Chapter Thirty-One
Emlyn awoke alone. She didn’t know how long she’d lain in the bed. She blinked and realized she was clearheaded. Besides her throat, which was scratchy, she felt much better. The fever was gone and nothing ached.
The bedchamber door creaked, and she sat up when Lady Ross entered.
“Ah, Princess, you’re awake.” She approached and touched her forehead with the back of her hand. “No fever. Appears you’ve recovered. You must be thirsty.” She held a cup out to her and she took it.
“I must apologize, my lady, for coming here without permission and falling ill.”
“Worry not, for Donal’s been pacing the great hall with guilt for yelling at you upon your arrival.” She smiled widely.
“I hope he is not too upset with me.”
“He is more worried that you will be well. My Anne seems to have run off with your brother.” Her words were spoken so nonchalantly that Emlyn almost didn’t understand what she had said.
Emlyn dropped the cup and water soaked the covering on her lap. “What? My brother and your Anne are gone? Where did they go?”
Lady Ross smirked. “I know not, but Donal has the sentry looking for them. Do you deem they might have gone to the Gunn keep?”
Emlyn sighed. “I hope not. Griffen doesn’t understand what happened between James and me. I am not even certain I understand.”
“Well, you still need to rest and they will return when they decide to.”
She couldn’t believe her brother would be so rash. Worry furrowed her brow, but until she knew where he went she would try not to fear. “I wish not to be abed any longer. I am better and only my throat hurts.”
“I shall have cook make a warm brew for you. Would you care for a bath? I will have a tub brought and we shall get you garbed in a warm gown.”
“That sounds akin to heaven right now.” Emlyn retreated from the bed and noticed she wore a soft-worn night-rail. Lady Ross had taken such care of her. “My thanks, my lady, for everything.”
Lady Ross took her in her arms and hugged her. She wasn’t sure why the lady did so, but it made her feel awkward.
“You’ve had a time, haven’t you? I don’t want ye to worry for everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I’m sorry child that you were banished. That must have been difficult.”
Emlyn wanted to cry, for she’d been turned away from her family when she needed them the most. She couldn’t retort to Lady Ross’ words and remained silent for not only was her throat sore, but emotion clogged it.
“I will return soon.” She released her and went to the door. “Things will seem much brighter in the morn.” Lady Ross left her and closed the door.
Emlyn went to the window casement and looked out at the darkening sky. Dusk had settled on the land and the days were getting shorter. Mayhap morning would bring her solace. At least she felt better. She stood by the window for many minutes pondering what her brother was up to.
“Griffen, what have you done?”
After she was bathed, garbed, and her wavy hair detangled, Emlyn was bid to join the Ross’ for their supper. Laird Ross wasn’t in the hall when she entered. She sat next to Betany, who was a shy lass and didn’t speak much. But she smiled at her and slowly ate the fare that had been set before her.
The chieftain came, and his heavy footsteps alerted them of his arrival. He marched into the hall and removed his sword, setting it on a table behind the large trestle table they sat at.
“I’ve no word of them. Do you deem they ran off? Would Anne do something so reckless?” He rubbed his face and glared at her. “Your brother has stolen my daughter.”
Emlyn didn’t know what to say to that. “I … am sorry, my lord. It is unlike Griffen to do anything so impetuous. I pray that they return safely.”
“Are ye well now, lass?” Laird Ross set about eating his supper, his face devoid of friendliness, but that is what she should’ve expected.
“I am, my lord. I thank you for your hospitality.”
“Good then ye can be gone on the morrow.”
Emlyn set down the supper dagger she held. “Do you detest me that much, Laird Ross?”
He leaned back in his chair and stared at her. “I have never seen Grey so dejected. He was worried for his guardsman. They’d been friends since they were wee. When ye hurt my comrades, you hurt me.”
She stood and loosely held her hands at her side. Remarkably her voice remained calm when she spoke. “I never meant to hurt anyone. If anyone was hurt it was me. My family sent me away to wed a man who is our greatest enemy. And I akin to a court fool believed my father wanted my safety when he bid me to run away with the Gunn clan. When all he wanted to do was rid himself of me. I am sorry, my lord, if you deem you and your friends were hurt. But I am the one who lost everything.”
Laird Ross stood hastily, which caused his chair to fall back and crash to the floor. He marched to her and pulled her into an embrace. As much as Emlyn wanted him to release her, she couldn’t help the woe that overcame her. She wept, cried like a bairn on a Sunday baptism, all over the onerous chieftain’s tunic.
“I’ve been harsh with ye, lass. I don’t like seeing a woman distraught. Cease your tears. I will speak with Grey and see what we can do to get James to forgive ye.”
Emlyn wiped her eyes with the backs of her hands. “Nay, please let it be. I’ve caused him enough hurt. I won’t bring him more woe. I would that you allow me to stay here. I’ll do anything for employment in repayment.”
Laird Ross took her hand. “Get yourself better and then we’ll speak of it.”
*****
Emlyn wasn’t tired. She lay wide awake in the large bed she shared with Betany. The lass didn’t stir in her sleep. Emlyn tossed and turned the entire night and disturbed her more than once.
In frustration, she decided to rise. She’d rather sit in the great hall than lie in bed with nothing better to do than reason all the mistakes she’d made in the last few months.
After washing and donning a gown Lady Ross left for her, she went to the hall. No one had risen yet, and she decided to get some air. It was cool outside with a light breeze, but not cold enough to warrant wearing a cloak.
Emlyn ambled along and noticed several Ross clans people about. As she walked along the lane that led from the main keep, she kept thinking about Laird Ross’ offer to speak with Grey about her situation. Would that they could get James to forgive her? She didn’t know what it would take or how hurt he was.
He’d all but told her to go. She hadn’t realized that he was upset or bothered by her will to leave. If only he’d said something.
Take my heart with you when you go for it will always be yours.
She had to wonder if he truly loved her or if his words were spoken in haste. Emlyn gazed ahead and saw Laird Ross standing near the stables. It appeared as a lean-to, but the stalls and wood was sturdy and a wall of stone sheltered the animals. He held the reins of a beautiful white horse. There was nary a speck of any other color or markings on him.
“Good morn, my lord.”
“Princess Emlyn, you’re up early this day.”
When she reached him, she stood next to him watching the remarkable steed. “Pray, call me Emlyn. I don’t deem I’ve ever been a princess. I couldn’t sleep and decided to take a walk. Who does this beauty belong to?” She reached out to pet the horse, but it whinnied and side-stepped.
“He’s mine. Were a gift from Alexander, our king, for soothing the tempers of two rival clans.”
“Is he trained? Can I ride him?” How she would love that.
Laird Ross laughed. “He’s a warhorse, lass, and too big for the likes of you.”
Emlyn folded her arms and took on an annoyed stance. She was about to tap her foot in annoyance, when the laird grumbled something she didn’t catch.