A/N: Hello everyone. Keeping this short since I'm still sick and should be resting (almost 2am here). I hope you guys enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 22: A Comfortable Night

Erik couldn't get the image of Christine out of his head, nor would he ever get that image out of his head. The image that made him wake up hard and in need of a release. The sun had yet to rise and he wasn't going to wake his men up after a day they had yesterday. However, he knew trying to go back to sleep wasn't going to be easy. Each time he closed his eyes, the image of Christine by the river appeared and all he thought about was what he could do to her. He knew he shouldn't think about it, but he couldn't help it. He wanted her, but he knew he shouldn't want her.

"I need a swim." He said to himself as he got up. Since everyone was asleep, he didn't care if he wasn't fully dressed. Walking to the river, he quietly passed Christine who was sleeping against a tree, his plaid covering her as a blanket. He stopped and looked down at her. She looked so peacefully sleeping there, curled up in his plaid. For a moment, he wanted to lay down next to her and let her curl up against him. Erik, keep your distance. Forcing himself away, he continued down to the river. Walking into the water, the cold water helped settle his body. Diving under the water, he forced any image of her out of his mind. Coming out of the water, he ran his hands through his hair to push it off his face. Water ran down his chest and stomach, over every muscle. He felt much better now even though he knew he wasn't going to sleep for the rest of the day. Getting out of the water, he looked up to see the sun starting to rise. Quickly rushing back to where his belongings were, he dried off before putting the rest of his clothes on.

Hearing the voice of the men, her eyes slowly opened to see the rays coming through the leaves. Looking around, she noticed the men were starting to get their horses ready. Guess it's time to get up, she thought as she got up, stretching her stiff body. How many more nights can I sleep on the ground without going crazy? She started hating sleeping on the ground. The plaid helped a bit, but not much. She didn't know how they were okay with it but they must be used to it. Rubbing her neck to help loosen her muscles, she saw Malcolm walk over to her.

"Are you ready lass?" He asked her.

"Are we leaving already?" She asked him, making him nod.

"Yes, captain says there's a village several hours away. If we leave now, we can make it by nightfall." He answered.

"And he is letting me ride with you?" She was a bit surprised that he was allowing her to ride with Malcolm after the fire.

"No, you will be riding with me." Erik said as he approached them. Both of their heads turned to look at him. She only nodded and picked up his plaid, folding it to give it back to him. "Ready?" He asked as he took the plaid.

"No, but I assume I don't have a choice." He shook his head. "Hostages don't get much say, do they?" He shook his head again. Sighing, she walked past him and walked straight to his horse, waiting for him. He helped her up and mounted himself. He tried not to think of the fact that she was right behind, her body almost against his. Giving the order, the group left the village.

They kept the horses at a walk for a few hours which gave Christine a chance to take in the scenery. She already concluded that Scotland was beautiful, but the more she saw it, the more she was loving it. She knew that after the war, she would visit Scotland more. Thinking about the war, she thought about her father and how worried he must be. She knew that he must be worried sick and stress beyond image. However, she knew he was doing everything he could to do to get her and William back. Letting out a sigh, she rested her head on his shoulder.

"Something troubling you?" He asked her.

"I just miss my father, that's all." She answered. He didn't respond, knowing it was mainly his fault that she was missing her father. "How much longer until we arrive at the village?" She asked him, keeping her head his shoulder.

"A couple more hours." He answered. "Once we get out of the woods, we can speed up the ride." She nodded slightly, letting out a breath. They kept riding in silence. Only when he ordered a canter, did he tell her to hold on so she wouldn't fall off. Her arms wrapped around his waist to hold on, unaware of how her touch was effecting him. As they rode, he kept trying to think of things to get his mind off her. It was a struggle, but he had to do it.

True to his word, they soon arrived at to the village after nightfall. Christine was trying to stay awake, but the movement of the horse and her head on Erik's shoulder was basically making her fall asleep. When they arrived at the village, she pulled her head away from the comfort of his shoulder to look around. She noticed a small castle with a tower that look five stories high. Halting his horse, he got off his horse and helped her off his horse. She stumped a bit, her feet getting used to the ground after riding for hours. Telling her to stay put, he walked over and knocked on the door of the castle. Obeying his order, she stayed with his horse. Stroking the animal's neck, she smiled when its head turned to nudge against her. After a few minutes, Erik came back and had Jacob bring William over.

"What's going on?" She asked him, curious.

"We'll be staying here for the night." She figured that. She hoped not on the ground though. "Come, I'll show you to your room." He said, turning around.

"O-Our room?" That word took her by surprise. Was she actually going to sleep in a room with a bed? He turned back around to face her.

"Aye. Unless you would rather sleep in the barn or the ground."

"Oh no, the room is fine." She quickly replied. Smirking, he turned back and led them inside the castle. The two followed him through the castle until coming to a staircase that looped upward. She assumed this was the tower now and they would be staying in the tower. Rolling her eyes, she followed him up the long staircase. When they finally reached the door, Christine was more tired than she was before. Opening the door, he let them inside to look around.

There wasn't much; two beds that were separated by a curtain that basically divided the room, giving privacy. Each section had a table and chair, along with a small trunk. Walking over to a bed, she pushed down and felt the sheets sink under her hands. William pushed back the curtain to take the other bed, almost leaving Christine and Erik alone. Turning back to face him, she almost bumped into him. He must have quickly sneaked up behind him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were behind me." She quickly apologized, stepping back. Her calf hit the edge of the bed, basically stopping her from distancing herself from her. "Thank you…for this." She motioned to the bed, to the room.

"You're welcome." Though he wanted to trust her that she wouldn't escape, he couldn't. However, he remembered how well she was at sneaking, she mastered her at Kilchurn years ago. "Should you need anything during the night, there will a guard outside your door and at the bottom of the stairs." She knew what he was doing, telling her that basically she would be guarded. "And they don't let anyone pass them, not even angels." He hinted that she wouldn't be able to sneak pass them, not matter how hard she tried. Challenge accepted, Phantom.

So you think Christine is going to try and escape? Find out soon

Reviews are welcome