Chapter 32

"Tristan, tis ridiculous." Sapphire said in exasperation as she finished sewing a button on his tunic.

"Ridiculous!!" Tristan menaced.

"I will tell you what is ridiculous, my dear lady wife." Tristan spat, anger emanating from his every pore.

"Ridiculous is when I find you ten feet under ground, your head bleeding due to a wound, your entire arm unable to move, and damn bruises all over your body!" Tristan seethed. He was livid beyond comparison. He didn't recall being so afraid, or angry in his life.

Sapphire pouted her lips, sulking.

"My arm could move, it was only slightly tender." Sapphire mumbled under her breath, Tristan heard nevertheless.

"Tender?" Tristan growled.

"You flinched when I touched you."

"Tis three days ago, Tristan. My arm is better now, I am better now." Sapphire tried in vain to reason.

"My answer will not change." His expression was determined, he would not let her sway his decision. His jaw clenched as his eyes conveyed their determination.

"Tis not necessary." Sapphire said annoyed, her eyes rolling of their own accord.

"In my humble opinion it is." Tristan retorted. The frustrating woman would not listen!

"My answer is finally. You will either take myself, Alexander, Gerald, or Duncan with you where ever you wish to go. If you want to spend time with those despicable creatures you seem to love so much, you will take one of us with you. I care not if you are leaving our chambers for fresh air, you will take one of us with you. Am I understood?"

Sapphire stared defiantly towards Tristan, her jaw stubbornly set.

"Very clear." Sapphire snorted.

A muscle in Tristan's jaw ticked in annoyance. Asinine woman couldn't see he was doing this for her own benefit, nor did she realize how much he cared for her. If something had happened to her....... His mind not wanting to think of the possibilities. A world without her besides him.... Nay! He would not go down that path. Because of her he was beginning to forgive himself, to discover things about himself he thought ceased to exist. He couldn't loose her now, not ever.

"Tristan, tis was an accident. The ground gave out, it is not as if someone had dug the trench. It could have happened to anyone." Sapphire tried to reason.

Aye she had been hurt badly. Three days later and her arm still ached, not that she let Tristan know. Her bruises had become more prominent rather than fade away, getting Tristan to listen would be a difficult feat.

Tristan scowled darkly at Sapphires words. His instincts told him it was no accident. The ground had been weak, aye, but the dirt seemed too soft. Naturally, if the ground were to give out, it would be hard and slowly, as the person walks along the earth, it would soften, until the person reaches the portion where the ground could no longer hold their weight, which was not the case with the ground around where Sapphire had fallen. The ground had been strong, durable. The only section which seemed weak was the one Sapphire fell through. And even then, he had felt the soil, it shouldn't have given out, nor should their have been leaves around the trench. Tristan also kept account of his lands, not a single piece of his land had seemed fragile, until recently.

"Tis could have been anyone, but tis was you who was injured, my lady wife." Tristan stated crossly.

Sapphire scowled at the use of the name. He only addressed her as such when he was angry or upset. Sapphire began to protest, not looking at Tristan, but rather the large bed, looking towards him world only weaken her resolve, and she needed to be strong.

Sapphire paused in her rant, silence met her words. Irritation surged through her. The man was deliberately ignoring her. After all she had said, the least he could have done was listen to her! She opened her mouth to speak, only to be cut off by Tristan's lips against her own. His sudden assault catching her unaware.

Tristan saw Sapphire move her lips, heard the sound which came, but his mind did not register what she was saying. All he could think about was how angry he was, how angry she was. Her hair hung loosely down her back, her glorious raven locks teasing him with their uniqueness. Her eyes alight with anger, her chest heaving. Her face was stained with color from her anger, an anger which only intensified her beauty.

She looked glorious.

He closed the little distance between them, his mind intent solely on one purpose. His lips captured hers in a brutal kiss, one meant to punish, to force his hellion wife into submission.

His arm snaked around her waist, molding her lithe form against his own, she melted against him instantly, something which never ceased to amaze him. His other hand went to her head, his fingers stringing themselves in her raven locks, angling her head so he could deepen the kiss.

His kiss was harsher than he intended, but pleasurable all the same. He bit her bottom lip, demanding entrance, taking it. His tongue met hers in a dance as old as time. Their tongues explored each other's mouth, learning, committing to memory. The more he kissed her, touched her, the more he craved her. he couldn't seem to get enough, not now, not ever.

Her being in the same room as him had his blood boiling in his veins, his body demanding he take her then and there. Her touch scorched him, a mere glance from her had him enticed, captivated.

Sapphire moaned softly, her moan causing Tristan to growl deep in his throat. His arousal pressed into her stomach. His hips moved of their own accord, seeking and demanding.

Sapphire dug her nails into his upper arm, clinging on to him. His kiss was making her dizzy. She couldn't recall what they had been arguing about. All she knew was she had to get closer to him, there were too many barriers in between them. She pressed herself closer, craving more.

The kiss was fierce, needy. His hands had left her hair, trailing towards her aching breast. His lips left hers, going towards her jugular, seeking her sweet, sensitive area, before beginning to make his mark. Their harsh breathing the only sounds in the room.

Sapphires back arched, her head moving to the side to give him better access. The things this man did to her.... Her skin felt tight on her body, a feeling she was begging to relate to Tristan. Her breasts felt heavy, begging for his touch. His fingers brushed the underside of her breast in wicked torment, a familiar feeling beginning to make itself known low in her stomach.

Sapphire let a low moan as Tristan bit her jugular softly before soothing the sting away with his sinful tongue.

A satisfied smirk graced his lips as he stared at his mark before lifting his gaze to meet Sapphires lust filled indigo eyes. His husky voice filled with male satisfaction, and a hint of triumph filled the quiet room, his raging erection still present.

"You will do as I say, love."

With one final kiss, he left her dazed in their chambers, a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Alexander!"

"Aye?" Alexander called as he rose from his crouched position, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"I will have a look here, go to Sapphire and watch her." Tristan said as he led Asher towards where Alex and Gerald stood.

"Aye." Alexander grinned mischievously.

Tristan scowled at his friends amusement.

"Send for Duncan when you reach." Tristan said warily, his scowl still present as he stared at Alex's grin.

He was up to something.

"Anything else your highness?"

Alexander asked with a low bow, his eyes shining in mirth.

"Your arse." Tristan snorted.

"Tsk tsk. Tis no way to speak to someone who is going to act as a nanny towards your wife." Alexander said with a sly smirk.

"Do not tell her you are watching her." Tristan growled. If Sapphire learnt Alexander was watching her every move, her ire would be a force to reckon with. A wise man learned to keep his wife happy, that is, if he knew what was best for him.

"I wouldna dare." Alexander said with another smirk.

Tristan watched as Alexander walked towards his horse, jumping in the air in the process.

Tristan shook his head in mild amusement at Alexander's tactics. The man still acted as a lad.

Tristan bent down, placing his hand in the dirt. The dirt was soft, almost too soft, but only in that particular area. His instincts had been correct. Someone had tried to dig a trench. The trench seemed to be one of nature, who so ever made it had put a great deal of effort into it. The question was, why and who?

"I didn't think the ground was unstable in the forest, especially in this particular area." Gerald mumbled as he bent down next to Tristan.

Tristan stayed quiet, not saying anything. He was debating telling his theory to Gerald when the sound of hooves had him looking up.

Duncan unmounted from his horse, a goofy grin on his face. He walked towards Tristan, clapping him on the back.

"I ken ye missed me."

Tristan stared at Duncan baffled. The man was clearly delusional.

"Aye, the day I miss ye, will be the day ye stop eating like a pig." Tristan retorted, mimicking Duncan's Scottish brogue.

Duncan laughed heartily, his eyes dancing with amusement. He loved it when Tristan spoke to him as such. When Duncan had first met Tristan, he had thought him a Scotsman, his brogue being better than his own.

"You and Alex are up to something." Tristan stated through narrowed eyes, those two were always up to something. It never bode well for him.

"I will tell ye about me self. I am not up to any mischief. I doona ken about Alex. What I do ken is, he was up to no good with ye woman." Duncan said wiggling his brows in the suggestively.

Tristan groaned. Alexander was sure to provoke Sapphire against him. He was a lad in a mans clothes.

Sapphire paced inside her chambers. The audacity of the man! Who did he think he was? He kisses her and leaves! The nerve of him. But what a wonderful kiss it had been. Even now her skin began to heat just thinking of his kisses, his caress. Her hand went to her neck, he un-doubtfully had left a love bite. Heat stained her cheeks, even in the confinement of her chambers, the thought of her liking the fact he left his mark, brought pleasure as well as slight embarrassment to her cheeks.

Sapphire shook her head. She wouldn't let her husbands seduction sway her decision. She was angry, enraged. The crux of the matter was, she was more upset at him for leaving her wanton, than she was at him for appointing her guards. Guards! By all that is holy..... She didn't know what she would do, but she would do something soon. Tristan had been cruel to have left her in that state. She stopped her pacing and sat on the edge of the bed, contemplating ways to make Tristan see reason. Surely the big oaf was over reacting. Sapphire was lost in thought, not noticing Alexander until he had spoken.

"How is my lovely ladyship this fine morn." Alexander said cheekily as he sat besides Sapphire, completely disregarding propriety.

"Tis a ray of sunshine, sir." Sapphire said, her words dripping with sarcasm.

Alexander chuckled at his ladyship. Aye, she was very angry.

"Did his lordship send you to watch me?" Sapphire asked as she lifted a piece of cheese to her mouth from the trencher Alex had brought, no doubt offering his peace.

"Nay, your ladyship, his lordship has sent me to watch your every movement. I am to watch you eat, sit, and what ever it is you ladies wish to do. I am to be your constant shadow, always accompanying you, as a nanny does to wee children." Alexander informed her cheekily, his eyes dancing with glee.

"Wonderful!" Sapphire said as she clapped her hands together.

" Shall you accompany me to the bathing chambers, I wish for a bath." Sapphire said sweetly, her face completely stoic. She would make sure Tristan paid dearly for granting her a bloody nanny.

Alexander glanced around uncomfortably before his pleading gaze landed on Sapphire. Tristan would have his hide, he was much to young to die.

"Your ladyship," Alexander began before clearing his throat which had dried merely thinking about what Tristan would do to him.

"I do value my life as well as other parts of my anatomy. I don't think his lordship would appreciate me accompanying you to the bathing chambers."

"But you are to be my shadow." Sapphire said sweetly, too sweetly.

"Your ladyship, what have I done to earn your hatred that you would have his lordship have my head." Alexander said with large pleading eyes.

Sapphire chuckled softly.

"You haven't done anything, sir Alexander. I feel like a prisoner."

"But you are nay a prisoner, your ladyship. You are free to go where ever you wish, someone has to accompany you, tis all." Alexander said, for once being the voice of reason, and not his usual carefree self.

"Tristan is just worried. He loves you deeply."

Sapphire stared at Alexander, her eyes widening at his words. She had told Tristan he didn't need to tell her he loved her when she had said it to him, but she did want his love. He was capable of love, of that she was certain. But at times her emotions got the better of her. She didn't know how much it had affected her until the words were spoke out loud. He was kind, considerate and caring. He was also very loving, sweet, conceited and a stubborn oaf. She loved him more everyday. Even if he had his men tailing after her, he did it out of love, if only she could make him realize that? Or was it her wistful thinking? Did he do it out of love or obligation?

"He doesn't love me." Sapphire said quietly, not meeting Alexander's gaze, her beloved cheese completely forgotten.

"Och, ye must be crazy if ye think such. A blind person can see how much he loves you." Alexander retorted, a hint of a Scottish brogue lacing his words.

Sapphire smiled softly at Alexander, not saying anything in return. She loved him, she lusted after him, but did he return the feelings? She knew he cared. But how much of his care and concern was from love?

Sapphire have her head a slight shake. She was most probably over thinking. Her woman's time was drawing near, that was probably why her emotions were wrecking havoc.

Alexander let out a breath. Woman! They were hard to deal with. His best course of action would be to distract her. Women were complicated creatures. Lord knew the way their minds worked.

"Would you like to go apple picking?" Alexander asked.

"Apple picking? Nay, mayhap I can bake you something and bribe you into not trailing behind me?" Sapphire asked hopefully.

Alexander laughed heartily at Sapphires hopeful expression.

"Nay, my lady. I'm afraid I am not able to do so. Do you loathe my company so much? I recall you liked my company."

Sapphire smiled.

"I like your company very much, tis not the problem."

"Well then? The matter is settled. The choice is yours, my lady. What would you like to do? We could joust." Alexander offered.

"When is my uncle returning?" Sapphire asked. Lord Rivers had left prior to her little incident. She missed him terribly. He would have told her what to do with Tristan.

"I believe he should be returning in a fortnight. He was missing his lady ship verra much." Alexander answered, wiggling his brows suggestively.

Sapphire lightly punched his arm for his antics. Men only had a one way train of thought.

"I have no need of such information. I suppose we can go horseback riding. I pray my uncle brings my stallion on his return."

"Hopefully. Shall we go then?"

"Alright. Let me change into my riding attire." Sapphire said as she ushered Alexander out the door and began to change.

"Alexander, dear, when will you learn to stop underestimating women." Sapphire said cheekily.

"Not women, rather a certain lady." Alexander replied, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Alexander had teased Sapphire he was the better rider, after all, he was a male. His cocky attitude had caused his defeat. Once again, Sapphire proved she could best the men of castle Knight. They had a simple race, Sapphire emerged victorious. Poor Alex could not even put the blame on the horses, both were magnificent beasts, second to Asher.

"Accept your defeat with grace, sir." Sapphire said, her eyes twinkling in amusement. She had a wonderful time with Alexander, although she wished it were Tristan who had accompanied her throughout the day. The day may have been lost, but the night could still be conquered.

"With you, my lady, I would take defeat any day." Alexander flirted.

Sapphire snorted.

"Your loss was fair, sir. Men and their egos." Sapphire huffed.

"I am not denying it, I lost fairly." Alexander said with a grin.

"You're mocking me." Sapphire said with narrowed eyes.

"Nay, my lady." Alexander assured, although his eyes told a different tail.

"My stomach is begging for nourishment, shall we proceed?" Alexander asked as one hand rubbed said stomach.

Sapphire stared at Alexander long and hard, all the while his face was occupied with a sly smirk. Sapphire unmounted from her horse, the tunic she wore raised slightly with the action, molding against her.

Alex put an arm around Sapphires shoulder as he walked them towards the castle, all the while a stupid grin covered his face. Sapphire stared at him suspiciously, completely unaware Tristan stood a fair distance away, watching.

Tristan watched the smile on Sapphires face before it turned to a scowl, her eyes narrowing. she said something to Alex before beginning to unmount, her tunic hugging her curves, her breasts. Tristan's throat dried, his breeches to tight. his rid ached with need. Her wayward locks kept coming in her face, her braid almost coming loose. His fingers ached to run through her lushes locks, to have her beneath him, her silky tresses spread out as he entered her.

With each lustful thought, his arousal screamed in protest. He hadn't seen his beautiful wife the entire day, nor had he been able to be in her company. a fact he greatly despised. he would see the situation fixed. As soon as the evening meal, he would have his wife all to himself. He needed her like he needed the air he breathed, she made life bearable, better.

"Alexander, a word please." Tristan said as he walked in the castle.

"At your service, my lord." Alexander

said while giving an exaggerated bow.

"Verra amusing. Why were you harassing my wife." Tristan said dead panned. He didn't ask, rather demanded the answer.

"I was not harassing your wife, we were merely returning from a ride. Speaking of riding, did you ken your wife is an exceptional rider. She bested me in a race."

"I wouldn't put it pass her. Aside from telling you to not further trouble my wife, I wanted to thank you. You stayed by her side the entire day, not caring you had other obligations to fulfill. Not only did you stay by her side, but you made sure she enjoyed your company and was not a burden. What you did, only that person would do who cares about another, thank you. You have no idea what she means to me. You being with her today, I knew she was in good hands, you lessened my worries."

"Tis alright, Tristan. I know you love her. I hear love does strange things to a man. She is not only your wife, but our lady as well. She has captures our hearts, just as she has captured yours." Alexander said with a clap on the shoulder to Tristan.

Alex grinned at the fleeting play of emotions on Tristan's face. His lord was slowly growing softer as the days past, but for the better. If a person is as hard as a rock, they only break at the end. A fate he hadn't wanted for Tristan, and now he need not worry. He had purposefully said 'love.' Only a man in love would take such care for his wife for a small incident that took place, wether it be an accident or not.

The entire time he had know Tristan, he could count the times he saw him laugh or smile. Ever since her ladyships arrival, Alexander lost count. The small blessings in life is what makes it worth living. He thanked God day in and out for blessing them all with her ladyship, but especially for Tristan.

"Now don't go soft on me." Alexander said with a smirk, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Tristan grunted before landed a punch to Alexander's gut. Alex doubled over in pain, the spark of mischief still in his eyes.

"You must be quicker."

"I let you have the upper hand."

Alexander said while straightening.

"Of course you did."

"How was your day?"

"How was my day with my nanny? Splendid."

Sapphire said sarcastically.

Tristan rolled his eyes and walked towards Sapphire, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her towards him.

"You are not still upset about that, are you?" Tristan asked as he brushed his lips against hers ever so softly.

"I am upset you kissed me and then left." The words were out of her mouth before her mind could register them.

Tristan's smile was slow and one of male pride. He took great delight in knowing only he effected her in such a manner, no one else. No one had touched her before him, and no one would touch her after him. He was her first as well as her last.

Tristan ran a hand along her spine, the other resting on her hip.

"We can remedy the situation, if you wish." Tristan whispered in her ear as he ground his ever present arousal into her.

Sapphires voice was low and breathy as she answered, she barely recognized herself.

"You should be enough of a gentleman to have already remedied the situation."

"Demanding, aren't we?" Tristan laughed low and husky as he began to make quick work of her dress.

Tristan kissed along her neck, her body pressed against his, while his hands worked to remove all barriers which separated them. But it seemed fate conspired against them, for there was a loud knock on the door, followed by Alexander's voice filled with amusement.

"Lord Rivers has returned."

"Alright, show him to his chambers." Tristan growled. He wanted to be with his wife, interruptions were not welcomed.

"Lord and lady Mannings have accompanied his lordship. They have requested yours as well as her ladyships." Alexander said through the door, his laughter no longer contained at the mention of Isabella, already anticipating Tristan's reaction.

"Damn everything to the pits of hell!" Tristan growled as Sapphire laced her gowns, her frustration as equal as her husbands.

Sorry it's a bit late ;)

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