A/N: A huge thanks to Tiffany & Sherry.

Plus, a huge thanks to all of you. I will try my best to get caught up on reviews on Sunday. :*

Chapter 11

Isabella found the great hall intimidating. Everyone was already seated by the time she had entered the room, and they all stared as she walked the long hall towards Edward. She stopped before his table and curtsied to him. "My Laird, I thank you for your hospitality."

Edward grunted something in response, she wasn't quite sure what he said, and pointed towards a seat at his table. She bowed and gratefully took the position. She was sat beside a priest and a man she didn't know though she did note that his plaid was a different colour from the rest of the clan. The priest introduced himself as Father Brennan. He was a jolly old man, who engaged her in conversation for most of the evening. He even invited her to come to and visit his Kirk on the morrow. She was thankful for the invitation. It gave her something to look forward to.

The other man was introduced to her as Alistair Stewart. He was from a neighbouring clan, sent here on business by his Laird. Isabella didn't like him. He leaned too close to her when he spoke, and his hand would occasionally brush against her in the most inappropriate of ways under the table. She couldn't wait to get away from him.

As soon as the meal was finished, she announced that she was ready to retire to her room. Truth be told, if she hadn't been sitting with Alistair then she probably would have stayed longer, but his company was one that she did not want to linger in.

Alistair immediately offered to walk her to her room. Isabella didn't like the idea of being alone with him, but she felt it would be rude to refuse his offer, especially when he was one of Edward's guests.

As they were leaving the hall, Edward called out to them, inquiring where they were going. When Alistair explained that he was escorting the lady to her room, Edward insisted that he should be the one to do it. Alistair was a known womaniser and he certainly didn't want his Isabella alone with him.

"Thank you," Isabella whispered as they left the hall.

Edward frowned at her. "You really shouldn't be alone with Alistair." He was angry at the thought of what might have happened to her if he hadn't noticed that she was leaving with him. He thought she would have had more sense. He was also angry at himself. He had been too occupied speaking to Emmett that he had barely paid her any attention this evening.

Isabella wanted to tell him that she knew leaving with Alistair had been a bad idea that she had only done it not to offend his guest, but she didn't. She merely nodded in response.

"I don't want you putting yourself at risk again," Edward commanded. "I will escort you to your room or one of my men will in my absence. Jasper or Emmett can both be trusted. They will not harm you."

She wondered why he cared so much. Hadn't he announced that she was under his protection? So, surely Alistair wouldn't have truly tried to hurt her and risk offending Edward? Though if Alistair had harmed her would she have told Edward anyway? No, she doubted that she would. If something like that got out it could ruin her reputation.

When they reached her door, Edward tilted her chin to face him. He stared at her for a long moment before speaking. She got lost, staring back at those emerald eyes. "Good night Isabella, sleep well," he said in a hoarse voice.

"Good night, my Laird," she whispered in response, before turning around and entering her room.