The Hamlet of Auchlyne

“And why ever not?” he asked, rather amused, “If I were not a King, I’d have more time and would not be bound by tradition…I probably would not be married either.”

He went silent for a moment, wondering why exactly he said he would not be married. How would life be if he had never been promised from childhood to Mary, if he had never met her or became infatuated with her. What if he had just been a soldier and met Isabel while travelling the country - would they have still been friends or would they be living in the little home in which they sat together as a couple. His thoughts were disrupted by the clap of thunder that rumbled outside, a flash of light and then the land descended once more into dark.

“I doubt I’ll ever understand it, Isabel,” he replied and wrapped an arm casually around her.

His eyes were the only illuminating light in the room. It was for this very reason the closeness that we shared why I refused to live at the palace. It would be too much for the both of us to take. And if I was honest, I do not think that I would want to see him play happy families cocooned in his love for his wife. How bitter I was becoming just over one man I quickly broke away from our embrace."We both know that I am not the marrying kind. Men look to me as if I am a fantasy between the bedsheets. I'm not a delicate lady with airs and graces." Stretching out of the sheet the kilt fell and I left it there gently kicking it off my foot. I went over to the window, pulling it open, allowing the smell of fresh air to fill my lungs.

“Then whom shall you love if you never marry?” he asked, “Shall you be some man’s mistress forever?"

Isabel was right. She was a fantasy, something forbidden but as far as James was aware - untouched. This - of course - only added to her appeal. What man would not want to prize out the darkness in her, be the first to tame her wild nature? Despite the fact that James was rather modern for his time, he still was a man and as such had very certain weaknesses…women were one of them.

He glanced behind him as she went to the window, stretching to open the window - he saw only the hint, the gentle curve of her rear which soon disappeared behind the shirt again. He glanced down with a lusty sigh and wished she hadn’t walked away from his arms.

I didn't love him yet in some aspects I saw myself loyal to him. "I might not wish to love any man James I am loyal to you." I sighed heavily as I found my way back to his arms. Maybe one day a man would come and turn my head away from the man whose arms I currently took comfort in. But until another person would be able to do that to catch my attention and affections. I would not go out seeking a man just to make me feel wanted.

“So a life with no love then?” he asked deeply, “Because of me?”

He stayed quiet and contemplative. Wrapping one arm around her and resting his chin upon her hair, now curled a little as it dried amid the heat of the small room. She was heavy in his arms, she didn’t fit like Mary did but he wanted her none the less. She was restless, independent and there was a thread of rebellion running through her - she would not go gently into any mans arms. Her gift - however - was inspiring a man to hold her there and not let her go, despite how fraught things may become. Could he let her continue like this, could he keep her affections for him alone - did he dare?

He sighed and tried to shrug off his thoughts before chuckling playfully. He moved away from her and stood, playfully sauntering to the door, “I must leave you immediately then! For the sake of your future happiness you understand,” he said theatrically as he looked down to her.

"I am no woman who gives her heart easily to any man James! I can only apologize most earnestly that it wants only you." His theatrics although they were made in jest still stinged to see him act in such way. I stayed on the floor sitting on my feet with my head bowed down. I made him uncomfortable my brazen behavior towards him would come to a hault eventually. One day they would just be friends with casual hellos to one another both going home to their other lives. This house offered a glimpse of a future which could've been lived by the both of them. Just a fantasy was all he would be to me and I to him.

James leaned against the wall, having to buckle his hip so the roof would not bear down upon his head. Passing a brief glance out the window, he noticed the rain had begun to subside - no longer did sheets tumble from the sky, but only gentle taps against the window. Folding his arms over his chest he frowned as she dipped her head, “There is nothing to apologise for, Isabel,” he said honestly with a shrug, “No one is ever truly in control of their hearts.”

“I had better leave you be and get some rest,” he said reluctantly, “I’m needed back at the castle."

"Of course I hope that we shall both see each other again." He wasn't aware of this, but when I missed his company I would sometimes take a stroll to see if we do meet. I jumped off the floor, placing a tiny kiss on his cheek to wish him well on his travels.

James held onto her shoulders as she leaned closer to him. He lingered near to her as her lips brushed gently against his cheek. He tipped his head down to her’s with a sigh, “Take care,” he replied and returned the gesture. He was tempted, he could have let his lips stray from her cheek but the weight of Mary’s cross was suddenly heavy and anchored him down to the ground, “I’ll see you soon,” he said and moved away, opening the door behind him.

"Wait." I called as I ran to collect the remaining shirts that were left in the brown paper. "Do you not want these I think they make you look rather handsome if I may say so." I wrapped them back up holding them out for him to take if he wanted to.

He bundled the parcel beneath his arm as she gave the shirts to him, “Thank you,” he said warmly, “I’ll have someone send a purse to you tonight.”

It was strange, he thought, that Mary was constantly with him through the weight of her cross and now Isabel’s shirts would be pressed against his skin too. Every stitch and work of her needle now with him. Without really thinking he touched his hand to her cheek, running his thumb across her freckled skin. He almost leaned in, his head moved towards hers - so close that he could feel her breath.

However, he finally moved away with a smile, "Goodbye," he mumbled.

No! I protested most adamantly I did not wish to receive his money for my labour of love. I stood as still as a statue when he touched me. It caught me completely off guard and only lasted a brief few seconds. He left his mark on my skin like a hot poker I could still feel his hand pressed so strongly against my porcelain skin. If he was to kiss me I would break my body tumbling into his arms like a piece of silk running through his fingers. Just kiss me you fool give me something to remember a memory that can be imprinted in my mind. I shut the door looking around at this empty cottage which served me no purpose at all. This was James haven; a place where he belonged I did not. I felt very small being here on my own.