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Chapter 52
Last Updated:
2023-11-08 22:26:02
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By Order of the King Chapter 53
Skye watched the royal carriage drive away, slowly fading into the distance.Standing beside Hector and Lennox, she glanced at Roisin, who was still waving goodbye. Her eyes were misty, in contrast to Donncha's reaction. He let out a long sigh and a slow smile spread across his face. His eyes sparkled as he watched the regal carriage drive away.As if he felt someone staring at him, he pivoted on his heel, his piercing eyes locking onto Skye's. Skye looked away, a flush of embarrassment spreading across her cheeks. It all seemed so unfair; why did this happen right now?She shifted her focus back to Hector, oblivious to the smug expression on Donncha's face that exuded arrogance and superiority."See? It wasn't that difficult," Hector told Lennox."Indeed," agreed Lennox."Did you notice the twinkle in Queen Aine's eyes and her faint smile of satisfaction?"Lennox nodded.They turned and entered the castle.The maids, who had also gathered to bid farewell to the royal couple, were hur
Last Updated : 2023-11-28By Order of the King Chapter 54
Skye rushed towards the stables to catch up with Hector and Lennox.A while ago, Hector sent a maid to Skye's chamber to inform her that they were leaving. Skye pretended to have a headache and did not go see them off. Although she understood Hector's desire to accompany Lennox to ensure his safety, she was angry with him for leaving her alone. Nevertheless, she accepted that Lennox needed Hector's help more.Skye had a change of heart two minutes later and quickly ran, hoping to catch up with them.Entering the stable, she saw them and stopped short. They were saddling the horses and chatting in low voices.Skye inhaled a sweet, grassy aroma mixed with the scent of leather from the saddles and bridles. She took a deep breath, enjoying the freshness of the air. It might have been the first time she had experienced such a clean and refreshing smell in a stable.Her attention shifted back to the two men, and she stared at them, trying to figure out what was different about them. It took
Last Updated : 2023-12-01By Order of the King Chapter 55
Maysie walked into the atelier with a smile. "I brought the tea," she announced. "It's hot and tasty. I had to wait a bit for it and-" She was about to say more when she noticed Skye curled up on the floor in the fetal position. Her voice caught in her throat as she realized something was wrong.The jug slipped from her hands, crashed violently onto the wooden floor with a sharp metallic sound, and spilled the tea."Skye!" she shouted and ran to her, kneeling beside her. "What happened?" She checked to see if Skye was hurt.She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands. "Oh my God! Your dress. What happened? How did this happen?"The crying grew louder, and Skye's body shook with sobs. Maysie gently touched her shoulder, but Skye jerked back, startling Maysie, who instinctively recoiled. Skye looked at Maysie as if seeing her for the first time."Skye? It's me, Maysie. D-don't you recognize me?"With a pained expression and teary eyes, Skye gazed at her. She clenched her fists to he
Last Updated : 2023-12-04By Order of the King Chapter 56
Hector leaned his back against the wall behind him. He gasped for air, his chest heaving. His hands trembled, sweat mixed with blood dripping from his palms. His father was right.He scanned the area but found no suitable cloth to wipe his hands. There was no time to waste; thus, he opened his woollen tunic and used his shirt to clean his hands.He straightened his clothes and ran his hands through his messy hair.He walked steadily towards Skye's chamber. The guard standing outside the door bowed as soon as he saw him.Hector stood in front of the closed door."Who is inside?" he asked the guard."Miss Talisha and the girl you brought from your wife's uncle's castle. I am sorry, but I don't remember her name."Hector nodded with understanding. "It's okay. Thank you." he replied and knocked on the door.The door opened, and Talisha poked her head out.She smiled widely. "Hector, you came! I expected you to come sooner.""I had something else to do first."Talisha raised her eyebrows a
Last Updated : 2023-12-08By Order of the King Chapter 57
Eilean Donan CastleFiona and Iona sat in the kitchen before the fireside, facing each other as a pot of food hung over the fire. Fiona occasionally got up to stir it."I'm shivering with cold," said Iona. "The weather has been getting colder with each passing day."Fiona let out a sigh and proceeded to remove the bandages from Iona's left hand. "I feel you shaking, and it's only November. I don't even want to imagine what it will be like when winter fully arrives. Please hold while I change the bandage on your hands. It is so weird. It's been a week, but your wounds don't seem healing. You should be seen by a doctor.""I agree," Iona replied. "I fear that something is wrong with me. The wounds aren't healing, and the pain is unbearable."Fiona shook her head. "Oh, I'm so sorry you're in pain, my love. I will talk with your father to arrange a doctor as soon as possible. Once your injuries heal, you will finally start helping me with the chores. I feel very exhausted and could use som
Last Updated : 2023-12-17By Order of the King Chapter 58
Hector was lost in his dark thoughts when a knock on the door interrupted his misery.The uninvited visitor didn't wait for Hector's permission to enter. She opened the door and entered.Hector remained in the same position - sitting in the armchair with his head bowed. He identified the person responsible for the footsteps he heard on the floor."My dear, Hector," Talisha said when she reached him. She leaned over and hugged him, placing her hands on his shoulders."I'm so sorry," she told him.Hector shook his head. "Me too," he answered. "How is she?"Talisha sat in the armchair beside Hector, studying his profile as he kept his head lowered. Her heart melted in pain. "I came to see you because I know you're in pain. You asked about Skye, though. You love her that much?"Hector nodded and said, "I love her more than anything. I would give my life for her."She tenderly rubbed his arm. "Skye is so lucky. The truth is that she is not better. She requested to take a bath and is now as
Last Updated : 2024-01-08By Order of the King Chapter 59
Talisha glanced at the door through which Roisin had fled and shook her head, pursing her lips. "It wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but thank you," she told Hector. "Hopefully, she won't want to make a fuss again after this, although I feel sorry for that girl.""I couldn't help it, even though I feel sorry for her too. I had to prove her wrong and make her stop believing Donncha."Talisha nodded in agreement. "You're right," she said, gesturing towards the door.Hector furrowed his brows in thought, but then he understood."I'm leaving, too," he said, glancing toward Skye. However, Skye's attitude remained unchanged.Hector let out a deep sigh of disappointment."Don't hesitate to come find me if you need anything," he said, looking at Maysie, who nodded and smiled faintly.After greeting them, Hector left the chamber.Talisha turned to Maysie and said, "I'll be right back," before running out of the chamber."Hector, wait," she called out to him. Hector stopped, and Talisha appro
Last Updated : 2024-02-02By Order of the King Chapter 60
In the days leading up to it, Hector found a way to distract himself from constantly thinking about Skye.He asked the king for assignments, searched for books on topics that interested him in the vast library, read them, discussed unrelated subjects with the king, and did whatever else he could to stay occupied.The day passed quickly, but the night tormented him as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling, unable to escape the image of Skye burning in his mind.Despite feeling a strong urge to find her, he often refrained because he didn't want to disrupt Skye's peaceful slumber.Hector demonstrated great patience and courage as he resisted his temptation and succeeded. The third day dawned.He woke up feeling the same heaviness in his chest because he missed Skye. Her smile, laugh, and blushing cheeks betrayed her feelings toward him whenever he made her laugh or leaned in for a kiss.He sat on the bed with his feet resting on the floor. He rested his elbows on his knees, buried his he
Last Updated : 2024-02-08
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By Order of the King Chapter 86
Malcolm sat at the table while Fiona stood beside him, serving food. They turned their gazes in that direction when they heard the door open. Fiona straightened her back, smiled, and held a spoon. "Welcome home, my little girl. We were waiting for you, but you were late, and your father was so hungry. Come and sit with us; you must be hungry."Iona slowly dragged her feet to the table and sat down. "They gave us food in the castle, but I will eat with you too," Iona said."Really?" Fiona asked, clearly impressed. "I didn't expect that.""So, what did they give you to eat? The lords' leftovers, I presume," Malcolm sneered.Iona shook her head. "No, Father. They fed us the potatoes and vegetables that I peeled and washed," she said, emphasizing her words, and pressed her fingers to her chest to point to herself. "They were boiled with a little meat," she added, finishing her sentence.Fiona finished serving and sat down as well. She looked at Iona with concern. "I'm sorry, my little gir
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Talisha strode ahead, the corridor stretching long and cold ahead of her. Its stone walls whispered with memories of a time not so long ago when Iona walked these halls with her chin held high and wearing a beautiful and expensive gown. But now, her footsteps followed Talisha's brisk pace, her shoulders hunched under the weight of her new role, and her thoughts swirling in bitterness."Your duties are simple," Talisha began, her tone clipped and unyielding. "You will peel vegetables, clean the kitchen, and assist wherever needed. You are to remain in the kitchen—only the kitchen. When your work is done, you may return to your home. Is that clear?"The words felt like a slap. Iona's eyebrows drew together in silent protest, the weight of disappointment settling heavily on her chest. Only in the kitchen? It was a bitter pill to swallow. She had imagined something different— her work should include the entire castle so that she could move freely around it, to see and hear. But now?Swall
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Talisha returned, holding a small leather pouch in her hands."This is it," she said softly, handing it to Hector. Her voice trembled just slightly, but she quickly turned away. "Now, I can get back to my work.""Yes, of course. Thank you, Talisha."As she left, Hector stared at the pouch silently for a moment. His hands moved almost mechanically as he loosened the string and tipped its contents into his palm. The locket fell out, cold and heavy against his skin.He let the pouch drop onto the table as he studied the locket. The delicate gold chain spilled between his fingers like liquid light. He turned the locket over in his hand. The intricate floral engravings still caught the light, and the details seemed sharper, almost painfully vivid. At its center, the blue sapphire gleamed."It's beautiful!" Skye's voice broke through his thoughts, drawing his attention to her admiration."Yes, it is," Hector said, though his voice came out hoarse. He clenched the locket tightly, his throat
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Skye gazed thoughtfully at the doorway through which Talisha had just exited. Had she made the right decision? Perhaps she shouldn't have agreed to let Iona into their home and, by extension, into their lives. She couldn't forget how Iona had treated her in the past; it was a constant reminder of how little she could trust her. However, according to Talisha, Iona's family had fallen into poverty, losing their former glory and power. Maybe Iona and her parents, indeed, were in need.She bit her lower lip, deep in thought. Would that be enough to prevent Iona's malicious intentions?"Have you changed your mind?" Hector's voice cut through her thoughts. He stood off to the side, observing every move and subtle change in her expression. Startled, Skye turned her head towards him but didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she paced back and forth, her thoughts in turmoil. Finally, she said, "Do you think she will try something? I can’t forget her past behavior, but considering her current si
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A sharp, icy breeze swept through the air, stirring Iona's hair. She shivered, pulling her cloak tighter around her trembling form. Her fists were slick with sweat, and her heart hammered against her ribcage.She knew that her actions were reckless. One wrong move could leave her life hanging by a thread. A single order from the king could end everything.As she pondered her situation, the weight of her misery pressed down on her. Her life had become a bleak, meaningless struggle. Yet, this desperate act offered her a chance to change everything. Even if she failed, at least she would have tried; she would have fought for a better future. For that alone, the risk was worth taking.Iona had bet her life on a perilous gamble, ready to risk everything. With determination etched on her face, she pursed her lips and stared at the imposing door ahead.Why are they delaying? Maybe they didn't hear?Just as she raised her hand to knock again, the heavy door creaked open, leaving her hand susp
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"I'm sorry I'm late," Iona said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "With those clouds hiding the sun, I couldn't tell if it was noon yet. I decided to come and wait for you anyway."Anise's eyes sparkled with excitement as she gestured for Iona to take a seat. "We have so much to discuss," she said eagerly. "Let's begin with why you decided to move to the town, I never expected you to leave the castle," Anise asked.Iona's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "There's a plan," she revealed, raising Anise's eyebrows."Plan? What plan?" Anise leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper."I want to make Hector fall in love with me and leave Skye. I want to be a princess in her place."Anise's eyes widened. "That would be amazing. But how?""I'll seduce him somehow. I'll have to find his soft spots first and use them to my advantage," Iona replied, determination gleaming in her eyes.Anise's eyes lit up. "And that means Skye will be out of the castle," she said."And out of o
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Maysie knocked on the door."Come in, Maysie," Skye called from inside. Maysie entered and found Skye pacing anxiously.The room was warm, the fire crackling in the hearth, contrasting sharply with the cold outside.Skye's face lit up with relief as she hurriedly approached and hugged Maysie. "You're finally here." Maysie's eyes widened in surprise; Skye wasn't usually this emotional."Mary told me that you need me. Are you okay?" Maysie asked, feeling Skye's fragile, trembling body. "You are trembling. Are you cold?""No. I'm scared." Skye whispered, her voice barely audible.Maysie looked at her, concern etched on her face. "Did something happen between you and Hector?""Not yet, but I'm afraid it will," Skye admitted, her eyes darting nervously."I don't understand, Skye." Maysie said, her brow furrowing."I will explain to you as we drink our tea," she said, gently guiding her toward the small living room. A large tray with tea and side dishes waited on a small table. Skye's hands
By Order of the King Chapter 79
"Wait, Toren," Malcolm called, but Toren continued without looking back.Fiona leaned out the carriage window, her eyes narrowing. "What should we do now?" she asked her husband, her voice tinged with frustration."Moving on alone is our only option," Malcolm said, pressing his lips together thoughtfully."Let's move on, then. The noise here is dizzying," she said, squeezing her temples with a pained expression.Around them, the square buzzed with activity. Merchants hawking their goods, horses clattering on cobblestones, and the distant melody of a street musician's lute created a cacophony. The air was thick with freshly baked bread, mingling with the earthy aroma of vegetables and the tang of salted fish.Several moments passed without the carriage moving. Fiona glanced at Iona, her jaw clenched. "What is your father doing?" she asked, her voice tight."I don't know," Iona shrugged, her eyes wide with uncertainty."Stay here. I'll see what's happening," Fiona said, pushing the carr
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Iona looked at her mother as she approached. She stood up, clutching the fabric of her skirt in her fists. Fiona was unhappy with the situation, her eyes wide, face red, and lips pursed."Oh, mother, I hope nothing went wrong in there . . .""Did you hear how he talked to me?" Fiona hissed at a low volume, interrupting her as if she hadn't heard anything she had said."He is uncouth, rude, and a boor," she continued in a low yet intense voice. Fiona paced back and forth; every time she turned, she violently kicked back her skirt as it gathered around her legs."Mother, please remain calm. You're right, but they must not perceive your anger. Remember, we rely on them. We must not upset them, or they might leave."Fiona stopped short in front of her, very close to her face. "I know," she replied. "That alone prevented me from causing a scene."A droplet of saliva flew from her mouth and landed on Iona's left cheek, just below her eye.Fiona began pacing back and forth again, and Iona se
