Melody swallowed, nodding. “So I see.”
Footsteps approached, and Melody glanced up to find a soldier hurrying toward them. He bowed to Sophie, smiled at Kat, then threw a look of obvious uncertainty toward Melody.
“Forgive me, me Lady,” he began hesitantly, addressing Sophie. “But I have a letter. For her.”
He jerked his chin in Melody’s direction. Sophie narrowed her eyes.
“If byherye mean Lady Melody, Laird MacDean’s betrothed, then say so,” Sophie answered, her voice light and audibly dangerous.
The man blushed. “A-Aye, me Lady, that is what I mean. The letter was heavily sealed.”
“And ye are tellin’ me this, why? Of course, the letter is sealed. Did ye think we would wish to open Lady Melody’s correspondence and read it before she does?” Sophie clicked her tongue. “I certainly hope that isnaewhat ye mean.”
The man had gone as red as a beet. He mumbled something under his breath and fumbled in his jerkin, drawing out a neatly folded envelope almost buried under a variety of seals. There were at least four, possibly five, and there was no chance the letter would ever be opened without breaking the seal. To Melody’s chagrin, he handed the letter to Sophie, not to her. Sophie shook her head and gave an impatient sigh, waving the man away.
“Forgive his rudeness,” she commented to Melody. “They daenae ken what to make of ye. Here, take ye letter. Judgin’ by the crest on the seal, I’d say it comes from Clan MacLeon.”
“MacLeon? It’s from my sister, then,” Melody gasped, snatching at the letter. She moved a few steps away, snapping the seals one by one. How long had it been since she had received a letter from Victoria? Correspondence between London and the Highlands took far too long to arrive, but now that she was also in the Highlands, perhaps they could communicate more quickly.
The letter was not long, and took her only a few minutes to read.
My Dearest Melody,
I was shocked to receive a letter from Laird MacDean, informing me that you are in his keep and betrothed to him. There is more to it, I am sure.
I would come to see you at once, except that I am still vomiting regularly and cannot travel. Pregnancy is not very enjoyable so far, let me warn you, sister. Arran does not wish to leave me, and worries that sending an envoy of soldiers to collect you and bring you to us might be seen as a declaration of war.
So, I have sealed this letter very thoroughly, so you will know at once if it has been opened and read by anyone before you. I should have a reply from you within three days, sooner if Laird MacDean sends a rider. If there is no response, Arran and I will come for you, and we will bring soldiers.
If you are being held at Keep MacDean against your will, Melody, rest assured that I am coming to save you. I have spoken to my husband, and we are in agreement. Any insult oroutrage to you is an insult to us. We will start a war to free you, if need be.
Write back to me quickly. I’ll have no rest until I know that you are safe, either at Keep MacDean—if you have indeed chosen to be there—or here with us.
All my love,
Your Sister, Victoria
“Oh, dear,” Melody mumbled aloud. The letter was hastily written, full of misspellings, blots, and crossed-out words, with none of Victoria’s usual graceful handwriting.
She is furious.
“All well, lassie?” Sophie enquired, sounding as if she had already guessed what was inside the letter.
“Y-Yes, but I need to reply to this letter at once,” Melody responded. “My sister is worried for me. Will you excuse me? This really cannot wait.”
Sophie inclined her head. Putting her back to the training field, Melody set off at a brisk run back toward the Keep.
What on earth am I going to say? And what if Victoria doesn’t believe me? Would this really trigger a war? And if it does, what on earth shall I do about it?
12
Ashort letter would do, Melody decided. She could explain the details of her case to her sister later, but for now, Victoria only wanted to know that she was safe. A few lines would do, explaining that she was safe, that she had chosen a betrothal, and that all was well. She would send off another letter explaining it all. Victoria would understand, since her own courtship had been… well, unorthodox to say the least.
Not that Melody’s situation was the same. It was not. Theirs wasnota courtship, nothing like that. It was simply a… a means to an end.
A punishment, in my case, she thought grimly.For trespassing. A way to avoid going home just yet.
That was an unsettling thought, one that made her stomach plunge. The month would end, Callum would end the betrothal, and send her away. She did not have to go directly home, of course. She could go to Victoria.
