by Victoria Zak
“Please.” She reached out to touch his face but he grabbed her arm before she could. “I would never hurt ye.” He stared deep into her eyes. “I wanted to tell ye, but I’ve seen how people judge those who are different. Burn me at stake if ye must, but I’m no’ ashamed of who I am. I hope ye show mercy and allow me to leave.”
He gripped her waist and pulled her close. Resting his forehead against hers, he brushed her hair away from her face. “I can no’ allow ye to leave.” He ran his thumb across her quivering bottom lip.
After one last sorrowful look at Masie, he strode toward the door.
“Please, Kerr, dinnae leave this way. We’re supposed to be married tomorrow,” Masie pleaded.
With his hand on the latch, he paused and fought the urge to stay and pretend everything would be all right. It was all madness and he needed time to make sense of it, if that was even possible. Before he changed his mind, he opened the door and walked out.
*
The chamber door closed as Masie watched Kerr disappear out of her life. Begging for forgiveness was of no use. He was gone. She’d never see him again, unless he attended her execution. Masie hung her head, her shoulders slumped as she sat on the bed. What was she going to do?
She was tired of running, tired of all the lies. She’d lost everyone she’d ever loved—her sisters first, and now Kerr. There was nothing left, so why run?
Masie looked up at the ceiling and exhaled. Tears trickled from the corners of her eyes, but she didn’t give into the sorrow. A glimmer of hope washed over her, for he never once said he didn’t want to marry her. He hadn’t cancelled the wedding. Could he possibly still love her, all of her?
The fire in the hearth crackled and popped, drawing her attention to the flames. She envisioned herself tied to stakes in the middle of the village square, on display for the angry people who had watched the play. As she looked around the room thinking of the many ways she’d be punished, she glanced over at the wardrobe. The door was slightly open. She leapt off the bed, secretly hoping the door would open into another realm so she could escape this one.
Opening the door wider, she gasped, holding her hand over her mouth. Her wedding dress hung in the wardrobe, beautiful and fit for a queen. She ran her hand down the silky material. The vision of being tied to stakes changed into a happy dream, she was wearing her blue dress and smiling as she stood next to Kerr in front of the priest.
Masie closed the door to that reality. “Nay.” She grabbed her cloak. He still loves me.
She strode out the chamber, making her way to the north tower. She had to clear her head before she went crazy. Tracking through the thick snow, she barely had enough energy to climb up the stairwell. She finally reached the top. Shielded by stone and rock, the sea winds howled through the lancet windows.
She sat down on a wood bench, leaning against the wall. The cold stone bit into her back. She pulled her legs up and hugged them to her chest as she snuggled deep into her cloak. Aye, it was cold but it didn’t bother her, it never had. Before she whisked herself away dreaming about her fairytale wedding and life with Kerr, she had to understand the severity of situation. What was she going to do?
She wasn’t going to run. Tomorrow was either going to be the happiest day of her life or the end of everything.
Stars twinkled over the bailey and a sliver of the moon peeked through the darkness. Darkness. She embraced it, it was part of her no matter how hard she’d tried to deny it. The night accepted her for who she was. She took comfort in the shadows, for it hid the truth. Now the truth was out and she had to face the facts that she could very well be going to her grave come the morn. Though the thought of dying should have scared her, it didn’t. If she was condemned to death she’d accept her fate, accept the punishment of the flames licking at her skin. She’d accept her kind was evil and evil things deserved to die. She couldn’t bear to hurt anyone else.
The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was searching for a fallen star.
A child’s laughter awakened Masie. She opened her eyes, trying to remember where she was. She walked over to the closest window. Morn was breaking and another gray day was upon her. Down in the bailey, the inhabitants of the castle were going about their chores. Two wee lasses held hands and danced in a circle. Masie smiled. Aye, there was excitement in the air.
They’re probably excited about the wedding.
The realization struck her. Panicked, Masie raced down the stairs, across the bailey, and up to her bedchamber. Not knowing who was waiting for her inside, she opened the door quietly. To her relief, her lady’s maid met her with a smile.
“Och, lass, where have ye been?” the woman scolded. “Ye must hurry. Yer bathwater is getting cold.” The maid took her cloak.
Masie relaxed a bit, thankful one of Kerr’s men hadn’t been waiting to bring her to the dungeon.
After her bath, the woman helped Masie into her wedding gown, tying her laces so tight she couldn’t breathe. She closed her eyes, calming her nerves, as the maid finished arranging her hair.
“Lass, open yer eyes.” The maid handed her a looking glass.
Her hair was braided in long strands and coiled at the top of her head. Her lips were red and her skin was the color of cream with a tinge of pink on her cheeks. Even though she looked beautiful outside, inside, she felt like a monster. She’d lost control and attacked a woman. She hadn’t meant to kill Ina, to scare her, aye, but never to take her life. Goddess, she wished her sisters were here. Adaira would know what to do.
The woman placed her hands on Masie’s shoulders and squeezed. “They say the devil watches on the other side of the looking glass.”
Surprised at the woman’s observation, Masie faced her.
“Och, ’tis nonsense.” The woman waved her hand, dismissing the tale.
“Mayhap, the mirror reflects the truth, showing who ye are.” A monster.
The woman stepped in front of her with her hands on her hips, studying her. “Yer a wee nervous, aye?”
Masie looked up.
“Commander Kerr is a good man. He loves ye. The looking glass shows how we look on the outside, no’ who we are. Ye control yer own fate and happiness.”
Masie smiled. “I hope yer right.” She handed the mirror to the woman.
“Nay.” She shook her head. “’Tis a wedding gift. Since I do no’ have any wee ones of my own to pass it along to, I want ye to have it.”
Masie was stunned by the woman’s generous gift. Having a looking glass was a privilege. “I’m honored. Thank ye.”
“Mary,” the woman answered.
Masie smiled at her.
“Now, we must get ye to the great hall. The music has started.”
Masie straightened. She was ready to face her fate whatever it be. “Of course.” Nervously, Masie stood while the woman draped a fur-lined cloak over her shoulders. Mary’s good nature soothed her rattled nerves, enough so she could walk.
As they reached the top of stairs, Masie paused. She couldn’t breathe. Nerves were getting the best of her. “Mary, I need fresh air.”
“Aye, mistress.” Obviously concerned, Mary wrapped her arm around Masie and helped her down the stairs.
They walked by the people gathered in the great hall. Masie couldn’t believe all these people were here for her and Kerr. But did they want to attend a wedding or see her burn? Mary caught her as her knees buckled.
“Are ye well?” Mary asked.
Masie straightened. “I’ll be fine as long as I get some air.”
Chapter Twenty
Ina awakened to see Kerr standing over her with an icy glare. She swallowed hard and pulled the fur to her chin.
“I want the truth, Ina.”
“I-I do no’ understand what ye ask of me.”
Kerr crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m no’ asking. I’m telling ye. Ye will tell me the truth, witch.”
His stern tone made Ina sink into the bed. “Witch?” she laughed nervo
usly. “I’m no’ witch.”
“Then you’ll explain this.” Kerr tossed the flask on the bed.
Ina picked it up. She’d been found out. Kerr was too smart for her to skirt around his questions. “Aye.” She looked down, fidgeting with the strap on the flask. “I am a witch. I never meant to hurt ye.”
“Och, what did ye think was going to happen when you poisoned the woman I love?”
Ina’s heart broke a wee bit more with his confessed love for Masie. “Kerr, I wanted to be the woman ye loved.” She looked up at him. “Before she came here, ye were mine.”
Kerr shook his head. “Nay, lass, my heart was never yours.”
“I know now. I saw the way ye looked at her. I wanted ye to look at me that way, and when I found out about the wedding, I was desperate to stop it. I thought with her out of the way, ye’d be mine.”
“What were ye going to do? Place a love spell on me?” Kerr growled.
“Nay,” Ina said sheepishly. “I know now it was wrong. I am sorry for what it’s worth.”
Kerr leaned over, inches from Ina’s face. “Ye will be punished.”
“Please, show mercy. Do no’ burn me at the stake.” Ina’s voice shook fearfully.
“Dear Ina, that fate would be too generous and end for ye.”
Two men entered the room and stood at the foot of the bed.
Surprised, Ina clenched the furs. “What’s going on?”
“Ina, ye are now charged with murder and treason,” one of the men informed her.
“Wait. Masie is still alive? Kerr, please, ye can no’ do this,” Ina pleaded as the men pulled her to her feet. Her intent was to show Kerr Masie’s true identity, not kill her. She had to be alive. The potion was to last only a couple of hours.
Struggling against the shackles they put on her wrists, Ina was pushed forward. She stopped in front of Kerr. “She’s still alive?”
Kerr looked away, not answering.
Ina shook her head. “I dinnae understand.”
“Guards, take the witch away,” Kerr commanded.
Ina glared long and hard at Kerr, searching for the answer before the guard shoved her out of the chamber.
Once in the dark depths of the dungeon, they forced her into a cell. Her body hit the stone floor. The smell of shite permeated the air. Iron doors slammed shut behind her, making her cringe. Slowly, she rose to her hands and knees.
In the distance, a voice heckled her. “Aye, lass. Crawl over here. I’ve got something for ye.”
Horror stricken, she didn’t dare make eye contact. His laughter made bile rise in her throat. How could this be happening?
Ina stood, shuffling to the closest corner. She sat, hugging her knees to her chest. With no shoes on her feet and a thin shift, the cold ran bone-deep. How long was Kerr going to keep her locked down here with the rats? She rested her head on her knees, fighting back exhaustion, but didn’t dare fall asleep.
*
Kerr stood on the edge of the rocky cliff, peering down into the raging sea, reminding him of the rage he felt inside. Dark water sprayed between the rocks. The waves surged, carrying sand and seaweed out to sea, leaving behind a new beginning.
A man with no regrets, he knew the decision he had to make about Masie would change his life forever. Protecting his clan was of utmost importance. He couldn’t allow a blood-drinker in Wickshire; it wasn’t safe. He scrubbed his hand down his face. Try as he may, he couldn’t forget Masie.
The snow crunched behind him. The sweet smell of roses alerted him to her presence. He didn’t need to turn around to know who was behind him. He felt her. “I know ’tis ye. Do no’ walk away.”
“I didnae know ye’d be out here. I should leave.”
“Nay.” He turned to face her and his heart stopped. God’s bones, the lass was stunning. The most beautiful bride he’d ever seen. He cleared his throat. “Please, stay.”
Masie nodded and stepped closer to the cliff. “The sea is quite beautiful.”
“Aye.”
“Growing up, I always found meself escaping to the ocean whenever I needed to think. I’d find peace as the waves crashed ashore. ’Tis like all my fears are washing out to sea.”
“Aye, as if it’s washing away all the bad things in our lives.”
“Exactly.” Masie glanced at him.
“Too bad we’d freeze our arses off if we jumped into the ocean right now,” he pointed out.
Masie laughed.
Silence fell over them. No matter how much he tried to forget, Masie was still a monster. He couldn’t rid himself from the image of her with blood running out of the corners of her mouth.
But her heart was pure.
“Kerr.” Masie faced him. “Is today our wedding or my funeral? I’m willing to accept my fate, for I can no’ live without ye.”
He watched as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“I know I am unexplainable, an abomination in your eyes.”
Kerr’s jaw twitched. “Lass, I dinnae know what to think anymore. Ye should have told me sooner and no’ lied to me, then I would have been able to protect ye. Ye’ve put me in a verra difficult situation.” He paused. “Masie, my duty is to protect my people.”
Masie looked out into the ocean. “I understand.”
“And ye, my love, are part of my people. Lass, there will be no’ funeral today.” He brushed away the tears. “Nothing will change my love for ye. I just needed some time to think.”
A smile spread across her lips.
“Wait, did ye think I was going to—”
“Burn me at the stake.”
“Masie.” His brows creased.
“I didnae know what to think.”
“I told ye I couldn’t let ye go. Nothing has changed.”
“Everything has changed.” Masie stepped out of his embrace. “How are we going to make this work when we’re completely different? What will yer people do when they find out what I am? Ye know as well as I, Ina will no’ stop until she destroys me.”
“Ina is no longer a problem.”
Masie titled her head, giving him a curious glare. “What did ye do?”
“She confessed to everything and has been charged with treason and placed in the dungeon until I decide what to do with her. Ye’re right, she’s a witch. And I might have told her ye’re dead.”
“What?”
“Masie, I was livid with her. I still am. I wasn’t thinking straight. Besides, she deserves to squirm a while for what she’s done to ye.” He stepped in front of Masie, cupping her face. “She tried to take ye away from me. She’ll pay.”
“Do as ye must. ’Tis no’ my place to tell ye how to punish her. But the fact still remains yer people will never accept me.”
Kerr looked deeply into Masie’s eyes. “Lass, they have already accepted ye. Ye saved the laird of the clan and his brother. I’d say ye’re a saint in their eyes. And ye’ll be my wife. They will love ye as much as I do.”
“I dinnae know,” she whispered and looked away.
“Look at me, Masie.” He lifted her chin. “What does yer heart tell ye?” Sliding his hand behind her neck, he pulled her closer, claiming her lips passionately. He wanted to stay like this forever, just the two of them. But he knew it wasn’t possible. Whatever she decided, he’d agree to it even if it meant losing her forever. He broke the kiss.
“That wasn’t fair,” she panted. “How am I supposed to walk away?”
“Ye’re not.” Kerr smirked.
“My heart tells me for the first time in my life I’m truly happy. I feel safe.”
He didn’t need a priest to marry the woman he loved. Kerr pulled out a blue and green embroidered ribbon. He took her hand in his and began to bind their hands together. “Do ye, Masie Keith, take me as yer husband?”
She looked up at him with her big, blue eyes. “Aye. Will ye have me as yer wife?”
“Aye. I promise to be the man ye deserve for as long as ye live.”
Masie chuckled.
“What? I speak the truth.”
“I know, love, and yer words are beautiful. Forever is a long time to keep a promise.”
“Och, I meant it.” He kissed her, sealing their vows.
Instantly, Masie doubled over.
“What’s wrong?”
“I-I dinnae know. Ow,” she hissed out in pain. “’Tis my stomach.”
“Ye need the healer.” Kerr picked Masie up and headed to the castle. “Stay with me, lass.”
Kerr kicked open the door and strode inside the great hall.
“Kerr!” His brother called out from across the hall. “Ye’re late. What happened to Masie?”
“I dinnae have time to explain, she needs the healer.”
“Aye. Take Masie up to her chamber, I’ll go fetch her.”
Kerr nodded and raced up the stairs. This couldn’t be happening. He looked down at Masie as she clung to his tunic. “Dinnae go where I can no’ follow. I forbid it.”
“Kerr,” she gasped. “It hurts.”
The pain in her face ripped him up inside. “The healer is on her way.”
Kerr shouldered the chamber door open and was met by Mary. “Commander Kerr.” She nodded. “What ails Mistress Masie?”
“I dinnae know.” He laid Masie down on the bed.
“I’ll go fetch some water.”
Kerr tucked Masie into the furs. Brushing a fallen strand of hair from her face, he kissed her forehead. “I wish there was something I could do.”
Masie looked up at him and swallowed. “Hold my hand.”
Kerr took her hand and kissed it. There was nothing he could do to take the pain away which left him feeling powerless.
Bhaltair and the healer rushed in.
“’Tis about time,” Kerr exclaimed.
“Och, ye try waking an auld sleeping woman,” Bhaltair bit back. “She hit me with her broom.”
“Serves ye right.” She shook her finger at the laird. “Ye didn’t knock.”
“Can ye two argue about this later? Masie is in dire need,” Kerr said.
“Move.” The healer pushed Kerr out of her way. “Where does it hurt, dearie?”
