Noble Capture

Chapter 2: So We Meet Again

Fort McDonnell was a fortress stretched upon the Scottish Highlands, surrounded by evergreen mountains, long rivers and an endless forest. The massive castle stood tall, with high walls and towers, each with never-ending staircases. Anya climbed the staircases leading to the Great Hall, which was great in every sense. The Great Hall, the largest room in the castle, is filled with treasures the clan's founder, great grandfather to the current Clan Chief, took from his conquest of the Highlands.

However, the main showstopper in the hall was the giant Bear head that hung at the center above the main table. She heard rumours that the current Clan Chief fought and killed the bear when he was just a young lad—impressive but terrifying, just like the man himself. Anya had only seen the Clan Chief once, the day she was captured, and never again. She was busy working in the kitchen or plotting her escape. Oh, how she yearned for freedom, her kingdom, and her father.

Lost in thought and dreaming about escaping, Anya did not realize someone was standing on the stairs until it was too late. She bumped into the person so hard that Anya was surprised the tray in her hand did not fall to the ground. Only when Anya heard a husky voice asking her whether she was alright did she regain her composure. Anya slowly raised her head to answer yes, but then she saw him.

'Those eyes!' Anya would never forget those dark midnight eyes that had looked down on her with arrogance and disdain as he ordered his men to capture her.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"Yes, M'lord," Anya replied in shock and awe, not because he asked her how she was but because he was even talking to her. This was the first time he ever spoke to her. She heard him say only once when he told his men to "Tie her up."

Caelen was infamously called the Silent Wolf, as he could go for months without uttering a word.

As Caelen looked at Anya, he recognized she was the sassenach  they captured from the English bassas. This was the first time he saw Anya and actively looked at her face. She was very lovely for a mere handmaid. She had long, gorgeous blonde hair and a beautiful oval face, but her eyes stood out the most. Ocean blue eyes that seemed intelligent and somewhat noble, and even with something else he couldn't quite describe.

 He was so engrossed in examining her that he took a while even to register her response. Her voice was low and carried a clear and sweet tone.

"What's your name?" He couldn't help but ask.

"A..., Maggie, M'lord." Anya was still shocked that he was still speaking to her, and she almost blurted out her real name.

"Maggie," Caelen repeated softly.

"It suits you," he added.

Anya did not know how to respond, so she only muttered a "Thank you."

Caelen took one last glance and continued down the stairs, leaving Anya no choice but to look back at his descending head, trying to process what had just happened.