Chapter 44

Sapphire peeked from behind the tapestries, being mindful to make as less noise as possible. She couldn't let Tristan find her.

Her heart beat frantically, her breathing slightly higher than normal. She found she was enjoying the chase far more than she should be. Sapphire frowned slightly, their game of cat and mouse might be entertaining, but she was certain the exertion couldn't be good for him, especial so quick after his injury. He may say he was hale and healthy, but she wouldn't dare take any chances regarding him. He would need to rest.

With that thought firmly set in her mind, Sapphire left the safety of the tapestries and headed towards her chambers. She could hear quiet voices and the closing of doors as the castle began to settle in for the night.

Tristan stood behind an armed knight, watching as his delectable wife looked first right and then left before heading towards their chambers. Tristan smirked as he slowly trailed behind her, Sapphire completely unaware.

Tristan shadowed her every step, extremely thankful no one was about, add to that fact not once did his little minx turn around. He could hardly believe his good fortune.

Just as Sapphire's fingers brushed the door, Tristan grabbed her from behind, lifting her off her feet.

"Found you." Tristan whispered in Sapphire's ear, his hot breath blowing on the back of her neck.

Sapphire let out a startled gasp.

Tristan closed the chamber doors, laughing as he made sure his grip on Sapphire stayed firm, yet gentle.

"My lord husband, kindly place me back upon my feet!"

"I rather like you as you are, my lady wife." Tristan mumbled before throwing her on the bed, being quick to follow in her wake.

"My lord, you may not have noticed, but your body weight is not easy to hold." Sapphire said as she squirmed under him to make her point.

"It has never troubled you before." Tristan replied lazily before making his intentions quite clear. His hands already weaving their tale.

Color stained Sapphire's cheeks as she tried to remember what she told herself earlier. She would be distracted by her husband! She hit the hand which began to creep along her side.

"Tristan, you must rest. You mustn't do anything which shall tire you."

Tristan's male ego stirred at her words, not liking what it implied.

"I do not tire easily." Tristan said tartly.

Sapphire barely suppressed the urge to roll her eyes.

Men!

"You just awoke mere hours ago, my lord. You need to rest. If by noon tomorrow you feel at ease, and I am satisfied with your state of health, I will not stop you from anything." Sapphire reasoned as her hands played with the hair on his nape. An act she did out of instinct, not really aware of it.

His silver orbs, for once completely calm, the lightest shade of silver she had seen by far, stared into her own eyes.

"Can I take your word for it?" Tristan questioned with a whisper. The question would have been innocent, if it had not been for the glow of the fire emitting an uncanny warmth, or their bodies pressed dangerously together.

Tristan tucked a stray lock behind Sapphire's ear. His thumb rubbing small circles along her jaw.

"You speak as if I have always lied to you." Her voice was equally as soft as his.

"I do not believe you have ever lied to me." Tristan spoke softly.

"Therefore you may take my word."

Sapphire guaranteed.

"Alright. But remember your promise, love."

"I will as long as you shall remember yours, my lord."

Tristan smirked before leaning down to softly kiss Sapphire on the lips.

"I believe I have the better side of the bargain, I shall behave."

Sapphire stared into his eyes ones more before her gaze drifted to his sinfully beautiful lips, to his high cheek bones, the scar by his brow, before settling once again on his eyes. Her heart filled with a warmth and love, but despite it, a feeling of foreboding arose within her.

Maybe it was because she had thought him gone, and wasn't so sure to believe he was here before her very eyes. Or perhaps it was something else entirely.

"I do love you, very much."

Tristan froze above her. A layer of ice coating his once warm silver gaze.

"I am not arguing with you over this again, my lord." Sapphire said tartly upon seeing his expression, not letting him speak.

But Tristan wouldn't have it.

"There is nothing to argue over. You are wasting your feelings if you think yourself in love with me." Tristan snapped. His own anger, as well as hidden emotions, ones he himself could not name, coming to the surface. And yet, he did not move. Refusing to let there be a hairs width of space between their bodies.

"Need I remind you, my lord, I have a mind of my own."

"I haven't said otherwise."

"You have implied otherwise by claiming to know what my feelings and emotions are."

Tristan let out a breath of frustration. This woman, his wife, drove him insane, to the brink of madness.

"There is no winning with you, is there, my lady wife." Tristan said sarcastically.

"It is best if you learn, understand, and imply that certain fact early in our marriage." Sapphire retorted. Her own anger and hurt very close to the surface.

Tristan clenched his jaw tightly as he stared at his wife, anger running rampant in his veins. He so very much wanted to....... Wanted to what? He could be a cold bastard and prove to her this very instant why she should not and could not be in love with him. But the selfish bastard in himself refused to hurt her. Whether it be intentional or not. He found the mere thought repulsive.

Even now, despite his anger with her, not at her, but with her, his body was pressed against hers, but he made sure none of his weight caused her any discomfort. He couldn't hurt her physically or mentally. But if she kept her notion of love alive, she was bound to be hurt because of him.

Tristan leaned forward, locking his lips against hers in a brutal, punishing kiss. The assault took Sapphire by surprise, granting him easy enough access as he kissed her hard. His tongue mingling with her own as he assaulted not only her mouth but her senses as well. He being the attacker as well as the attacked.

The kiss although harsh and meant to be punishing, was without a doubt, equally as passionate.

Tristan kept kissing her, not relenting until he was certain she was out of breath and her lips were swollen and bruised from his caress.

"Sweet dreams."

His voice was harsh with his arousal and anger as he rolled off of her, pulling her so her face lay on his chest, one arm wrapped securely around her while the other lay across his eyes.

Sapphire tried to regulate her breathing, her senses still swimming from her husband's assault. Once her breathing was returned to normal, she closed her eyes, beckoning for sleep, not bothering to calm her irate husband. He would be fine in the morn, if not a bit acrid.

***

Tristan's eyes opened slowly before dawn, his ire not forgotten. He looked down at Sapphires sleeping form. She was pressed against him, her head against his chest while one arm was draped across him. Her hair, as it always seemed to be when she fell asleep, was a mess of raven locks splayed beneath her, some rogue strands across her face. He pushed those aside. Her lips slightly parted. He ran his thumb over said lips, still slightly swollen. He stared at her as he spoke softly, his voice laced with anger, confusion, grief and longing.

"You make me so very angry, are you aware of the fact? Why can you not give up your ridiculous notion of being in love? You can love another, one who would not only appreciate it, but would love you in return. The only flaw being my selfish self would never have another touch you, let alone let you belong to another.

"I.....I... Can not love you, and I do not wish to see you hurt when I do not return your sentiments. You are bound to be hurt because of me, and I wish you would give up this notion of yours. I am not capable of love, darling. You are indeed wasting your feelings on someone who is nae worth them..."

***

Sapphire woke with a start. She thought she had heard voices. She looked to her side to see the bed empty. It was not dawn as yet, but Tristan was gone. She touched the side of his bed to find it still warm. He had only just left. Sapphire looked towards the ceiling. She was still tired and sleepy. But she wished her arrogant brute of a husband was besides her. He usually left before dawn, but she wouldn't wake until later. She felt rather empty at the moment. Their chamber and bed much to large for her at the moment. Was she feeling guilt? Her tears begged to differ. She didn't know what was amiss with her as hot tears cascaded freely down her cheeks. A painful emptiness where her heart ought to be. He hadn't left her! So why the sudden feeling of anguish and distraught?

Sapphire let out a muffled scream in frustration as her fisted hands hit the soft furs. With tears still trailing down her cheeks Sapphire turned to Tristan's side, making an attempt at sleep. Her emotions flying haywire.

While Sapphire succeeded in falling asleep, Tristan was on the battlegrounds, training his men.

"Would you care for a match, my lord?" One of the knights, Trevor, had asked of Tristan.

Tristan lifted his sword before placing it back in its sheath, recalling his promise.

"I believe another time would be more rewarding." Tristan said as he kicked at a rock.

"Afraid, my lord?" Trevor questioned cheekily, reminding Tristan of Alexander. Where was the git?

"Bound would be a better word." Tristan offered, his face as impassive as usual.

A snickering quickly turned into coughing had Tristan glancing towards his left.

"Why are you not practicing?" Tristan growled as he saw an aggravating smirk upon Alexander's face.

"I wished to spar with you, but it seems as if you are bound."

This time he made no attempt at disguising his snicker.

"Bound as I may be, tis only for a short time. Come noon and I will kick your arse." Tristan informed him nonchalantly, relaxing his sword arm with great displeasure. He would prefer to wipe the floor with Alexander, but he heard patience had it's merits.

Alexander smirked, not at all fazed by Tristan's threat, or rather promise.

"I suppose I shall have to wait until tonight. Ye are becoming arrogant."

"I shall show you arrogant, bastard." Tristan snarled as he took a step forward.

"Tsk tsk... Do I hear the bounds stretching?"

Alexander teased as he took a large step back. For all his taunting, he would rather not have Tristan show him his place.

Tristan glared at Alexander as he drew his arrows.

"These are nay blunted, Alexander."

A fleeting look of panic covered Alexander's angelic face. Perhaps he had pushed his luck. And yet, it seemed his mouth did not accept the concept.

"You wouldna dare."

Tristan snorted as he insured his arrow, ready to strike.

"I assure you, I would."

Tristan pulled his arrow back, his target clear. Trevor watched from besides them, his mouth slightly agape as he looked from left to right, much like the rest of the men.

Alexander took another step back, and then one towards the right before going towards the left.

"Moving about as a wee rabbit willnae save ye arse." Tristan said, a ghost of a smirk upon his sinful lips.

Tristan lowered the arrow until he stopped at his new, improved, target.

Alexander's eyes rounded until they were doubled. He was not so sure if Tristan was jesting or not.

"Ye are jesting."

"Why don't ye found out." Tristan whispered as Alexander's hands shielded his most prized possession.

"That will be of no assistance." Tristan said in the same whisper as before. He was gaining his own sick amusement in tormenting Alexander, stretching it out longer than necessary. He was at fault, really. He should not have provoked him.

"Tristan....." Alexander trailed off helplessly. He looked towards the castle doors. He doubted his ladyship would emerge from them. Tis was still early for her to be about. His apprehensive eyes met Tristan's steely gray ones, quietly imploring him.

Tristan gave a slight, barely seen shake. It was enough for Alexander. He was a goner. He shouldn't have put his foot in his mouth. Dear lord, he didn't know how he was to survive.

"Any last requests?" Tristan taunted in the same whisper as before. His finger itching to pull his weapon, yearning to have a go at Alexander.

Perhaps he was being a bit unjust. Tristan shrugged the thought away. The bastard deserved it.

"May you perhaps, decide upon not turning me into a wether?" Alexander questioned hopefully.

"Last requests are accepted , are they not." Alexander said cheekily as he got some of his earlier equilibrium back.

Tristan snorted.

"Delirious aren't we?" Tristan said softly, moving his finger along the weapon in a caress.

Tristan looked at the sun, it was time to break their fast.

"Break your fast and I want you all back in an hours time." Tristan said loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I always knew you loved me." Alexander said as he walked besides Tristan, his cheeky smile in place.

Tristan rolled his eyes, deciding to hold his tongue.

***.

"Honestly, at times I would think you to be a man who is unable to hold his drink, the way you sleep....."

Sapphire slowly came awake, her eyes feeling as if they had sand in them. A slight pounding in her temple telling her she needed more sleep.

"Pardon..."

Sapphire mumbled. Not too sure of what Isabella had been saying.

"Thank The Lord, sleeping beauty has finally decided to awaken." Isabella mumbled as she shook Sapphire once again for good measure.

"I have been trying to wake you for the past hour or so."

Sapphire sat up groggily, her muddled brain still unable to process Isabella's words.

"I...what?" Sapphire asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She wanted to sleep for a bit longer.

"Xavier and I must return after we break our fast, I was hoping for you to join us." Isabella said as she proceeded to pull Sapphire's arm, not noticing her slightly puffy eyes.

"So soon?" Sapphire questioned as she let Isabella pull her to the bathing chamber.

"We have intruded for quite some time now. Mother is lonely as well." Isabella said as she tried to remove Sapphire's clothing. Sapphire batted her hands away.

"I can manage. You are not intruding, this is your home as much as ours."

Isabella snorted delicately.

"Is your brute of the same opinion?" Isabella called through the slightly parted door as Sapphire began to wash herself.

"He is Xavier's childhood hood friend, is he not?"

"According to that theory, we should be welcomed all the time." Isabella said as she passed Sapphire a beautiful sky blue gown of velvet.

"Then I believe this matter is settled."

Isabella laughed softly as she rubbed her growing bump. She was going to miss Sapphire terribly. The thought brought tears to her eyes.

Sapphire wished she could stay in the warm water a bit longer, the water doing a wonders to the throb in her temple, but Isabella was waiting. She hurriedly donned her clothing and stepped into her chambers to fix her hair.

"Why are you crying, Izzy?" Sapphire questioned as she ran a comb along her hair.

"I am going to miss you so terribly." Isabella said as more tears trailed down her cheeks, Isabella was not a pretty sight when she cried. Her eyes were rimmed with red along with being puffy, her nose a shade darker than her eyes.

"Oh Izzy, you don't need to leave." Sapphire cooed as she hugged Isabella to her.

Isabella let out a few more loud sobs before attempting to keep her emotions in check. Pulling away from her best friend, she wiped her nose before speaking.

"That's very sweet, honestly. But I must return. Mother is waiting and Xavier and I should be at the manor."

"Very well, I will try to visit."

Isabelle's snorted indelicately.

"That insolent man you are married to would never let you out of his sight!"

Sapphire didn't respond, concentrating on lacing her already laced dress.

Sapphire and Isabella made their way down the staircase, quietly talking to the other. The men had already gathered at the table, talking and laughing. Tristan was speaking to Xavier while Alexander was on his left, trying to annoy him as usual.

Isabella and Sapphire took the two empty seats besides each other. Sapphire to Tristan's left while Isabella sat across from Xavier. Alexander scowled at Isabella who was placed besides him.

"Must I have to endure meal times with you as well?" Alexander jeered, annoying Tristan all but forgotten.

Isabella turned her back on Alexander completely.

"These eggs look delicious." Isabella said to Sapphire as she placed some for herself.

"May you pass me the bread and cheese." Sapphire said as she tried to hide her smirk. Alexander's scowl had grown more pronounced at Isabella's indifference.

Tristan listened to Xavier with half an ear. His wife was sitting besides him and eating very little. Tristan frowned. She usually was not up so earlier either, no doubt Isabella had a part in that particular matter. But why was she not eating enough? Tristan looked at her from the corner of his eye, she didn't seem like her usual self either...... She was more quiet.

Tristan concluded it must be due to Isabella's departure.

"I hope the remainder of Isabella's time passes with ease." Xavier said quietly while sending a covert glance his wife's way.

"As long as you are by her side, she will be satisfied." Tristan assured as he bluntly watched his wife over the rim of his cup. However, his attention was returned to Xavier, much to his chagrin.

"And what of you? Are you not planning for a babe?"

Tristan shrugged his shoulders, drinking water before answering.

"It lays on The Lord. We shall have a babe when he deems it fit. What would you like?" Tristan asked, steering the conversation away from himself.

"I would like another Isabella." Xavier said as a dazed expression covered his face.

Tristan smiled. He was happy for his friend. Isabella made him happy.

"Let us pray you get your wish."

Tristan and Xavier continued to talk while Sapphire looked around before turning towards Isabella.

"Where is uncle John?"

"Do not fret, I am besides you, my darling. Never fear, for I shall never abandon you." Lord Rivers said cheekily as he pulled a chair besides Sapphire, blocking Tristan's view of her.

Sapphire stared at her uncle incredulously as he piled his trencher with food. The man was full of himself.

"My lord, what makes you certain I do not want you gone?" Sapphire questioned with a raise of a perfect brow.

"Nonsense! You love me!"

Sapphire punched her uncles arm.

"Tsk, tsk, not hard enough, darling." Lord Rivers admonished.

Sapphire rolled her eyes before asking.

"When are you leaving?"

Lord Rivers stopped eating and stared at Sapphire as if she had gone daft.

"What do you mean 'when are you leaving' I am not going anywhere." Lord Rivers said as he continued to eat.

"I thought you were to leave with Izzy."

"Do you wish me gone?"

"Of course not." Sapphire said as she began piling the dirty trenchers atop one another.

"Then I believe this matter is settled."

Isabella spit out her drink.

"Very ladylike, my lady." Alexander said with a smirk. He would not let an opportunity to embarrass Isabella pass.

Isabella glared at Alexander as Sapphire rubbed her back while Xavier had worriedly gotten to his feet.

"Alexander." Tristan warned.

Alexander's lips thinned but he kept his silence.

"What is amiss, Izzy?"

"You and father are something else entirely."

Sapphire stared at Isabella, puzzled.

"Ignore her, she says the most charming of things." Lord Rivers said as he continued to shove his face. Sending a smile Isabella's way to let her know he was only jesting.

They finished their food much the same way. Tristan staring at Sapphire, well trying to stare, lord Rivers was making it quite a feet. While Xavier kept a caring eye on Isabella and a narrowed one on Alexander.

To soon it was time for Isabella and Xavier to depart. Lord Rivers, Tristan, and Sapphire stood by the door, seeing them off.

"Before I forget, darling. Do give this to your mother for me." Lord Rivers said as he handed Isabella a rolled parchment.

Isabella and Sapphire shared a smile.

Sapphire smiled and told Isabella not to worry and she was more than welcomed to return. A teary Isabella said good bye to her father and friend as she and Xavier began the long journey home.

***

Sapphire smiled sweetly at Tristan. He stared, she was up to something.

"Have you kept your word, my lord?" Sapphire questioned as she took a seat beside her uncle in front of the hearth. It was begging to snow once more.

Tristan's eyes narrowed.

"If course I have. Have you, my ladyship, changed your mind? It is yet to be noon."

"Not at all, my lord. I was merely making certain." Sapphire said, still smiling sweetly.

"He intended to test his archery skills on me, but he managed to refrain." Alexander said as he sat across lord Rivers, pie in hand.

"I still intend to do so, you have until noon." Tristan stated crossly.

Sapphire turned to Tristan, her expression worried.

"How much have you walked?"

"I walked since dawn." Tristan answered perplexed.

Sapphire nodded.

"Do you feel dizzy? Does you head feel heavy? Does it ache?"

"Certainly not."

Sapphire nodded.

"Alright, although you should refrain from sparring against anyone. The wound on your chest needs to heal and I rather not have the stitches open."

Tristan glanced lazily at his covered chest. He had forgotten about the wound, he'd had worst. This new addition did not abhor him. Although it was rather inconvenient.

"Until when?"

"Less than a fortnight."

Tristan nodded his head. Thinking of an excuse to get his wife alone. The dress made her look rather inviting.

"Does the dressing need to be changed?"

Sapphire nodded at once, standing from her seat.

"I shall do that now."

Tristan followed Sapphire to their chambers. Once inside, he removed his tunic, standing in his naked glory from waist up.

"The bed would be more convenient, my lord." Sapphire mumbled as she looked for some clean linen and ointment.

"It would be convenient, yes, but other ways also have their allure." Tristan whispered in Sapphire's ear as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back against his front.

"This dress is very becoming."

Sapphire blushed a light shade of pink.

"However becoming the dress may be, my lord. No tedious activities, I would rather have you wait until your chest wound heals."

Tristan turned her around to face him.

"The owner of the dress is the most alluring creation I have ever had the fortune of meeting."

"Flattery becomes you, my lord husband." Sapphire said as her hands too snaked around to his nape, playing with the bronze locks. Her earlier vexation and discomfort gone to be replaced by a warmth she was starting to become very familiar with.

"Not flattery, my lady wife, honesty."

Tristan mumbled as he bent his head to join his lips with her own, anxious to have her with him. To show her he cared the only way he knew.

Sapphire returned the kiss. It was soft and sweet, yet full of passion and longing.

Tristan began to trail kisses down her throat, Sapphire arched into him.

"As much as I would like for you to continue, Tristan, you must wait until at most tomorrow."

Tristan squeezed her waist, his lips trailing to her jugular, paying no kind to her words.

Sapphire gasped, her eyes threatening to close, but she wouldn't relent. Health before pleasure.

She pushed at his chest, Tristan glanced towards her lazily.

"Tomorrow." Sapphire said sternly as she stepped away from him. Tristan straightened himself, his eyes narrowed.

"At least give your wound some time, Tristan."

"It had three nights when I was unconscious." Tristan scoffed.

Sapphire winced at the reminder.

"Please?" Sapphire pleaded as she looked at him through her lashes.

Tristan growled.

"If you must!"

Sapphire smiled before stepping on the tips of her toes to give him a quick, chaste kiss.

"Thank you."

Tristan tried to scowl, but failed. His lips pulling into a smile.

Sapphire's smile broadened as she saw his, she quickly got to work on the wound. His smile was doing mysterious things to her heart and body.

***

"Everyone is where they are supposed to be?" Andrew questioned of Jack.

"Aye, the men are assembled in the forest."

Andrew let out a furious growl, his cup of ale slamming against the wooden table, it's contents spilling everywhere.

"The men are to be positioned under this very place! If they are in the forest the laird will see them!" Andrew growled angrily.

Jack quivered in fear, but managed to hold his ground.

"You said the attack could be any day now."

"You fool! Have the men return here, and make certain they do not cause suspicion. I will go to the castle to make sure their attentions stay elsewhere! We attack in less than a fortnight, nevertheless they should not be prowling the forest. The knights may not check the forest, but his lordship does."

~~~~~~~~

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