Aine of Diarmada

Chapter 19

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Chulann's P.O.V

I listened to Daragh's endless lecture and accusations, "..........disgrace........dishonour to the clan......how could you.......why...........what's your excuse?" - Hearing the last part piqued my interest, I had it prepared. I glanced over at Roise who was biting her bottom lip the same way Aine does when she's nervous. When she made eye-contact with me I gave her a stern look, she scowled at me but nodded softly.
"Well?" Daragh spat, "what is your excuse for having one of your clansmen capture Roise. Either way, you will pay for it- I don't care what rubbish you're about to tell me." With this I had a bit of confidence, his dear little Roise had certainly played a part, "I must say my Lord, I felt somewhat obliged," I chose my words carefully but they didn't seem to please. A look of shock and disgust splat across his face like a thrust of water, "and what, Chulann, made you feel so obliged?" he erupted, he said my name with sour despise. He had put up an act for a few days and he had done it well, but now he was exploding like a volcano. Itching to say all that was on his mind, do all he wanted. "My Lord I did it for the safety of me and Aine, for our marriage-"
"Now what are you on about?" he interrupted, his eyebrows knitting together, as if focusing all his anger in between them.
"Roise bedded me," I got it out quickly and determinedly. He flinched as if he had been slapped, hard, "it's not true," he stated, not wanting to believe it.
"It is," I demanded, but carefully watched my tone. After all Daragh would decide my punishment. He turned towards his daughter who who tried to avoid looking him in the eyes. "Roise, is this true?" he asked her softly. In that moment whether it was because of the truth itself, or the pressure- she broke out crying. Between her loud sobs she tried to explain, "yes......I was confused.....drunk.....thinking about marriage.......after Aine's wedding......she......will she forgive me?.......I was......I don't know," she finally finished, frustrated and emotional.
Daragh stood there, still and firm as a mountain, dumbstruck. I took this moment to look at the other three men with us, standing aside and observing. Eoin stood with his mouth slightly parted, probably momentarily shocked about Roise. But he couldn't say much could he? I wish I could shut his mouth closed, with a punch to the chin. I saw the way he looked and acted around Aine. Worse; I saw the way Aine acted right back. That was the real reason I had Roise captured, to create a distraction. Roise didn't know it, it was just a happy coincidence that she had gotten me into her bed. A happy coincidence of a reason for me to use. I wouldn't tell the real reason. Besides it wasn't exactly a secret; Angus knew. But I wouldn't tell, what if my accusation was wrong? What would happen then? Would Aine leave me, even know with the baby, if I accused her wrongly? I couldn't risk that. I couldn't risk what Daragh's reaction would be. At least Roise didn't suspect anything. All the thoughts ravished around my mind like hungry dogs. Daragh finally spoke, breaking the heavy silence, "well I-" he paused and began again, "Chulann, even though Roise's actions are presumably true that is not an excuse, in any way, to take matters into your own hands and make that rash, careless decision that you made," I held back a curt remark. "However," he continued (and it seemed rather regrettably), "it was not right or respectable what Roise did." Roise looked down guiltily. "I'll speak with the both of you tomorrow," he declared, exasperated by the conversation. We were dismissed, me and Roise, while Daragh and his men stayed behind. Once out in the open Roise was annoyed and didn't falter to show it.
"That wasn't fair," she hissed in a low voice, shaking her head from side to side.
"You're saying I lied?" I asked her. I certainly didn't lie. I very clearly remembered that night, as she pulled me towards her, her fair hair around her naked chest.....and I was quite sure it hadn't slipped her mind either. It was a terrible thing, especially, in the Diarmada clan, to disrespect the love/marriage of a couple. Something that was very much looked down upon (obviously) no matter who's fault it was. A sin, spoken of in hushed and harsh whispers. I brought my attention back to Roise as she responded in a louder voice, "you didn't exactly stop it, did you?" I smirked at her, "I wasn't the one who started it."

Hey guys I know it's a short chapter but I hope you still liked it! What do you think Chulann and Roise's punishment will be? Do you think Aine will forgive Chulann when she finds out what he did? Comment to tell me your thoughts 😜
-AvaBlue 💚🍀