The Scottish Princess

Wasting Away

**GRAHAM’S POV**

I heard screaming from the horizon. I turned my horse in the direction of the screams, I saw Dugan charging towards me with all his might.

 What the f**k is going on? 

Where is prìpeil?

My mind start circling and my heart started to race, Frazier must have taken her. 

“My lord, I’m so sorry but she’s gone. Isla is gone.” I almost jumped off my horse to tackle him, but knowing her, she sacrificed herself. She disobeyed orders and now finds herself in a very dangerous situation. My plan had drastically changed, I knew what I had to do, we had a new destination. 

“Men! My prìpeil has been taken from us! We head for Frazier!” I rallied the men behind me and we took off towards the trees. 

I couldn’t push Max any more than I already was, I needed to get there but we still had a far journey ahead of us. I didn’t want to think about the things that he was doing to her, I needed for her to survive, I couldn’t handle it if he took her away from me. I know that we need to get Fiona back, but prìpeil was my top priority. She is the most important thing to me, she is the mother to my unborn children, I cherished her more than I thought was possible. 

I tried to keep my mind steady as we continued to ride, I couldn’t stop, I wouldn’t stop to make camp for tonight. There is no way that I could get a good night’s sleep right now anyway. 

The closer we got, the more nervous I got, I didn’t want to think about what awaited me. My mind was fuzzy and my stomach was in knots. I prayed harder than I ever have before, prayed for her to be alive, I prayed for her to be healthy, I prayed that he didn’t get a chance to touch her, and I prayed that she’s fighting and that she is strong enough to handle his torture. 

I pictured her face, her giggle, and her spirit.  I knew that he would try to break her, but I know that she never will, she is strong, she is a fighter, my prìpeil is precious but she could rip a throat out if she needed to. I didn’t want her to tarnish her delicacy by taking that fucker’s life, that was my job. I feel like a failure, I should have been the one that went with her, I vowed to protect her at all costs, instead I chose the glory of defeating them that I lost sight of what was really important. If I had just stayed with her, she wouldn’t have sacrificed herself. 

I longed to hold her in my arms once more, it’s all I’ve ever wanted. I craved her, I need her like a fish needs water. I feel like I’m suffocating without her, I can’t think or breath without her here. I can only imagine what is happening to her right now. I need to know that she is okay, I willed her to be okay. I couldn’t do anything about the distance, but I would not stop until I had her in my arms.

**ISLA’S POV**

Isaac has left me alone for most of the day, I know being a chief is demanding of him, I’m so thankful that he hasn’t been around, it means that I don’t have to play along all day. I was finally able to get dressed, I instantly felt more comfortable walking around the room. I was able to bathe earlier this morning, I was disgusted with myself. I felt so much shame for what I had to do yesterday, and I knew that it was going to continue today. I know that my chance was coming up, I knew that I would have to act soon. 

I was able to snag a knife from my breakfast tray this morning and snuck it into my pillow. When he tried to bed me, it would find it’s way into his chest. I needed him to be gone, I didn’t care if I didn’t have all the information that I needed, I would find her. I have snuck in and out of castles my whole life, what made this one any different?

Around the middle of the afternoon, Isaac had found his way back into our room. I knew Isaac was just here to f**k me and then he would leave once more. I knew that I would have to wait until later tonight to escape, less people would be looking for Isaac if they thought that he was asleep. I would have to put up with this just once more and then I would be free. I started to formulate a plan in my head. I knew the way down to the stables, I would just bare back a horse and take off North to MacKenzie. I didn’t care about taking anything with me. Maybe some food and water, but nothing too heavy that would weigh me down. 

“Good afternoon my love, I only have a little while and then I have to head back down stairs. I hate to leave you again so soon.” I tried so hard not to roll my eyes, I hated the overly sweet way that he speaks to me. I know that his intentions aren’t pure, so why act as if they are? I knew that I would have to escape today, I couldn’t take this any more. 

He walked over to the bed and pulled me to my feet. His lips landed on mine and his tongue invaded my mouth, he tasted of booze and smoke and it made my stomach curdle. His hands were quick to touch my body. He started to remove my layers, it wasn’t too hard seeing as I wasn’t wearing too many layers. He let the fabrics fall to the floor and pool at my feet. Before long, I was standing naked in front of him. 

“Turn around my love.” I did what I was instructed and he pushed me down to the mattress so I was facing away from him. He grabbed my hips and made me straighten my legs. At least I wouldn’t need to act as hard this time around, he couldn’t see my face. I let the silent tears flow as he took me from behind, I couldn’t wait for him to be done. I was running out of visions to block my mind with, I tried so hard to produce some kind of happy place but I think that I was just too mentally drained. 

Isaac left quickly after he was finished, I know that he was not pleased with me this time around, I didn’t give him enough encouragement I guess. Now that he was gone, I needed to prepare myself. I sent for Leahry for some lunch, I was hoping to stash as much provisions as possible. I needed to brush through my hair and make it tidy. I ripped a brush through my hair and quickly tied it up into a braid. I was able to get my hands on a wash cloth and dipped it into the vanity. I scrubbed my body the best I could and tucked an outfit away so I could grab it as I ran out the door. 

I sat there patiently and waited for Leahry to bring me a tray. I still stayed in my robe so Isaac wouldn’t be suspicious. I subconsciously hoped that Graham and I had synced up our timing. I hoped to run into him at some point during my escape. I wanted to go home so badly, I wanted my sister back and I wanted to settle into my new life. I didn’t want to be caged up like this, I want my freedom and my independence. I haven’t seen the sun in three days.

Another hour or so went by and I heard heavy footsteps in the hallway. I knew that I would have to have a vantage point. I needed to be able to reach his vulnerable spots and the knife all in one swoop. I held my breath as I heard the keys and the door unlatch. I took a couple deep breaths and turned on the charm, hopefully he would just think that I was coming around. 

I waited for him to enter the room before dropping my robe to the ground. A wide smile spread across his lips as he stepped towards me, he must be pleased with my willingness to participate this time. Instead of him walking towards me, I willed my feet to meet him in the middle. If this was going to be the last time he would ever do this, might as well make it count, you know just until I kill him.

When I was close enough, I melted into his body and wrapped my arms around his neck. 

“Aren’t you enthusiastic, are you ready for me my love?” I swallowed my bile and nibbled at his ear. I felt his hands on my spine and his c**k against my thigh. I pressed my lips against his and started to pull him towards the bed, I wanted this to be over and done with. 

I felt his body language change as we backed up to the bed and we pressed me into the mattress. He was quick to spread my hips and slam into me. I gasped at the impact, it almost hurt a bit. Lucky for me, it was close enough to my sounds of passion. I tilted my hips up a little more so he could go deeper. I wrapped my heels around his hips to keep him close. He grabbed hold of my wrists and pushed them into the mattress above my head. I tried hard to block out my pleasure but my body was betraying me. I felt so ashamed that I let my sensations take hold of me, it was primal not survival anymore. My body started to tense and my back arched while my inner walls clenched him, this time it wasn’t an act. 

“That’s it lass,” I let a long moan escape my lungs and my body gave into him. I spiraled down from my orgasm just as Isaac flipped us so I was on top. This was my chance, I had to go through with it, it was now or never. I started to rotate my hips and placed my hands on his chest for support. I felt his hands make their way up to my breasts and knead them between his fingers. My body started to betray me again as my body started to quiver and my body started to clench again. My lungs released a scream as my orgasm ripped through me and I gushed on top of him. 

Isaac dug his fingers into my hips as he flexed inside of me,

“f**k!” I was breathless and panting as I came down from my high. Isaac traced his finger up from my belly button up to my neck. Suddenly he grabbed a tight hold onto my neck and flipped me off of him. His lust turned to anger, his soul-less eyes were back. I reached up for his hands and tried to pry them off of my neck. I started kicking underneath him as my vision went blurry. 

“You know the funny part about this, is I know that this time around you weren’t faking and you were still going to kill me.” As I registered his words, my eyes bugged out, he knew this entire time. “Oh yes lass, I know that there is a ruck sack stashed in the wardrobe and I know about the knife under the pillow. I actually thought that you were coming around and that we were going to be happy.”

As he spoke, I tried hard not to pass out, if I did, I would wake up in the dungeon or worse, I wouldn’t wake up at all. 

“Don’t worry Isla, I won’t let you die but things are going to get a lot worse for you.” He finally let go of my throat and I started gasping for air. I couldn’t stop coughing and hacking as my vision returned. So he did have eyes every where, I hadn’t mentioned anything to anyone, how did he know. He reached up past me and slipped the knife out of it’s hiding place. He held it up to my throat for one last threat.

“If you try anything like this again, you will never see the light of day, do you understand?” I couldn’t speak because of my throat so I just nodded my head as tears threatened my eyes. “Good lass.” He kissed the top of my nose and pushed himself off of the bed. “I will be back shortly, don’t move.” Isaac headed for the door and locked it behind him. I sat there shaking on the bed and was over come with nausea, I could have died, he could have killed me. I thought that I was being sneaky, but he knew everything that I was doing without even being near me. I had to change my strategy, something that would be far less risky, something that didn’t lead to another choke out. 

Another two days passed and I still had no idea where Fiona was, I was beginning to go crazy. I needed answers and I needed them now. Isaac kept me stripped and chained to one of the four posts and would abuse me over and over again until I wanted to cry. He wouldn’t stick around long after he got what he wanted. I had many more bruises and cuts than before, he didn’t care if he was being gentle, he just wanted me for my body. I knew that if I stayed here, I would die here. 

Day four was even harder, I couldn’t sit or stand any longer. I wasn’t eating or sleeping and I was filthy. Most of the day I would sit and cry on the edge of the bed, the other half of the day I would pace in front of it. I knew that Graham was on his way to me, I just prayed that he would be here soon. As much as I was convinced that I didn’t need a man to rescue me, I was out of options, I couldn’t do anything more or I’ll be dead by the end of the day, if not from brutality then by starvation and neglect. 

I laid on the mattress and stared at the ceiling, I was fading fast. I was on a downward spiral, I still couldn’t believe that I hadn’t gotten any information out of Isaac, if I didn’t get something soon, this would all be for not. 

Day five I was losing color in my cheeks and I was losing hair by the chunks. I felt weak and fought to stay awake. I was near collapsing when I heard some commotion outside the door. There was shouting and screaming matched with the sounds of clanging swords. I shot up off the bed and started screaming.

“Help me! I’m in here!” I started banging the chain against the bed post making as much noise as possible. There were too many voices so I couldn’t tell who was out there, I didn’t care, I had to try. I heard rapid footsteps and then running down the long hallway. 

“She’s in here! Men this way!” I heard his voice coming for me.

“Graham! I’m in here, please help me!”

“I’m coming prìpeil!” I could hear his footsteps get faster and louder as he ran towards the door. There was pounding on the door, I could see it shudder with every blow. “I’m coming lass, hang on! Dugan, come help me!” 

“Aye Chief!” After a few more blows the door gave way. Hi eyes bugged out when he saw me and shoved Dugan back out of the doorway. 

“What the f**k has he done to you?” He rushed over to me and cupped my chin with his hands. I started to cry of relief, I was going home, I was going to be safe and protected. Graham held me tight but was mindful of the bruises along my spine and the cuts on my arms and face. There were tears in his eyes as looked into mine. I could see the heartbreak that reflected back at me. He knew what Isaac had done to me, his sadness quickly turned to rage. “I’ll kill him!” He turned to leave and I grabbed his arm as tight as I could.

“No! Please don’t leave me! I promise never to leave you again! Please stay with me.” Graham pulled me to his chest and his arms around me, shielding my naked body from the others. 

“Dugan! Find him, now.” 

“Yes chief, men let’s move out!” Graham turned back to me. 

“Let’s get you covered up, we’re going home.”  

Graham didn’t want to waste any time getting me out of there. They must have found Isaac, Dugan came back with the keys to the chain around my ankle. There was still no word on Fiona, I had to just pray that she was okay. Graham had found a chemise and slippers for me to throw on, he wrapped a blanket around my shoulders and escorted me out into the hallway. Graham turned to Dugan, 

“Did you find her?” Dugan glanced over at me before addressing Graham.

“Yes sir, we found her. She’s definitely shaken up but we have her.” Dugan looked at me with a large smile. Thank God, they found her, she’s alive and we’re taking her home. 

I stood in the middle of the town square with a baby in my arms. Graham was standing behind me and our son protectively. We looked on at the hangman’s noose, today was the day that my nightmares would finally stop, I could move on from the abuse that I had suffered. Isaac Frazier would not be a problem any longer. With Graham being a chief, he could not kill Isaac, there needed to be a trial that involved all of the clans, including my father. I looked up at the platform in the center of the square. Isaac’s face was covered with a black hood. I don’t know if I could stomach looking into those dark eyes again. Life had continued to change this last year, I’m just glad that it’s over and I can put this chapter to bed. 

I could hear the ceremonial drums as I looked down at sweet baby Ailbert’s face, he had his father’s icy blue eyes and dark brown locks, he was his father’s son, there was no doubt about it. He was all that I wanted to focus on, when I heard the creaking of the robe against the wood, I shuddered at my experiences. I felt Graham’s hand on my shoulder when it was all over. I clutched Ailbert closer to my chest as daddy led us out of the crowd and away from the monster forever.