A/N: So, I didn't take any time to do research for the story to see if King George I of England did in fact have a daughter or two, but this is purely fiction. So anything that I should put in, let me know. And the year is 1717, about two to three years from the first Jacobite Rebellion. And word to the wise, there will be backtalk about the English, no offense to any British gents and ladies for today. So any hard feelings are not meant in this story. Sorry!
Chapter One: Flight
~I hate you, with all my might. If you were a little bit warm to me that I wouldn't feel this way.~
The sun had taken the warmth of the early November day with it as someone ran. On horseback, the person urged it on as they headed out of the Lowlands and into the Highlands.
The person was no other than Adrianne of Fells. With her brown hair and blue eyes, she was scared of everything she passed. She had found out that she was adopted and the family that took her in, the Charles of Havenbrought, were murdered in the dead of night three days ago. Heading to the stables, Adrianne took one of the fastest horses from the stables and raced North. She had kindly refused to take anyone's offer of her staying there until she was ready to leave.
She felt that winter was coming early as the winds began to pick up and cause her to wrap the woolen cloak closer to her already chilled figure. Before long, Adrianne pulled the mare to a halt at an inn and walked the mare to the livery stables.
"I know, girl. I hope that we find somewhere to go and stay warm. The winter might kill us if we don't find anywhere to keep hidden." she patted the great thoroughbred's neck and after putting "Black" in her temporary stall, went into the inn.
The warmth immediately surrounds her, making Adrianne feel like she was back at home after a long ride in the Fells Forest, surrounded by her siblings that weren't related to her by blood. The fresh smell of cooking made her mind come back to the present, her mouth watering, but her pride stopped her from buying anymore than a bed, bread and water, and a bath. She couldn't allow her uncle John Melbrook from finding her, or his servants. While she ate, Adrianne asked the innkeeper's wife, "Have you heard of anything from England about the Fells?"
"Nay, lass. Only tha Lord Melbrook took ov'r tha fortress. An' he's alookin' fer a lass like ye." she noted and this cause Adrianne's blue eyes show fear in them...
"Where is my niece?" John Melbrook called. Being her father's youngest brother and ten years her senior, had liked Adrianne from the day she was turning thirteen.
"She's out riding her mare. Leave the poor girl alone, John."
"Or what? She is only your ward. And she is near the age all the girls are preparing to get married." John sneered. Adrianne was hidden behind the door to the library searching about the globe from the latest books. John charged into the library, scaring the seventeen year old girl and making her hit her head on the shelf. "I'm so sorry for startling you," he said and tried to walk over to her.
"Stay away from me, Uncle John. I was alright in here," she fumed. After putting the book down, Adrianne went to leave, but John grabbed her wrist.
"Let go of me!" she cried, John squeezed her wrist and put in, "I will have you, my dear. One way or another, I will have you." he let go of her and she ran.
A man from across the room looked at her, possibly studying her to see where she was from. His chestnut hair and piercing gaze made her uneasy.
"Thank you. If you have anyone who can help me, can you send them to my room?"
"Aye, that I can do," Adrianne gave his wife a smile and went to her room. It was, well, somewhat cozy with the fireplace and a small bed that might be infested with bedbugs, but perfect for her.
