It was dark before they returned to camp, the men swarmed around them.
"Where in all Hell have you two been?" Murtagh asked, concern plastered on his tired features.
"Captain Randall had us detained." Dougal remarked. The name found it's way on the wind to Jamie's ears, who had not left the fireside. Daniea wasn't sure how much longer she could stand,
"I am going to turn in if that's alright?" She asked.
"Of course Lass," Murtagh ensured giving her a quick hug before allowing her to drift off from the crowd.
The men returned to the fireside, Dougal delighting in the supper that had been saved for them.
"So did Randall call to retrieve his debt?" Murtagh asked.
"Aye, he did."
"What debt? Who would be foolish enough to owe that devil anything?" Angus boasted.
Dougal looked around weary of answering. "Daniea."
"What about Daniea?" Willie inquired.
"Captain Randall has the paperwork stating Mistress Douglas had been sold to him by her father years ago, he intends to make her his ward then eventually his wife." Ned explained.
Jamie's bloodlust returned within an instant, yet before he could utter a word Murtagh interrupted the groups bellowing.
"Calm yourselves lads, we have the situation well in hand."
"Randall cannot get his greedy hands on the lass if she is a full Scot." Dougal assured. "She's engaged to be married into Clan Mackenzie."
"I'd love to.." Angus began, a vulgar thought surely to escape his lips before Ned cut him off.
"It's already been decided, Daniea will wed Rupert in two days time."
Jamie sat still, unsure of the words that escaped Ned's mouth. Rupert said nothing in protest, he simply nodded in agreement as he slowly finished his supper.
As the night passed and the morning birds began to sing, Jamie was almost positive that he had dreamt the entire thing. That was until he saw Daniea return from the river with her horse and take a seat beside Rupert on a nearby log; entwining her arm around his, she leaned her head on his shoulder and began to speak softly.
Jamie couldn't hear what was being said, but the sheer contact and comfort she demonstrated around Rupert infuriated him, a easiness she once had felt with him.
"I'm sorry." Daniea stressed softly to Rupert.
"Fer what Lass?"
She didn't say a word, only sat up and looked him in the eye. Her eyes glistening with worry.
"Oh I ken, dinna fash yerself I am most happy to be able to do this fer ya." Rupert reassured with a slight smile.
"Still, I'm sure.." She began but Rupert quickly cut her off.
"I love you lass, don't let anyone ever make you think different…"
The statement brought tears to her eyes,
"I just wish it wasn't the kind of love I would have fer me sister."
The jingle of her whimsical laugh rang on the wind. "Aye, I too wish I loved you more than a brother."
A weight lifted off their chests as this sentiment was now out in the open.
"Good, we're of a single mind then. At least there is love, it's a lot more than many can say is in their marriage."
Jamie couldn't seem to move a muscle, it wasn't until Rupert kissed Daniea's forehead, gently brushing strands back from her face, and stood to go attend Dougal; that his emotions took over.
Hours passed as Jamie held his tongue, in some instances biting his lip till it bled as he overheard the wedding plans. But as Daniea left the men to take her evening bath and maintain her wounds he finally lost all self control.
He stormed into the circle of men surrounding the newly lit fire. His hand squeezing the hilt of his sword till his knuckles turned white with anger. His heart fluttering as he called out his uncle.
"Dougal!"
He looked up, cutting a slice of apple.
Jamie's heart fluttered unsure of his voice.
"Well speak up boy."
"Daniea will be marrying me." Jamie announces, rage deepening his brough.
A smile spread across Dougal's face as a hearty laugh arose from his chest.
"You've lost yer damn mind lad, the lass is meant for Rupert, your cousin if you do best to remember."
Jamie shook with frustration, never releasing his death grip on his blade. Glancing over at Rupert he continued.
"I know that but you're wrong to match her with him, Daniea will marry no man but me."
This time Murtagh was the one to speak up, "What brings this on all of a sudden? You have not shown any interest for that woman since… well before she was ...spoiled, what gives you the right."
"She is not spoiled, I won't allow you or anyone to speak about her in such a way!" He roared.
Word by word the men antagonized Jamie to no extent until he finally broke, drawing his blade in one swift motion, it's cold iron now laid to rest against Dougal's throat ready to sing at the flick of Jamie's wrist.
His voice now rough and melodic, "I will be marrying her, this isn't a request. She is to be mine uncle!"
Dougal's eyes wandered across the firelight to Murtagh's smiling face.
"It's about damn time you snapped out of it ye wee bastard!" Rupert bellowed.
Jamie became confused as he lowered his sword.
"What are ye talking about?" He questioned as Murtagh handed him a flask.
"You'll figure it out eventually lad, now… I must go break the news to your bride." Ned stated, shoving his hands into his pockets, slowly walking towards Daniea's horse.
A little while later Daniea ascended the hill, her hair down, water droplets clinging to her ebony locks.
"Mistress, may I have a word?" He began.
She smiled with a nod. Ned led her over to the nearby log where she had chatted with Rupert earlier, she could see a few yards away all the men staring at them.
"My lady, it has been made apparent that it would be more beneficial for you to marry another in Rupert's stead."
Sheer confusion spread across Daniea's face, Ned gripped her hands a little bit tighter.
"My dear… you are to wed young Jamie."
Jamie's heart raced faster than ever before, unable to gage her reaction.
"Ja..Jamie?" Daniea repeated, unsure if she heard him right.
"Yes Lass, Jamie."
Scorching tears began to fall upon her cheeks, Ned thought for a moment they could be of happiness until he looked at her again, her body shaking uncontrollably with panic.
"Lassie?"
"Please…. I… I beg you, anyone but him!"
