Chapter Nineteen
Three days later, Alastair and Owyn stood on the deck of The Comte, readying themselves to make port.
Alastair looked at Owyn and said, “I’d like to go directly to find the mineral if you don’t mind. We have little antidote left, not even a full dose. I know that we chased Rhys out of the castle, but there is no way to be certain where he went.”
Owyn nodded. “Absolutely. I have a carriage waiting for us so I will have them take us to the mines. We should be able to find it without any issues.”
“Thank you,” Alastair whispered.
Owyn rested his hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry; we will save the woman you love.”
Alastair looked at Owyn and was about to argue but when he saw the understanding on his face, he just sighed.
“Does it get easier? This worrying constantly?” he asked, looking back out at the pier as it got closer to welcoming them.
Owyn laughed and said, “It never really does. I have only been in love for about a week now, but I have already had many things to worry about.” He thought about it for a moment. “I, however, had not had to worry about what has happened to Scarlett. Elsa is not the one that they are trying get rid of. We will protect her no matter what though.”
Both men looked up when the captain called for them to ready themselves to dock. Alastair looked at Owyn once more before heading below decks to get Scarlett ready to get off the boat. Twenty minutes later, they were docked and ready to depart, Owyn and Elsa heading off the boat first. Alastair and Scarlett followed close behind, taking their time due to Scarlett being so weak.
The boat ride had been hard on her as she was already sick, the motion of the boat just adding to it. Melody, Ronald, and Ragan had accompanied them on the journey; Melody to assist in Scarlett’s care, and Ronald and Ragan to assist in her protection.
They walked down to the carriage with them but had to wait to take another carriage; there would be no room after Elsa and Owyn got in.
“I will ride up with the driver,” Melody argued, trying to stay with Scarlett.
“The soldiers need to sit up there, Melody. Don’t worry, she will be all right. We will protect her,” Alastair said, resting his hand reassuringly on her shoulder.
She did not look convinced. “Why is she even going with you? She should be going to the castle, not on a jaunt through the countryside to a mine.”
“Melody?” Scarlett croaked from inside the carriage.
She walked over to the window and stuck her head inside to look at her friend.
“I will be all right. I am still alive, aren’t I? Have Ragan come with us to ease your mind.”
“Scarlett, I am just very worried,” Melody whispered, looking at her very pale, bundled up friend.
“Ragan will protect me for you,” Scarlett said, a weak smile coming to her face.
“Be careful. Promise?” she asked, wiping away a few tears.
“I promise,” she said, resting back against the cushions as Melody backed out of the carriage.
“The queen had demanded that Ragan go with you,” Melody stated, making Scarlett chuckle weakly from the carriage.
“All right, Ragan. Go ahead and get up there,” Alastair said, shaking his head at the dramatic demand.
Before Ragan climbed up, he hugged Melody and whispered something in her ear. Softly, he kissed her, lingering briefly before breaking the kiss and jumping up to the top of the carriage. Alastair, Owyn, and Elsa climbed into the carriage and shut the door, Owyn reached out of the window and called out for Ronald.
Owyn handed Ronald a letter and told him to take it to Oryn, his twin brother at the castle; the letter gave him information on where they went and why they hadn’t arrived at the castle just yet. Ronald nodded and told him he would make sure it got to him. Owyn knocked on the roof of the carriage and then took off at a brisk pace, making their way to the mines.
“What mineral are we searching for?” Elsa asked, watching as the rocky terrain went by.
“Jaspenite,” Alastair said, looking over at Elsa. “It helps to negate the effects of the poison by breaking the Tapoxon down so it cannot be absorbed by the body.”
“I thought if something was broken down it was easier to be absorbed?”
“It usually is, but Jaspenite breaks down the Tapoxon completely so it is not able to be absorbed because it is no longer in the body.”
Elsa nodded as he spoke. “I see. Was Brigid having trouble making some? I believe that is what Owyn said.”
Alastair nodded. “I did ask her to make it, and she was having trouble with the formula mixing correctly; she did not have any of the original formula. It is easier to replicate if you have the original. I sent her some a few days ago, but I can make it faster if I have the Jaspenite.”
“I see.”
She smiled at the pride in his voice.
Their conversation was interrupted by the driver calling out that they had arrived at their destination. They all jolted as the carriage stopped, the door opening and Ragan standing there, a concerned look on his face.
“I feel like we were followed,” he said, halting Alastair’s attempt to get out.
Alastair looked back at Scarlett, her face so pale, her breathing becoming more labored with each breath she took.
Alastair looked at her for a moment more before turning back to Ragan. “I need the Jaspenite. Just stay in the carriage with her and Elsa. Owyn and I will take care of the Jaspenite. We also can take care of ourselves.”
Ragan nodded reluctantly, stepping back so that Alastair and Owyn could descend from the carriage. Once they were out, Elsa moved over to sit next to Scarlett, letting her lean on her, trying to make her more comfortable. She adjusted the blanket around her so that she would be warmer, and Scarlett looked up at her with a grateful smile.
Ragan got into the carriage with the ladies, leaving the door open so that he would have a better sight line to the mine from where the carriage was parked. He held tightly to the hilt of the dagger he had tucked into his jacket.
Scarlett sighed roughly and rested her head on Elsa’s shoulder. She had been so tired as of late, the poison sapping her strength. She was just glad that the vomiting had stopped. Both ladies looked over at the carriage door when Owyn appeared there, a reluctant look on his face.
“We are in need of your assistance. We are having a bit of trouble getting the Jaspenite out of the mine. Alastair said to have the ladies come sit next to the mine. They should be safe there.”
Ragan looked over at Scarlett and she nodded weakly. “Just help me out of the carriage.”
He slipped out of the carriage, waiting until Elsa had stepped out. He reached in and held out his hands to Scarlett, waiting as she scooted slowly across the seat and grabbed his hands. She stood slowly, making her way out the door.
When she got close enough, Ragan grabbed her about the waist and swung her into his arms, carrying her over to the entrance of the mine, settling her on a large flat rock near the mouth.
The driver and the two other soldiers stayed with the carriage, lingering there and watching out for people.
She adjusted in her new seat and fixed her skirts, Elsa tucking the blankets tightly around her to keep her warm. Elsa stood next to her, making sure there was no one else around. When she didn’t see anyone, she took a few steps toward the mine, looking down into it, wanting to see what they were doing.
Scarlett closed her eyes for a brief moment, her eyes snapping open when she heard a small gasp. She felt her blood boil when she saw Rhys standing there, holding a knife to Elsa’s throat.
He looked at her, his eyes crazy and wild.
“Get up,” he snarled. “Get up or I will dispose of your friend here.”
“No, My Lady; run,” Elsa said, struggling as he tightened his arm on her.
“You don’t want to do that, I promise you.”
Scarlett looked at Elsa and then struggled to stand up, leaning against the nearest rock. By this time, the scene had gained the attention of the driver and the soldiers, all three of them standing by the carriage, waiting for a moment to intervene. Scarlett turned to look at them and shook her head, warning them not to interfere. They lowered their weapons and stepped back against the carriage, knowing better to disobey.
She turned back to face Rhys.
“I’m up, now what?” she asked, her legs shaking as she struggled to keep herself standing.
He flicked the knife to the side, indicating that she should move to the left. Taking a deep breath, she did as he asked, moving slowly. Elsa sent a panicked look down the mine entrance when Owyn, Alastair, and Ragan’s voices got louder.
Rhys dragged Elsa over to stand next to Scarlett, shoving her away from him and grabbing Scarlett, the cold metal blade a shock against Scarlett’s bare throat.
“Owyn!” Elsa shouted, the three men rushing out of the mine at her cry.
They halted roughly at the scene before them, Owyn quickly going to Elsa.
“Let her go, Rhys. You won’t get out of here alive,” Owyn growled.
“I can guarantee that the queen will not either.”
Ragan took a step forward but Alastair’s hand on his chest stopped him. Alastair looked down at the ground next to Rhys and Ragan followed his gaze, understanding dawning when he saw a rock jutting out of the ground nearby. Alastair could only hope that if Scarlett tripped, it would not hurt too much when they both fell.
Scarlett had seen the rock and had purposely made her way over there, covering it with her skirts to keep him from seeing it. She knew that if she could get him to trip, he would lose his hold on her and his upper hand.
When he started to drag her over to the carriage, she stepped over the rock, using her weight to drag him down a little bit. He took a step and hit the rock, tripping and falling, her weight dragging them both down to the ground. She rolled away from him as they went down, everything happening so quickly after that.
Alastair jumped at Rhys, pushing him back as he struggled to get up. Ragan grabbed Scarlett and half-dragged, half-carried her over to Owyn and Elsa and set her down on the ground. Elsa checked her neck to see if he had nicked her and was relieved when she saw no marks on Scarlett’s pale skin.
Rhys pushed Alastair off him, a long growl coming from him when he saw Scarlett safely with Owyn and Elsa and Ragan. Enraged, he rushed Alastair, knocking him off his feet, bringing his knife down at his chest. Alastair brought his arm up, blocking his blade. Alastair brought his other hand up and grabbed Rhys’ hand, squeezing it until his grip loosened on the hilt. Alastair grabbed the blade from his hand, the knife coming down and cutting open his cheek. The pain did not register as he pushed Rhys off him and scrambled to get away from him. Past the point of competent thought, Rhys grabbed for one of the rocks nearby and hurled it at Alastair who easily sidestepped the flying stone.
“Alastair…” Scarlett whispered, her heart in her throat.
She couldn’t hold back tears of worry as she watched him defend himself against the madman who was trying to kill him. She cried out when Rhys charged at Alastair again; this time they did not fall. Rhys made a strange gurgling sound as he fell to the side, his knife sticking out of his chest.
Scarlett stared at the man, blood trickling from his mouth, a red stain blooming on his shirt. When his chest heaved the last time, she started to cry hysterically, unable to help herself; her relief was great. Alastair looked down at Rhys and then rushed over to Scarlett, gathering her in his arms and holding her as she cried.
“Are you all right?” he whispered. When she nodded against his chest, he felt relief fill his heart.
“But… your face,” she hiccupped, taking out her handkerchief and pressing it to the small cut on his face. He chuckled and pressed his hand on top of hers, leaning down and kissing her. The kiss was soggy and broken, but both of them were so grateful to be alive.
“My face will be fine. I am just thankful that you are all right.” He looked her straight in her tear-filled eyes and said, “I love you, Scarlett.”
She started to cry even harder and Alastair was able to make out, “I love you too,” through her sobs. Alastair smiled and kissed her head, gathering her into his arms again, holding her tightly as she cried.
Owyn, Elsa, Alastair, and Scarlett sat in Owyn’s redecorated parlor, relaxing and enjoying the evening, along with Ragan and Melody who decided to join them before dinner.
After the confrontation, they had come back to Greenlyre, Owyn’s home. They had been met with the concerned face of Oryn, Owyn’s twin brother, and his now fiancée, Elizabeth Blackmore. They had calmed their fears and reassured them that they were all right, and Alastair had gotten to work creating the antidote.
With Rhys dead, the immediate threat was dead, and that made everyone happy.
Scarlett lay on a chaise, her head in Alastair’s lap as he read a book. His other hand rested on her stomach, entwined with her hand. Elsa sat next to Owyn on an opposite couch, Ragan and Melody occupying the two chairs that made up the rest of the space. A knock announced a visitor and Owyn called out for them to enter, the door opening to reveal Oryn.
“Oryn, what is it?” Owyn asked, looking at his twin.
“Her brother is here,” he said, pointing at Elsa. Neither Elsa nor Owyn could hide the panic that came to their faces.
“Everything will be fine. I will speak to him,” Elsa said, resting her hand on Owyn’s.
He smiled. “I know. I will definitely let you speak to him first.”
She chuckled and Owyn told Oryn, “Go ahead and show him in.”
Oryn nodded and went for Everett, showing him to the parlor.
Everett walked in and the first thing he noticed was the decidedly casual atmosphere that the parlor had. The second thing he noticed was that Elsa held Owyn’s hand and had a girlish grin on her face. Melody abandoned her chair and went to sit with Ragan, Everett thanking her and occupying the piece of furniture.
“So, I guess this means we will be having a wedding soon?” he asked, pointing to their joined hands.
Elsa nodded. “I hope you aren’t upset. It just happened one day. There isn’t really a way to explain it.”
Everett chuckled, already knowing this would happen. He had seen it when he had spent time with them together a few weeks prior.
He shook his head and said, “I could never be upset with you because you fell in love. He is a good man, so I approve. You know Mother will be happy, but Father will need some convincing.”
Elsa looked at Owyn and smiled. “He will be happy that I finally found someone else’s problem to be.” That sent a round of chuckles around the room.
Everett looked towards Scarlett and Alastair. “I see you have found yourselves similarly attached?”
Alastair chuckled again. “Yes, we have. We also have other information to tell you as well.”
“As do I.”
They all agreed to lay everything out on the table at dinner. Once that was agreed, everyone headed to their separate quarters to get ready.
Everett was first down to dinner, which was a shock since Elsa was always first. Considering she now had other things to occupy her mind, he wouldn’t be surprised if that would cease to exist. With a chuckle, he walked around the downstairs hall outside the dining room. As he walked, his thoughts turned to the redheaded woman who haunted his dreams often. He smiled as he thought of the cheeky things she would say, and the way her lips tasted in the moonlight.
With a start, he realized that he had almost walked out the front door, his heart leading him places he shouldn’t go. However, his heart was not leaving him back there. It was his job, just like it had been the first time. It had been his job that had taken him away too.
He sighed and headed back to the dining room, happy to have his thoughts averted when he saw the others now waiting for him.
“There you are,” Elsa said, coming over and hugging him.
“I was wondering. There was no one else here yet, so I decided to have a look around.”
She smiled at him and sat down next to Owen, who sat at the head of the table. Alastair and Scarlett sat next to one another, unable to keep their eyes off one another for very long. There was so much love in the room and Everett couldn’t help but be a little bit shocked by it all. It seemed that love could blossom any time, even when the future was uncertain. His only hope was that it could withstand any future hardships.
He sat opposite Scarlett at the table next to Elsa and listened as they talked about the letters. They basically revealed everything Everett already knew, but did reveal where Catriona was being held.
Next Scarlett and Alastair let him know that the poisoner had been killed, and that Scarlett was on the road to recovery.
“We are also anxious to see your plans, if you have any, for a rescue attempt,” Alastair said. “However, we’d like to speak to Brigid and find out where she stands on this and whether or not she will help us.”
Everett looked him straight in the eye and said, his voice almost a snarl, “She will help you. She will not side with a kidnapping murderer.”
“Murderer?” Scarlett asked, her face paling even more than it already was.
Everett chastised himself for his harsh words.
“I’m sorry, My Lady. He only employs murderers. Someone was murdered yesterday at the purification lab. The original purification serum has been stolen.”
“Is Brigid all right? Has any information been recovered?” Owen asked.
“I don’t know yet. My orders came in this morning with the report. I leave for Cobalt Lagoon tomorrow.”
“Well, we’d like to accompany you,” Alastair said.
“I don’t think that would be wise with Scarlett in the state she is in,” Elsa pointed out.
“Next week,” Everett said, drawing their gazes. “Give me until next week to get settled and obtain more information. I will let Brigid know about your visit and that would give her time to prepare.”
“Next week then,” Alastair said.
A few hours after dinner ended, Everett walked the castle, his general restlessness keeping him awake. He heard footsteps behind him and he turned to find his sister there.
“Are you thinking about seeing her again?” she asked, twining her arm to his. They started walking and he nodded.
“For the first time in a very long while, I am nervous for an assignment. It is not the actual assignment, but the people involved.”
Elsa smiled, rubbing his arm gently.
“It will be difficult, but it is your job. Did you not tell her that?”
He nodded again. “I did tell her. I left a note, but I doubt that would appease her stubbornness.”
Elsa chuckled, becoming excited now to meet the one woman who according to Everett, was his match.
“The best thing you can do will be to ask for her forgiveness.”
Everett scoffed at her.
“She wouldn’t forgive me even if I begged.”
Elsa halted and Everett turned to face her.
“Brother, you have much to learn about matters of the heart. She still loves you, and will be nursing a broken heart that only you can heal. Show her you are sorry, and that you still care for her.”
At his attempt to speak, she held up her hand, silencing him. “I have faith that she will come back to you, and it will be better this time.”
Everett looked at his sister, curiosity in his eyes.
“When did you become an expert on matters of the heart?” he asked.
“Well first, I am a woman. Second, I became an expert when I fell in love.”
Everett chuckled and took her arm, continuing on their walk.