Merida Dun Broch, Princess. That was me. Today I went against the Lords because I refused to marry a boy I didn't know or care for. Because we hadn't spoken words to each other passed formalities, and them telling me girls can't play. Dingwall won. He never spoke to me whenever they visited. If anything none of them had, not really. I was always left out and I wondered if they wanted this too? Angus threw me and here I sat in the middle of the stones my tears dried up long ago and now I was figuring out what I need to do. My Mother threw my bow into the fire, that hurt more than her dismissing my feelings. Hurt more than knowing I was just there to bring in more heirs for the line to continue. For our family to stay on the throne. I'd had that bow since I was a child and it may be a bit small but it works. And she just threw it away with no hesitation. Dad didn't help at all, stupid way of upbringing they had. He never interfered with her raising me. Not really he put his foot down with my learning to fight, to train with my bow and arrow but that had been it. Did they truly not see how unhappy I was? If I was to just leave it'd be down to one of the boys to be saddled with all this. Were any of the marriage prospects even taught on running the country or is that what I would be for? Could I allow the boys to be saddled with this? Marrying a girl they wouldn't choose? I sighed and stroked Angus' head as my mind raced with my choices, there were only two really. I could go home, face up to my oncoming marriage to Dingwall, and move off to his clan until my Father steps down. Or I could not go back. I was sure I could survive out here alone, I could hunt, I could make a fire, I could build myself shelter, I could easily keep moving. But could I live with putting the boys in my place?
I sighed and stood up
"Let's go Angus" I said and he jumped up. I mounted him and lightly kicked his side, a walk was fine. I was in no hurry to find my Mother, to accept the betrothal of Princess Dun Broch to Lord Dingwall. The forest was quiet, all the life now asleep after the sun went down over a hour ago. A owl hooted in the distance and I picked up our pace. Once the castle was in view I dismounted and walked along the pathway.
-
Entering the castle it was quiet, much too quiet for the amount of people here right now. I was in the kitchen fixing some food when my Mother came in
"Merida!" She gasped and made a fuss, apparently my Father was entertaining the clans. And then inevitably she brought up my betrothal. I glared at her and slammed my cup on the table causing her to pause looking at me with wide eyes.
"Let me be clear. I. Don't. Want. This!" I emphasised each word and she went to speak I simply held up my hand while trying to keep the tears at bay "listen to me!" I snapped she closed her mouth "I came back because I don't want this for the boys whichever you would choose to be FORCED to marry someone they don't know. To spend the rest of their lives with some girl they may never connect with"
"You think I didn't worry about this with your Father?"
"You knew him! You spent more than three dinners and one dance with him, weren't excluded from conversations and playing! Those boys! I don't know them, I know of them that's completely different. So here I am. All so they won't have to. Not for you, not for Dad, not even to prevent a war. For them. When I am married and all is done, so am I with you" I said and walked away from her as she gasped I didn't wait to see the look on her face, I didn't wait to let her talk I just left.
Entering the grand Hall they were all sat with their Clans my Father sat at the table on the platform with the boys. They all saw me and eyes widened and Ryan Mackentosh stood quickly coming to me
"Are you okay?" He asked looking me over I remembered my state, everyone began talking so not to obviously be listening
"My horse threw me" I said and saw him relax
"Look, I know I lost... but I'm guessing since you won its your choice"
"I don't actually know" I smiled sadly and he looked at me with equal sadness
"I wanted to win" he said and I looked at him nodding "not so I'd marry the princess, bec-"
"Merida?" My Father said and Mackentosh stepped back
"I'm okay Dad, Angus threw me. I'm sorry I made a mess of things if you let me go change, I'll come and speak with you and Mother about where we go from here" I said politely my eyes watering and he frowned but nodded. I sighed and smiled at Ryan as I headed for the stairs and to my room. I put on one of my nice dresses, a purple gown. It seemed ridiculous I had to be dressed up when not one other person was. Ryan was walking about without a top, Graham and Wee Dingwall were in everyday attire. I pulled out a ribbon tying back my hair allowing the front to let a lock of hair to fall on the side of my face. Not as stupidly fancy as the one my Mother put me in. I sat on my bed and let the tears fall. I sobbed and brought my hands to my eyes.
My door swings open and there was Harris, Herbert and Hamish running up to me and Ryan stood in the hallway. I wiped my eyes and looked down at my brothers as they came and hugged my legs
"We're sorry you're sad" Hamish said and I smiled down at them and got on the floor on my knees
"Not to worry, my elbow just hurts some from my fall" I said forcing a bright smile "did you save me any food?" I asked and Harris nodded "why don't you boys go fix me a plate. I'll be down soon" kissed each of their heads and they barrelled out the room. Ryan looked to the right and then cleared his throat and entered the room. He held his hand out to me and helped me up.
"Look, none of us are happy with this arrangement either"
"So say no" I said "you have that option!"
"Do we?"
"Yes! I may be a princess but my voice means nothing. Because I'm not a man, because I'm supposed to do what I'm told by my mother and father and when I'm married my husband!" I said and he looked down at me with sad eyes
"I didn't say I didn't want to marry you Merida" he said and my heart pounded at the tone in his voice "I just don't want to marry you like this" I couldn't speak and looked up to him as his face became so incredibly sad
"I have always liked you, always wanted to be around you when I was here you were so cool, and smart and never have I seen a girl speak up for what she wants the way you do. You aren't like any I've ever known"
"But you... you never talk to me. You leave me out"
"You're a princess. Can't have you running about with the boys getting into fights and hunting" he said looking annoyed and I pressed my lips together and got angry
"That sounds like my Mother" I said he didn't confirm it he just sighed and took my hand
"I wanted to win so you'd have time. So I could stop the others marrying you out of obligation or because of what you are. I felt you at least deserve someone who feels for you"
"And you do?"
He got down on one knee taking my hand in his and my heart was pounding in my ears
"Merida Dun Broch, I have loved you since you shot a arrow at my head. Knew in that moment I wanted to be with you. And if you get the choice I hope you pick me, if you do I swear! That I will earn your affections, I will expect nothing until you are ready and I will be here to support you as the Queen and your husband. I will be behind you as only your husband" he said and I gasped at what he was saying. He pressed his lips to my knuckles and stood up to bow and leave. Only then did I see my Father in the hallway looking in with a small smile on his lips. Ryan bowed and thanked him before leaving.
"That boy has it for you bad" he chuckled coming in and closing the door.
"I didn't know" i said and realised... he just proposed. An actual proposal that I hadn't even been given before they turned up to play for my hand. And it looks like he even asked my father.
"Did he... ask you to let him propose?" I asked weakly and he laughed nodding.
"He did, but it's not the first time. When he was eight he told me he was going to marry you one day, when he was Thirteen he asked me for permission to ask for your hand one day" he looked to the door "Pretty sure when your mother sent the proposal he jumped up and said yes"
"Why did Mother keep me from getting to know them. I wouldn't be so against it if I at least knew them"
"I didn't know she had" he said his expression turning stern "I assumed it was boys being boys, Ryan being too nervous to stick up for you to play with them" he huffed folding his big arms
"Did you always know?"
"Aye, when you were born it was a unhappy reality you'd marry one of the clan leaders heirs. I love them, I do but to know I'd have to give you up to one of their boys never sat right with me. Until Ryan grew up" he said
There was a knock at the door and my Mother entered with evidence she had clearly been crying
"Why don't you go and mingle. Your Mother and I need to talk. Figure out what the next step is" Dad said
I nodded and left closing my bedroom door. I immediately heard him snap at her. Why had she made my prospects strangers to me? Why she hadn't warned me of this eventuality? If she was going to insist on her raising me why she didn't prepare me for the real things instead of bloody etiquette. I sighed and went to the great hall. I sat at my table and looked at the clans they shot looks my way often and I saw the boys looking I gestured with my head for them to come up and they did with their plates and cups in hand
"I'm sorry I embarrassed you today" I said When they sat down "i just thought... I'd followed the rules and that'd be fine. I can tell by your dad's that it isn't the case"
"Embarrassed? Try impressed" Ryan smirked
"Aye, those shots were brilliant" Graham nodded
"I didn' mind. Glad I hadn' won in the end" Wee Dingwall confessed and I looked at him surprised
"You don't want to marry me either?" I asked him and he shook his head looking lost in his drink. So one wanted to marry me for him and to save me, the other out right didn't want to. I wondered about Graham and looked at him
"Eh, I'm willing to do my duty. So should you" he said and Ryan glared at him
I didn't understand it. It was just a title but he looked like he wanted to inflict violence on Graham "plus you're a real beauty can't complain about that" he shrugged and Ryan stood up
"The Lords have been summoned to the office" a loud voice called and we all froze and looked as they all stood and left. I looked to the triplets and they grinned and off they went
"What's the rush?" Wee Dingwall asked
"They're going to find out what they're talking about" I sighed leaning back against my chair
Twenty minutes later they returned and the Lords took their seats while the boys returned to their tables. The triplets came crashing in beside me and looked up at me hopefully
"Dad said no" Harris said
"But MacGuffin and Dingwall are still saying yes" Herbert said
"War?"
"We didn't hear that much the dogs chased us off"
"So we know nothing?"
"We know Dad isn't happy about it" Hamish said
"As it stands, abiding by the rules Merida has won her own hand" My Father said "there for I believe this is over. However, the Lords have demanded this be rectified in some way or the other. Merida?" My Father said holding his arm out and I got up and walked over to him. "The Lords have left the decision to us. Your Mother and Me. But before I declare it you need to..."
I nodded and looked to the clans my shoulder back and standing tall
"I apologize my lords" I said clearly "I followed the rules, I played for my own hand because you are trying to take me from my home, with a stranger to be my husband. One who I may never grow to love or he me" I looked to Ryan he and his Father was smiling at me nodding
"My voice was being ignored, I'd hoped my arrow would not" I bowed "I am very sorry I caused a rift in our families bond, I will accept whoever my Father appoints" I said and stood up and looked at the floor clasping my hands together tightly, trying to hide the shaking. There was whispering across the hall now my father softly said my name and I looked to him.
"You'll be just fine with him" he whispered and my heart pounded as I felt panic, relief and sadness all at once. I nodded and he cleared his throat
"I do this to prevent war. To prevent that guilt you are trying to force on my daughter. I also choose the only one who actually seems to care for her, who wants to be here not for obligation or orders, because I think he may actually love her" my Father said and I saw my mother look at him quickly with wide eyes.
"Ryan!" My Father's voice boomed and the Mackentosh clan cheered loudly, his father was grinning like a fool as Ryan came forwards "Come on up son" he did so and shook my Fathers hand
"Thank you, Sir" he said bowing his head and stood next to me taking my hand and yet again pressing it to his lips
"Ready?" He asked
"For what?"
"To start getting to know each other" he grinned the other clans clapped the Dingwalls cheering just as loud as the Mackentosh the Macguffin not so much.
Ryan held his hand up and the cheering died down .
"There will be no wedding" he announced "we are going to let her ease into this. And if I'm lucky I'll win her heart in a little time" he said and I had to lock my knees so not to fall and his entire clan cheered
"And if you don't?" MacGuffin yelled
"Then I guess you get to watch a girl be forced to marry a man she doesn't love. Should we want the same for Fiona?" He asked in challenge and MacGuffin glared at him
"We will Marry" I promised "whether I grow to love him or not. I am just..." my voice broke as tears welled "thankful I get to try first" tears fell and I saw Macguffins face fall for a moment I looked at Ryan and smiled. I can say this much, I liked him a little more already.
-
Stepping off the boat into his arms I laughed. Ryan became my fiance two and a half months ago and I hadn't seen him in two weeks, he had to return home. He sent a message asking I come to him with my Father's next meeting. The engagement was doing well, and I knew in our time apart... I wanted to marry him. He'd been patient, gone out of his way to give me space in the beginning and our dates were perfect, rides in the woods, climbing, hunting all the things I loved, I taught him more in archery while he helped me perfect my sword skills. He never treated me like a princess, just me. Our first kiss was awful, I was awkward, scared while he was just so giddy with excitement we ended up laughing on each other. The second time was... surprising. I never knew it could feel like that, the feelings it stirred that I didn't understand. He hugged me tightly and swung me around
"Ah lass, I missed you" he said kissing my cheek. "Thank you for coming"
"You kidding, I get a break from my Mother"
He rolled his eyes putting me down and taking my hand. The relationship with my Mother hadn't changed at all, it was as if she was afraid to change and our usual interactions were more comfortable to her.
"Welcome Sir" he said to my Father
"Thanks son"
He pulled on my hand leading us to his castle. When entering I saw his Father
"Ah there's my future daughter in law" he yelled coming over eyes wide
"Dad!" Ryan scorned and I smiled
"It okay" I told him letting him go to hug his father
"Good to see you Lord Mackentosh" I said as he hugged me
"You too dear. Fergus" he said letting me go and nodding to my Dad " we have a meeting" he said and Ryan looked up
"They're here?" Dad asked surprised
"Seems Macguffin is a bit impatient" Lord Mackentosh said rolling his eyes. My Father grumbled as they left
"You two go do something. We will have dinner when we are done" Lord Mackentosh said following. I looked at Ryan
"Has this caused trouble?"
"Only with him" he scowled shaking his head and taking me outside and to the castle grounds
"Ryan" I said nervously and he immediately stopped looking me over
"What is it?" He asked and I clasped my hands together and chewed on my lip plucking up the courage. Which was ridiculous. I knew I didn't need it.
"Being without you... I realised that I want to be with you, I spent the whole time wishing you were with me, wishing I'd come with you. Wanting to be in your arms and I... I don't know if its love but I know I want to be with you" I said and he smiled
"Really?" He asked and I nodded
He swept me up and spun me around pressing his lips on mine
"Thank you" he said kissing me again and repeating the words "thank you, thank you!"
I giggled and wrapped my arms around him
"Thank you! For giving me the time, for really caring" I said and he put me down still holding me "I just... I have questions and nobody seems to want to answer them. I hope you might?"
He sat on the grass pulling me with him and putting me on his lap
"What questions? If I can answer I will" he said pressing his lips into my hair
"People keep telling me to prepare for my duties for our wedding night" I said hesitantly and he tensed
"Nobody has told you?" He said his voice tight I shook my head
"Not even your Mother?" He asked turning me to face him
"No. All I know is I'm supposed to do something. And you said the day you were on your knee that you wouldn't expect anything if I chose you and wasn't ready" I shrugged "I assumed you'd know"
"I do" he nodded once looking over my head eyes far away. He was processing, not evading my question so I gave him the moment. He cleared his throat and looked at me
"It's... not something I should be telling you, it's inappropriate" he said and my heart deflated "but who are we to follow what we should do" he said brushing his fingers across my cheek "plus soon we will be married" he added "On our wedding night it's expected that we consumate our marriage, which means we are supposed to have sex" he said and I looked up at him brows furrowing slightly. He sighed and shook his head "Mer your gonna be the death of me" he chuckled "Sex is where a man puts his dick in between your legs" he said and my eyes widened at his bluntness I'd heard the guards talk like that from my window but never directly to me. Then my heart fell into my stomach. My legs, he means? My vigina? Gods!
"You mean you... put it in?" I asked breathlessly
He nodded putting my face in his hands
"Hon, don't panic. I know you have had no experience with guys, only me. I don't expect it. Our wedding night will be whatever you wish it to be" he said softly and kissed my head
"Have you?" I asked and he froze and leaned back "I guess that answered my question" I murmured
He sighed putting his head on mine
"Does that bother you?" He asked
"A little bit" I admitted
"I'm sorry" he said gently
"I supposed it's expected of a man" I said and he shook his head
"I ha-" he started but I sat back and put my hand over his mouth
"I don't want to know... all I need to know have there been any since we got engaged?" I asked removing my hand
"No. There haven't been any for a long time" he said I closed my eyes and leant against his chest
"I can live with that" I nodded against him and he took a big sigh of relief pressing his lips to my head
"Thank you" he whispered
-
We sat there for a while as I was leant against his chest our hand intertwined
"Oi! Lovebirds!" A familiar voice came we sat up straight to see Wee Dingwall and Graham coming over. I was surprised to see a girl holding Wee Dingwall's hand as they approached
"Hey guys" Ryan said waving as they approached
"Hello boys" I smiled and then looked to the girl
"Ah, yes Merida this is Mairi, Mairi, Princess Merida" Wee Dingwall introduced
"Nice to meet you your Highness" she said bowing
"Please, call me Merida, its nice to meet you too Mairi" I smiled and saw Wee Dingwall looking at her like she was the whole world. I see, I realised. She was the reason he didn't want to marry me.
"Dad's are done" Graham said "time for dinner"
"Alright" Ryan said and stood up taking my hand to help me up. We headed back to the castle hand in hand while the others walked ahead.
"Do we tell our Dad's?" He asked whispering in my ear
"I suppose we should" I smiled and he looked back at me grinning like a fool
The Lords were here too, not certain on if the announcement should be made here or at a formal event we decided to wait until after dinner to tell our Fathers. All the while Lord MacGuffin gave dirty looks to my Father and Lord Mackentosh. Something told me he wasn't too pleased that the wedding hadn't happened yet
"Is Lord Macguffin unhappy that we weren't married when my Father chose you?" I asked Ryan quietly
"Yes. Graham lost so he can't argue about that he's just sour your Mother made the proposals and now we're still waiting to get the joining of clans" he rolled his eyes
"Is it causing a problem?" I asked
"Only for him. He has nothing to stand on and he knows it. Either way it won't matter soon. Don't worry about it" he smiled down at me weaving his finger with mine and bought my knuckles up to his lips. I blushed and looked down at the table a smile I couldn't stop on my face. Snickers could be heard and I looked up to see our Fathers leant closer to each other big grins on their faces and a glint in their eyes. I glared at my father who straightened up and cleared his throat.
Once dinner was done and Lord MacGuffin, and Lord Dingwall left to their rooms Ryan pulled me out the room, I frowned
"Aren't we going to-"
"In a minute, I want to do something first" he grinned as he pulled me into a reading room "wait here" he smiled kissed my hand and bolted from the room. He's cute when he is excited. Looking around I was surprised to see how the room looked feminine. The chairs on either side of the table were a faded yellow with flowers on them. The curtains a dusty pink. I wonder if this was a room Lady Mackentosh's. Before I could look at the books Ryan returned breathing fast from obviously running. He took my left hand and made an effort to control his breathing.
"Now it's official, and you're ready. I ask again" he got down on his knee for a second time "Merida, I want nothing more than to be your husband, you my Queen. And I can't wait for our lives to start together" my heart was racing and I felt tears stinging my eyes. God's who gets two proposals? "Will you marry me, and make my love for you official?" He held out a ring in his left hand and my breath left me as my eyes widened on the silver band... it had a blue stone that looked familiar.
"Yes you fool!" I laughed out "yes!" He stood up placing his lips on mine
"Thank you!" He said against my lips before pulling back to place the ring on my finger. I looked at it fascinated. Not at all surprised it fit perfectly. It wasn't a sapphire. In fact it didn't look all that valuable but I liked it. It reminded me of the lapis stone I had found as a kid. I had been very sad I had lost it on a trip to th- my heart dropped as I my head snapped up to him.
"Is this?" I couldn't speak, no way.
"I found it in the room you'd stayed in. You were so upset I wanted to give it back to you when we next visited" he was blushing and looking a little nervous "but... the next visit you got so mad we didn't let you come hunt and you find your arrow. I decided I'd give it to you as a gift when I got to marry you"
"But-" I swallowed trying to get my voice to work "the games you had no way of-"
"Dingwall got lucky" he pouted "you didn't think I wouldn't have learnt archery knowing you'd choose that?" He sighed "but no. When I realised I'd have to compete I planned to give it you as a wedding gift but then..." he trailed off. I loved it. It was more precious than a expensive one would have been
"I'm glad you did this" I smiled blinking back the tears "this is perfect" and I threw my arms around him. I was incredibly lucky. The entire situation three months ago had ne terrified and angry. I never imagined it would result in this.
We walked to our Fathers hands clasped togethrr
"You two look... comfortable" Mackentosh teased and Ryan rolled his eyes
"I should hope so, we're engaged after all" I smirked and Mackentosh scoffed while my Father tensed
"Yes but not offi-" he cut off as Ryan lifted my hand to show the ring
"You accepted?" Dad asked and I nodded "and you're sure you want this?" He asked stepping forward so Ryan let me go
"I am. I'm ready Dad" I assured him as he took me into his arms
"I'm so proud of you lass" he kissed my head and as he let me go to shake Ryan's hand I was swept up by a howling Lord Mackentosh. Cheering and laughing like a madman
"Ah I knew he'd win your heart! Oh I'm so glad!" He placed me down and stepped back to wipe a tear from his eye "I'm so happy for you son. Your Mother would be so happy"
Ryan only grinned and came back to me to put his hand round my waist
"Aye, she'd love her too" he nodded
It suddenly hit me. I'm engaged, I'm getting married and I won't be Merida Dun Broch anymore. Soon, soon I'll me Merida Mackentosh and will move away from home. And it surprised me more that instead of fear... I was just excited. I didn't want to be without him. The last two weeks had proved as much, it felt horrible, and lonely, so much that I felt as if I was lost in the woods alone and with no path to guide me. I loved him. I by some miracle was in love with Ryan Mackentosh and wasn't going to marry out of duty, but love. I grinned so much it hurt. Firing that arrow was the best decision I have ever made.
Found this in an old folder of random fanfics. So thought I'd share it with you guys!