A Traitor's Daughter

Chapter 1

December 15th was a day I once loved more than anything. The cold was a reminder of that fateful day or I guess days. Where my family's laughter turned to screams and cries. With a swing of an axe and sharp words of our new king, my family was torn apart. I hate winter, but most of all I hate sir Gillebeart, the destructor of my once happy and close family. 

It was December 15th in my kingdom of Ecros and I was excited more than anyone at my family's estate. I was out of bed before one of my handmaidens were able to wake me for the day. I remember opening my blue eyes and my heart filled with excitement. I smiled so widely as I knew what the day would bring. I hopped out of bed and ran to my balcony. As I threw open the doors, I could feel the cold chill in the air. I breathed it all in as I looked out at my family's land that was out in the countryside away from the business of royal court. In the coming months, we would travel to celebrate the holidays with his majesty and the rest of the court. 

"Lady Catriona! Please get out of the cold! You're sure to catch a cold," Iseabail called out as she ran to the balcony to get me. I turned to her with an excited smile. 

"Iseabail! Good morning, isn't today a wonderful day?" I asked cheerfully. Iseabail tried her best not to catch my smile. 

"Yes, Lady Catriona, but it won't be if you get sick so come inside." I sighed looking at the white covered grounds one more time before heading back inside. I took Iseabail's hand and gave it gentle squeeze as we walked back inside. 

"Iseabail, do you remember what today is?" I asked. Iseabail chuckled," Yes, my lady. It is your coming of age day." I did a little skip and jump, excitedly. 

"Yes, today I finally become of age." Iseabail walked over to my wardrobe and showed me the newest winter gown my father had made specifically for today. It was a beautiful shade of forest green with gold embroidery. As Iseabail helped me in me into the gown, she asked, "Is my lady hoping for something special today?" I couldn't help but blush as the thought sir Gillebeart appeared into my mind. Sir Gillebeart was a bit older than I, but that hadn't stopped him from becoming successful at royal court. He, like our family, was very close to the crown. 

"If I am correct, you are thinking a certain gentleman no?" I couldn't help but get all flustered even more with my cheeks turning bright red. I hurried to cover them with my hands. 

"Hush now, Iseabail," I scolded her. 

"Yes, my lady," Iseabail quickly said, but I could see a cheeky smile as she finished lacing my dress up. She led me to my vanity and began doing up my fiery red curly hair into elaborate braids. After I quickly put on my jewelry and headed down to dine with my family for breakfast. 

The estate was quite warm considering the fact that there so much snow. I was happy for my new gown as they were very much doing their job. As I entered the chamber, my family were already sitting there waiting for me. 

"Happy birthday!" they all shouted. I jumped and placed my hand over my chest in surprise. After a deep breath, I couldn't help but smile as my younger siblings, Tomas and Floraidh, ran to my side. 

"Happy birthday, sister," Tomas squealed as he smiled showing off the missing tooth he had lost a couple days before. 

"Yes, happy birthday sister," Floraidh said as she noticed my new gown. "Oh! I love your new gown." I smiled and did a nice twirl for her. 

"Yes, I know it surely is. Thank you so much father. It is truly wonderful." My lord father, who was sitting at the end of the large dining table, smiled. 

"I am glad you like it, my dear child." Father looked at mother, who was sitting next to him. "Though...I guess starting today, I can't call you that anymore." Mother nodded and added, "Yes, our darling girl has surely grown up. She is surely to bring many suitors upon our return to court." My cheeks began to flush once again. 

"Yes, me and your older brother will have to keep an eye on you," my father teased as he drank his morning tea. 

"Come now, children sit. Catriona, we had the cooks prepare only your favorites," mother happily told me. 

"Yes, our cook has out done himself once again. Come sit by your father." Me and my siblings sat at the table and ate our fill. We laughed and talked until a messenger walked in. 

"My lord. I am sorry to interrupt the meal, but sir Gillebeart is here to see you. Apparently, it cannot wait," the messenger stated with a bow. My mind couldn't help but to race. Could it be truly happening? The man of my dreams coming for me. I shook my head. No, he must be here with a message from the king. I couldn't get my hopes up. 

"Lady mother, can we all go out to the gardens?" Tomas quickly whined. My mother looked at my father who seemed to be in serious thought. He only nodded in agreement. 

"Yes, Tomas. Let us be off. We can all go together." 

"Yay!" Tomas jumped from his seat along with his twin, Floraidh, who took my hand and said, "You must come with us sister. Maybe we can go skating and it's such a wonderful day." 

"Yes, Floraidh of course." We bided our father goodbye and headed to the gardens that were west of the estate. 

As soon as we made it to the garden, Tomas and Floraidh took off. Tomas, being the cheeky 8 year old he is, smiled and got a ball of snow and packed it tightly. He ran behind a snow covered bush that was so tall we couldn't see him. 

"Where did your brother run off to," mother asked looking around the courtyard. Next thing we knew a snowball flew straight for the back of Floraidh's head. My mother covered her mouth in shock. 

"Tomas! You got snow in my hair!" Floraidh yelled. I got up from the stone bench that me and mother were sitting on and ran to Floraidh. As Tomas was busy laughing, I brushed off the snow from her red hair. 

"It's okay, we shall get our cheeky brother back," I told her as I gave her a mischievous smile. She nodded and we started to chase Tomas around the gardens as we threw snowballs at him. 

"No fair! No fair!" he yelled as he ran from us. "Help, lady mother! Help!" My mother grabbed her swollen belly and could do nothing but laugh at us. 

"You better run, my boy," she called out. We chased Tomas around for what seemed like forever until he slipped and fell into a pill of snow. We stopped in our tracks when we noticed a person standing before Tomas. Tomas looked up in shock. 

"Sir Gillebeart?" I questioned as several armed men appeared behind him that made my smile disappear.

"Lady Anna! You and your children are to come at once before his majesty! Please come with us!" Gillebeart all but shouted. 

"W-what is the meaning of this? Where is my lord husband and eldest son?" my mother quickly asked with much concern in her voice. 

"I am afraid I am not at liberty to answer any questions. Please, your carriage is ready for you and your children at the front of your estate." 

"Carriage? B-but we must have time to pack our things. We are not ready to leave so suddenly. Please, sir Gillebeart. Do we not get time to prepare." I tried to say as I approached him softly only to be met with roughness. 

"Lady Catriona! Do not question my orders and do as you are told! Now come as I do not wish to use force!" sir Gillebeart yelled. Tears pricked the side of my eyes as I collected Tomas who still on the ground.