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Chapter 55
Last Updated:
2023-12-04 20:59:14
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By 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 : 2024-02-08By Order of the King Chapter 61
Skye brought her face closer to the window and squinted to look better at the two people walking arm-in-arm in the garden.Although Skye couldn't see their faces, she recognized Hector's distinct build and long black hair.The figure next to Hector was a woman, but she was unrecognizable. She wore a cape, and the hem of her dress protruded from it. She was also much shorter and more petite than Hector, who stood beside her.Her heart sank; had he already replaced her? She clenched her fist to her chest, pursing her lips. Her eyes watered, and her vision blurred.Just a moment...She quickly wiped her eyes on her dress sleeve.That coppery long hair, sure she had seen it before.But, of course, her lips spread into a smile. How did she not realize it earlier? She was her…"This girl is Eithne, Maysie. Eithne!" she said with a laugh of relief.Maysie looked down at the girl in the garden and then at Skye. "You know her?"Skye quickly nodded. "She's Lennox's sister, Hector's best friend.
Last Updated : 2024-02-24By Order of the King Chapter 62
Eithne's face flushed in shame as she jerked back and ducked her head. "Excuse me, it was a mistake," she said, fidgeting."I just wanted to give you a kiss on the cheek to thank you for the kind words you said to me, but now everything has become complicated and...""Shhh... It’s okay, Eithne. Don't worry," he said, hugging her shoulders and rubbing them gently. "It was just an accident. Nothing serious happened. Let's forget about it.""Does that mean you're not angry? And will nothing change between us?" Eithne asked, looking up at him."Of course I'm not mad, and of course you're still my little sister," he reassured her, gently rubbing her head.Eithne giggled in relief. "Okay, you convinced me. I was worried for a moment that you didn't want to see me in your eyes again.""Hector laughed softly. 'If it was anyone else, it could be a problem. But since it's you, I know you didn't do it intentionally or with bad intentions.''I'm glad you understand that. Can we go inside now? It'
Last Updated : 2024-05-07By Order of the King Chapter 63
"You've hardly touched your food," Maysie said sadly, eyeing Skye's almost-full plate."I'm just not very hungry," Skye replied."Maysie sighed, picked up the food tray, and carried it to the table by the door, hoping the chamber would only smell food once a maid came to collect it.A sudden knock echoed through the room as Maysie placed the tray on the narrow table. Her eyes widened, and she hurried back to Skye. "What's wrong?" Skye asked, sensing the tension. "Someone's knocking on the door," Maysie replied, trembling slightly.Skye sat up nervously. "Did you ask?"Maysie nodded."Okay. Ask who is and come to tell me.""Okay," Maysie replied and moved towards the door. "Who is this?" she asked, her lips almost touching the door.“It’s me Maysie, Roisin. Please let me come in. I am not here with bad intentions; on the contrary."Maysie didn't answer and turned back to Skye. "It's Roisin and she says she didn't come with bad intentions, but quite the opposite."Skye furrowed her brow
Last Updated : 2024-05-07
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By Order of the King Chapter 85
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
By Order of the King Chapter 84
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
By Order of the King Chapter 83
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
By Order of the King Chapter 82
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
By Order of the King Chapter 81
"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
By Order of the King Chapter 80
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
By Order of the King Chapter 78
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
By Order of the King Chapter 77
Castle Eilean Donan: The UnexpectedThe day started with bleak gray clouds obscuring the sky. As winter approached, the sun had become a rare sight, and the chill in the air grew increasingly biting. Fiona held Iona by the shoulders, tightening her grip as Malcolm rode through the castle courtyard door. The echoing of the horse's hooves on the hard ground slowly faded. "Be careful," Fiona whispered. Tears welled as she watched him cross the narrow bridge connecting the castle to the mainland. They stood there until his figure disappeared behind the trees. "Let's go inside, mother. I'm frozen," Iona complained, clutching her cape tightly to protect herself from the cold wind."Yes, let's go," Fiona agreed. They headed towards the large wooden door, which was wide open, waiting for them. Fiona shut the heavy door and wiped the tears from her eyes. What would she do without Malcolm? He was left alone, unaccompanied. If he was attacked on the street, he could hardly get through on his o
