“Me dear lass, ye must be strong,” Lady McDonald said to Isla, hugging her warmly.

  Hugging Lady McDonald, Isla cried, “I’ll miss ye, so much.” Lady McDonald had been Isla’s mother and support through every ordeal.

  “And we will all miss ye.” Lady McDonald said, “Jon has talked to yer father, everything will be fine.”

  “He did?” Isla asked incredulously.

  “Isla, me lass, we must leave,” Laird Duggal called out from behind her.

  “Aye, Da,” Isla sighed, turning to look at Ewan.

  Ewan gave her a soft smile, which made walking to the carriage easier. She wished she could’ve said goodbye to him properly but alas, not in front of her father. Isla and Rachel went into the carriage while Laird Duggal walked forward to get on his horse. Isla looked out the carriage window and wave to everyone. She held onto Ewan’s gaze, giving her the strength to bear the separation. They began to move, and Isla settled into her seat.

  “Rachel, how will I go on?” Isla asked Rachel, sadly.

  “With this,” Rachel smiled, handing her a letter.

  Even before opening it, Isla knew it was from Ewan.

  My heart and soul,

  Fear not, for I will come for ye.

  Love,

  Ewan.

  Isla held the letter to her chest, looking forward to the day when Ewan and she would be together again. Three months in the new castle couldn’t erase a lifetime of joy and memories. Her father would give his blessing and their union would come about. Love would prevail, for them, it was pure and real.

  Chapter 6

  Taking charge

  Isla sighed, opening her eyes to welcome another morning of melancholia and sadness. There was a knock on the door before Rachel entered, heading straight to the curtains to open them. Fresh, early morning sunlight rolled into the room from the massive windows, showcasing the beauty of the grounds.

  Isla had to admit the castle was prettier than her own home, but not the same in any way. That place was where she had lived her whole life, and nothing could replace it.

  “How did ye sleep?” Rachel asked, having established a routine of checking up on Isla every morning.

  Rachel knew Isla was hurt by the distance between her and Ewan, which was the cause for Rachel’s concern.

  “Barely slept,” Isla informed her, looking forlorn as she turned to hide her face in her pillow.

  Rachel hesitated, “I have to tell ye something.”

  “What?” Isla asked, scared.

  “Don’t lose yer temper. I’m just a messenger, remember,” Rachel added, hastily.

  “Go on, ye numpty,” Isla groaned, feeling anxious.

  “The Earl of Edinburgh will be joining ye and yer father for the feast tonight,” Rachel said, slowly.

  “What…?” Isla asked, in disbelief.

  “Laird Duggal asked that ye be informed and ready,” Rachel added, softly.

  Isla closed her eyes, thinking back to a time when she didn’t have such worries on her mind, nor such dilemmas. Times when it was established she was Ewan’s and his alone. How had her father missed the signals? Did he never see their love growing?

  Ewan’s parents had always supported him in his love for her, but Isla’s father wanted her to marry for power. A marriage of convenience, not one of love. He wanted her to be his road to an alliance with the British, who were taking over the Scottish land so quickly.

  Even if she didn’t love Ewan, Isla would have never married a British man. For her, it was the highest form of betrayal and treachery. It was an insult. She did not want to do this to her clan and its people. Isla wished her father could see all these reasons and give up his cause. Lately, she had been in touch with Ewan only through letters, as he was busy with his new duties and responsibilities.

  He had promised to visit as soon as possible and sort out this Earl business. However, sneaky as her father was, he had invited the Earl of Edinburgh for dinner without letting her know. Perhaps even her father knew she would protest to this marriage and didn’t want to give her a chance to go back home.

  “Is there a letter from Ewan?” Isla asked Rachel, hopefully.

  “Not this morning,” Rachel replied, with a soothing smile.

  Isla felt guilty for adding more burden onto Ewan’s shoulder since he was so busy these days. He would have to cancel many items on his schedule to make a trip to meet Isla and her father, which made her feel even guiltier.

  Isla nodded, deciding to get up from the bed and freshen up. She religiously ignored her father the whole day, not wanting to quarrel with him or argue. Over time, she was beginning to grow estranged from her father, who had differing opinions from her. Rather than debate over them, Isla and Laird Duggal usually decided to keep quiet.

  Isla spent the day in the garden riding her horse. She remembered how much effort Ewan had put into teaching her how to ride. He had made it his purpose for a long time, and now Isla could ride as well as him.

  It was the little things that made it difficult for Isla to be away from Ewan for so long. Everything reminded her of him, every scent, and every memory, anything she remembered. The times when they would swim in the river, the nights when they’d meet in the grounds. The moments when it would just be her and Ewan, no one else.

  Isla rode for the entire afternoon until Rachel came to usher her inside. After that, Isla changed into a brand new maroon gown and sat in front of her dresser. Rachel helped Isla put on the jewelry and made her hair while Isla simply stayed lost in thought.

  “Ye mustn’t be so forlorn, me lady,” Rachel advised, giving her a comforting smile.

  “I am so very glad ye are here with me,” Isla said, squeezing Rachel’s hand that rested on Isla’s shoulder.

  “I am as well,” Rachel smiled.

  When Isla was ready, she headed downstairs to join her father in welcoming the Earl of Edinburgh. They moved to stand at the door of the castle when the guard announced the carriage was pulling in.

  “Ye look beautiful as always.” Laird Duggal kissed Isla’s forehead.

  “Thank ye, Da,” Isla replied, sweetly.

  Even after everything, with regards to his recent behavior and the move, how could she doubt her father’s love for her? Maybe his care and devotion was the reason Isla stood waiting to welcome a suitor, even though she loved someone else.

  The main doors opened and in walked a man looking almost her father’s age. Isla had to suppress her gasp of shock as she took in the Earl of Edinburgh’s appearance. He was old, with a scowl etched on his face and the scar shone on his right cheek resembled a claw mark from a bear.

  He didn’t give Isla a second look as he walked to her father and shook his hand.

  “Earl Edinburgh, I am pleased ye could join us,” Laird Duggal greeted.

  “It is my pleasure, Duggal,” Earl Edinburgh replied, his accent was foreign and British.

  “This is me daughter and gem, Isla Duggal,” Laird Duggal introduced.

  Isla curtsied and held out her hand.

  “Pleased to meet yer acquaintance, Earl Edinburgh,” Isla said, not meeting his eyes.

  He shook her hand lightly, giving her a sleazy smile before Laird Duggal led him to the Great Hall. Isla bit her lip in anxiety, giving Rachel a whining look before following her father and the Earl.

  Her father certainly knew how to get on her nerves.

  * * *

  “Did ye get a chance to ride around the lands?” Laird Duggal asked Earl Edinburgh over dinner.

  “I arrived early in the afternoon and have since then been busy with other affairs,” Earl Edinburgh replied.

  Isla had noticed, even when he joked, his tone sounded curt.

  “Well, it is an honor for ye to take time out to come join us for the evening feats.” Laird Duggal appreciatively, “Isn’t it, Isla?”

  “Aye,” Isla remarked, unconvinced.

  “I would like to see the surroundings, though. I hear the view is quite beautiful,” Earl Edinburgh said, giving Isla a look that made her feel uneasy.

  “Of course, Isla can show ye the surroundings,” Laird Duggal suggested, and Isla turned to glare at him.

  “Lovely.” Earl Edinburgh drawled. “I think this palace will be a good vacationing spot for the two of us after the wedding.”

  Isla nearly dropped her spoonful of food as Earl Edinburgh’s words registered with her. She turned to look at her father who had become pale.

  “Aye, of course,” Laird Duggal said, ignoring Isla’s angry look.

  Isla stayed quiet for the remainder of the dinner, knowing better than to cause drama in front of a guest and only irritate her father further. She couldn’t understand what he was doing and why he was doing this to her.

  Earl Edinburgh soon left. Isla turned to face her father now looking sheepish.

  “How could ye?” Isla accused. “Have ye no care left for me! Am I such a burden?”

  “Nay, ye are not! But ye have a duty to yer father,” Laird Duggal snapped.

  “What duty if ye don’t show any consideration for me?” Isla shouted, not caring about manners.

  “Isla, lower yer tone!” Laird Duggal roared, but Isla was beyond reason.

  “I will not! How could ye say aye to him without me consent?!” Isla broke down.

  Rachel rushed to hold her as she struggled to stay upright.

  “ENOUGH! Go to yer chamber!” Laird Duggal bellowed, his voice echoing in the castle and waking everyone up.

  Isla froze, her tears subsiding as she saw her father was not there, in his place was Laird Duggal. She wiped her tears and rushed past him, up to her chambers. She fell on her bed, gasping for breath as each sob shook her light frame.

  “Shh…” Rachel soothed, rubbing her back.

  “I’ll die if this happens,” Isla sobbed, unable to stay calm.

  “We won’t let it happen. We’ll inform Laird McDonald immediately,” Rachel suggested.

  Isla sat up, wiping her tears as an idea began to form in her mind.

  “Get me parchment and a quill,” Isla asked Rachel who rushed to follow the request.

  Rachel returned with the materials. Isla took them; rose from her bed, and walk to her dresser. She sat down on the ottoman and began to write.

  She poured her heart out into the letter, urging Ewan to rescue her from this prison and her father’s shackles. She begged him and pleaded with him, using their love as a means to get through to him.

  She finished writing her long letter just as her wet eyes began to drop from sleep.

  “Rachel, get this to him…” Isla said, drowsily as she fell on her bed.

  “I will,” Rachel teared up herself, concerned by seeing Isla in such a state.

  Rachel held the letter in her hands tightly and headed out, wanting it delivered as quickly as possible. She was going to pass it on to the messenger.

  * * *

  Ewan sat near the river, lost in his thoughts. He felt a dull ache in his heart, one that made functioning quite difficult. Everything seemed mundane to him; nothing held interest anymore. His days went by wondering when it would end, and his nights were spent in memories of his beloved.

  Though they talked through letters, Ewan couldn’t help but want more. He kept racking his brain trying to find a way to contact Isla; find something to make the next three months pass quickly. Once Isla and Ewan’s separation was over nothing could come between them.

  Ewan got up from the grass and dusted off his back. These days, he was too busy even to notice where the time went, but he did allow himself an hour to ride out to the river and sit and think. He got back up on his horse and headed to the castle. When he reached the castle, he went directly to his office, rather than to the evening feast.

  Sitting on top of official documents was a lone letter. Familiar with the writing, Ewan knew it was from Isla. He picked up the letter and began to read, the words making him freeze on the spot.

  Ewan,

  All the dreams we had, all the hopes we carried, they have been shattered. My love, my father brought me here to trap me. Trap me in his vice so I become his pawn in a game of politics. Ah dinnae kin what has happened to my dad, but he is not mine anymore.

  He has promised my betrothal to the Earl of Edinburgh already. Come save me, before I give in to the melancholia that suffocates me.

  Yours forever,

  Isla.

  Ewan reread the letter, not believing what he saw. He dropped the letter and raced out, wanting to waste no time. He had to get there before it was too late.

  * * *

  Isla’s heart broke with every minute that passed without a letter arriving from the McDonald clan. She felt disheartened and discouraged. Did Ewan not even have time to read her letter and write back? Had he really lost himself in the Lairdship that he had been so willing to sacrifice for her?

  Even though Isla knew she was being very unfair, her desolation made it difficult for her to focus on much else other than Ewan was not here. She didn’t have much time or patience left. Her father was refusing to talk to her, not that she cared either.

  She wasn’t going to talk to him either. It was one thing for him to introduce her to a potential suitor. It was an entirely different thing for him to arrange their marriage without her consent or approval. He hadn’t even talked to her about it, she had to find out in the most absurd situation, while dining with her supposedly future husband. Isla wondered what had been going on in her father’s mind.

  Isla wondered if her father would’ve hidden the news about her own marriage from her. By the looks of it, Isla did not expect much from him. Isla had been spending the past two days waiting desperately for any word from McDonald and Ewan. She felt alone and help…less. The only person that kept her going was Rachel, attentive and caring as ever.

  Isla sat in her private chambers, playing with her mother’s ring that she had put on a chain after her passing. It was a strong reminder of her mother and a way of having her in Isla’s life. Isla often sat and wondered about her mother, and the short time they had together. She remembered the many times she would get angry at her mother for not being there or for ignoring her. Now that Isla knew what had been happening, she felt immensely guilty.

  Agatha Lady McDonald that is had told Isla about her mother’s personality and how Isla resembled her in so many ways. The thought was a comfort to Isla, who knew everyone had loved and respected her mother.

  Isla couldn’t help but think of her mother and father’s love story. How they had met under absurd circumstances, and yet, still managed to fall in love and get married. Isla was absolutely confident that when her father finds out she loved Ewan, he would withdraw his commitment to the Earl of Edinburgh.

  Her father had been in love too; if he wouldn’t understand, who would after all? Isla knew she could talk to him herself. But if Ewan – now established in his title - were to respectfully approach her father, he would make a better case, as he would show that his bravery and honor makes him worthy of his daughter’s hand.

  Besides, Isla didn’t want to have an argument with her father. Ewan was calmer than she is, and he would manage the situation much better. While Isla placed her necklace back around her neck, she heard a few horses galloping towards the main courtyard. She wondered who it could be, fervently praying it wasn’t the Earl of Edinburgh.

  If her argument had achieved one thing with her father, it had been his silence. As long as he wasn’t talking to her, he wouldn’t ask her to go and meet the Earl.

  Curious as ever, Isla walked to the window and her breath caught in her throat. She raced through her bedroom door not caring who watched. She ran to the entrance just as the castle door opened. Standing on the other side was the face Isla had been longing to see for so long. It was her Ewan, hopefully coming to save her.

  Isla ran to him, as he opened his arms to catch her in time. The moment their bodies collided, Isla felt she was home again. She inhaled his scent as he held her tightly.

  “I’m here, me love,” Ewan whispered into her hair.

  Isla began to sob. “Ye must talk to him,” she cried

  “Shh. Rachel, take her to the Great Hall and summon Laird Duggal. Inform him I am here to meet him,” Ewan talked to Rachel, taking control of the situation around him.

  Isla clasped his hand tighter. “I’m not leaving ye.”

  “I know, love. I’m following behind ye.” Ewan said, “We need to be careful about how we deal with this.”

  “Hmm,” Isla nodded seeing his reasoning even through her emotions.

  Rachel led Isla to the Great Hall, before heading out to inform Laird Duggal about Ewan’s arrival.

  Isla sat, waiting for the men to arrive and would end her misery once and for all. A few minutes passed, and she heard Ewan and her father laughing as they entered the Great Hall; this was a very good sign, according to Isla.

  “What brings ye here me boy?” Laird Duggal asked, patting Ewan’s shoulder.

  “I was in the area to hunt.” Ewan lied, smiling. “I thought I could take this opportunity to discuss an important matter with ye.”

  “Aye aye, of course. Come sit,” Laird Duggal led Ewan to the table, blatantly ignoring Isla who in turn ignored him.

  “Then, me lad, what did ye want to discuss?” Laird Duggal asked after Rachel had served them tea and bread.

  “Isla and I have been friends for a long time.” Ewan began to speak, strongly. “We have grown up together.”

  “Aye,” Laird Duggal said, hesitantly.

  “Uncle Fergus, I love Isla, more than anything in this world and I wish to marry her with yer blessing,” Ewan said, holding Laird Duggal’s gaze.

  “Nay, it can’t happen,” Laird Duggal rejected, not giving it a second thought.

  “May I ask why?” Ewan questioned.

  “Because I have promised her to another suitor already,” Laird Duggal stated, curtly.

  Keeping his tone neutral, Ewan stated, “Uncle Fergus, I don’t think Isla will be happy in that union.”

 

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