Chapter 35

"Mama, my stomach aches. I'm hungry, mama." The small lad whispered after he had made sure the door to his mothers chambers was ajar.

His mother lay on the bed. He could hear noise coming from the bed, it sounded like she was hurt, but he dared not go to her, recalling all to well what had happened when he had come to her room last.

"Does it seem to you that I care? Go away from here. How many times have I told you I do not want to see your ugly face?" She snarled vehemently.

He repulsed her, infuriated her. Mumbling incoherently under her breath, she began to yell for the butler.

"Butler! Butler! Where is the bloody butler!"

"Yes, your ladyship." The man answered as he quickly came into her room. His eyes surreptitiously taking in his surroundings. He had left his lordship with his head in his cups, only to see his ladyship was in bed with another man. He didn't know which horror was worst for the child. Nor did he know how much longer he could stay silent.

"I pay you to take care of this boy, can you not do your job correctly?"

Anger sizzled like molten lava in the butlers veins, demanding to be unleashed, but he was helpless to obey. His anger would only cost the child, a child he had come to love as his own.

With tight, thinned lips, he gently took the boys hand and ushered him out the room.

"When ever ye are hungry, Tin-Tan, always come to me." He said kindly as he looked him in the eye.

"But, Tan is gone, there is no Tin without Tan." Tin said as hot tears rolled down his thin face, his small form beginning to shake.

"Nay, lad. Tan may have left the world, but he will always be here." He whispered softly as he touched Tins heart.

"He left because of me."

"Nay, don't ever say that. He left because it was his time to go. Not because of you, lad." He said fiercely as he clutched Tins smaller form, unbidden tears of anger and anguish trailed down his cheeks to fall into Tins bronzed locks.

"The nerve of that man! I can not believe him! He had the audacity to say that to me! Me! I will show him his place! Where is papa!......."

Sapphire listened to Isabella's rant with half a mind, too busy savoring the garlic cheese bread cook had made for her. It was heavenly.

Three days later, and she was still fuming with rage at Alexander. It didn't help that Alexander continued to remind her at every given opportunity how unladylike she was.

"Sapphire! Are you listening to me!"

"Of course I am." Sapphire said automatically, just noticing she had missed half of Isabella's angry opinions.

"Good," Isabella nodded, satisfied.

"So will you help me?"

Sapphire finished the last of her bread, stalling for time. How did Isabella need help? And how is she to answer her without giving away the fact she wasn't listening? She would have to be very cautious with her answers.

"What do you mean when you say help." Sapphire said evenly, hoping, and succeeding, in evading Isabella's temper.

"Remember when you and papa put dead rats under lord Glasgow's pillow." Isabella said with a shudder.

Sapphire's brow furrowed slightly in concentration, trying to remember.

"The old man who would smelled? He had large spectacles?" Sapphire asked with a small frown, she wasn't sure if he was the one. Uncle John and her had put rats under a handful of peoples pillow's.

"He also used to mumble to himself and follow us around. He's the one papa and you had cut the hideous creatures into small pieces before putting them under his pillows."

"I remember him. He was very...." Sapphire struggled for the right word. The man had been despicable, not to mention rude.

"Different." Sapphire nodded, the word would have to do. She shouldn't be rude, no need to voice her opinions out loud.

"Yes. Now, can you help me put rats under that brutes pillow. Please." Isabella said as an afterthought.

Sapphire snorted.

"Isabella, Alexander would simply pick the mutilated rats from his pillows and place them down your gown."

Sapphire explained calmly, as if she spoke to a two year old.

Never mind the fact Alexander would put a dissembled rodent down a lady's gown, which of course, is not against propriety at all.

"He would nay dare!" Isabella cried in outrage.

Sapphire shrugged her shoulders, "you're free to test your theory."

Isabella thought hard. She needed to get revenge on that obnoxious boar.

"Come, Sapphire. We need to speak to papa."

"Not we, you, my dear friend. I happen to be fond of Alexander."

Isabella's eyes narrowed into thin slits.

"I see where your loyalty lies." Her words were clipped, even. Something not expected from Isabella.

Sapphire rolled her eyes, trying to hide her amusement.

"Uncle John will side with me."

"We'll see." Isabella said as she grabbed Sapphires arm and tugged her along.

"My lady." Duncan said with a bow and a cheeky grin as he fell in step with Sapphire.

Sapphire smirked. Alexander was no where to be seen.

"Sir Alexander was called for training?"

Duncan snickered. "Aye, the mon was boasting a wee bit on the grounds early this morn. Laird Rivers and laird Knight decided to train him together while you were with lady Mannings."

"Clearly the mon was being a bit too arrogant." Sapphire said with a snicker.

"Cocky bastard he is. Laird Rivers and Knight are using both their sword arms. Tis snowing hard as well. Almost as hard as the highlands." Duncan said fondly as his eyes glazed over slightly. He was quick to recover and with a wolfish grin said.

"Ye should have seen Alex. He turned blue from the snow."

Sapphire frowned.

"How long have my husband and uncle been training."

"Since dawn, milady."

Sapphires jaw grew taunt at the answer. Insolent men! And they say she was one not to listen.

"And they have not come inside since?"

"Nay, milady." Duncan said with a devilish grin. The anger from his lady was tangible. He had never seen Tristan get a yelling. This day seem to grow more memorable as it went on. He couldn't wait.

Sapphire walked behind Isabella, or rather, Isabella tugged her along. Her hand still in her grip, not that Sapphire cared. Her beloved husband and dear uncle needed to be taught a lessen. She wasn't allowed to go to her bathing chambers without someone to accompany her. Why? For her damned safety. And yet, they were allowed to stay outside in the snow until their toes fell off.

As they grew nearer to the great hall, laughter could be heard. The three entered the great hall to see the hearth burning bright, lord Rivers, Tristan, and the rest of the men were sitting around. Some talking while others were content by themselves.

Isabella loosened her grip upon seeing Xavier, making it easier for Sapphire to free her hand and walk away as the two love birds stared at one another, Duncan quick to follow. With narrowed eyes, Sapphire walked towards the two most asinine people she had the pleasant misfortune to meet.

"The least you could do is wear something warm when you are to train. You have been outside since dawn. While it is possible for me to catch my death walking down the stairs, it is impossible for you two to catch your death in frigid conditions." Sapphire said tartly. Her eyes ablaze with anger as she glared at her husband and uncle.

Duncan stood aside, watching with a toothy grin as his ladyship spoke, she could barely stand still. He couldn't see Tristan's face, but knew it would be priceless. Gerald and Alexander stood on either side of him, betting the outcome as they tried to hold in their snickering.

The fire behind her making the looker transfixed with her beauty. The flames danced behind her dangerously. A clear warning for those who came close to her wrath. The fire in her eyes enticed Tristan the more he stared.

Tristan watched her with a wide smile on his face. His little wife looked more than beautiful. He hadn't seen her since dawn, and now that he had, he could let go of the tension which plagued him. She looked exquisite. He should get her angry more often.

"What is there to smile about?" Sapphire snapped.

Tristan's smile grew more pronounced, his sliver orbs glittering with mirth. He grabbed her hand and pulled until she was seated in his lap, her eyes widening at the sudden action.

"My apologies, love. It will not happen again, but you may keep me warm, I am a wee bit cold." Tristan said with a quirk of a brow, his lips sculpted in a smirk, his intentions clear in his smoldering eyes. Sapphire felt the muscles in her stomach clench, her mouth drying.

The hoots and hollers from the men had Sapphire break free from her lustful stupor. She hadn't noticed the entire hall had been staring at them, much less listening. Red adorned her cheeks at the realization. She was supposed to be angry at him not.....

Tristan chuckled as he hugged Sapphire to his chest, hiding her. His poor wife was embarrassed.

"I love your blush." Tristan whispered huskily in her ear before softly kissing her hair. His arms hugging her to him.

"I am still upset with you."

"I know, love. We were only training." Tristan said with a shrug.

"Only training? You could have caught your death in such frigid conditions." Sapphire mumbled, her head still against his chest.

"I wish my woman was here to keep me warm." Lord Rivers quipped from across them, his eyes shining in mischief.

Before Sapphire could retort, Isabella hurried to her father, demanding his attention.

"Papa, you must come with us, Sapphire and I need to speak to you. It is of utmost importance."

"What do you wish to speak about?" Tristan said with a small frown as he grazed his thumb over Sapphires knuckles.

"Not we, Isabella. I'm merely there because she wants me to be."

"Since when do I intimidate you, sweetheart." Lord Rivers asked with a frown.

"Papa, you do not intimidate me. Sapphire has to be there, well because, you will see once I speak to you."

Isabella urged him to get up, taking his hand in hers.

"Alright then. Tristan, excuse us."

"Of course." Tristan said with a nod, not letting go of Sapphire.

"I need Sapphire as well." Isabella snapped.

"If you must. Although I do understand you're incapable of doing anything without her." Tristan said with faux innocence.

Isabella's anger flared at his retort, perhaps she should put rats under his beddings as well....

"Tristan, be nice." Sapphire admonished lightly, her eyes dancing with laughter.

Tristan gave her a wolfish grin before giving her a sweet, gentle kiss.

"Hurry back."

"Alright, darling. What is it that you two need?" Lord Rivers asked warily, mentally calculating his various properties.

"Not me, it's what Isabella needs." Sapphire said with a smirk while Isabella scowled.

"Your husband seems to be rubbing off on you." Isabella said petulantly.

"That's wonderful! Tristan's a gem." Lord Rivers said cheekily, causing Isabella to bite her tongue from a retort. Her father was clearly fond of the devil.

"Papa, remember when lord Glasgow had come over, and you and Sapphire had put rats under his pillow."

"The one who would smell, with the big spectacles? Was he the one Saph?" Lord Rivers asked, thinking. He had put many a things under many a peoples bedding's.

"Yes, uncle John. That's the one."

"Hmm... What of him, dear."

"Well, I was hoping if you may please get a handful of rats and put it under sir Alexander's pillows. He's rude and I don't like him." Isabella said with wide, innocent eyes.

Lord Rivers chuckled. "Oh, darling. Are you certain you wish to start a war you can not finish, much less carry out?"

Isabella pouted.

Sapphire laughed.

"Father, it's nice to know you have faith in me." Isabella said dryly.

Lord Rivers hugged Isabella, giving her a kiss on her forehead.

"Darling, I have faith in you. I also happen to be your father. Which means, I know you. You would never look at a rat, or any rodent for that matter, much less touch it. What will happen when Alex puts the rat down your gown? Knowing Alex, that is exactly what he will do sweetheart." Lord Rivers said with a smile. His sweet little girl expected everything to be done for her. He prayed the horrors of the world wouldn't touch her.

"He's very rude to me, papa."

"Should I teach him a lessen?"

Isabella blew out a breath, "no, I suppose not. Can I add something to his food? Perhaps he can have the runs?" Isabella asked hopefully.

"I see no harm in that, but you must be careful. He finds out you did something, his revenge will be ten times worse."

"Alright, papa. I will make sure he has not an inkling. Sapphire, I believe you should teach me how to make biscuits."

Sapphire laughed but complied. With a wave to her uncle, her and Isabella headed towards the kitchens.

"You are a fortnight late. Shall I extract your punishment now, or after you have given me your pathetic excuse?"

"Forgive me, mistress."

"Forgiveness is not one of my traits, Keith!" Corraine snarled as she hit the whip an inch away from where he kneeled in front of her.

"I had to see how my plan had carried out, which caused my delay. My apologies." The apology left a foul taste in his mouth. If it were up to him, he would never apologize to the likes of her. Sadly, if he wanted certain things, certain things must be done.

"I had stationed one of my men some distance from Knight castle. He waited for you for seven nights before you showed yourself. If it were not for him, you would not know the location of the caves." Corraine snapped as her whip grazed the side of Keith's arm.

Grinding his molars together, while tamping down his anger, he spoke tersely.

"Forgive me."

"Tell me the reason of your delay."

Corraine barked as she ran a thin finger along the leather. Her eyes, angry and full of loathing watched Keith.

"I needed to know what to expect of laird Knight if his ladyship was in danger. I now know he has stationed three of his most valuable and reliable men to guard her at all times. When you attack, only one, at the most two, will be with her. Making them both an easier target."

"I doona ken about the wench, but laird Knight isna an easy adversary." Fredrick snorted.

Corraine cut him a sharp look but held her tongue. She couldn't lash out on him yet. Not when she was so close to gaining what she wanted.

"Interesting. He has the lady being guarded. What did you do?"

"I dug a trench, the lady happened to fall in it. Lord Knight is nae doltish, he knew something was amiss. He appointed guards for her ladyship." Keith said in a monotone.

Corraine made a noise at the back of her throat, not giving an indication of pleasure or displeasure.

Keith fisted his hands together. The least she could do was spare a praise. Only he knew the lengths he had gone to dig the trench, the nights he had to sacrifice.

"Very well, keep me informed at all times. I will send one of my men when the time is right. For now, I need you to strategically place this parchment where Tristan can conveniently see it. Take heed, he should be the first to read it." Corraine advised as she took the parchment from Fredrick, handing it over to Keith.

Keith took the parchment, eyeing it warily. It was difficult as it was to leave the village and return undetected, but placing a bloody parchment in a place where only Knight were to be the first to see it? To top it off, he had to place it where it seemed an outsider had left the damned parchment. Bloody hell! Clearly the wench was delusional.

Delusional or not, as of right now in time, she owned him. He was hers to do as she bid.

"Aye, mistress."

"Make sure you are able to come every fortnight to this location. We are closer to our goal."

Sapphire took a bite of the delicious piece of heaven before her. It was some sort of cake with cheese and raspberries in it, of that she was certain. Cook was wonderful. A master of his art.

"Would you like some tea?" Sapphire inquired of a retching Isabella.

"No, thank you. I believe I will go lie down for a bit." Isabella said as she placed a hand on the small bump on her belly.

"This babe better not give me a hard time once it is born." Isabella murmured.

Sapphire smiled, too busy with her delicious sweet to think of a retort.

"The cookies are almost ready, are you sure you would like to go?"

"I am most certain. I looked for the herb in the forest filled with snow and dirt. With that horrifying creature about." Isabella said with a shudder.

"Alexander is not a horrifying creature."

"He is a daft fellow, he accompanied, not to mention helped us get the herbs we needed."

Sapphire snorted.

"He helped me pick herbs, while you looked and picked the wonderful herb that you needed."

"Either way, I have made the tonic and placed it into the batch of sweets. As soon as he eats them..."

Isabella trailed off with a wicked smile. She looked like a small child who had gotten exactly what they had wanted.

"Where is the brute? I'm surprise he is not with us."

"Nature called." Sapphire mumbled.

"And he left? Without you?Miraculous."

"Hmm."

Sapphire continued to eat her cake as Isabella left the kitchens. She had to get the recipe from cook. The cake was exactly what she needed. Especially after Isabella had awakened her early that morn to go look for the special herb.

Sapphire smiled at a fond memory. Her and Tristan had used the very same tonic when they had been forced to pick flowers for Isabella's wedding. That day seemed eons ago. So much had happened during that time.

Her early morning adventures, much to Tristan's displeasure, had taken a toll on her. The snow was so thick she could barely see where she was walking. Alexander had helped Isabella the entire way, making sure she didn't fall and hurt the babe. He made sure he told Isabella that was the only reason he was helping her, only for the babe.

His response had irked her further. She hadn't left until she had found the herbs. The event was entertaining in its own right. Just a tad bit chilly. She had given Tristan an ear full this morn, it was almost time for the noon meal, perhaps an hour. Tristan would be coming in soon.

"Something smells delicious."

Alexander's voice brought her out of her musing.

Sapphire took a bite of her cake to hide her grimace. She would side with Alexander as well, but she would not give the other away. She was a neutral ally, in a way. She glanced at the cookies she had taken out just moments before.

"Be careful, they are still a tad bit hot."

"Hot or cold, I'm afraid I can not stay away." Alexander said as he tossed a couple in his plate and sat across Sapphire to eat.

"These are good, they taste a wee bit off, but good." Alexander said quickly, not wanting to offend his lady, everyone had their flaws.

"Well, I'm glad. I was showing Isabella how to make them. She did everything, I merely instructed her."

Sapphire said evenly. She didn't know wether she should laugh or stop Alexander from eating. He was already on his second plate.

"Which explains their odd taste. I suppose I will have to survive on these until the meal is ready." Alexander said softly, his eyes shining in mischief.

"Where is your daft friend?"

"She went to rest, believe it or not, today's adventures had taken a toll on her."

"I'd say. She is a foolish lass for wanting to go out in this condition."

Alexander said with a shake if his head, one if his hands absently going to rub his stomach. He felt qualmish.

"You were ever the gallant gentleman, helping her and making sure she was at ease, giving the circumstances of course." Sapphire said with a silly grin.

Alexander snorted.

"Aye, only because you wouldnae let me assist you, adamant on that wench and the babe. The babe, I understand, the wench......." Alexander trailed of with a grimace, his stomach giving another lurch.

"Careful. That is lord Rivers daughter." Sapphire reminded teasingly.

"I still donna ken how he deals with her." Alexander said while shifting slightly. His stomach was getting worst by the minute.

"Are you alright?" Sapphire asked, knowing all too well he wasn't. The tonic was working fast.

"If you will excuse me, my lady." Alexander said before running from the kitchens. He needed to relive himself, posthaste. Tristan would not like an addition to his home.

Sapphire smirked before putting the cookies away. Isabella would be elated to know her plan was a success. Poor Alexander had the runs.

"My lady."

Sapphire looked around for the source of the voice, not seeing anyone.

"Yes?" Sapphire said uncertainly when she still didn't see anyone.

"My lady, over here."

Sapphire looked towards the servants door and saw Robert hiding, waving his hand so she would see him.

"Robbie, what are ye doing there?"

"I need your help my ladyship."

Robbert whispered.

Sapphire finished the last piece on her plate , looking longingly at the rest of it that awaited her. She placed her dish away before walking towards Robert.

"What is amiss, Robbie." Sapphire said once they both stood outside the kitchens.

"My..... My.... Lady.....I ..... Was wondering if ye would teach me." Robbert stumbled as he spoke nervously.

"Surely, Robbie. What is it you want me to teach ye?" Sapphire asked with a small frown. What could she teach him?

"The art of the sword. I want to best sir Alexander."

Sapphire ruffled Roberts hair with a smile on her face. It seemed everyone was after poor Alexander.

"I will teach you, but you will require practice."

"I will do anything, your ladyship."

"Where do you want to practice? I am assuming you do not want the others to know." Sapphire said.

"Aye." Robert nodded.

"In the solar."

"Meet me there in an hours time with your preferred swords."

"Aye, my lady." Robert said, his eyes shining in excitement.

"Inside!" Tristan called to his men. He remembered Sapphires words all to well from earlier in the morn. He loved it when she was angry. She looked enticing. Her eyes alight with fire. Tristan walked inside, heading for the kitchens, only to find cook.

"Cook, would you know where Sapphire is?"

"Asleep, my lord. I know not. Would you like some cake? Your ladyship managed to leave you half of it." Cook said with a teasing grin, although Tristan could see the love he had for her. Cook didn't make desert for just anyone.

"Did she now? Are you certain she isn't saving it for later." Tristan said with a light chuckle.

"Mayhap." Cook answered with a smile of his own.

Tristan decided to check his chambers. Where could his woman be? As he turned to go towards the stairs, one of his men stopped him.

"My lord."

"Aye?" Tristan said, turning to face him.

"This parchment was thrown over the walls."

Tristan took the parchment, thanking the knight. He eyed it warily before walking towards his study to have a look. The letter did not have a seal on it. It may not be of any importance, then again, it may be. He would need to open it and see.

He entered his study, softly closing the door behind him before walking towards his desk and taking a seat. Taking his dagger, Tristan cut the paper, removing the wax which held it together. There, written in blood, was the following message....

There lived a great king, one who knew no weakness. Try as his enemies might, they could not find a way to delude him, to conquer him. That is, until the day he acquired a small bird. Within that beautiful creature, lay the life of the king. Thus, his enemies overpowered him once and for all, never having to set sight on his appalling person ever again.........

Tristan shook with rage. His hand immediately touching the hilt of his sword. He was seeing red. Who ever had the audacity to send him such a missive....... So God help them.

Striding out of his study he shouted for Alexander, the blood in his veins scorching him.

Alexander's pale frame came out the bathing chambers. He had been at it for nearly an hour. He prayed his stomach was done emptying its contents. What in the devils name was wrong with him? Hearing Tristan's angry voice had him taking the stairs two at a time to get to him.

"Where is Sapphire."

The words were said in a low, menacing voice, his eyes hard and unforgiving.

"She was in the kitchens."

Alexander said evenly. Apprehensive and not knowing what to make of Tristan's cold demeanor.

"You left her alone." It wasn't a question, more of a statement. One that was going to cost Alexander dearly if he didn't hurry and answer.

"I went to relive myself. I didn't intend to have an upset stomach. I had the runs." Alexander said, looking anywhere but at Tristan. Anger was coming off of him in waves.

"Where is she now?"

"She wouldn't leave the castle, she knows how important it is to you."

Alexander assured hastily.

Tristan said nothing as he stared impassively at Alexander, wanting to bash his head but refraining to do so.

"Go and look for her. Make sure no one knows what is happening. If you need assistance, take Gerald or Duncan." Tristan ground out. The words from the parchment, which lay on his desk, engraved in his minds eye.

Alexander went downstairs as Tristan decided to go up. Who ever had sent him the parchment should begin to prepare for their demise. Because when, not if, but when Tristan had them in his grasp, they would be praying for death.

"You're doing well, Robbie. But you need to focus. Brace your legs apart. Good." Sapphire instructed as she went to strike.

"Ready? Let's begin."

Sapphire brought down her sword, grazing Roberts left arm.

"You need to focus, Robert." Sapphire admonished. Her strike could have been avoided.

"Again. That was an easy one. You could have countered it." Sapphire admonished.

"I will try harder." Robert said as he lifted his sword to strike right. Sapphire countered the blow, attacking his knee, causing him to buckle over.

"Robbie, do you practice?"

"Aye my lady, I'm just nervous I suppose."

"That will be your downfall. Again. And this time, be attentive. I am not striking properly, once I do..." Sapphire let the warning hang between them. No wonder the other men despised dueling with him, he was horrible, to put it mildly.

Robert lifted the sword, feigned left before striking her upper arm. Sapphire dodged in time.

"Again."

Robert blew out a breath. This was harder than he had anticipated. He sure was the worst of the lot. But he had to try. He would not be bested! He had to be a proper knight!

Robert lifted his sword to attack, Sapphire blocking the blow with her sword before delivering a swift kick to his shin. Robert grunted in pain but kept going.

He lifted his sword once again and attacked right, then left before taking his sword, intending to strike Sapphire on her upper arm.

Sapphire concentrated on Robert. The boy didn't know left from right. The door opened with a loud bang, almost breaking off its hinges. Startled, Sapphire looked towards the door, seeing Tristan's murderous expression.

Robert dodged a blow to his left, he angled his attack, only to be distracted by the opening of the door. Seeing Tristan, he lost control of his sword, letting the sword deliver a deep blow to Sapphire's upper arm, instantly, blood began to pour from Sapphire's wound.

Robert stared horrified at the blood pouring from Sapphire's arm, quickly running down her arm.

"You imbecile! Did you purposely get swords that were not blunted." Tristan snarled, taking off his shirt and tying it around Sapphires arm.

"Nay...I..... I thought..." Robert stumbled, petrified.

"It's alright, Robert. Tristan, he didn't mean to. It was an accident." Sapphire said softly.

Tristan clenched his jaw shut, not saying anything as he pulled Sapphire along with him. Sapphire turned around and mouthed a quick apology to Robert, letting Tristan drag her away.

Sorry for the delay.

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