Page 25 of When the Laird Claims
“Everythin’ that ye are saying to me is only proving the point that everyone would benefit from his death,” Arran continued. “I’ll nae pretend to understand why reputation is so fickle there, but I hear ye.”
“I do not think you do,” she said, frustrated.
How was she supposed to explain anything, or answer any of his questions, when her point of view was entirely foreign to him?
“His death would be a scandal,” she tried, anyway. “That scandal would fall on my family. Indeed, I do not trust that he does not have some… wickedness in place in the case of his untimely demise. It might not be like that here, for which I am remarkably envious, but it is my situation. There are other people to consider, and I will not take such selfish revenge.”
Fear for her sister started to build higher and higher inside of her. She did not know what to do with her hands. She couldnot stand it. She pushed up to her feet, pacing anxiously as she struggled to find a way to properly express herself.
“I understand that ye are worried, lass, I do. But–”
“Butnothing,” Victoria huffed, desperation edging into her voice. “Death would not be enough of a punishment and would be catastrophic for my family. He should be imprisoned and exposed for his cruelty;thatis the only punishment I am willing to consider.”
Arran raised an eyebrow. “But ye say he has this immense influence. Do ye think any one of yer lot will punish him appropriately? He’ll get a smack on the wrist at best. And I willnae have my sister’s story exposed. Ye do what ye want with yer own, but ye’ll nae tell her tale. Besides, she has givenhersentence to the Earl. How she wants her revenge is as much her choice as it is yers, lass, and hers still seems like the only way to be certain he doesnae hurt anyone else.”
“Yes, but… I mean, if I could just…” She faltered, realizing the truth in what he said.
No one in societywouldlisten if she told her story. It would be as damning as Charles’ death for her family.
She could not be here. Her chest was too tight, her vision narrowing, pin-pricking. Her wrists were so itchy all of a sudden that it was practically unbearable. No, she could not be here for a moment longer, trying to figure out an impossible solution. And she certainly could not stand to look at Arran, for then shemight admit that he was right, and that her suggestions were pointless, thus condemning Charles to the ultimate punishment and herself to a black mark on her immortal soul.
I will be just as bad as him…
So, she did the only thing that she could do in that moment—she ran.
11
“Victoria!”
Every part of Arran wanted to go after her, but this did not feel like a moment to chase her. She was upset, but if he would not change his mind about the Earl’s fate and she would not change hers, then going after her would only cause friction. Not of the good kind.
Can ye truly nae see why it must be this way? Ye said ye have a sister; would ye nae do the same for her, if she was in yer position or Kristin’s?He shook his head as she vanished from sight. If Kristin could not persuade her, what chance did he have? After all, Kristin was one of that wronged party too, her honor stolen, living with the consequences of the Earl’s deception and abandonment. Arran was merely the sword of justice, awaiting the command.
Although, hedidhave his personal grievances with the man, too. The Earl had betrayed his trust and the sanctity of guest rights,when Arran had opened his home to him, broken bread with him, shared wine and his table and his keep. To defile his sister after that generosity: it was unacceptable. And Arranwoulddeal with it as his people always had.
With a blade.
For ye as much as for Kristin,an earnest voice added in his head.Let me protect ye now, as nay one protected ye before.
After all, if what she had said was true, then the English way clearly did not work.
When Arran arrived at the great hall later that evening, there was an extra seat at the head table, as yet unoccupied. Kristin was already there, Ruby suckling at her breast while she chewed on a piece of bread.
His sister barely glanced up at him when he took his seat. Whatever liveliness had been present in her eyes outside was gone now. There was no denying how much it saddened his heart to see her so hollow, day after day. If only Victoria had known her before, then perhaps he would have seen how shocking this drastic change truly was within her.
“What’s wrong with yer face?” Kristin muttered, finally acknowledging him.
“I could ask the same about ye,” he replied with a forced smile.
She sniffed and returned to her bread, slicking it with butter.
Slowly, his clansmen started to file into the hall, at the same time that all the tables were being laden with food.
“Did yer lass decide nae to join us after all?” Arran’s mother’s voice came from behind him, an almost amused chuckle underlying her words before she took her seat next to Kristin.
“She isnae my lass, and ye ken that,” Arran muttered, reaching for his goblet of wine the moment that it was poured.
But if she were, she wouldnae think twice about an Englishman again. And I’d get nothin’ done with her to worship.He swallowed down the heady wine, his blood racing at the thought of Victoria: her lips on his, her body eager and willing in his embrace, only, this time, he would not step away and she would not run.
