Page 9

Kirsten was grateful that Moira was so understanding, and she felt a little better for her new sister. But her thoughts turned to home and the life she had left behind. She had yet to fully settle in her new surroundings and thought of herself as more of a guest at best, and an intruder at worst. When she thought of home, her mind turned to the manor she had grown up in, being surrounded by people who loved her. When she turned to face the keep that was her new home, she saw the patchwork buildings that gave her a sense of time, and wondered if she would ever feel the same way about this place as she did about home. She wished that Marcas was beside her. What she really wanted now was some comfort and support from her husband, but she didn’t even know if he was capable of those things.

Taking a deep breath, Kirsten decided to walk off breakfast and process her emotions. The air was sweet and crisp, and the sky was bright. Wispy white clouds drifted along past the sun, and the world looked blessed. While she didn’t want to wander too far lest she ruin the tour that Moira had planned, Kirsten strolled away from the castle and followed one of the paths that led towards the forest. As she approached, she heard an angry voice and saw that there was something of a commotion happening. There was a small post where a guard stood; Marcas was there with Max by his side, glowering with anger. Kirsten got close enough to hear what was being said and see the reactions, although she did not venture so close that she would interrupt something she didn’t know was her business to interrupt.

“What the hell did ye think ye were daeing? Yer job was tae scout those woods and make sure that naebody made it through tae us! Ye hae failed me, and I dinnae tolerate failures. Dae ye know what might have happened? They could hae killed us all, and on my wedding as well!”

“I’m sorry, my laird,” the soldier said. He looked young. His head was bowed, and his voice trembled.

“Aye, well, sorry wilnae matter if the enemy gets behind our lines and cuts our throats. What good will sorry dae then when we’re all covered in blood? I should send ye off tae fend for yerself!”

Marcas’s voice cut through the air like thunder. He was so livid that it certainly seemed as though a storm was raging around him. His cheeks were reddened, and every part of his body was taut and aggressive. He thrust a thick finger towards the soldier he was berating, and his other hand rested on the hilt of his sword. Fear twisted inside Kirsten’s mind at what might happen next. Marcas was capable of anything, and when he was in this black mood, there was a dark force that swirled around him; a force that frightened her. With the way he acted, she wouldn’t have been surprised had he cut down the soldier there and then.

Shaken and bewildered, Kirsten decided to hasten away because she did not want to see this kind of behavior from the man she had married. After last night, she had managed to convince herself that perhaps there was a tender part of Marcas’s heart, but if he could shout that way at a soldier, then what was he capable of with her?

Kirsten skipped away, wondering if she had done the right thing. Perhaps she should have stepped in and come to the soldier’s aid because surely he hadn’t deserved being spoken to like that? But the thought of confronting Marcas when he was as threatening as that made her quiver with fear. The hand that had been clutched in anger had roamed over her body. Was it anger that had fueled his passion?

She eventually entered a field filled with sheep and cattle. The sight of the grazing animals was calming, and she settled upon a small rise of ground. She rested on her elbow as she gazed into the distance, taking delight in watching the animals go about their business without a care in the world.

Such a display of anger from Marcas was a grim portent for the future, and it was horrible timing that Neil and Ramsay had left already. If they had stayed, she could have gone to them and told them her misgivings. Perhaps they would have been able to have a word with Marcas for her, or reassure her, but what could she do now? She would feel foolish if she sent a letter back home asking for something to be resolved because she was scared of her husband’s outburst. Kirsten also didn’t feel right in talking to Moira either because she didn’t want to put Moira in the position of having to defend her brother all the time.

All she knew is that she never wanted to be spoken to like that, and just the thought that her husband was capable of acting in that manner shook. All the progress that had been made after spending the night together was suddenly rendered pointless. She felt more distant from her husband than before, and feared that her life would be defined by terror. She remembered the way Marcas had looked at her when she danced with Roderick, as though she had done something to greatly displease him. And yet, he had made no effort to welcome her into his mind or share his thoughts. The only knowledge she had gleaned was from Moira. Would this always be the case?

She sighed heavily as she gazed out at the beautiful, natural scene around her. She wanted her life to be as simple as it was for these animals.