The Scottish Princess

The Silent Treatment

**GRAHAM’S POV**

I had more to drink than I thought, I must have gotten lost in the crowd. I was maintaining a watchful eye over Isla from afar. After countless drinks, I looked over at the table and saw that she was gone. I don’t know how long she had been missing, but for some reason I saw red. Even if I wasn’t talking to her, at least I knew that she was nearby. Her father said that they raised her right, well she should have known that she was not allowed to leave without my permission. She is not officially bound to me, but I already feel protective over her, I want to make sure that she is always safe. I took another shot of whiskey and stomped out of the hall, I don’t know where her room is, but I will find it. Most of the house was already fast asleep, it made it easy to move about undetected.

I heard a couple of maids whispering between one another when I heard Isla’s name. I listened intently as they continued to walk in front of me.

“Yes! Kennedy told me that he acted like she didn’t exist. Isla is heartbroken, I heard that she fell for the chief the moment she laid eyes on him. I feel so bad for Miss Isla, the poor thing.”

I couldn’t listen to them anymore. It was only fueling my rage. The whiskey started to take full effect and I was close to boiling over in my frustration in trying to find her. The need to talk to her was gone, I was ready to blow a gasket. The maids took a sharp turn down a side corridor, leaving me alone in the hallway. They were my only hint to where Isla was. I had to use my instincts, I was on the fourth floor somewhere, the hallway isn’t that big, she’s got to be in one of these rooms. I stumbled down the corridor running into table and various pictures hanging on the wall. I must be getting close, I saw a maid slip out of one of the doors on the other end of the hall, that must be Kennedy. She headed straight to the service staircase at the end of the hall, luckily, she didn’t see me, I was still undetected. I charged towards her room and hesitated for just a moment. I started pounding on the door, she was not going to ignore me. I heard her shuffling inside, but I grew tired of waiting.

I leaned all of my weight into the door and the latch gave way. I stumbled momentarily before regaining my balance. I stopped in my tracks when I saw her. She was frozen in place. She didn’t know how to handle my intrusion. I was distracted by the sheer fabric that was barely containing her breasts. My body started to betray me, and lust took over, I wanted to punish her in the worst way. I wanted to bend her over and make sure that she couldn’t walk in the morning. Her beautiful body was mine for the taking. She pulled me to her like a magnet, I moved slowly towards her. Isla mirrored my steps and pushed herself up against the wood post. Now was my chance to have her alone, I needed to set the rules now. I had come so far, I needed to say what was on my mind.

“How could you excuse yourself if you didn’t ask permission first? Do you have any idea the trouble you have caused?” I was trying to be as playful as I could, my primal instincts took over and I didn’t want to scare her. “Do you know what happens to you when you misbehave? Now I get to punish you, however I see fit.” I smirked at the thought of revealing her gorgeous little body. Without breaking eye contact, I slowly reached down and grabbed for the hem of her goonie. My pointer finger lightly grazed her thigh, and I felt the electricity rush through my body, I wanted her so badly. She was the most beautiful lass that I have ever seen.

Suddenly, I felt her delicate hand strike the side of my face. There was so much force behind it that I had to take a few steps back to regain my balance. Now I was pissed, even though her actions were justified, all my anger boiled to the surface and before I knew it, I was screaming at her. I felt her pull further away from me, that angered me more. I blacked out and pulled my hand back, the whiskey was taking over and I wasn’t thinking anymore.

I heard the door unlatch and my whole body froze, what in the actual f**k was the matter with me? I knew I had to get out of there, regardless if I had time to talk to Isla, there is no way that she would listen to an apology right now. I readjusted myself and quickly left the room. I lingered in the hallway for a few moments and heard her sobbing, how could I do this to her, why am I such a fucker? My heart started to break, and the tears started to gather. There is no way that she would forgive me after this, I only prayed that she would eventually let me in.

I hardly slept, I kept going through that scene over and over. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Isla’s face, the sadness in her body language and the terror in her eyes. I wanted so badly to take it all back, I didn’t mean a word of what I said, I knew that she wouldn’t believe me, she had no reason to, she doesn’t even know me.

I sat at the head table picking at my plate all morning, I was so ashamed of myself, I couldn’t eat. I can’t believe the awful things I said to her last night. I knew that I was the reason that she hadn’t come down yet, I wouldn’t want to see me either. I prayed to God the I could get to see her soon. I wanted to grovel at her feet and beg for forgiveness, my parents raised me better than this. The whiskey got the better of me, we both made mistakes last night, but mine were way out of line, I should have been more patient, I shouldn’t have expected her to know all of the rules, she’s not even mine yet, I have no right to punish her. I’m not quite sure where to go from here, I know that it will take quite a bit to earn her respect and trust back. I’ve never felt this way before, this is all new to me. Do I try to talk to her and get shut down or do I just pretend like nothing happened? Maybe I should give her some time to cool down before trying to open that can of worms. I was about to give up hope when out of the corner of my eye I saw her. She was stunning, and I felt the excitement build quickly and then dissipate when I saw the look of distain on her face. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. My heart started to flutter as she walked over to the table. I stood up and pulled her chair out, she didn’t even look at me.

We sat there in silence as she started to eat, she side glanced over to my plate, I could tell that she was curious on why I hadn’t eaten anything yet. I needed to say something to her, but my brain wouldn’t form the words. I said the first thing that popped into my head.

“You look very pretty today.” f**k! I knew that that’s not what she wanted to hear, her facial expressio said it all, she pretty much called me a dumb ass with her eyes. 

**ISLA’S POV**

After his failed attempt at a normal conversation it was just awkward silence. I wanted to eat my breakfast as fast as I could so I could get the hell out of there. There were so many other things that I would rather do than to sit here with Graham. I heard him clear his throat and prayed that we wouldn’t actually talk to me. I didn’t want things to get fixed right now, I just wanted to continue to ignore him, I knew that the silent treatment was a good way to go. It’s one thing for a lady not to talk, but to not acknowledge him is a whole other story.

“Isla, I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk with me after we’ve finished breakfast, would that be okay?”

Fuck! Of course, I can’t say no. I didn’t even meet his gaze, but I turned my head enough, so he knew that I heard him. We finished eating in silence, I was counting the minutes until this whole charade was over.

Once we finished eating, Graham led me out to the gardens. I grabbed a basket and picked some fresh flowers and started weeding the rose bushes. I felt Graham’s eyes following me while I worked. I felt his eyes burning a hole in the back of my head.

“The flowers are lovely this time of year.” I maintained my silence and I didn’t look at him, I just kept on with my chores. “Isla, I was hoping that we could talk about last night.” Still nothing. When is he going to get the hint that I don’t want anything to do with him? After a few more minutes, he tried again. “Isla, I’m so sorry for what I said to you, I didn’t mean a word of it. There is no excuse for my behavior. I wasn’t thinking and I let the whiskey take hold of me.”

I didn’t want to listen to him, the wounds were still fresh, and his words were ringing in my ears. I was still so furious with him, I couldn’t even look at him, how did he expect me to talk to him? When I still didn’t answer, he tried again.

“Isla, please answer me. I’m so sorry how I handled myself last night.  Feel this magnetic pull to you, I’ve never felt this way before. I feel oddly protective over and I know that I have no right. I didn’t handle you leaving very well, and I know that. Just know that I would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. I still didn’t want to dignify a response.

“Isla, I don’t want to have to command you to talk to me, so it would just be easier if you told me what’s on your mind.” I set my basket on the grass and squared off with him. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, a wave of nausea rushed over me, I was so angry. He didn’t want to “command” me? It will be a very long time before I let him take control.

“Fine my lord, I will talk to you. Just know that I am still a lady despite that language that I am about to use.” I took one more deep breath and prepared to unleash hell. I knew that I had to stay as calm as possible.

“What you did is inexcusable, you tried to rape me because you got too drunk and didn’t know how to process your emotions like an adult. I understand that you have a reputation to uphold and that you don’t want to look weak, but I deserve way more respect than what you gave me.” I could tell that my words were processing in his tiny little man brain. “You called me a vessel last night, do you remember that? So, do you mean to tell me that I am just an empty womb for you to c*m in? Well, I have news for you, I am not your plaything, you do not get to treat me like that and then expect me to still let you touch me, I know what I’m worth, and right now you cannot afford me. I am a vessel alright, but I am a gorgeous, handcrafted, delicate Faberge egg. I will be treated with respect and care or you will never touch me again. I know my place, I am a woman, I have no freedoms, I know my duties and my responsibilities. I live a trapped, insignificant life and am only used for one purpose. Your respect and infatuation would make all of that bullshit worth it.” I took a quick pause, and then continued my rant.

“So, in conclusion, I will not be speaking to you or even allowing you to be near me until I am ready. I would like to be left alone, we can keep up appearances because that is what is expected of me, but there will be no more bonding time.” I could see his expression sink, and his head hung a little lower.

After another moment of processing, he finally spoke. “May I still stay with you? I would like to be sure that you are safe.” I wanted to stay true to my promise, I was not going to speak to him, but I nodded my head to let him know that he could stay. I could understand his need to watch over me, and in all honesty, I didn’t mind knowing that I had eyes on me. I turned and picked up my basket and continued working. Graham was still nearby but he didn’t hover, I’m glad that he is okay with my new rules. For once in my life, I felt like I had the control.

When it came time to dress for dinner, I left Graham in the garden, I didn’t bother waiting for him. I knew that he was watching me from afar, but I needed to get away from him, ignoring someone for hours is very exhausting.

I stood up on the pedestal as Kennedy finished hemming the bottom of my dress. Mother had ordered a few new dresses for me to take with me when I go, it was the nicest thing that she has ever done for me. They fit every where else, but I was afraid that my clumsy ass was going to trip over the long train. Just as Kennedy put her needle down, we heard a knock on the door.

As Kennedy went to answer the door, I stood in front of the mirror and smoothed my dress. It was a gorgeous color and the fabric was light cotton with an embroidered satin over coat. The emerald green complimented my skin tone and brought out the copper flecks in my eyes. I felt beautiful, I just hoped that Graham would appreciate the way I look.

I heard the door unlatch and turned to see Graham standing on the other side of it. His eyes lit up when he saw me, I guess he like the way I looked this evening.

“Pardon the intrusion ladies, but I am here to escort my lady to dinner.” Here we go, another protocol that I didn’t particularly care for, but if it kept mother from screaming, I was going to suck it up and deal with it.

“You look beautiful Isla, I’m so lucky to have you by my side.” I rolled my eyes; he really needs to stop trying so hard. “I want to respect your request for silence, but I do have some people that I would like you to meet. My brothers are here with me, they will be in charge of your safety and wellbeing when I am not around. After the introductions, I will leave you alone once again.”

I nodded in agreement. As furious as I still was about being betrayed last night, life has to move forward and it would be a good idea to meet my security team. As much as I still wanted to be mad, I could tell that he was remorseful. I felt my body language relax as we reached the top of the stairs.

There were a handful of people milling about in the grand hall when we arrived. We had about a half hour before dinner was served. Graham led us to the far corner. There were three large, muscular men laughing and slugging down beers. Graham seemed genuinely surprised when eh registered who the third man was.

“Callan! What a surprise, it’s great to see you cousin.” I looked up at Graham and then over to Callan, I was wondering who this mystery man was. Graham looked down at me and smirked. “Isla Rose, I would like to introduce you to Callan MacKintosh.” MacKintosh, I wonder how he was related to the Chief. Then it clicked, this must be Fiona’s betrothed, this was Chief MacKintosh. I smiled brightly at him; he was not at all what I expected. Callan was a cutie, he had deep dimples that creased his face when he smiled back at me. He had birth, copper locks and dark green eyes. He was definitely shorter than Graham but he was taller than Fiona, they looked like they would fit together quite nicely, I was so relieved that Callan wasn’t a brute, he had a great laugh and a kind smile, Fiona would love him.

“Callan, this is my betrothed, Isla, another beauty from the MacPherson clan.” Callan bend down and kissed the top of my hand.

“It is a pleasure to meet you my lady, I cannot wait to meet your gorgeous sister.” Oh so they hadn’t met yet.

“I apologize that you haven’t had the opportunity to meet her yet, they tend to keep us under lock and key around here.” All four men cracked up at my joke, I didn’t think that it ws that funny, maybe they were just trying to be charming.

“Now that you have met Callan, I wanted to introduce you to my younger brothers. Isla, may I introduce Dugan and Angus MacKenzie.” They both bowed their heads simultaneously.

“My lady, it is an honor to make your acquaintance.” Dugan reached out his hand and kissed the top of my knuckles. Angus stepped forward and knelt at my feet, I think that he was trying to outdo his brother.

“My lady, I vow to serve you and protect you with my life.” Graham rolled his eyes at Angus kissing ass.

“Alright Angus, that’s enough. You may stand now.” Angus stood and looked apologetic. I was very flattered at my soon to be brothers in law. They seemed sweet, they were also the size of two large, marble pillars. I felt safe being surrounded by these three.

As the four of them stood there and talked, I was bursting with excitement, I wanted to run and find Fi and give her a heads up about Callan, But I knew that I couldn’t be excused without asking first and I was on strike for now. I must have been antsy because I couldn’t stop bouncing. Graham looked down at me.

“Are you alright? I nodded my head and tried hard to focus on controlling my enthusiasm. “You want to go see Fiona don’t you?” I looked up at Graham with my puppy dog eyes. “I know Isla, but we have to stay here, there are certain traditions that we need to uphold.”  I sighed and nodded my head. I couldn’t help but space out, the men were carrying on their conversation while I held my tongue, dinner would start soon, I only had to wait a tinge bit longer. 

I subconsciously hooked my arm into Graham’s elbow. To my surprise, he welcomed the contact, he patted my hand and I felt myself scooch closer to him. It felt comfortable, I didn’t know what was happening to me, but for some reason, my body was pulling me to him.

After a few minutes, the echo of Geoffrey’s staff filled the room. Graham looked down at me.

“Are you ready lass?” I gave him a small smile before we headed over to our places.