"You still havena told me why ye hate laird Knight so."

Corriane felt the stinging sensation of pain as her nails dug into the palm of her hand, slicing the skin open.

She welcomed the feeling.

Reveled in it.

Her blood began to dance with suppressed anger, waiting to be unleashed. She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. Only when all emotion was wiped clear from her face, did she turn to stare at Fredrick.

"And I have no intention of doing so. I do not ask you the why to your matters, I suggest you do the same." Corriane snapped, her anger barely concealed.

She hated him.

She hated him for being forced to do this. If it wasn't for him, she wouldn't have had to come to Fredrick. She hated Fredrick. She hated to have to act like a common whore. She hated how ugly she had become, hiding away in the shadows. She loathed the scars which covered her once flawless skin, detested it. She wasn't meant for shadows. She was created to be adorned, to be loved, to be lavished with attention. And all that was taken away from her because of Tristan. She would make him pay. Every anguish, every pain she had ever felt was due to him, and she would make sure he felt the same, ten folds more.

"Aye, you doona, but I do. I am merely curious. Laird Knight has earned my respect. He is brutal in battle, and refrains from people unless he must. What has he done to ignite your anger." Fredrick said as he walked towards her, for once, he truly was curious. He appreciated Corriane's passion to see Knight dead, but he wanted to know why. Knight was a man feared and respected throughout the land. He made an honorable friend, and a formidable enemy. He was quiet, reserved. His honor had stopped him from doing many a things. What had he done to have Corriane hate him so?

"I have no desire to let you know my intentions." Corriane said as she walked towards her chamber.

Once inside, she gave her anger free reign, careful not to leave the evidence. One way or another, she would get her revenge. Fredrick was easy enough to sway. All she had to do was remove her clothes and he danced according to her will.

"Left!! Damnation! I said left! The children! If the children are to be harmed, I will kill you myself! "

"Samuel! No!" He screamed, horror lacing his words. Samuel couldn't die, he wouldn't let him. He had a wife, and his first babe was on the way.

"It has been an honor serving under you, sir."

He watched as the life left Samuels eyes, leaving them vacant. He pulled the dagger from where it had been plunged into Samuels chest. The dagger of a betrayer. Samuels body began to fade away, something uglier taking its place....

"You waste of space! How dare you enter this room!" The beautiful blonde woman sneered, her immaculate nails digging into his sensitive flesh.

"Mamma!" The young boy cried as he was roughly thrown towards the floor, his head bouncing off the hard ground.

The man with copper color hair a shade lighter than the young boys drank his wine as he watched the woman deliver a vicious kick to the lads abdomen, the young lad stayed silent.

"I hate you."

With each sentence, a brutal blow was delivered to his already bruised abdomen. The sound of breaking ribs could be heard.

"You should never have been born."

Her words were followed by another kick. Blood flowed from his mouth, his eyes clenched shut in pain. Every painful word, every kick, he endured it in silence.

"Please, spare me. I beg of you." The man trembled beneath him as he begged for his life.

"And those children? Had they not begged you in the same manner? And the woman? Did they not use these very words before you stole their modesty, their virtue?"

Tristan woke with a start, sweat covered his person, his tunic clinging to him like a second skin. A glance around told him he had fallen asleep in his study. A look out the the window told him it was almost noon. He didn't recall falling asleep. Nor could he recall the last time he had such night terrors.

Tristan wiped the sweat from his brow. Never before had multiple nightmares complied themselves in one. Tristan ran a hand down his face, his breathing slightly uneven. He needed to leave his study. The castle. He needed to get away. It didn't matter wether he had made changes in the castle. He needed air. With a dark scowl, he left his study.

Sapphire smiled gently at the small kitten in her arms. The creature was adorable. The way it licked itself and attempted to scratch it's companions had a small smile forming on Sapphires lips. This one was a devious one. Sapphire continued to stare at the kittens as they played with each other, her thoughts going towards Tristan and their morning.

Sapphire lifted her head from where it rested on Tristan's chest, much like the rest of her body. She had fallen asleep atop him, his arms firmly wrapped around her lower back. A glance at his bare chest had heat creep up her chest to her cheeks. She felt his bare skin against her equally bare and sensitive flesh, the feeling making muscles low in her stomach clench. Her beloved husband had turned her into a wanton woman.

Sapphire took the time to stare at Tristan. He was always awake before her, not giving her a chance to watch him sleep. Even in sleep, he was a beautiful force to reckon with. His face was relaxed, giving one the illusion he was fast asleep, but his sinful body was alert. Sapphire didn't doubt for a moment, if she were to move, he would be awake in mere seconds. His incredibly long lashes covered his bewitching silver eyes, eyes which held many a pleasures, as well as secrets. His full lips called towards her, tempted her to have a taste, to explore.

Sapphire lowered her eyes and bit her bottom lip. She should let him sleep. Dawn had just entered, Tristan was usually awake before then.

Sapphire continued to watch him. The way his eyebrows scrunched together slightly before she felt his hold on her tighten. The way his muscles would tense before relaxing slightly. The way his long locks fell slightly over his eyes. Everything about him had her

mesmerized. Bewitched. Fascinated.

"Tis not proper to stare."

Sapphire blushed a deep red at being caught.

"You should take your own advice, my lord." Sapphire retorted, she would not let him best her.

"I did not say I do not stare, I said tis not proper to stare." Tristan smirked as he slowly let his eyes open to see the beauty which lay atop him.

Her hair was tussled from their night of love making. Her full lips still slightly swollen from his kisses. Instantly, his rod swelled with arousal. Add to that her naked, soft curves pressed against him, he was daft with need and he had barely woken up.

What ever retort Sapphire had planned died a quick death as she saw Tristan's silver eyes darkened with a hunger which equally matched her own.

"This is a very pleasant sight to awaken to." Tristan said as he pressed her closer yet. His lips seeking her pulse which beat a tattoo under skin, his hands exploring at their own leisure.

Sapphire was pulled from her less than noble thoughts by the sound of meowing kittens.

"Nay, fighting is not pleasant." Sapphire chided the felines softly as she separated them from one another. They stared innocently towards her. With their big, gorgeous eyes, and the general look of the tiny animals, it was impossible for Sapphire to stay upset with them. They were adorable. Words could not explain the love she had for these felines and why. They were simply irresistible.

The small creatures spared Sapphire a glance before running two feet away, waiting for her to catch them. With a small chuckle, Sapphire complied, completely unaware of the danger which awaited her.

Sapphire giggled as she ran first left then right before running straight ahead, her sweet laughter in the air.

"You are fast, are you not?" Sapphire said once her laughter had ceased.

She stood on the tip of her toes looking for the kittens. Seeing one go towards a tree, Sapphire hurried after it. She was running towards the kitten, a smile of joy on her face, when the ground gave out beneath her. Sapphire tried screaming, but no sound came out as she fell ten feet below ground. She tried to grab for something, anything, but all she managed to do was scratch her hands. She fell on her arm, her head hitting a stone, causing a thin trail of blood to flow from her temple. She looked towards the opening of the trench, her head feeling heavy. Sapphire tried concentrating, her head felt heavy, her left arm let its agony known. A figure appeared on the edge of the trench, or was it her imagination.

"Sir! Is anyone there?" Sapphire screamed, dizziness making her vision blurry.She leaned her head against the dirt wall, waiting for the dizziness to pass. She was almost certain she had seen someone by the trench, she must have hit her head harder than she thought.

Andrew walked away from the trench, making sure his footsteps could not be heard. His own stupidity had nearly caused his plans to foil. He had spent nearly a fortnight digging up the trench, he had to make sure the trench did not give the impression of being man made. To make matters worst, his arm had just finished healing. The physical exertion so soon after his wound had healed caused tremendous pain in his forearm. The pain would be worth it at the end. He had to keep his coin in mind, the one and only thing driving him forward.

Andrew walked towards the trench once more. Careful as to not get caught, he peered inside the trench. Lady Knight rested her head against the dirt wall. It was only a matter of time before her husband noticed her absence. The first part of his plan had been put to test. It was almost too easy. The lady had a soft spot for the wee beasts, something he had taken full advantage. It had been almost too easy to have her come this way. All he had to do was throw scraps of fish at the beasts and they happy followed the trail he created, bringing lady Knight with them. Now all he had to do was see what the laird would do, after that, would he plan his next move.

Tristan cussed low and harsh. He had checked his chambers, as well as the kitchens, the bailey and the village. He couldn't find Sapphire anywhere. She hadn't been with Alexander, Duncan, Robbert or Gerald when he had checked. He was walking towards the river, in need of a cold swim. He had wanted to see Sapphire and tell her where he was going, the weather was far too cold to take her with, but he couldn't find her anywhere.

Damn everything to hell!

Thoughts of all kind ran rampage in his mind. He tried to shake his head clear, all in vain. His strides were long, determined. He couldn't think. Why couldn't he find her? She never left anywhere without telling him. If she couldn't find him, she would make sure the message was delivered.

Tristan kept his gaze on the ground as he walked, a feeling of dread coiling in the pit of his stomach. His gaze scanned the area, looking, seeking. He ran a hand through his hair, frustration clear with each step.

"Asher!" Tristan called as he entered the stables.

"Would you fancy a swim?" Tristan asked as he began to saddle him up. Asher nuzzled Tristan's hand, sensing his discomfort and wanting to offer some comfort.

"I know, I know. As soon as we manage to leave from here, I will tell you."

Tristan spoke as he would a friend, their bond clearly visible.

Tristan swung atop Asher and guided him towards the river. He kept a vigilant eye as Asher galloped across the bailey towards the forest.

"Tristan! Where are ye going?" Duncan called after him, dust blocking his view.

"Swimming. Doona follow me." Tristan hollered, mimicking Duncan's Scottish brogue.

"Aye, but I think ye should take her ladyship with ye." Duncan snickered at Tristan's retreating form. His temper was more sour than usual, Duncan couldn't help but make a jab at Tristan's expense, it was much to tempting to resist.

Tristan clenched his teeth but refrained from saying anything. It wasn't Duncan's fault he couldn't find Sapphire. Duncan's suggestion had been innocent, lashing out on him would be wrong on Tristan's part. As it was, it probably wasn't anything to worry over, if only he could believe his own words.

Asher began to neigh once they reached the confinements of the forest.

"The wind carries the secrets of many a men." Tristan responded off handedly, chuckling lightly when Asher stood on his hind legs in protest.

"Alright, alright. I can't find Sapphire anywhere, I'm worried. My instincts are telling me something is amiss, she never goes anywhere without telling me her whereabouts. I shouldn't be thinking such thoughts, but when it comes to her, Asher, my mind is not my own.

"When I had first seen her all those months ago, I was awestruck by her beauty. I didn't want to be anywhere near her, not trusting myself with her. She tested my self control like no other. In the beginning I would keep my distance, but that proved fatal. The more I tried to stay away, the closer I came. I deluded my self into thinking I would be alright as I am, alone. I didn't need anyone, much less a woman. I was content.

"But living with her shows I can not go an hour let alone a day without seeing her. Not seeing her today has me behaving like an infatuated lass. I can not seem to think in her presence or without her presence. Every waking hour is occupied with thoughts of her. She truly is amazing. Her smile, her eyes, every curve on her delectable body has me craving for her."

Asher neighed in response.

"Aye, old friend. I am aware you are fond of her." Tristan said warily as he stroked Asher's mane.

Tristan's mind was occupied with thoughts of Sapphire, not noticing Asher was taking a different route, one away from the river. Only when the trees began to fade away, did he notice.

"Asher, tis the wrong way."

Tristan said as he tried to halt the beast. Asher seemed to have a mind of his own. Not paying heed to Tristan, he kept going forward.

"Asher!" Tristan tried once again to halt him in vain. Asher never disobeyed him, ever. Tristan attempted to halt Asher when the stallion came to a stop of its own accord. Asher urged Tristan to get down.

Tristan unmounted, letting his gaze take in his surroundings. They were a fair distance away from the castle as well as the village. Without Tristan noticing, Asher had back traveled away from the river. The area was close enough by foot, yet far from the castle.

Asher nudged Tristan's shoulder as he pushed him towards the right.

Sapphire opened her eyes and signed in relief to find the dizziness had passed. She moved away from the wall and wiped the dirt from her clothes. How was she supposed to get out of this trench? She hadn't even known the ground would give away under her.

"Is anyone there! Help!" Sapphire called out until her voice grew hoarse and her throat began to hurt.

Damnation!

Sapphire slid to the ground, pressing a finger against her throbbing temples. Dried blood coated the side of her face. Her hands had scratches on them from trying to hold on to something from her fall. Her arm ached from where she had fallen, her dress ripped. She could feel the bruises beginning to form on various parts of her body.The sound of dirt being removed had her looking towards the opening. The kittens she had been chasing, all three of them, peered down at her with their wide eyes.

"You are the cause of me being here."

The kittens meowed in response before running off. Sapphire let out a breath in exasperation. She needed to get out of here, but how?

Sapphire didn't know how long she sat massaging her aching temples when she heard the distant sound of beating hooves. She quickly got to her feet, swaying slightly. Sapphire said a quick prayer before she began to call out for help in the hopes someone would hear her and stop. Sapphire continued to call for help, but it seemed only the wind heard her, who ever had been passing by was long gone.

"Asher, I don't understand why you have dragged me out here." Tristan growled as Asher nudged him east.

Tristan kept walking, occasionally bending over to avoid being hit by a branch. Asher nudged Tristan harder, trying to get him to walk faster.

"What has you riled up, old friend?" Tristan asked in wonder. Asher's only response was to nudge him harder, leading him towards one direction.

Her voice reached him before he saw her. Tristan broke out into a run, forcing his life legs to move faster. Blood rushed to his brain, his heart beat a tattoo in his chest. He would recognize that voice anywhere. His body was not his own. He couldn't think straight. He prayed he wasn't too late. How could he have been such a cretin! He would never let her out of his sight. Ever.

Different scenarios ran through his mind, all heightening his fear. He needed to get to her before......He couldn't think straight, only one thought, one person concerned him at the moment, nothing else. He hadn't know what fear was until that moment, and he prayed he wouldn't have to be put through it again.

Tristan ran faster than he had ever ran before. His blood pumping in his veins.

"Sapphire! Sapphire!" Tristan called, fear tightening his features as silence met him. Dread and horror wound themselves around him, suffocating him. But it seemed he was rewarded for his virtue, in the distance, he heard his name being called.

"Tristan!"

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