of primrose in her hair and milled lavender soap upon her skin. Her skin. Delicate and creamy as butter. Suddenly, Galen was transported back to the memory of her naked flesh. On the outside he remained unchanged, but inwardly his body began to ache with need.
Ella sighed in relief when Galen came in between them. One dance with Alex was one dance too many, she decided.
“May I?” he asked, as he held his hand up to wrap it around her waist.
How could she refuse him when every part of her wanted to be held in his arms? The idea of being close to him sent chills down her spine and caused her heart to quicken.
With a sharp thrust, he pulled her body closer to his. Ella bit her bottom lip to calm her nervous trembling. There was no doubt he could feel every shiver and shake her bones made. Stay calm, stay calm, she repeated like a mantra to herself as she attempted to draw in slow, calming breaths.
Holding a woman in his arms never felt more right. He was drawn to her like a bee is to honey. Though she was a mute and he knew nothing of her, Galen found the lass enchanting. Her subtle giggles, the way she blushed when he was near, even her body language spoke loud and clear of her character and personality. If only the lass could speak, all of his questions would be answered. There was never a secret he could not crack or a riddle he could not answer, but this lass was a mystery that might never be solved, and it drove him absolutely crazy. It only made him want her more.
After another song, then another, Ella could feel herself melting against his chest. Heat radiated off him in waves, and she thought he could probably warm the whole room if it continued. Ella took in a deep breath. He smelled of musk with a hint of lavender and thyme.
As they continued to dance, Ella felt as if she was lifted from the ground and dancing on air. Before she knew it, the song had ended and Galen still held her in his arms.
“Would ye care to take a walk wit’ me?”
Ella nodded. Galen escorted her down a long corridor, walking by her side. Hanging along the walls were several lit sconces offering just enough light to see the portraits and tapestries that adorned the hallway. Relatives of Galen, he explained, as he enlightened her with their stories and legacies. Ella listened attentively as Galen described the lively works of art they passed. He mentioned that he used to live here as a child before his mother died, but after her death he was sent to live at the priory.
The corridor led to a single door at the end of the hall. Galen pushed open the door and escorted her inside. The room had a feminine-like quality, with beautifully embroidered tapestries, dried flowers still in a vase, and a mountain of books.
“This was my mother’s sitting room. I have no’ been in this wing of the castle since she died.”
Ella eyed him suspiciously. Why had he brought her here? By his expression this room caused him much distress, and it was the first time he had shown deep emotion.
“She died when I was a young lad. I ne’er knew my father. Ye would have liked my mother. She was a lot like ye. Beautiful, stubborn to a fault, and quiet,” he chuckled.
“Lassie, I must tell ye that o’er the past few days, I have experienced something I have ne’er felt before. From the moment I laid eyes on ye ‘twas like we have some connection. Every morning, from the moment I wake, I cannae seem to get ye off my mind. It’s distracting and
aggravating. But when I see yer smile, tis like the sun and I’d wait all day for just a glimpse. I cannae explain, it but even now am having difficulty controlling myself from kissing ye. This would be so much easier if ye could talk. Then at least I would know if ye were thinking I be a damn bloody fool fer telling ye all this or if ye felt the same even in its smallest measure,” he said as he crept closer to her.
Ella stood frozen. She had no idea how to react, and if she had the words she would not know what to say. No one had ever spoken to her so honestly before. His confession lit a flame of passion within her that she never knew existed. Suddenly, she forgot how to breathe.
Placing his finger under her chin, he tilted her head upwards so his face met hers. Slowly and cautiously, he leaned toward her until their lips were a mere breath away. Ella could feel his hot breath upon her lips. For the briefest moment, she felt his lips softly brush against hers. The light touch sent chills. For a moment he paused, as if asking for permission to continue. Ella slightly parted her lips, and with no argument or hesitation, Galen pressed his lips to hers in a hard and passionate kiss.
A feverish sensation began to heat her core as he placed a hand against her lower back and pressed her whole body against his. The kiss felt like Fae magic looked when a spell began to take hold. Tingles sparked throughout her body, and colors seemed to shimmer around her, sending waves of passion and desire whirling around her. Ella was tempted to wrap her arms around him and run her fingers through his hair to see if he would disappear, but kept her hands firmly to her sides.
Relaxing her tense shoulders, she relished this moment, but as her guard began to dissolve in the magic of his kiss, reality began to creep in.
This is wrong. I can’t do this. Ella ripped herself from his arms. This was not supposed to happen. She had gotten so caught up in the moment that she had forgotten entirely about her purpose for being here. How could she have forgotten that she’d left when her people needed her the most? On the brink of war, she deserted them and for what? To fall for a human? Ella’s eyes grew misty. Struggling to suppress her emotions, she ran from the room.
Galen watched as the lass ran out the door. Gut-wrenching guilt twisted his nerves like iron chains. What was I thinking? Pacing back and forth, he wondered if he should let her be, but chose to run after her instead. At the top of the tower stairs, he nervously pounded on the door. He knew what he’d done was wrong, and did not want to end the night knowing he had offended her. Galen knocked again and begged for her to open, but she did not answer. Noticing the door was unlatched; he opened it and looked inside. The room was dark and empty. She was gone.
Chapter 14
With everyone distracted in the great hall, Ella was able to slip out unnoticed. Standing alone, she realized this would be her best opportunity to leave, while there were no guards to watch her. She ran out the door into the bailey. Ella flinched when she heard the sound of horses behind her. Heading in their direction, but staying in the shadows, she followed the noise to a large wooden building, which she realized was the stable.
Ella walked into the stables to find six horses locked up and rustling within their stalls. Peeking over the stall door at one of them, she saw its sad eyes beckoning her. Much smaller than her own horse, this one had lovely braided hair and a grey coat. Acting on her first instinct, she planned on escaping but knew they would only follow her. There was only one thing to do.
Ella opened the first stall door. The tall creature’s hooves dug into the ground and began to prance about. Ella smiled at its delight. Within moments it galloped out the door, as free as a bird. Ella then ran to each stall and unlocked them all, freeing each of the horses from their prisons. As the ruckus grew louder, the sound of a door slamming and people shouting alarmed Ella. She quickly mounted the grey beauty, headed out the door, and rode through the gate toward home.
The lass was nowhere to be found. Galen heard chaos and commotion wafting through the window from the bailey. He raced to the window to find men chasing after several free-running horses. With speed like lightning, he ran down the stairs and outside to ascertain the situation. Galen gave an ear-piercing whistle for his horse that was running loose along the castle wall. What the bloody hell was going on? The grey stallion returned to its master, nudging up against him. Galen grabbed the horse’s mane, hopped on its back, and hurried the animal back to the stables.
“What the bloody hell happened?” Galen asked aloud, when he saw Alex and Peter coming toward him, holding onto reins in each hand as they led two other runaway horses back to the stables.
“Twas the lass, my Laird. She stole a horse and released the others. The guards saw her riding toward the gate but lost track of her in the confusion. I think she meant to distract the guards,” Peter explained.
“Ye mean to tell me the foolish lass raced off, out into the bloody cold, alone?”
“Aye, my laird.”
Galen thought he had finally gotten through to her and was starting to understand her, but this foolish act angered him beyond belief. What was she thinking? What if she got lost out in this frigid weather? What if she got hurt? Anger and frustration masked his fears.
“We must go after her. The lass dinna know this land and could verra well get lost. This area is hard to travel, even fer men. Ye there! Head to the west. I will head north. She couldna’ have gotten far in this weather,” Galen instructed his guards.
“Aye, my Laird,” Peter responded, after some hesitation.
~ ♥ ~
Racing through the forest, the only thing on Ella’s mind was putting distance between her and Castle Dunquest. If she were lucky, she would stumble upon the doorway back to her own realm and leave this place once and for all.
Ella’s horse jerked its head from side to side and skidded to a halt, throwing her off. Landing on her right shoulder and hip, Ella lay there for a moment shocked. Waves of pain radiated down her spine. Rolling onto her side, she sat up. The horse stood on its hind legs, kicked its front legs into the air, and took off in a full gallop. What the bloody hell is the matter with that beast?
Before Ella had a chance to consider why the horse was spooked, a series of growls came from behind her. Slowly, she turned. She sucked in her breath when she saw a gigantic wolf crouched, as if deciding whether to pounce or stalk her. In the cold air, its hot breath floated in front of its face, like a miniature cloud.
Sinking its shoulder low to the ground, poised to pounce, its ear twitched. Ella flinched. She knew this was it. This was how she was going to die: being torn to pieces by a beast. With each growl, the beast exposed its sharp fangs, and spittle began dropping from its lips. Ella only had fleeting moments if she was to flee, but instead she sat still and waited for death to come for her. Even if she attempted to stand, the wolf would be on her faster than she could do anything to defend herself.
Ella felt drained and defeated. In this world she was nothing. To live each day in fear, having no control over her destiny, was mind boggling. She felt trapped, as if she were at the bottom of an endless pit or deep well with no hope of survival. Her pulse hammered, her eyes dilated, and her bottom lip trembled as she stared into its bloodshot eyes.
Suddenly, Galen jumped between her and the monstrous beast. His timing was impeccable. He drew his sword, the metal scraping along the inside of the scabbard. What was it about this moment that made it seem so familiar?
“Stay behind me,” Galen said, whispering his instruction over his shoulder in a deep raspy voice.
Ella scrambled to her feet and hid behind a nearby tree. The wolf snarled and angrily leapt toward Galen for interfering with its meal. With a white knuckled grip Galen swung his sword, slashing the side of the wolf’s face. Blood spewed onto the white snow. The wolf whimpered, but continued its attack. Galen forcefully kicked him away, making contact with the side of its jaw, but he was a moment too late.
The wolf took hold of the top of his boot, and locking his massive jaw around the leather, pulled Gale
n down flat on his back. The sword flew several feet out of reach. Thrashing its head from side to side, the wolf looked as if he was trying to sever Galen’s leg in a game of tug and war. With his free leg, Galen kicked repeatedly but the wolf’s powerful grip was unyielding.
Galen pulled his captured leg with all his strength, successfully slipping his foot out of the boot. With heightened reflexes of a warrior, Galen managed to snatch the dirk hidden in a special sheath in the boot’s cuff as his foot slipped out and caused the wolf to lose its footing. With one forceful thrust, Galen came to his feet and stabbed the dirk into the heart of the beast.
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Galen stood and retrieved his sword, placing it back in the scabbard at his side. Crunching snow caught his attention, and the lass came out from behind the tree. She looked affright. Had he shown up a minute later, she would have been dead. Her teary eyes and frightened expression pulled at Galen’s heart strings.
Emotions clashed inside of him; fear, anger and relief. His brow furrowed at the sight of her, but right now was not the time to lecture.
The lass ran to him, stumbling into his arms. Galen could feel her trembling in his embrace. Whether it was from cold or fear, he held her close, offering her comfort. He was so angry when he left the castle to go out after her. Now he just wanted to hold the lass in his arms, thankful she was still alive.
“Tis alright now Lassie,” he said, biting his tongue to keep from saying anything further.
Together, they walked through the blowing snow back to where he’d left his horse. Lifting the lass into the air, he set her on top of the saddle and mounted behind her. They raced back to the castle with her in his arms.
Ella could not help feeling remorse and guilt for what she had done. For her ignorance, not only had she almost gotten herself killed, but Galen as well. Why had he come after her? Why had he risked his life for her? She wondered if the roles were reversed, she would have done the same. Being here made her question many things about herself and her past actions. Before coming here she knew she never would have given this man a second thought. If he wished to die out in the cold, she would have simply let him. Had she always been so cold-hearted?
Highland Charm: First Fantasies Page 54