The swirling vortex pulled her deeper and deeper under the water flipping and spinning her in its strong current. She quickly realized that she didn’t know which way was up anymore. Her lungs burned desperately needing oxygen. The second she was ready to give in to her body’s needs her head broke the surface of an icy body of water.
Her teeth chattered as she swam toward shore. She looked around while she moved through the water, and it didn’t take her long to recognize the castle on the shore as Urquhart Castle. She was swimming through Loch Ness. What did surprise her was this was a fully functioning castle unlike the ruin she’d visited during the summer Europe trip her junior year of high school. So, she was in a time period between the 1200’s and it’s demise in 1692. She slowed her forward progress spotting several guards working the guard towers.
Would they call her a witch upon seeing her dressed in modern clothing? The moment her feet touched the bottom of the lake bed she resisted the urge to stand up. She didn’t want to draw any unwanted attention, but she also knew she couldn’t stay in the icy lake forever. She took a deep breath, held it, and slowly set her feet. The water swirled around her again as she stood up revealing a white linen long sleeve chemise and a deep brown wool kirtle and petticoat. She realized as she walked that she also had knee high socks and shoes on.
She stepped on shore near the drawbridge and large gate house to the castle. She’d expected to hear shouting, but was surprised to see the men hadn’t even noticed her presence. She found that to be a double edged sword. If she wanted to do so, she could simply walk away and the guards wouldn’t be the wiser. But the next place where she could find shelter was in Inverness, and she’d have to walk to get there. She was exhausted, freezing, and hungry, so walking to Inverness was out of the question. No, she needed to get these guards' attention.
She silently shook her head and looked up at the clear blue sky. It would have helped her tremendously if she had a name to ask for. She dropped her head and took several steps forward as she waved her arm. “Excuse me, sir!”
“They can not hear you, Alexis.”
Alexis nearly jumped out of her skin then spun around to see Artemis standing near the shoreline. “Are you really Artemis this time, and what do you mean they can’t see me?”
Artemis’s emerald green eyes sparkled and she ran a hand through her long raven hair before smiling. “Yes, I am myself this time. Apollo is spending this evening with a mortal woman from your time.”
“And they can’t see me why?” Alexis’s whole body shook uncontrollably and she wrapped her arms tightly around herself in an effort to conserve body heat.
“What good would you be to me if you are dead? I did not send you to the past only for you to die the moment you arrived.”
“Well, you were the one who sent me here with nothing. A name would also be very helpful in this situation and maybe a picture of what he looks like. I won’t be able to find him otherwise.”
“Yes, a name would be helpful, but your modern accent would betray you.” Artemis lowered her head, turning it toward her. “I am surprised that you know so much about us and our stories, but I really should not be.”
Alexis watched a smile spread across the huntress’s face in response to her frown. “Why?”
“You are a writer. You do what all writers do when weaving your tales of mystery, romance, murder, and fantasy. You rely on research.” The sparkle had returned to the Goddess’s emerald eyes.
“How did…no, never mind. Apollo said you could read minds. So, if the Scottish men of this time don’t trust me because they think I’m an English spy, how can I possibly hope to save this mysterious man?” Alexis lowered her hand and took a step backwards.
“His name is Lucian Fullarton, and you do it by blending into King Jame’s Royal Court. As long as you are in the King’s favor, you will be safe.”
“So says the Goddess who expects a Sassanach to gain favor with a Scottish King. Wait, which King James are we talking about? There’s been several over the centuries.”
“He is the son of Mary and will be king of both Scotland and England.”
“Okay, that puts me in the late 16th century.”
“You know your history.”
“It’s only because I recently did research on this time period, but my current problem still remains.”
Artemis sighed and nodded her head. “I will make you someone worthy of his court.”
“That’s great, but I think I’m a bit under dressed to attend court.” Alexis lifted her wool petticoat slightly then bit her lip.
Artemis viewed her clothing then nodded her head again. “At the time, I thought you could be a maid servant to a lady of the court.”
“It would allow me to nose around, but if I got caught being somewhere I shouldn't be…” Alexis ran her index finger across her throat.
“Yes, and that would not do.”
“No, it wouldn’t,” Alexis agreed.
“Then a Lady you shall be.” Artemis walked around her as the darkness settled in around them.
Alexis blinked her eyes as Artemis’s whole body began to glow. The glow became brighter until she was forced to shield her eyes with her hand. It lasted for but a moment then the glow around Artemis was gone having been replaced by a roaring fire at their feet. She lowered her hand noticing that her clothing had changed. The brown kittle and petticoat had been replaced with ones fit for a queen. She had never seen a deeper shade of purple in her life.
She joined Artemis by the fire and carefully sat down. “This is the most breathtaking dress I've ever seen, thank you.” Artemis nodded her head, her eyes focused on the fire. Something was wrong. “I know I’m nothing more than a mortal, but I can see something is bothering you.”
Artemis blinked, leaned back, and shook her head before focusing her emerald gaze on her. “You are more than a mere mortal, Alexis. You are Lady Alexis Fairfax of Cameron. When you wake in the morning you will have a horse to take you the short distance to Seton Palace. It will be there that you will cross paths with Lucian.”
“What do I do if James knows the Fairfax family? How am I supposed to pull off such a humongous lie?”
“You are a writer, Alexis. Make it up as you go along. I must go before I am missed. I wish you luck, and know that I am always watching should you need me.” With the wave of her hand, Artemis transformed into a silver wolf and ran off into the forest.
“Make it up as I go along? That’s helpful. The next thing you’ll probably tell me is I have to marry Lucian in order to save his life. I still don’t know what he looks like.” Alexis sighed and stared into the fire before jumping to her feet as a bolt of lightning struck the ground behind her. She expected the forest to be blazing, but instead found a plate setting on a table with steak, mashed potatoes, and broccoli. Sitting beside the plate was a note from Artemis.
“That is not a bad idea. Enjoy your dinner, and as requested here is a picture of Lucian. Commit it to memory.”
Alexis picked up the image and studied it. Lucian had a square jaw covered in dark facial hair and soft lips. His hair was dark brown and reached just past his shoulders. If not for the natural curl in it, the length would touch his shoulder blades. It was his chocolate brown eyes that took her breath away. She knew she could drown in those eyes.
She laid the picture back on the table then sat down to eat. Once she was done, she rose to her feet and moved back to the warmth of the dying fire and sat down. How in the world was she going to pull this off? She didn’t know anything about life in a royal court, or how to act like a lady of the sixteenth century. This was an impossible task, and it was clear to her that Artemis picked the wrong person for the job.
The sweet melody of song birds pulled her from a dreamless sleep. That was strange. Did she open a window last night? She stretched her tired body, opened her eyes, then froze. Seeing the beautiful blue sky above her, memories of yesterday’s events came flooding back. She slowly sat up and glanced over at the extinguished fire.
“At least I don’t have to worry about putting that out this morning. Now where did Artemis leave the horse she promised me?”
She turned around hearing a loud snort and a hoof hit the forest floor. Standing in the same spot as the table the night before was the most beautiful black Ariabian stallion she’d ever seen. He was already saddled and tied to a tree. She approached him slowly, stopping when a branch snapped under her feet. She glanced over her shoulder hoping the noise hadn’t been heard by the guards, but Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness were gone. There was nothing but a forest of trees surrounding them.
“Well, at least I know Artemis keeps her word.” She turned her head back around, approached the horse, and gently scratched him on his nose. “You are a beautiful stallion. You remind me of the stallion in a book I read a very long time ago, so if it’s alright with you I’d like to call you Black. If you were a mare I’d call you Beauty.”
He immediately nodded his majestic head and pranced his front legs. “What? Do you want me to call you Beauty instead?” He again nodded his head and a smile spread across her lips. “All right, then Beauty it is. Task one complete, now on to task two. How in the world am I going to learn to ride a side saddle?”
It took what seemed like an eternity of tries and fails before she was able to stay upright in the saddle while Beauty slowly walked around. Through it all Beauty had the patience of a Saint. It was early afternoon, from the position of the sun in the sky, by the time they approached Seton Palace. Though the ride from the dense forest to the palace was a short one it did allow her time to think up a story to tell King James.
From her research for her latest short story, the Kingdom of Navarre existed in the Sixteenth century. It resided in Spain, but that wouldn’t matter, she hoped. And it would make it easier for her if she struck as close to the truth as possible. As they approached the gatehouse of the palace, Alexis glanced down at Beauty as he snorted and shook his head.
“Don’t worry Beauty, the king won’t hurt you if I’m discovered. Why would he? You’re a beautiful steed whose only fault was being my mount. I won’t be so lucky if I’m discovered.” She placed her hand on her throat taking a deep breath. “I must remember that these people love to decapitate their prisoners.”
“Halt, who are ye, and what is your business here?”
“Okay, here goes nothing,” she said under her breath. Alexis swallowed hard before raising her voice saying, “I am Lady Alexis Daniels of Navarre. I am here seeking shelter from King James.”
“Wait there,” the guard said.
He left his post while the other guard watched her every move. Alexis bit her lip and tightened her grip on Beauty’s reins. If they didn’t believe her, she’d need to make a fast exit. The guard returned, spoke with the other guard, then once again left his post.
“This doesn’t look good, Beauty.” He snorted and nodded his head in apparent agreement. She jumped as the gate creaked upward and the guard walked through coming toward her and Beauty.
“King James has granted your request. You are welcome at Seton Palace, my Lady. Please ride inside and I will help ye to dismount.”
“That is very kind of you, sir.” Alexis gently nudged Beauty forward. They entered through the gate into the courtyard. She pulled Beauty to a stop and waited for the guard. Once on the ground, she brushed the dust off her dress.
“The king is waiting for you in the Great Hall.”
“Thank you for helping me down.” He nodded his head then turned toward the castle and walked inside. She bit her lip as she followed behind him into the castle. God help her.
As they walked into the Great Hall, Alexis forced her eyes to stay focused on the king sitting on his throne at the end of the hall instead of looking around like a tourist. She loved visiting many different castles while on her summer high school trip. They all had different ascetics of flair and decoration. This was definitely not the time to be eyeing Lord Seton’s flair for his Sixteenth Century home. That would be the best way to get herself killed. She stopped just in front of the king and curtsied as best as she could, since she’d never done it before.
“Welcome to Seton Palace, Lady Alexis. I know you are seeking shelter. It must have been a long journey for you, and you must be tired.”
She rose to her feet and nodded her head. “Yes, I am.”
“Very well, Lady Seton will show you to your guest room. We shall speak again at dinner.”
“Thank you, your Majesty.” She curtsied again then rose to her feet and followed behind who she assumed was Lady Seton.
They walked around winding passages and up the stairs to a row of closed doors. Alexis could only assume this section of the palace was designated for the guests. There were after all too many closed doors for it not to be. She entered the first door in the hall after Lady Seton and immediately bit her lip to keep her amazement quiet. The room was fit for a queen with a chandelier, paintings, rugs, a large queen size bed, and a fireplace. She walked to the window and looked down upon the garden.
“I hope ye will be comfortable here, Lady Alexis.”
She turned around nodding her head, unable to contain the smile that spread across her lips. “Yes, I think I will be. You have a very beautiful home, Lady Seton.”
“Thank you for your kind words. I will send Mary to help ye change for dinner. How soon until your trunk arrives?”
“Um, it’s not coming.”
Lady Seton frowned. “Excuse me?”
“All I have are the clothes I’m wearing. I was on my way home from Sweden. My ship made it through the rough North Sea, but the strong currents forced us to land at Leith. I fear my other ship didn’t make it or had to return to Sweden. And with just my personal stallion on board I couldn’t bring any of my trunks from the ship or any escort.” Okay, so not the truth, but it would be an easy lie to keep straight.
“That is terrible. I will find something for you to wear.”
“That’s very kind of you Lady Seton, but I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Nonsense Lady Daniels, you are King Jame’s guest as well as mine, and are far from home.”
Alexis smiled and nodded her head. You have no idea. “Thank you, Lady Seton. I truly appreciate your hospitality.”
“It is my pleasure, but if I am being honest you remind me of my daughter Margaret. I miss her. I hope to spend more time with her when the Queen arrives.”
“I’m sure you’ll get that opportunity.”
“Yes, we shall see. I will leave you to rest before dinner.” Lady Seton smiled then turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Alexis walked over to the bed and sat down before she buried her face in her hands. What the hell was she doing? She was messing around with the lives of real people and for what? All because the Greek Goddess of the Hunt needed her to save the life of a drop dead gorgeous Scottish Highlander. She wasn’t God for crying out loud. She didn’t have the power to choose who lives and who dies. Besides, if he died in the original history, why should she even attempt to change his fate?
She lifted her head sniffling as she looked up at the ceiling and wiped away her tears. “Mom, I could really use some advice right now. What should I do?” She sighed a minute later and shook her head. She rose to her feet and walked back to the window looking down at the garden. It was worth a shot.
No, she had to snap out of this depression. Her Mom couldn’t help her, neither could her Dad even if he were here. The only person who could help her was herself. She got herself into this mess by not thinking before leaping. Now she was the one who’d get herself out of it. She turned around hearing a soft knock on the door.
“Come in, it’s open.” A young woman with long blond hair entered the room smiling slightly, then stepped aside as two soldiers entered carrying a trunk.
“Where would ye like this, my Lady?”
“Oh, here at the foot of the bed will be fine. Thank you.”
The soldiers placed the trunk at the foot of the bed, bowed their heads, then left the room shutting the door. The young woman lifted the lid then took a step backwards. “My Mistress said ye were in need of clothes. These are some of Lady Margaret’s gowns my Mistress wanted ye to have.”
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
“She didn’t have to do that, but I am grateful. You must be Mary. Please call me Alexis.” She gave the young woman a warm smile and slowly approached her.
“No, my Lady, I canna do that. I would be wiped for sure if I did.” Mary quickly shook her head.
“Oh, my God, Mary, I’m sorry. Forget that I even suggested it. I don’t want you to be harmed because of me.”
“Ye have caused me no harm, my Lady. I do thank ye for the offer. Ye and my Mistress arena like the other ladies of the court I serve.”
“How so?”
“Ye both are kinder, and ye treat me as a person instead of the lowly servant that I am.”
“That’s because you are a person Mary, just like the ladies of the court. You might be a commoner, but who knows someday you could become a princess.”
“Perhaps, but for now I am here to serve ye. We must not keep hissel waiting.”
“Who’s hissel?”
“He is the King, my Lady.” Mary frowned at her.
“Oh, right, yes, we mustn't keep him waiting.” Alexis helped her where she could then froze. Her hand had slid into a pocket stitched inside the petticoat, and it was pressed against her cell phone. What was she going to do? She knew she couldn’t let Mary see the device, even though she knew it shouldn’t work in the current time period she was in. She was surprised that it had made the journey in the first place, but it had been in the pocket of her shorts when she stepped into the Gulf.
“My Lady, is there something wrong?”
“Yes, I thought I heard someone outside the door. Would you mind locking it please?”
“Of course, my Lady. I am sorry. I should have done that once we were alone.” Mary turned and walked toward the door.
Alexis quickly pulled the cell from her pocket and hurried it under the clothes inside the trunk. “It’s all right, Mary. I’m not angry.” She straightened her body as the lock slid into place and Mary turned back around.
“Ye arena?” Mary frowned again as she reached her side.
“No, of course not. Everyone makes mistakes, even me, so why would I be angry with you?” Alexis lowered her arms as the last piece of the dress Artemis gave her was removed.
“My mistake could have cost ye yer virtue.” Mary dipped a wash cloth in a basin of water and squeezed out the excess.
“No, Mary, it wouldn't. Yes, I would have been mortified if a man saw me naked, but a gentleman always knocks before entering a room. At least, that’s what I read in books.” She gently took the wet cloth and quickly wiped away the dirt and grime.
“I am afraid men arena the gentlemen we wish they were, my Lady.” Mary turned toward the trunk and pulled out clean clothes.
Alexis’s hand stilled mid rinse watching Mary gather the clothes, her heart breaking for the young woman. “Did someone hurt you, Mary?”
She quickly shook her head. “No, my Lady,” she said biting her lip but the sob still escaped her lips.
Alexis shook her head silently cursing herself, grabbed the clean chemise from the bed, threw it over her head pulling it down, then wrapped her arms tightly around Mary’s shaking body hugging her close. The young woman melted into her arms and sobbed her eyes out. She was going to be late for dinner. Clearly a crime in this time period, but she didn’t care. She would need to make damn sure Lady Seton or King James didn’t punish Mary for her tardiness. Mary had already been through enough in her young life, and had she known what Mary had been through she wouldn’t have used it as an excuse to hide her phone.
Mary’s sobs slowed and she lifted her head as the clock on the nightstand began chiming. “We must hurry, my Lady. Ye are late for dinner.”
“I’m also a guest from another kingdom, Mary. The King will understand.”
“Ye dinna know him, my Lady. We must hurry.”
Alexis nodded her head and helped where she could. Once she was properly dressed, she quickly followed behind Mary through the castle. She was glad to have a guide, because without it she would have become completely lost. As they entered the Great Hall, a chilling silence spread across the room and everyone looked in her direction. She nodded at Mary before she quickly approached the head table curtsying once she reached it.
“Please forgive my lateness, your Majesty. It was entirely my fault.”
“Girl, step forward.” James lifted his hand and motioned Mary forward.
“Yes, my Lord.” Mary curtsied then rose to her full height.
“How long have you served in this household?” She didn’t like the tone she was hearing in James’s voice.
“I have served Lady Seton since childhood, my Lord.” Alexis bit her lip glancing at Mary. The young woman was shaking so hard her own shoulders shook.
“And how many ladies have been late to dinner or supper?” James sat back in his chair.
“None, my Lord.” Mary dropped her face into her hands.
“Very well, since it is your first offense, five lashes should be punishment enough. Take her,” he commanded.
Alexis immediately stepped in front of the trembling woman and shook her head. “No, Sire, please don’t punish her. She did nothing wrong.”
“It is her fault you are late, my Lady. And she must be punished as an example to the others.”
“Then I’ll take the lashes, Sire.”
“Lady Daniels, I canna punish you for a servent’s mistake.” James crossed his arms over his chest.
“And I refuse to stand by while you whip this poor woman over something that wasn’t her fault. I ask you with respect to either allow me to take the lashes or drop the matter entirely.”
“My Lady, please dinnae do this. I can take the lashes.” Mary tried to step around her, but she blocked her from the two soldiers standing in front of them.
“No, Mary, you’ve been through enough. I can’t let you take the blame for this. I told you I’m not like the others, and I meant it.” Alexis glanced over her shoulder at Mary then stepped up to the waiting soldiers.
“As you wish, my Lady. Men hold her,” James ordered. He rose to his feet and walked around the table to another soldier who handed him a whip.
Alexis didn’t resist when the two men roughly grabbed her arms. She’d volunteered for this, and there was no backing out now. She locked eyes with Lady Seton who was still sitting at the head table and mouthed ‘I’m sorry.’ She dropped her head and closed her eyes hearing the back of her dress get ripped open. God, this was really going to hurt. She breathed in slowly through her nose and out through her mouth as she waited for the first lash to fall.
It fell seconds later, the sting of the impact caused her to suck in a gasp of air. She bit her lip hard, tasting blood, but she was able to contain the scream in her throat as the second then third lash struck her back. The fourth lash broke the skin ripping a cry from her throat. She sagged against the soldiers after the fifth lash struck her. Her back was on fire, but at least it was finally over.
“Hold her up! Her punishment isna finished.”
What! He’d said five lashes, and she’d taken them all. She glanced up at each soldier as they returned her to her former position. This wasn’t happening was it? The crack of the whip as it struck her back for a sixth time told her otherwise. Scream after scream was ripped from her throat with each lash until she was too horse to scream.
“My Lord, she has received her just punishment.”
Alexis sagged against a soldier unable to stand on her own feet. Who was her savior? She struggled to turn her head, but it refused to obey. She suddenly cried out as a pair of gentle arms lifted her up, jarring her ripped and torn back. They were barely out of the Great Hall when the next thing she knew she was back in her guest room. Had she passed out while she was carried upstairs?
“My Lady, please forgive me, but ye must stand for a moment.”
“I’ll try.” Her voice sounded much like a bullfrog. Her knees buckled the second her feet touched the stone floor. He quickly wrapped his arm around her waist supporting her weight which allowed her to finally see the face of her rescuer once she looked up at him. “Oh, my God, it’s you.” The door slammed open making her jump and lose sight of his handsome face when he looked toward the door.
“Lucian Fullarton, what the hell are you doing? Ye know what she is!”
“Aye, Marcus, she is a lass who has just been severely lashed by the king.”
“She is also one of them! I can smell it in her blood! I know ye can as well! Why are you helping her instead of killing her?”
Alexis lifted her head off of Lucian’s warm chest and looked at the new arrival. When had she laid her head on his chest? No, it didn’t matter, but what did matter was what she’d just heard. What had she done to this man that he wanted her dead? He was a complete stranger to her. Up until that moment she’d never seen him before.
“I dinnae see them the way you and Thalia do. She has done nothin’ to us, Marcus.”
“Thalia should have left ye to die in Inverness centuries ago.” Marcus took a step toward them baring his teeth.a low growl came from his throat, his eyes locking on her.
“I willna allow you to harm her, Marcus. She is innocent.” Lucian shifted their bodies so that he now stood in front of her.
“None of them are innocent!”
Lucian took a step away from Marcus pushing her backwards in the process. She stumbled when the back of her legs hit the closed trunk. He must have heard the thud over Marcus’s shouting because he let go of her. Without his support, she crumpled landing on the trunk. She leaned her shoulder and head against one of the bed posts, her eyes lifting toward the two men. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
“Why Marcus, because Thalia says they arena innocent?”
“It is not just Thalia Lucian, but the Elders as well. If you willna kill her, then I will.”
He took a step toward her, but Lucian hit him in the chest wip the palm of his hand. Marcus flew backwards hitting the far wall. She blinked and Lucian was in front of Marcus lifting him up by his throat. Wait, how had he gotten to the window so fast? Lucian was very tall which meant he could take large strides when he walked, but it still should have taken him longer than a millisecond to reach Marcus.
“You willna touch her as long as I live and breath, Marcus.” He lowered Marcus and released him once his feet were on the stone floor. He took a step backwards toward her.
Marcus coughed and rubbed his throat with his hand. “Ye willna be able to keep your little pet safe for long once Thalia learns about her.”
“Perhaps, but for now she is safe from you. Please Marcus, dinnae force me to hurt you.”
Marcus lifted his hands, and nodded his head but said nothing. Please don’t turn your back toward him, Lucian. This was the oldest trick in the book. She lifted her head slightly from the bed post as Lucian turned toward her. Her eyes locked with his chocolate brown eyes then darted toward Marcus catching the glint off of a silver looking dagger he pulled from a sheath on his belt. He took a step forward and raised the dagger above his head.
“Look out!”
Lucian spun around landing a right hook then followed it with a left hook. Marcus stumbled backwards, dropping the dagger. He shook his head, growled, then charged at Lucian. He easily caught Marcus by the throat, lifted him off his feet, then slammed him down on the stone floor. The whole room shook with the force of the impact. He took a step backwards while Marcus staggered to his feet.
The two men faced off again exchanging blows. They both appeared to be evenly matched, but Lucian did seem to be slightly stronger than Marcus. Both men were covered in bruises and blood, but they continued to throw punch after punch. How was this even possible? Marcus threw a quick uppercut then sneered as Lucian stumbled backwards only to catch himself on the bedpost before he fell on top of her. Before Lucian had a chance to move, Marcus picked up the dagger from the stone floor and threw it.
Lucian cried out as the dagger slammed into the soft tissue of his right shoulder. His right hand instantly dropped from the bedpost, but he was still able to steady himself using his left hand. Once he was again standing on his feet, he ripped the dagger from his shoulder dropping it to the stone floor. He grabbed his injured shoulder while blood ran down his arm staining his shirt then dripped off of his fingertips. Marcus stepped forward, but Lucian surprised him with a left hook. Marcus staggered backwards and Lucian charged forward slamming his left shoulder into Marcus then hit him in the chest.
The force of the impact launched Marcus through the air and out of the window. Alexis gasped and tried to stand, but Lucian shook his head. He grabbed his blood soaked shoulder and slowly approached the shattered window. He glanced down then for the first time since the fight began his shoulders slumped.
“Is he dead?”
“Nay, he isna dead.”
“What? How is that possible? No one could have survived that fall.” Alexis frowned up at Lucian as he approached her.
“We can.” Lucian bent down retrieving the dagger from the stone floor.
Alexis gasped again as he returned to his full height. The bruises covering his face a second before were gone as was the blood and scratches. Even the bleeding coming from his wounded shoulder appeared to be slowing down much faster than was humanly possible. “Where did the bruises go? You shouldn’t have healed that fast.”
“He nodded his head as he set the dagger on her lap then took a step away from her. “I know ye are confused lass, and I promise I will explain it all to you but…”
“Lucian, Lady Daniels are you all right? I heard the window shatter.” Lady Seton walked into the room carrying a bowl of water and some cloth.
“We are fine, Lady Seton. Marcus willna be bothering us any longer today, but the king should be on high alert.”
“I will inform him.” She handed Lucian the cleaning supplies then turned to leave.
“Lady Seton, perhaps you should stay. I fear the lass mayna allow me near her right now.”
“No, you promised to tell me what’s going on.” Alexis laid her head against the bed post again, her eyes drifting shut. Her back no longer burned but it did throb. She opened her eyes as gentle fingers brushed against her cheek.
“I will keep my promise, lass. You deserve to know everything, but your back needs tending and the king must be warned.” He stepped back and looked over at Lady Seton. “My Lady, would you please keep that dagger safe for the lass?”
Lady Seton turned back toward him, and nodded her head. “I will. Lucian, why was Marcus with you today? I thought ye broke all ties wi’ the clan?”
“I did, but the clan still serves the king as do I. We crossed paths on the way here. Take care of her, my Lady.” He glanced down at her one more tie then he was gone.
Lady Seton lifted the dagger and placed it on the nightstand then returned to her side. Over the next five minutes, she struggled to remain upright as she gingerly walked around the bed. She laid down on her stomach and buried her face in the blankets sobbing softly. The small movement reignited the burning and reopened several of the deepest cuts scattered across her back. By the time Lady Seton had finished cleaning the cuts, she was panting hard and covered in sweat.
“Rest child, the worst is over. I will bring ye a plate of food after supper for when ye are hungry.”
She turned her head toward the kind woman and smiled slightly. “Thank you, Lady Seton. I’m so sorry that Margararate’s dress has been ruined.”
“It is a dress, Lady Daniels. Another can be made, but what ye did for Mary was so brave. I have never seen another Lady of the Court volunteer to take a servant's lashes before.”
Alexis sniffed and nodded her head. “It was the right thing to do. I just wish I’d known the king would go past his original sentence. I’m thankful Lucian stepped in when he did.”
“The king is a good man. I dinnae think he has ever met a lady such as ye, lass. Most people are screaming by the third lash, but you held it inside. It angered him that your strength made him look weak as a punisher, and he took it out on ye.”
“Lucky me.” Alexis allowed her eyes to drift shut effectively shutting out the world. Her back still burned, but the cool wet cloth draped over the cuts strangely eased the pain allowing her to relax. She didn’t know of any herbal remedies that Lady Seton could have dipped the cloth in, but she was sure she’d done something to it. And she was extremely grateful to her for it.
She jumped as a hand gently touched her shoulder. A hiss of pain escaped her lips from the sudden movement as she blinked her eyes open. The room was dark, and she could hear the crackling of the fire burning behind her in the hearth. A candle burned on the nightstand table casting a soft glow over Lucian’s face. She gingerly rolled over until she was laying on her side.
“I am sorry to wake ye lass, but the king wishes to speak with ye.”
“Oh, am I about to be severely punished again? As if my back has even begun to heal from the beating I got earlier today.”
“It is actually Thursday, my Lady.”
Alexis frowned and slowly sat up holding her ruined dress against her chest. “Thursday…but I arrived on Sunday. How did I sleep for three days?”
“You dinnae, my Lady. You only slept for a single day and afternoon.” Lucian returned her frown.
“What’s the date?” Alexis rubbed the sleep from her eyes then focused her attention on Lucian.
“It is the twenty-first of September, my Lady.”
“I slept through the Equinox.”
“Aye, ye did, but the king didna wish to celebrate after what he did to ye. That is in part why he wishes to speak wi’ ye.”
“I see. Other than to apologize for his actions, why else would he want to talk to me?”
“Ye will soon find out, my Lady. Mary, ye may enter.” Lucian rose to his feet, passed Mary, then walked out of the room.
“I have a new dress for ye, my Lady. I will be gentle fastening ye up, but I must clean your back before ye get dressed.”
Alexis nodded her head before she turned her back toward the young woman. “Why couldn’t the king wait until tomorrow morning to talk to me?”
“I dinnae know, my Lady.”
“I know you don’t, Mary.”
Alexis glanced over her shoulder smiling at the young woman as she gently cleaned her back. She was dressed thirty minutes later. She sat at the vanity admiring the white gown she was dressed in. It was even more elegant than the ruined dress she’d wore the day before.
The outer part of the gown was white linen with sheer silk sleeves attached. Lace was stitched to the sleeves and bodice framing her neck. Golden embroidered swirls dotted the white gown accenting the golden panels on the front of the bodice and gown. She glanced up hearing a knock at the door.
“It’s open.” She started to stand up as the king entered the room, but he quickly shook his head at her.
“No, please sit, my Lady.” He sat down on the trunk lid and sighed.
Alexis nodded her head then sat back down. “As you wish, Sire.”
“What I wish is to apologize to ye, my Lady. I became angry hearing the Lords whispering, and I took that anger out on you. For that, I am truly sorry.”
“Thank you for the apology, Sire. I accept it.” Alexis gave the king a slight smile.
“Of course, Lady Daniels. I spoke with Lady Seton and she thinks the cuts arena deep enough to leave a scar.” He paused then locked his eyes with hers. “My Lady, you must be wondering what is going on, and why you are dressed as you are.”
“Yes, I actually was.”
James nodded his head. “I have spoken with Lucian, and he assures me this must be done to keep ye safe.”
“Safe from what, Sire? I don’t understand.”
“I know you dinnae, and I dinnae know enough about them or you to answer that question. Lucian will explain everything after the ceremony.”
“Alexis frowned and shook her head at James. “Ceremony…what ceremony?”
“Yer wedding ceremony.” James slowly rose to his feet and held his hand out toward her.
“What? No, I’m not marrying anyone.” Alexis rose to her fee and stepped from the king.
James nodded his head and lowered his hand. “Ye arena one of my subjects so I canna force you to marry Lucian, but he is. He says you willna be safe if ye leave Scotland.”
“And you believe him?”
“He has never spoken a falsehood to me before, so I have no reason to suspect he is now. The choice is yours to make, my Lady.” James held out his hand toward her once again.
Alexis bit her lip, her mind racing. Artemis did want her to save Lucian’s life, and becoming his wife would give her complete access to him. But she knew absolutely nothing about him, and marriage was forever. At least until she completed her quest and Artemis returned her to her own time. The king was waiting. She had to make her decision quickly to avoid seeing his anger resurface.
She sighed, took a step forward, and wrapped her arm around James’s arm. “I choose to trust you and Lucian, Sire. If it will keep me safe from this unknown danger, then I will marry him,”
“You have made a wise choice, my Lady.” James led her toward the door.
She smiled and nodded her head. She could only hope he was right. “We shall see.”