Chapter Seven – Hurt
It was a devastating blow for Fergus and the children.
King Fergus felt his life and drive come to an abrupt halt at the tearful confession that Elinor could not recognize nor remember her own family or life; they were complete strangers to her despite their adamant protests.
Maudie guided the fragile queen back towards the royal chambers and urgently requested for the physician to conduct a detailed examination of the distressed queen as previously the physician did not have the luxury or knowledge of diagnosing and treating the full extent of her injures due to her unconscious state.
Maudie gestured for Elinor to enter the chambers but she hesitated, her body violently trembled involuntarily, "Does he sleep here?"
"Yes," she answered before hastily continuing, "This is the royal chambers of King Fergus and you...Queen Elinor...of clan Dunbroch." she explained to Elinor and respectfully curtsied
Elinor blinked rapidly away the impending tears and stared at Maudie in utter disbelief, "I have no memory...I cannot remember what it is to be a ruler, a wife...a mother! How can I trust him when he is nothing more than a stranger to me?"
"Would it be prudent to suggest having a separate room from these chambers?" inquired Maudie
King Fergus was deeply offended after all, his wife had been returned to her rightful place behind the impenetrable walls of the castle but his Elinor was lost and currently replaced by a timid, fragile woman.
Lonely days rolled into torturous weeks for Fergus as he was denied the simple luxury of being able to touch his wife be it a comforting embrace or a loving kiss, he was now reduced to observing her from the shadows and fleeting moments. Fergus craved for the want of her touch.
He leaned heavily against the cold stone wall for support as he contently watched Elinor while she remained oblivious to his prescience. Maudie had remained faithfully by her side and proved to be a comforting source of strength and companionship since the attending physician diagnosed a severe case of amnesia caused by a head injury that resulted in total memory loss.
As Fergus watched Elinor and Maudie, he could not help but feel a painful stab of jealously that Maudie was able to reassure and assist Elinor and while he could not fully understand the extend of Elinor's injury which had changed her completely despite the fact she looked perfectly healthy. He clenched his fists and resisted the ever increasing frustration with each passing day.
The triplet boys were more so confused by the entire situation and any sense of normality showed no signs of returning soon, their daily routine had altered drastically since their primary target for general misbehaving and practical jokes was otherwise occupied, attending and aiding their mother so the task fell on Merida to keep them distracted without inadvertently causing destruction or creating any additional anxiety for their father.
Their father looked permanently drained of his usual loud energy, his eyes mirrored the fraying hope of ever having his wife return to them but he had responsibilities as his family and kingdom now looked towards him for guidance and leadership.
Elinor sighed contently and felt her head lull at an angle, too heavy, too tired. Her skin flushed and tingled at his commanding touch while his soft lips left a torturous trail of gentle kisses down her swan like neck; she craned her head and rested against him which permitted him to continue.
She chewed on her lower lip and groaned loudly, her eyes fluttered closed as she trembled with needed anticipation, overwhelmed as his hands assaulted her body. Her skin glistened in the darkness with the moonlight as their only source of light which accentuated her goddess like figure that he pawed and worshiped.
The deliriously delicious manipulation of her body continued and she marveled at his talented hands, a throaty moan of approval escaped as she could barely contain herself, "Please...please...Oh!..." she begged incessantly
He leaned over her naked body, his beard tickled, "I love you so much."
She opened her eyes, "I love you too."
Elinor woke with fright, she frowned at the lingering memory or perhaps it had been a dream, she could not be certain. A hand reluctantly rested against her nightgown that nestled between her legs, the dream had felt incredible and almost believable, Elinor was hesitantly to confirm for certain as to whom was the mysterious man in the dream.
The peace of the early morning was shattered by the loud clatter of metal followed by the protesting voices that caught her attention. She winced at her still aching injuries and wrapped a modest; woolen shall over her shoulders before shyly peering out the window.
King Fergus clutched at his favorite sword and swung forcefully at a target which was normally stuffed with straw and reserved for practice in sword technique and archery practice however this morning it would serve the purpose of hand to hand combat to slay his frustration and anger.
Elinor grimaced at the unruly and savage sight as Fergus purposely destroyed several targets while his men awkwardly observed. She swallowed at the immense power that Fergus was capable of and then retreated from the window.
"My king!" announced a voice
"Maudie...if I may be so bold to ask, what is your opinion of the king?" asked Elinor, tentatively
She placed a freshly brewed herbal tea in front of her queen and offered a selection of fruit to which Elinor politely refused.
"King Fergus is a magnificent warrior," she paused and smiled at Elinor, "Who like all the clansmen indulge in rowdy brawling...he's a keen huntsman and tracker," she tapped her nose, "Keen sense of smell when it comes to his food." She chortled
Elinor screwed her nose, "I witnessed him this morning, with a sword...he appeared to be out of sorts...it was a frightening display." She confessed
Maudie reached out and consoled Elinor, "The king is out of sorts as of recent events but I've witnessed a kinder, gentle...and if it is not bold...passionate, he cares deeply for his family and clan."
"The recent events, the king out of sorts...it is because of me...something happened..."