We all were on the steps of the castle. The sentries on the walls had spotted my da's carriage on the road up to the castle. It was also reported that there were at least 30 Hamilton men on horseback behind the carriage. I knew that my da was coming here looking for a fight. And he was bringing men who were prepared to fight Clan Wallace for him. Even if he was wrong in this situation. I stood next to Arran, my head held high. His arm was wrapped around my waist tightly. He wanted my father to know that I was his wife, and he was my husband. Mama stood to my left, she was wearing her Hamilton colors proudly. Henry was a step behind me, I knew he had his hand on his sword. All the Wallace men had their hands on their swords. Ready to defend their Laird and castle if necessary. Gavin and Davina were standing on the step below us. Gavin was wearing his Wallace plaid with his sword strapped to his waist. Fey and Douglas had been kept in the nursery under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Mactavish. We watched as da's carriage pulled up in front of us. The Hamilton men filed in behind him. They all dismounted and came to stand by the carriage. Their hands resting casually on the hilts of their swords. Tension hung thick in the Spring air. All these men were loyal to their Laird, and their Laird was my father. Some were on the fateful hunting trip that day, and were angry that Callum did what he did. I could tell from the looks in their eyes, they were here for blood. Da pushed open the door, almost knocking the footman to the ground. His face was already red with rage. He glared at both my husband and I with such loathing. I could not help but shrink back into my husband. Da made me feel like that scared little girl again, the scared girl who held her brother in her arms as he died. His blood is still staining her fingers. I felt Arran's grasp tightened around my waist. Da's clothes were unruly, and his hair was wild. It was as if he had slept in his clothes before arriving here. He looked liked he had been drinking.
Edmund came out of the carriage behind my da. I did my best to hide my absolute disgust. But I could not, Edmund looked like a different man from the last time I had seen him. He was rather fat, and wore ill fitted clothes. His hair was styled in the latest fashion and it did not compliment him. He had a haughty look of diversion in his eyes, and looked at me like I was a piece of meat. I could not believe that da would want me to marry a man like that. A man who could barely protect himself, let alone protect our Clan. Arran tensed at the way Edmund looked at me. I touched my husband's chest. My wedding ring is shining in the sun. I was letting Edmund know that I would never belong to him. That my heart belonged to Arran, it would always belong to Arran. It was silent for a time, everyone waiting to see who would speak first. I knew in my heart that this would end in a fight. If it did, and Arran were to die. Then I would die too, I would never allow a man like Edmund Boyd to touch me in any way. I would rather die then let that man touch me. He should go back to his Clan. Where he belonged.
"Laird Hamilton, Mr. Boyd. What an unexpected surprise. My wife and I welcome ye to Wallace Castle," Gavin said tightly. Trying his best not to sound angry.
"Let us skip with the pleasantries shall we Laird Wallace. Ye have stolen something from me. I want her back, and I want her marriage to your brother annulled," da hissed. His eyes were already bloodshot from the whiskey. Gavin looked over at me, before settling his gaze back to my father. His face slowly revealed his anger.
"I have stolen nothing from ye Laird Hamilton. I ask that ye refrain from insulting my brother and I in our own home," Gavin replied. But da only shook his head.
"Ye stole my daughter, I allowed her to travel here with the notion that she would be safe. That her reputation would be safe from scandal. And ye force her hand in marriage. Forced her to marry your no good brother," da hissed. Mama grabbed my hand, to keep me where I stood. I felt my blood boil under his words. Arran did not force me to do anything. Arran let me go, I could feel the rage radiating off his body. Arran promised he would not do anything reckless. I prayed to God he kept that promise.
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The Highlander's Lass; Arran's Story
Historical Fiction"This is my younger brother, Sir Arran Wallace, recently knighted by the new king himself. He is one of the best warriors in Clan Wallace," Laird Wallace said. Arran stepped forward giving us all a small bow. He then took my hand, raising it to his...
