Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Chapter 4: Good Morning Sunshine

~Alice~

My head throbbed violently. The soft mattress below was little comfort, it didn't exile the fact I didn't know where I was. I upped out from under the covers and noticed my change in clothes. It was a simple white gown that could easily be seen through in the right lighting. My riding outfit and red cloak were folded on the bedside table.

My hand shot up to my necklace to find it was still dangling. I wrapped my fingers around the pendant and took a shaky breath. Loud footsteps creaked on the steps and the rattling of the lock followed. I clenched my fist, ready to defend myself.

Shay walked in with a tray of delicious smelling food. The sight of him made the entry wound on my neck throb. I rubbed the sore area and stepped back as he approached. "Good Morning Sunshine."

"What do you want?" I stated plainly. Shay sat the tray on the dresser and took a seat. He leaned on his knees and interlaced his fingers. It was now my job to contradict his every word.

Much like my personal goal.

"I just want to talk." I cocked my head and looked out the window at the various guards lining the garden below. It was beautiful, I'll admit. But it didn't draw attention away from what this place was.

"I don't want to listen." Shay groaned and held his face in his hands. He was attractive, I'll give him that. But he was nearly 3 times my age and the grey streaks in his hair were indications. Shay lifted his face and caught me staring.

"I don't like this plan anymore than you do. Haytham insists I have children. It didn't work out for him as you can tell." The thought of Connor caused my heart to ache.

"Haytham can't do it himself? Can he not perform anymore? Is that it?" Shay bared his teeth in disapproval and stood from his seat.

"Don't talk about him in that manner." I rolled my blue eyes and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Fine. I don't know why you came to see me." Shay walked in front of me with his hands behind his back. The look of regret was ever present in those dark orbs. But I wasn't falling for it.

"Look Alice. If I can't get you pregnant, you just fall into the hands of the next Templar. Like a farm animal used for breeding." I hugged in aggravation and rubbed my forehead. My stomach did summersaults either from fright or a sickness I was coming down with.

"Was this Haytham's plan?" I scoffed.

"No. Isaac's scheme. He seems to think if you are married to one of us, he gains control of you again." The next time I saw my father, it would take 10 men to stop me from driving a dagger through his heart. "But let's not think about that right now, lass. Eat." I took one look at the food and my abdomen cramps. I double over and wrap my arms around my waist.

"What's wrong?" Shay lays a hand on my shoulder but I back away from his touch and wrench dryly. He grabs a small waste-bin and holds it under my head as I empty my dinner into the trash. He politely holds my hair back but doesn't do much else.

"Just leave me." I said while wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. Shay was silent as he took the trash with him and promised to bring back a clean can.

"You have two maids at your disposal. If you need anything, they are right outside. I will be out until later tonight." With that, the door was closed and locked behind him. I sat on the bed and held my face in my hands.

My whole world was falling apart. And there was nothing I could do to stop it. If only I had Lucius, there is no way we would be stopped-.

Lucius!

I ran to the window and found that the pure black stallion was indeed in the stables. A young stable boy reached out to give him an apple, as to which he lowered his head bucked against the wooden door. Much like he did when Connor first met him. I inhaled deeply and brushed back my hair.

I kept telling myself, it could always be worse.

"My lady?" A woman slightly older than myself ducked her head inside with a fresh bin. She slipped in and informed me of the bath that would be prepared. "Should we pick out a gown for you to wear?" Before hearing my answer, she opened the closet that revealed the large array of dresses, gowns and jewelry.

"Mister Cormac paid no expense...." I whispered to myself. I didn't even get to choose a dress before she pulled down a loose fitting yellow corset that was followed by a thick blue skirt.

"Master Cormac is a man with many friends and will give nothing but the best." She laid out my clothing and tucked them under her arm. "Shall we?"

~Chapter End~

I'm super sorry for the short chapter! I'm ready to really jump into the story after I finish helping my mom coach cheerleading. Please bear with me!