Chapter VIII:

Author's note: Sorry for any stupid mistakes that may be found in the text and thank you to all the reviewers. Characters aren't mine.

"I will never get used to this," she groaned, slumping her shoulders on her way out.

"Of course you will, milady," called Remus with a note of laughter in his voice.

Though the warrior seemed to get a good laugh out of her careless mistake, Lily didn't find it amusing. In fact, she was quite angry with herself for not having realized in the first place and was glad Remus had a sense of humor. Had it been another, she probably would have felt like crawling back to the hellhole from which she came.

Lily continued down the hall in hopes of finding her sleeping quarters; she didn't even notice the funny looks she was getting from the soldiers who stood at their posts as she dragged on. They probably thought she was lost when in reality, she was worried about something they couldn't comprehend. The sight of that girl had confirmed all her fears: her king was planning something, as cunning as he was. She just had to figure out what.

Lily absolutely needed to know what was going on but didn't want James to find out; knowing him, he would catch wind of what she was attempting to hide. That man could read her like a book, it was practically impossible to lie around him for he would know right away whether she were telling the truth or not. Her being English was a point in his favor as well; he didn't trust any of them.

Lily soon came to an abrupt stop. Looking around, she didn't recognize the hallway which seemed to reflect the darker side of the hideous castle, if it was even possible. Letting out a well needed huff, she decided any room was good enough so long as she was alone. Lily then crabbed at the handle of the door to her left and pushed it open only to come upon the most embarrassing scene.

"Oh, dear…" came a surprised voice followed by a loud splash.

Lily quickly shut her eyes backing to the now closed door. Her hands shook as she searched in vain for the knob, then she gave up and decided to turn around all together.

"Forgive me father!" she squeaked. "I had no idea. I mean… that is, I…"

She heard a rustling of material from behind and came to the conclusion that father Douglas was dressing.

"'Tis quite all right," father Douglas cheerfully replied. "I was longing for a bit of company. Now, why don't you turn around…"

"Oh, no! It would not be proper…" Lily exclaimed. "You are not half-dressed!"

"I assure you, milady, I am perfectly clad in clothing."

Lily sighed, sliding her gaze up to the ceiling; she rolled her eyes giving a silent prayer and took her time in turning to face the priest.

She was quite relieved to see the pudgy man completely covered and held back a laugh as she stared wide-eyed at the smiling priest who was now wearing his night-robe. He motioned her to take a seat near his little bed and she gladly accommodated him, taking a wide step around the wooden tub.

Water had splashed out and puddles now circled the wooden piece. The sight had been funny if not a little awkward; father Douglas had jumped a couple of feet high and had fallen right back into the tub he'd just climbed out of. The poor man must have been startled out of his wits, Lily thought as she sat next to him. She carefully clasped her hands in her lap and remained stiff as a plank, her head bowed.

"Please forgive me, father," Lily pleaded but quickly sought to find a valid excuse. "Had I known you were indisposed, I would not have rushed in…"

"'Tis quite all right, my dear," was the assuring response. "Though, I would ask you not to mention this to your husband, I am most inclined to think he would not find this little mishap appropriate."

Lily nodded in agreement, forgetting her embarrassment and suddenly becoming more at ease. The priest grinned in turn and sat back comfortably against his pillow. "Now, is there anything in particular you wish to speak to me about?"

Lily thought for a moment and finally posed her question. "Father, what do you suppose James will do to the girl?"

This caught Douglas off guard for he hadn't anticipated her worry. "Your husband is a good man, he would never harm her if that is what addles you."

Lily bobbed her head. "I know he wouldn't but I can't help but feel bothered. His soul is tainted father, surely you've noticed."

Father Douglas opened his mouth and shut it right away. "He is a born sinner! He shows no compassion and takes pride in stealing from others when he could just barter. He is such a… such a… a Scot!"

Father Douglas gave her an incredulous look. "Aye, that he is, but…"

Lily waved her hand at him and continued, pushing herself off the bed. "Please don't defend him, father, you and I both know what is a stake here. Sometimes, I think he has the brains of a sheep, he is so hard-headed!"

He rubbed his temples, praying she would stop. If only she knew…

"I haven't been here a whole day and I've already had enough of him! I could probably grab up my skirts and skip back to England and he wouldn't notice…"

"Well, I suppose you could do that but judging by your poor sense of direction and seeing as you are English, I think it is safe to say you won't be going anywhere any time soon, wife."

Lily's hands shot up to cover her mouth as she was spun around to face an angry-looking James. Realizing she was letting him see her fear, she forced her hands down to her sides and bravely stared her husband in the eye.

"You were saying?"

Lily bit her lip to keep it from trembling. "There is no need to raise your voice at me James."

This only helped in increasing his frown. "If you will complain to anyone, wife, it will be me. You insult me by speaking behind my back."

Lily was absolutely outraged. "How dare you accuse me of such things! I was merely confessing my worries to the priest and now you leave me no choice…" she reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out two coins. Then, turning to father Douglas, she handed them to him.

The man looked at them and then at his laird's wife. "What are these for?"

"Indulgences, father," Lily answered with pride. "Maybe those will help save his soul for I know God will have trouble with this one," she nudged her head toward James and strode out.

Father Douglas had nothing to say to this and one look from his laird told him he shouldn't mention anything to her. It would take Lillian a while to get used to the laws of Scotland, many things were different.

"I hope she did not bother you, father. Lord knows she can be very demanding."

"It was no trouble at all," the priest replied handing the coins back to James. "She will be the death of you, laird."

James grinned. "Yes, but at least she cares," that having been said, he hurried to catch up to Lily who hadn't gotten far seeing as she'd lost her way, again. She couldn't seem to make up her mind on whether she should go straight or turn right.

She was muttering, very unladylike he thought, under her breath. As he came up behind her, he placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her forward.

Her gasp informed him she hadn't noticed his lingering presence before. "Your fear displeases me."

Lily clamped her mouth shut but then decided against it. "I was not scared but startled."

James tried not to bark with laughter at her sorry excuse but instead let out a hiss as Lily stamped on his foot. Of course, it hadn't hurt but he hadn't expected it and so his tone was that of an angry man when he shouted.

"What in bloody hell did you do that for?"

"Don't shout at me, husband!" Lily cried back.

She could see she was annoying him to no end but wanted so much to test his patience. "Now," she said lightly. "If you would be so kind as to inform me of my duties, I will get straight to work and leave you to your seething."

James was now standing at his full height, his legs braced apart and his arms crossed. "Don't change the subject," he snapped.

Lily paid no mind to his tone and replied in all her innocence. "Husband, you forget that a subject cannot be changed if it has not been touched. Now, my duties if you please."

"You have none," James growled.

Lily looked as if she'd been slapped. "I beg your pardon?"

He bent until his face was only a few centimeters from her own. "It's just what I said: you haven't any."

"Why you…" Lily was appalled. "By whose order, yours or Scotland's?"

"Mine!" he yelled making a grab for her waist. He pulled her up against him and ravaged her mouth erasing any protests she might have had. And just as suddenly as it had started, it ended.

"Damn you," she whispered, pressing her forehead to his chest. "Damn you for making me feel this way."

James stroked her red curls and edged away. "You will do as I say, Lillian. You are not to see the Englishwoman, you will rest now," and with that, he called to one of his guards and left Lily to be led back to their bedroom.

As soon as she'd gotten inside, she pulled another coin out of her pocket and demanded that the guard give it to the priest. Though she didn't understand the disgruntled look the young lad had given her, she knew he would obey her command and closed the door behind her.

She waited a couple of minutes and when she was sure the soldier was out of sight, she flew across the hall and around the corner to the wounded girl's room. James' orders could wait, she had better things to do. It was time to have a little chat with their guest.

Sorry for the long wait, I have no excuses. Anyway, this chapter is completely of my own twisted mind so for those who have read Julie Garwood's book, you will know that from this chapter on things will have taken a big turn. Please review AND READ PROFILE.