Heavy Burdens 《Completed》- -

Chapter 6

She tries to struggle against her opponent but whoever it is, proves to be much stronger than her. The one pulling her back, grabbing her by the waist to turn her around and face him. His hand still on her lips but Liz recognizes the dark eyes immediately. Declan looks at her, his finger before his lips, hushing her to be silent while he leads her to the tree line before they both disappear into the darkness and the cover of the forest.

"Were you followed?"

"I wasn't," shaking her arm that he's still holding. Her eyes fire and glaring up at him. "Now let me go," her voice hushed, afraid to make any noise that's too loud to draw attention. They are hidden but she knows soldiers are patrolling this area.

His hand lets go and Declan turns away from her. Hearing him whistle sharply, Elizabeth hears leaves ruffle nearby and two shadow figures appear. It's only when they come closer, Liz can see a young man and a native woman. The woman's beautiful with her dark brown eyes and equal hair. The boy is barely a man but the way he holds himself tells her he's stronger than he looks.

Declan and the woman speak in the native tongue while the boy comes to stand before her. "Did you see Clenna?" His voice is hurried and although merely a man, he is taller than Liz. She only nods before glancing at Declan whose making his way towards her again.

"Elizabeth," he speaks her name for the first time and locks eyes with her. And for some strange reason, she feels a small tinge of warmth forming into her chest when he stands too close to her. Liz blames his scent, the pleasant odour of burnt pinewood. "How many men does he have?"

She swallows for a moment before rubbing her nose. The cold  makes her face slightly numb and Liz finally nods. "Around fifty-four. Those are the men always close to his mansion. He has more, of course, but they have camps at the border of town. It takes them a while before reaching the mansion if something happened. Especially if they have to run there all armed."

Declan keeps silent for a moment, seeming to contemplate her information but his eyes never leaves her face. She doesn't realize she's holding her breath when the young man suddenly grabs her by the upper arm. His touch isn't hostile, but it isn't gentle either, making Liz snap her head into his direction.

"Let go of her," Declan orders in a calm voice, making the boy let go of her immediately. "Patience, Michael." He turns his attention back to her, seeing Liz rub her upper arm for a moment. "Did that hurt?"

She shakes her head but offers Michael a fierce look. "Don't touch me again," she sneers. "And yes, I saw the Irish girl. She's at Lord Benton's house." Turning her head to face Declan again. "He told her you abducted Michael. And as far as I could tell, she believed it."

"Is she okay?"

And by the tone of Michael's voice, realization dawns upon Elizabeth. He is in love with her and although Liz isn't one to get emotional fast, the fiery glint in her eyes disappears. "She is fine," her voice softer while looking at the boy, "She looked scared but ... I don't believe Benton is going to hurt her."

Her eyes flicker back to Declan. "As long as she's of use to him, Clenna is safe. But I've got no idea how long that will be."

Decan nods before turning around, ordering the two to silently retreat and make camp farther away. To her surprise, they both did and when Declan turns to her again, Liz slightly smiles. "They listen quite well," she murmurs, not getting a response back.

"Let's go," he says, making her frown when he starts walking.

"Where too?"

"Your house. It's dark. I'm not letting you go alone," his only reply comes, and Declan doesn't wait for her. Elizabeth hesitates for just a moment before starting to walk fast so she can walk next to him.

"That's not needed. I can take care of my own."

He grumbles and shakes his head. "That dagger isn't going to be enough if some scum decides to corner you."

"Oh..."