10. Soothed

KERRIENNE

He reached out to touch my cheek and I could feel the whole room hold its breath.  He leaned in, sniffed my hair and rubbed his cheek against mine.  That's the second time he's done that.  Like he's scenting me or something.  We stood there, in the middle of the room, cheek to cheek bloody swords hanging from our hands.   I leaned into his touch and felt peace. 

From the corner of my eye, I saw Lars and several of Emrick’s clansmen slowly approach us.  They were trying to outflank him…   “Laird…?” Lars asked cautiously.

Emrick made a growling sound that had no business coming from a human throat and before anyone could react, he turned on Lars and had him lifted by the throat, leaving his feet dangling inches off the floor.  I handed the sword back to my father and tentatively touched his arm.  He looked down at my hand then into my eyes.  I watched in awe as his eyes turned back to sky blue. 

Lars was making gurgling noises and turning blue.  “Emrick, let him go.”  I whispered.  He released his hold so suddenly, Lars slumped to the ground. 

He coughed and I watched the feared look on his face turn to one of awe and gratitude as he stared up at me.  He got on one knee and exclaimed hoarsely, “Thank you my lady…” 

I looked around the room and all of Emrick’s clansmen were looking at me with the same look on their faces. 

Without meaning to, I spoke out loud.  “I accept your proposal for an alliance through marriage.  Those three,” I said pointing to the dead men on the floor, “were sent for our heads.  Combining forces will give us the numbers needed to win in the upcoming battle.” 

“Do you ken who sent them, my lady?”  Lars asked hoarsely. 

“Apparently, someone named Alastair will pay a great deal of money for our heads and is also willing to sacrifice people to do it.”  I added thoughtfully.  “He had to have know that he was sending these men on a suicide mission.  Even if they had succeeded in killing Emrick and I, someone in here would’ve killed them for it.” 

Emrick cursed under his breath.

“It's very probable that he is the one behind the attack on your clan.”  I continued, “Why he did so using our colors, I know not.  Nor does it matter, he needs putting down.” 

My father put his hand on my shoulder and asked gently, “Kerrienne is this truly what you want?  I'm sure we can come up with another solution.”  He said, sending  a quick glance at Emrick as he said the last bit. 

I closed my eyes and without much effort, called up a vision of the future.  I saw death and devastation all around me.  My father lay disemboweled on the floor, with Emrick’s head mounted on a pike and all the while Alastair laughed maniacally.  I saw both our clansmen dead, our kingdoms set ablaze, turning to ash…. Our people turned into slaves… I shuddered and said  “What I want doesn’t matter, father.  Alastair will destroy both of our clans if  we do not join forces.  As of now, his army outnumbers us but joining our clans will change that and give us the numbers we need, thereby evening the odds.” 

The room, silent up to now, erupted into angry curses and exclamations.  Emrick took my elbow and led me to the head table.  I sat in the chair he held out for me.  He  smiled down at me and turned to the room. “Quiet,” he said calmly.  His voice resonated with power and carried to all the corners of the great hall.  A hush fell over the room as everyone obeyed his quiet order.  My father took the seat next to mine and I found myself seated between him and Emrick. 

Emrick took his seat calmly.  “We have a wedding to prepare for.”

Sarah approached me and whispered, “Can I get you anything my lady?” 

“Some water and a small piece of cloth, please.” She hurried to get me what I asked for. 

Lars approached the table.  “Our clan elders speak of a legend that says, one day, a great warrior woman from a distant land will come and together with our chosen son, will lead us to greatness.  I believe that day is upon us.”  He said, raising his cup.  “I know you are from a neighboring clan my lady, but your mother was not.”  I looked at my father, who wore a pained expression on his face, but he gave me a small nod.  The room erupted into shouts and everyone banged their cups on the tables. 

Sarah returned with the water and cloth.  I thanked her absent mindedly, thinking about my mom and my father’s small nod, the pain I saw on his face.  He didn’t talk about my mother much.  In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him with a woman, at least not in a romantic way.  I wet the cloth and leaned over to Emrick.  He leaned towards me with a smile, tilting his head back, offering me his neck.  I wiped the blood off his neck and found no wound.  The cut has already closed, leaving a thin pink line in its place. 

I looked up at him in astonishment.  He took my hand and placed a gentle kiss on my knuckles.  If possible, the room got even louder.  I crouched down into my chair as I felt my cheeks redden in embarrassment.