The Butchers Love

Chapter 2

3 days later,

In the days after my encounter with the Colonel, I couldn't stop thinking of him. My brother had noticed the change and was persistent in finding out the truth, but he never did because I would know his reaction. My father, bless him, was completely oblivious to my new mood. Today was going pretty well by all accounts, I was sat in a rocking chair on the front porch until I saw a patrol of cavalry approaching the house. I shot up out of my chair and called for my father, who came rushing out as soon as possible along with Peter, however, it was too late

"This land is now the property of the king" A familiar voice spoke "We expect you to comply or you will be killed for treason" That couldn't be...Tavington...

"Your king does not own this land!" Peter shouted and took a step forward "this land is my fathers, not his!"

The Colonel cocked his pistol and aimed it at Peter "Do you wish to die today? Step aside rebel" Tavington calmly spoke but Peter didn't move "Very well-"

"-Wait!" I rushed in front of peter and raised my hands slightly in surrender "Please, Colonel, I beg you please don't shoot him" I locked eyes with Tavington and my bottom lip trembled slightly as he still had his pistol raised "I'm begging you, please..."

"I'm prepared to make you a deal" The Colonel smirked evilly and lowered his weapon "you could come with me in exchange for their lives" he spoke coldly with no remorse for what he had just said "Or you could stay here and both of them will be slain, leaving you alone" his words sent shivers down my spine. I couldn't see my father or brother killed.

As much as I didn't want to I nodded slightly and looked down at the ground "I'll do as you wish if you promise me that no harm will come to my family" My brother took the sleeve of my dress but in response, I pulled my arm away.

"you have my word my dear," Tavington spoke and dismounted his horse before offering me his gloved hand. reluctantly I took his hand and he helped me onto his horse. He got on his horse behind me and I shivered as he pressed his chest against my back "you have my word that no harm will come to your family" The colonel whispered into my ear before raising his hand and ordering his men to follow him.

We spent around an hour on the horse in complete silence and all I could smell was gunpowder and burning wood. he tried to make conversation several times but I never returned his sentences. I wanted this man dead, he took me away from my family because we had different beliefs.

Tavington's POV

While on the way back to the camp the girl had fallen asleep with her head gently resting on my shoulder. All I could smell was roses and lavender and it was such a beautiful combination, she was like an angel sent by the heavens.

Minutes later we arrived at the camp. I picked her up bridal style and went into my tent and gently placed her on my bed. "I won't let anyone or anything hurt you my darling" I spoke softly before realising what I had said "Why do I feeling like this" I whispered to myself before leaning against the table and letting out a small sigh. Admittedly Mabel was a beautiful woman, I had thought so ever since that day we met on the dirt road. But seeing her again today made something twang in my heart, she was willing to come with me to save her family.

I shook my head slightly and took my water canteen off of the table, took a small drink of the water before closing the canteen once again. A wave of guilt washed over me as I watched her stir slightly in her sleep, Her golden locks pooling on the pillow beneath her head and her chest gently rising and falling with each breath that she took. It was truly a beautiful combination.

As she opened her eyes I could tell she was confused, poor thing. I let out a small sigh before standing up and walking over to her bedside "I've arranged for your own tent, it will be close to mine so my men won't give you any trouble" I said rather bluntly

She nodded and bit the inside of her cheek "So how long will I be in here?" her voice clearly showed that she was angry.

"For as long as you're needed" I attempted to be sincere but my words just sounded arrogant, that won't settle well...

"What is your problem" Mabel growled and looked up at me "Do you even have a heart!?" she snapped and focused her gaze on my eyes.

"If I didn't have a heart then you, along with your brother and father, would be dead and thrown into an unmarked grave"

"Any place would be better than here"

"You know, you should be thankful that you're even staying in a tent" I growled

"Your a monster" this cut me deeply but I didn't let it show "you deserve to be dead!"

"Shut your mouth" I snarled and stormed out of the room. I walked for about 5 minutes to the treeline. I didn't know what I was feeling but it scared me deeply. It felt wrong to snap at her like that, it felt so wrong.

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