Sitting at the large dinner table was nothing new. Sharing a meal with my husband, father, and father-in-law was something of a spectacle. If the men weren't discussing war strategies, they were talking about their last big hunt and what game they had caught. I found myself dozing off on several occasions and at one point focused too much attention on a smudge that was plastered on my wine glass.
I was taken out of my daze by my father's voice, loud and boisterous he asked, "What do you think of this idea Aine?"
"Sounds good!" I responded. Having no idea what had taken place during their conversation.
"Really? Well then, I think both Connor and I are glad to hear this. We've been wondering if you two had been trying," my father said.
I had no idea what the hell he was talking about. What did I just agree to?
Killian's face was expressionless, but his eyes told another story. He smiled at my father and Connor and continued on with his conversation about going on a hunting trip in early June.
Again, I found myself wondering into thought and playing with my food I had hardly touched throughout the meal.
My father seemed to notice this and asked, "Aine, are you not hungry? I've seen you take maybe two bites this entire meal. Are you feeling okay?"
Smiling I retorted, "I'm feeling fine father. Just not overly hungry. I've had a long day."
Killian chimed in on this comment, "Yes she did. Did you know your daughter is skilled in swordsmanship? She had a match with one of my finest knights this afternoon and could have cut his head off had she followed through with her blow and had a proper sword to wield."
My father gave Killian an incredulous look before turning his attention to me, "You had a match today?"
"Yes. Although, I don't recall ever learning swordsmanship. It was odd. It all felt so natural. As though I'd learned a long time ago, and never forgot."
Connor Altair was the next to speak at this comment, "I'm sure your father had you trained at a young age, but interest in swords never lasts long with young well raised ladies."
"Yes, you're right Connor. As a child I had Aine take lessons with one of my men. She became weary of practicing and stopped at an early age."
I had no memory of this happening. I was sure however, that my father was right. The way the sword felt in my hands, I knew at some point I had learned how to use a sword properly.
I smiled and shoved an unwanted slice of meat into my mouth. Killian eyed me. I never said a word in his direction or acknowledged his gaze on me.
I finished eating what was on plate when one of my maids came to refill my plate, "No thank you Mary."
"Give her more," Killian cut in.
"I'm not hungry Killian. I have finished my initial meal," I replied.
"If you are wanting to give grandchildren to our father's you should be eating healthy meals," Killian retorted taking a bite of roasted potatoes.
I dropped my fork and yelled, "What!"
"We we're discussing when you and I would have children. I said in a few years. Your father wanted us to try as soon as possible. He asked you, and you said "sounds good". Since you're excited to begin, we need to have you ready to rear me a son." Killian stated matter of factly.
My mouth agape, I searched the room for confirmation. Everyone was silent. My father and Connor were smiling and shaking their heads in agreement. I wanted to punch my past self for agreeing to something I had not been paying attention to.
Connor spoke next, "Aine, I am excited to see a grandson wandering the halls of this old manor and catching game with us. I am supremely happy you have agreed."
Sighing I said nothing. I looked at my new plate of food and starting digging in. I was not hungry and I was not pleased.
Killian began chuckling, taking a drink of his wine before looking at me. "My wife seems displeased. Did you not mean to agree to bearing my children so early? We do have time my dear."
"I have already agreed to this. I look forward to rearing a grandson. I just thought we'd have more time to get to know one another is all."
My father then spoke, "You two have known each other for many years. I would think you know each other well by now."
Confused I glanced in my father's direction. As if realizing he said more than intended, he took at long drink and turned to Connor and began talking about how his wife and daughter were doing.
No! I was not going to let him get away with this.as I was about to speak up, Killian beat me to the punch, "What do you mean? Aine and I have only known each other these past two years and hardly spoke during that time aside from these few weeks we have been married."
"Well...ummm...Connor?"
Connor exhaled a large breath of air then said, "You two have known each other much longer than we had led you to believe. As children you were actually introduced and very fond of each other. Then, after the accident, Killian was difficult to get to come here. So we stopped visiting until your sixteenth birthdays."
Killian and I glanced at each other. I was the first to speak, "What accident?"
"It's been a long night. I think it is time we make our leave," my father said arising from the table and gathering his belongings.
I stood slamming my hands on the table shouting, "You will sit and answer my question! What accident? Was there a fire? What happened father?"
My father did not sit. Instead he walked over to me and whispered in my ear, "You are not ready to know. Give me a grandson, and I will tell you. Until that day, just know you are my daughter and I love you. This is all you need to know." With that, he ignored my continued protests and left the room and my home altogether.
"Give him some time Aine. He will tell you, when he feels you are ready." Connor stood and left as well. Leaving me with more questions than answers.
Killian walked over to me. He placed his hand on mine, still red from my slam and his other hand on my chin raising eyes to look at him.
"Open your eyes," he commanded.
I had not realized I had them shut. I was so angry and hurt. I felt the tears streaming the moment I opened my eyes. The eyes I looked into seemed to feel my pain as he leaned his forehead against mine.
I had never seen him this kind. Although he wasn't mean, he sure was never affectionate towards me. A small touch or a slight glance, but never something this sweet.
"Aine, I'm sure he has a reason for not telling you. Please, be patient and understanding," he said raising his head and rubbing the tears from my eyes.
"How are you so calm? Aren't you curious of our past? Aren't you angry he won't say anymore?" I asked angrily.
"Yes, I am. I am angry and frustrated. But I also trust our father's enough to know when the time is right, they will tell you," he replied.
Tell me? What about him? Does he know?
"Do you know? What do you know?" I asked. Searching his face for answers. Only to be left with emptiness.
"I know as much as you."
I wanted to believe that. However, I sensed he was lying. Pushing his hand from my face, I turned my head down and stormed out of the room. My maids looked at me confused, "What the hell are you looking at!"
"Aine! Aine wait!" I could hear Killian calling after me. I kept walking, my pace quickening. The hell was going on? Why was this marriage shrouded in mystery? Why was I feeling more lost?
I felt the wind on my face and the moons bright beams led my way through the door. Outside, I sat on the stones next to the door and put my head in between my legs and began to cry.
"Aine? Is everything okay?" It was Anlon. He walked towards me asking.
Peering through my legs I could see his shoes and dirty legs from a days work. He held his sword to his side and stared at me concerned.
"I'm okay. Thank you," I replied.
"Are you sure? You don't look okay," he said sitting down beside me.
"Everything is more confusing today than it was yesterday. No matter how many questions I get answered. Each is replaced by ten more!" I exclaimed.
"Im sure it will all work out. Do not fret," he said this as I placed my head on his shoulder. Feeling comfort in his words and firm body.
Suddenly the bright moon was casted by the clouds. I felt Anlon's arms around me as I wept. I opened my eyes looking up at him, his handsome face casted with concern and tender kindness.
I wanted to reach up and touch him, instead I straightened myself, "I should be going. Thank you for your concern Sir Anlon."
I stood and headed inside. In the doorway I found Killian standing with his arms crossed. I said nothing as I slipped past him and went inside. I could see his angry look wasn't meant for me but Anlon.
Killian slowly closed the door as I watched Anlon's face fade from view. Anlon gave me one last smile before waving goodnight and the door was slammed in his face. Killian turned to me. I said nothing but turned around heading to my...our chambers.
Sleep. Sleep never came. When it did. It was the same firey nightmare, the same twisted face, the same soot and tears. I'd awake to Killian holding me..shushing me. What in the actual hell was going on?