The Highlander's Lass; Arran's Story

Chapter 18

The next morning I slowly woke up to the sun creeping through the curtains of Arran's chambers. I was wrapped tightly in Arran's embrace. I could feel his breath against my cheek. I had fallen asleep sobbing in his arms after I tried to eat something. All I could feel was complete and utter numbness. My parents were gone, I did not know how to process what had occurred the day before. Edmund Boyd had yielded to Arran. And for a brief moment I felt happy and relieved. Relieved that Arran was walking away barely harmed. Then my da charged at him, and attempted to take my life. He was so far gone that he thought killing me would bring Callum back, which was far from the truth. Nothing could bring Callum back, he was gone and buried. My mama died saving my life, she knew that she could lose her life by doing so. But she made the choice anyway. I watched as she died, the life fading from her eyes and body. Besides Henry, they were the only family I had. I was now thrust into the seat of power. Would Clan Hamilton accept me as their Lady? Or would they blame me for da's death. And civil war would erupt in my Clan as other factions tried to take over the lairdship. The uncertainty of it all had my stomach in knots. I was praying to God that they did not blame me for what happened, well more than I already blamed myself. Feeling uncomfortable I tried moving in Arran's arms, but felt my corset pinching me in my ribs. I was too exhausted yesterday to undress. That was an unwise mistake. I slowly untangled myself from Arran's grasp. Not wishing to wake him, he was injured after all. And just was as exhausted as I was. I knew that today I would have to face the Clans men who had traveled with da. I had heard from Charity who brought in our food last night that Boyd had returned to his lands. Nursing both his wounds and his ego, and not wishing to remain on Wallace lands any longer. I walked over to my table and sat down. I began to slowly pull out the pins in my hair, letting my curls fall down my back. The sensation was relieving, I hated having my hair up. I combed my curls and stared at my reflection. The two bruises on my face were beginning to turn purple. I knew that these bruises would be there for a while. Once I was done combing out my curls I stood up. Attempting to undo the laces of my dress.

"Maisie, do ye need undressing," I heard Arran's voice behind me. I turned and saw Arran sitting up in bed. His bare chest moving up and down. I just nodded my head, and watched him slowly get out of our bed. He walked over to where I stood. We stared at one another, his arms coming to rest on my shoulders. I could see the concern in his eyes. He slowly turned me around to face my looking glass and began to slowly undo the laces of my gown. Then slowly pushing it off my shoulders and down my arms until it pooled at my feet. Leaving me in only my shift. He pulled me flat against his chest. His face was buried in my hair.

"How are ye this morning Maisie," he asked. His face moved to my neck and planted a small kiss at my collarbone. I took a moment to think about my response. Thinking about lying and telling him that I was alright, but decided to be honest with him.

"I feel numb, not knowing how to feel or think. How can I possibly do this? I was not supposed to lead for at least another few years," I replied. I turned in his arms and buried my face in his chest. He planted a kiss on my head.

"Ye are stronger then ye think Maisie. Ye can do this, be the Lady of Clan Hamilton. Ye are also not alone in this. Ye have Henry, and you have me," he whispered softly. I looked up at him. Seeing the conviction in his eyes. I pressed my lips to his, wanting to forget what had happened. Even if it was just for a little bit. His hands moved to tangle in my hair, my hands moving down  and around his waist. I pulled away for air, and his lips moved to my neck. I moaned softly as he pushed my shift off my body. He then picked me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He pulled my lips back to his as he walked us over to the bed. He sat on the bed, allowing me to straddle his waist. He pulled away, his hands coming to rest on my bottom.

"Do ye wish me to stop Maisie, just say the word and I will stop," Arran said against my neck. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling his lips closer to mine. I did not want him to stop, I wanted him so much it hurt. I needed him inside me, to make me forget what was going on around us.