Caught Between Brothers

Chapter 6

A rabbit sat in the small opening, chewing on grass. A snapping twig caused its ears to perk and its nose to wrinkle, as it sniffed for danger. In one quick and fluid motion, Kevan pulled an arrow from his back satchel and fitted it to his bow. With a whistle, the arrow flew through the air and struck the rabbit in the chest, killing it instantly.  He bowed his head for a moment, in respect for the beautiful animal. He hated to kill anything, much less a vulnerable little rabbit. His mother insisted they have the animal for their midday meal before seeing off his brother and the other men who were leaving today. Kevan wanted to join them but again his mother insisted he stay. “Oi cannot 'av both me sons away from 'ome again. What if somethin' 'appens ter yer pa? 'tiz too dangerous.” His mother’s shrill voice echoed in his head. He had tried to argue that Aedan should have been the one to stay and be with his new wife, but his mother had just waved him off.

Instead, here he was hunting animals to eat before a trip he couldn’t go on. It always seemed to be this way. Aedan, being the eldest, went on trips and learned how to be Lord of the Manor. While, Kevan stayed home with mother dearest. She seemed to hold on to him as if she would never see him again. He loved his mother but she was smothering him and would soon push him away. He had nearly run away last year, but his father’s health kept him from leaving. Kevan would do just about anything for his father. He was a far cry from the man he used to be, but still a wonderful father.

Kevan made his way back to the castle with his belt weighted down in rabbits for their meal. He dropped them off in the kitchens, getting a few scowls from the cook. She didn’t like that he killed the animals through the heart, preferring that he slit their throats to leave the best meat untouched. He didn’t care how much she ranted at him. He would always kill in the kindest way possible. A quick and painless death was respectful to the animals that would fill their stomachs. He left the kitchens before she could speak and made his way to his room to clean himself. He stopped short as a figure in pale blue moved into his vision. He had spent most of the last two months avoiding his brother’s wife. He found her stunningly beautiful. He wasn’t sure he trusted himself to be around her, without wanting her. It surprised Kevan to feel this way about a woman. He had liked girls before, but nothing like the way his heart sped up around Elle. He contemplated darting down an empty corridor to let her pass, but something stopped him. This was his sister-in-law. What harm could come from getting to know her a little? Knowing his brother, she could use some kind companionship. Why couldn’t it be him?

He used this logic to ease his conscience as he walked towards his glowing sister-in-law. “Runnin' away from yer 'usban' so soon?” He teased as he caught up with her. She looked up at him with flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. Was she blushing at him? “No”, came her feeble response. For a moment, he feared he had spoken his thoughts aloud, before realizing she was answering his previous question.  “I was just…I only wanted to get away for a moment. Is he looking for me?” Kevan found her worry attractive. “Naw. Oi was only teasin’.” They continued down the corridor, turning at the end and heading out to the courtyard. “Why don't yer 'av an accent, if yer don't mind me askin'?” He had heard her speak a few times since first meeting her and thought her voice was smooth as silk compared to the rough brogue he was used to hearing from the women in his life. “I used to have one. I had three separate tutors growing up. Each one spoke with a different accent. I suppose that, along the way, I just took on the one I thought sounded most proper for a lady.” She wrinkled her tiny nose. “No man would want to be my husband if I spoke as harshly as a bar wench.” She covered her rose tinted lips at the last sentence, as if she had uttered a curse. “Excuse me.” Kevan chuckled at her embarrassment. “Don't worry aboyt dat. Yer beauty’d attract any man, naw matter what yer sounded loike.”

Stepping out into the sunlight, Kevan held out his arm. “Shall we take a walk through de gardens me lady?” He said in his best ‘proper’ voice that earned him a sweet giggle from Elle. She nodded and rested her hand on his arm lightly. The mere touch sent tiny shivers across his skin. Kevan knew he was heading into dangerous territory, if he didn’t watch himself. Yet, he continued on. The two spent the next two hours exploring the rather large gardens, getting to know one another better. He learned that Elle liked to knit, not all that uncommon in Irish women, given their rough winters. She also enjoyed horses and cats. He liked that about her, being an animal lover himself. The talk of animals reminded him of his many kills earlier in the day and the lunch that would soon be ready. “Oi 'ate ter end our fun, but yer 'usbands farewell meal 'ill be ready soon. Oi 'av ter clean meself up a bit or me ma 'ill never let me 'ear de end av it.” He led Elle back to the castle and reluctantly parted ways. She turned towards the far end of the castle, where she and Aedan shared a room. He couldn’t stop the jealous feelings from creeping into his chest, knowing that she belonged to his brother. With a heavy sigh, Kevan hurried to his room to get ready for their meal. At least, he would have the next two weeks with Elle, while his brother traveled.