Chapter Sixteen
Scarlett looked up at the door when she heard a knock.
“Come in,” she called, sitting up and resting her book in her lap, keeping her place marked with her hand.
She quickly slipped her shoes on, not wanting to be caught shoeless in the library. Alastair stuck his head in and she smiled, watching him as he came in and sat down.
“Hello,” she said, grabbing her bookmark and putting it in her book before closing it completely.
“Hello,” Alastair replied, looking at the stack of books she had gathered and stacked next to her on the coffee table. He found one that he wanted and grabbed it, kicking off his shoes and getting comfortable.
Scarlett watched in amusement and couldn’t resist chuckling. He looked up at her and held the book.
“Fabulous book. You must read it when you get a chance.”
“I already have actually. I read it not but a few days ago.”
He smiled brightly. “Did you enjoy it?”
She contemplated the question for a moment before answering, “I did. I did find it a little bit slow to get going but it was excellent after that.”
“I agree.”
He leaned forward as if he was going to tell a secret. She leaned in and he whispered, “I came here to escape our mothers.”
Scarlett giggled; she couldn’t help it.
She crooked her finger, indicating for him to lean in and whispered, “So did I.”
He chuckled and that sent them both into a fit of laughter.
Alastair and Scarlett had told their other parents about the engagement the day after Lord Dundamear’s ball and they regretted it now. Their mothers had decided to extend their stays to plan their children’s nuptials.
Babette and Antoinette had been there at least five weeks, and even though they were sworn to secrecy, they already had everything planned for when they could go ahead and let everyone know.
“We don’t have to worry,” Babette stated. “We will just finalize all the arrangements once this messy business is all hashed out.”
Scarlett doubted it would be that easy.
She laid back against the cushions and opened her book, kicking off her shoes and getting comfortable once again. He did the same, leaning back and getting comfortable once again to enjoy the quiet and read.
A few hours later, Scarlett looked over, surprised to see him fast asleep, his book slumped on his chest. With a chuckle she stood, setting her book down and going over to him. She slowly removed the book from his hands, setting it on the table next to him.
He shifted a moment, making her worried she woke him. When he was still, Scarlett grabbed the blanket that was laid across the back of the couch, placing it over him. He sighed and Scarlett just stared at him for a few minutes, relieved to see that at least when he was asleep, he was relaxed and not worrying about her.
She leaned down and kissed him softly on the forehead, her heart full of so many emotions. She hadn’t spoken to Alastair about what her and her father discussed; Scarlett was unwilling to put her heart out there just yet.
Being unsure of his feelings, she waited until she was unsure about hers.
She was confused because she really did like spending time with him, and when they were together, they were happy.
When she was alone, she missed him and wanted his company.
“Scarlett…” he whispered, breaking her from her thoughts.
She looked down at him in surprise, her heart in her throat. When she saw him still sleeping, she let out the breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. Slowly she stepped away, going back to the couch and sitting down, gathering her book up and continuing to read.
Some time went by and Scarlett was surprised by a knock on the door, Bard announcing from the other side that it was lunch time. Scarlett stood and stretched, her muscles tight from sitting in the same position for so long. She looked over at Alastair, still asleep, and smiled. She was sure he would wake up, but he must have been so exhausted that he needed a long nap.
She walked over to his couch and gently shook him awake, whispering, “Alastair, it is time for lunch.”
He shifted, waking up slowly. When he realized she was standing over him, he woke up fully.
“Scarlett?” he asked, looking around. “Did I fall asleep?”
She nodded with a chuckle. “You did.”
He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, sliding his shoes on as he did. Scarlett was forced to take a step back when he stood, his large body suddenly filling the space she occupied.
She went back to her couch and slid her shoes on, taking his arm when he offered it to her. “Do you think our mothers will ask us where we went?” he asked.
Scarlett thought for a moment. “I think so. However, we should not tell them we were in the library, for I fear we will lose that sanctuary.”
He laughed heartily and replied, “Then we shall tell her we went somewhere else.”
“Excellent idea.”
They headed to the dining room to join their parents, already waiting for them.
“Hello, dear,” Babette greeted her daughter as they walked through the door.
“Alastair,” she greeted him with a huge smile, one she had been wearing since they told them of their engagement.
“Hello, Mama,” Scarlett replied, greeting everyone else as well.
“Lady Kensington, how are you this afternoon?” Alastair asked, bending over and kissing her hand.
“I am lovely, thank you.”
Satisfied, she looked back down at her food, Alastair heading to the sideboard to get some lunch. When he was finished, he headed to his seat, saying hello to his parents as he did.
They fell into companionable silence as they ate. Alastair could not have asked for anything more, grateful that they were not talking about the upcoming wedding.
Upcoming? It does not even have a date yet.
He mentally rolled his eyes.
They were no closer to finding Catriona and that was unsettling. What would happen between them if they never found out what happened to her?
Scarlett had said numerous times that she did not want to be queen, but if Catriona was not found and they could find this poisoner, then she would rightfully be queen. Unless Art was able to rally support for his cause to become king again.
Alastair was surprised he had not come back to Elfyre Hollow yet, bragging about how well it was going for him. He had sent numerous letters, but they were never more than letters of political matters that needed Scarlett’s attention. Art never mentioned Catriona, or his campaign.
That was what worried Alastair the most. It was always better to see his enemy in the light; instead of him planning behind his back in the darkness.
Certain now that Art was not the poisoner, that meant they had another unnamed enemy, hiding somewhere where they could not see him. That person was the one who set the events in motion.
The islands were in danger and they had to figure out who was causing it.
But how?
That was the question that had been plaguing him constantly.
With no word from Everett, they were losing hope, wondering if the danger would come and no one could stop it.
The was the most frightening thing of all.
He wanted to keep Scarlett and his island safe, but he was defenseless, and had no way to fight back.
He sighed, frustration filling his heart.
“Alastair? Is everything all right, dear?” Antoinette asked, concern on everyone’s faces.
He cracked a smile and replied, “I am all right, Mother, just worrying about a few frustrating things.”
She reached out and placed her hand on his arm.
“Everything will work out,” she said, smiling. There was a hope in her eyes that renewed Alastair’s.
“Thank you. I needed that,” he whispered, leaning over to kiss her cheek.
“That’s what mothers are for.”
They went back to eating, Alastair wishing he could be that positive.
Alastair tapped on Scarlett’s door, waiting for an answer.
Less than a minute later, Scarlett came to the door, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. When she saw it was him, she quickly shut the door for a moment, fixing her hair so it was not as mussed, then opened it back up.
“Hello,” he said, winking at her.
She blushed but Alastair saw a smile come to her lips.
“Hello,” she murmured.
They stood there for a moment in silence, each waiting for the other to say something.
He cleared his throat and said, a slight blush forming on his face, “I was coming up to invite you to a picnic and a boat ride. Would you be interested in that?”
She looked at him with a blank look on her face.
He thought she was going to say no at first, but he was pleasantly surprised when she replied, “I’d love to.”
Alastair positively beamed at her, making her so happy.
“I will let Bard know, and then I will come up to get you within the hour.”
She nodded and he turned to walk away. Before she could shut the door, Alastair turned back around and said, “Scarlett?”
She opened the door back up fully and he said, “I’ll see you soon.”
With that said, he walked off, leaving Scarlett to change.
In a flurry of activity, both Alastair and Scarlett rushed to get ready. Scarlett rang for Melody to help her change and do her hair. Alastair called for Bard to help him ensure that everything was ready and perfect.
He made sure to remind himself to grab the necklace he had gotten for her that day at the market. It had been completed and hand delivered by the owner of the stall a few days before, giving Alastair the idea for the picnic. He patted his pocket softly, making sure that it was there before he left the room to go get Scarlett.
He arrived at her door a few minutes later, knocking softly, waiting for her to answer. She opened her door and he was greeted with a beautiful sight. Scarlett wore a pastel green-striped dress, her hair pinned back from her face. The rest hanging loose in a bunch of curls down her back.
A white sunhat sat atop her head, the wide brim able to easily protect her face from the sun.
She slipped on her gloves and grabbed her parasol, stepping out to join him in the hallway.
“Shall we go?” she asked.
“We shall,” he replied, holding out his arm to her.
She took his arm and as they walked down the stairs together, she couldn’t help but notice how amazing he looked in his dark red jacket, his pants black, and his shirt clean and crisp white.
It was then that a completely mundane thought came to her mind. Her fiancée never wore any other color shirt but white.
She had seen her uncle and father in other colors a few times, but had never seen Alastair in anything else but white. She chuckled softly.
Maybe when we are married, I could get him to try at least one colored shirt.
Scarlett had to stop herself from laughing aloud.
Alastair stopped suddenly and Scarlett realized that she had been so lost in her own thoughts that she hadn’t realized where they were going.
Looking around, she asked, “Where are we?”
He chuckled and patted her hand reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. We are in the cellar. Well, we are below the cellar. There is something I’d like to show you.”
She watched intently as he opened the door in front of them, revealing a stone staircase, brightly lit with windows along the side of it. She turned around to face him, an excited look on her face.
“Where does it go?” she asked, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice.
“Go ahead. Just go slowly. The stairs can be quite steep.”
She took a couple of steps down into the tunnel, waiting for him to come down behind her. He took two steps, then turned to shut the door behind him, coming to meet her. She grabbed his hand to keep herself from falling, almost slipping once or twice.
The stairs were long and winding, not completely curved but just enough to make sure you took your time getting down. She was very grateful though, for all the light provided by the windows. Trying to maneuver this path in the dark would be very frightening. When they reached the bottom, there was a small landing. Scarlett brimmed with excitement to see where it went.
Alastair knocked on the door and it was pulled open by a guard, Alastair stepping out into the sunshine; Scarlett followed right behind him. Her gasp was audible when she looked up, the greatness of the castle looming above her.
“This is beautiful, Alastair,” she said, her eyes as wide as saucers.
She looked up and saw the bridge and the castle, the dark red rock lighter than the rest of the castle from years of water beating upon it. Finally, she looked around, realizing that they were on a small dock, surrounded by the ocean. The water was blue and calm, sparkling brightly in the sun.
She looked over at Alastair, her excitement shining brightly in her eyes.
“Let me show you to the boat,” he said, grabbing her hand and pulling her over to it. It was small and simple, easily manned by two people.
She looked at him, hesitation in her eyes now.
“Are you sure?” she asked, making him laugh.
“You will be safe. I promise you.”
“I trust you,” she said.
Just not the boat.
Alastair stepped down into the boat and moved the oars over, freeing up space for them to sit. He held out his hand for her and she took it, stepping gingerly down into the boat. Turning around, he untied the boat, throwing the rope into the boat at his feet and grabbing the oars. Once they were in place, he left the dock, startling Scarlett a little bit.
“Relax, I am a good sailor,” he said, not completely allaying her fears.
“Good sailor? That does not bode well for us I think,” she poked fun at him, opening her parasol to shade her from the warm sun.
He stared her, soaking in her beauty and the moment.
“I have an excellent sailor. I did not insinuate further as to not post, but if it should easier for years; that I am quite good.”
Scarlett smiled at his playful tone.
“It does indeed. Thank you.”
She brushed a curl out of her face and asked him, “When did you start going out on a boat?”
He looked around and kept rowing, stopping for a brief moment to watch a small school of fish go by. Safely out of harm’s way, he continued on.
“I started sailing at the age of five with my father. He always loved to go out, so when I was old enough, I accompanied him.”
The happiness on his face made her smile.
“I like boats, but I have never had many reasons to ride in them,” Scarlett said with a sigh.
“Well, maybe we can enjoy more rides in the future,” he said, subtly reminding her of their future together.
“I would like that,” she murmured, looking away as a soft rosy glow came to her face.
She noticed that they had gone out pretty far away from Elfyre Hollow, making her a little bit nervous.
“Where are we going?” she asked, looking around.
“To Fire Island. It is not too much farther.”
“Fire Island?” she asked, turning to face the direction he had indicated.
The boat shifted dangerously and Alastair grabbed her arm, pulling her back into her seat. She looked at him with indignation and he just arched a brow at her.
“This is not a large boat. It is a small one that will overturn should one of the people inside move too much. I do not wish to go for a swim today.”
A blush of embarrassment stained her face.
“I know you are worried and possibly excited, but very few people know of this outing. I will keep you safe.”
He reached out and grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze.
“I believe you,” she said as he released her hand and continued rowing the boat to Fire Island.
Ten minutes later, they arrived on Fire Island, pulled completely to shore by Ronald.
At her curious glance, Alastair said, “I sent him with a group of others to make sure the island was safe.”
Ronald reached out and held his hand out to her, helping her out of the boat and onto the strange pink sand.
“It’s pink sand,” she whispered, looking back at Alastair as he got out of the boat behind her.
“It is. Why are you whispering?” he asked, making her giggle and Ronald smile.
Alastair took her arm and they started walking as she said, “I don’t know.”
He laughed as she joined in, a gasp of surprise elicited from her when she saw the picnic laid out, a large blanket covered in food waiting for them.
Ronald escorted the servants off the island on a different boat, but not before checking the small island for other unwanted guests.
Alastair helped Scarlett to the blanket, the picnic not actually on the sand, but on the long grassy area just off of the sand. There were a few sparse trees, but the island was mostly sand, grass, and bushes. It made for not a lot of hiding places.
She looked around, amazed by the tranquility and the pink sand. She had never seen pink sand before, and she was so excited about it.
“What makes the sand pink?” she asked, looking out at the ocean surrounding them.
“I don’t actually know,” he replied, grabbing a glass and pouring some wine into it.
“It hasn’t always been pink. I think that Brigid once told me that there was something to do with minerals and reactions, but I can’t quite remember.”
For a moment, he looked contemplative.
“I’ll have to ask her next time I see her.”
She chuckled and took the glass he offered, waiting until he had a glass before toasting, “To our health and happiness. And that this all works out in the end.”
“Cheers,” he said, clinking his glass against hers.
She nodded and took a drink, looking down at the delectable foods around them. It was mostly finger foods, sandwiches and fruit to be eaten by hand, but it was beautifully laid out on platters and trays.
“Looks delicious, doesn’t it?” he asked, unable to contain his laughter when she turned to face him, a strawberry half bitten into.
She completed her bite, chewed, and swallowed before replying, “It does.”
He chuckled and wiped some strawberry juice off her chin. She watched him suck the juice off his finger and felt her face heat.
Clearing her throat, she broke eye contact and asked, “How long has this island been here?”
He looked around, uncomfortable now.
“It has been here longer than Elfyre Hollow. My grandfather’s grandfather claimed the hill that this island once was after a brief debate about whether or not it would be part of Elfyre Hollow or Obsidian Ridge. Obsidian Ridge wanted it, but we won out. We have kept the island in its original condition, even after The Great Tide hit. We made sure it was cleared of debris and made safe again for any of the creatures that come here.”
He looked around, pointing to a small area of the beach.
“That is where quite a large group of turtles are hatched every year. Usually someone keeps an eye out and when they start hatching, we come out here and help them make it safely to the ocean to begin their new lives.”
“That is so wonderful,” she said, looking at him with something akin to adoration in her eyes.
“There are a few different animals who come here. We like to ensure it is safe for them,” he said with a shrug, as if everyone made sure that a bunch of baby turtles reached the ocean safely.
“I think that is a lovely thing to do,” she murmured, picking up another peace effort.
He smiled and looked over at her as she looked out on the ocean. Her hair blew softly in the wind as they sat there, her nose pinking without the shade of the hat she had removed. Alastair looked at her for a second more, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a jeweler’s box.
“This is for you,” he said, holding it out to her.
Scarlett took the box and slowly opened it, revealing a beautiful white gold and pearl necklace.
“Alastair, it’s beautiful,” she whispered.
With an almost reverent touch, she fingered the large ruby encased in a diamond halo, supported by three strands of pearls on each side.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said, a smile coming to his face.
“I do. Would you help me put it on?” she asked, handing it to him and turning her back to him.
Carefully removing it from the box, he placed it around her neck, doing the clasp in the back.
She turned back to face him and asked, “What do you think?”
“It looks lovely on you.”
“Thank you.”
They sat together for a moment, the silence deafening between them, the moment becoming increasingly awkward. She looked away and so did he, but then he turned back to her.
“Scarlett?” he asked.
“Yes?” She turned to face him and was surprised when his lips came crashing down on hers.
She gasped softly and grabbed his forearms for balance, his hands gently holding her face still. As he plundered her mouth with his own, she prayed that he would show her more of what they had experienced that night in her bedroom.
When he pressed her back onto the blanket, she went willingly, unable to pinpoint where this change had come from. Perhaps knowing that she loved him made her more than willing. Since they were to be married anyways…
She was drawn out of her thoughts by him kissing her and sighed with pleasure when he broke the kiss and pressed soft kisses to her cheek and neck, taking her earlobe into his mouth. He nipped her earlobe and she squealed softly, her hands clenching his arms tightly.
“Alastair,” she whispered, arching against him when he released her earlobe and pressed heated kisses down to her breasts, teasing the top of the pale globes revealed to him by her dress.
He lifted her off the blanket for a few short seconds, undoing her laces that held her dress in place. She sat there as her dress fell and revealed her breasts to him, covered only by the shift she wore underneath her dress. He pushed her dress to her waist and she pulled her arms out, drawing the shift down to her waist as well, baring her breasts fully to him.
They were perfect and he immediately pressed her back to the blanket, sucking the nipple of her left breast into his mouth. Scarlett moaned loudly and felt an instant embarrassment rise up.
Alastair pulled away from her breast, sensing that she had receded into her mind and was not focused on what they were doing. He was more than ready, but he was not going to do this if she had second thoughts.
“Scarlett?” he asked hoarsely, breaking into her thoughts.
She looked up at him now leaning over her half-naked body.
“Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.” She placed one hand behind his head and pulled him down to her, kissing him hot and hard. Alastair growled and broke the kiss, taking her right nipple into his mouth and suckling deeply on it. Scarlett gasped loudly and arched up against him.
While he teased her right breast, he adjusted his legs and rested them between hers. He pressed his erection to the soft spot between her legs, another small gasp escaping her lips. She released her legs and pressed her body further up against him. He groaned roughly and reached between them, tugging at her dress. He had to move his leg for a moment so that he could pull it up completely, bunching it up at her waist, the bottom now joining the top.
Slowly, Alastair slid his hand up her stockinged leg. The combination of her arousal and the touch of his hand on her stocking sent shivers up her spine. His hand crept up her thigh, the heat from her arousal reaching his hand. He almost crowed with happiness when his fingers reached her folds, her body already wet and ready for him.
He released her breast and gently probed her soft folds with his fingers, opening her for him. Slowly, he slipped one finger inside her, letting her body adjust to his presence inside her. She could already feel the sensations she felt the last time building up inside her, desperate for release.
Scarlett moved her hips on his finger and sighed as the digit slipped further into her body. When he moved a second finger inside her, she cooed softly, pleasure creeping further up. He thrust his finger inside her, once and then twice, starting a rhythm. When his thumb found her hard nub, she cried out, grabbing the blanket and bunching it in her hand.
He thrusted his fingers and teased her nub with his thumb, making her squirm as the intensity built. A cry came from her as she climaxed, her body clenching around his fingers as it pulsed with release.
He reached between them again and ripped open his trousers, releasing his member from its constraints. Still encased by pleasure from her climax, she barely noticed as he pressed the head of his erection inside of her, going slowly.
She stilled beneath him as he pressed forward, butting up against the proof of her virginity. He kissed her hard and thrust into her, breaking the last barrier that separated them. Scarlett winced and cried out, with Alastair leaning down and kissing the love tear that fell from her eye.
Alastair held as still as he could as her body adjusted to him fully inside her. After a few minutes passed, Scarlett moved her hips, slowly testing their new connection. When she moved, Alastair pulled almost out of her, a whimper pulled from her. He thrust back into her with vigor and she gave a satisfied sigh, encouraging him. As his rhythm built, so did her pleasure, the familiar heat building.
Alastair pulled her hips up and that made him go deeper, her climax building quickly. She cried out as he thrust deeply, her climax washing over her in intense waves, her body shaking around him. Alastair couldn’t keep her climax at bay any longer, letting go of his restraint and letting his climax hit.
It hit him hard, his body convulsing roughly as he spilled his seed inside her. He collapsed on top of her, their bodies covered in sweat from their exertions. A few moments later, he rolled off her onto the blanket, gathering her close to him. He chuckled when he knocked over a couple plates of food and sighed. He closed his eyes and fell into an easy sleep, satisfaction filling his heart.
Less than an hour later, Scarlett shook him awake.
“Alastair, wake up. It is getting too warm out here for us to linger any longer.”
He sat up and looked at her. She had already pulled her dress back up to cover her breasts, now needing it to be laced back up.
“Would you help me?” she asked, turning her back to him so he could help her.
He helped her get laced back up and adjusted his pants and her hair, gathering all of their picnic items into the small basket that had been left for them. Walking back to the boat, Alastair took her hand in his, walking hand in hand. When she didn’t pull away, he smiled.
They headed back to Elfyre Hollow in silence, both of them content to just be with one another. Once they arrived back at the castle, Alastair escorted her back to her room, telling her to get some rest.
He left her with a heated kiss that filled her with that familiar ache that did not go away until long after he was gone.