In The Name of The King (#Wattys2016)

The Decision

Chapter 8

I told Gavin and Arthur about how I was kidnapped, malnourished, and threatened numerous times.

The memories resurfaced, choking the life out of me. The image of Forannan's sadistic smile and hollow eyes almost stole my breath away. I could still feel the tight ropes that bounded my wrists for days. These weren't memories I would like to relive or even acknowledge.

When we came upon Caldwell and why he's searching for me, Gavin and Arthur held shocked expressions. I couldn't help but picture light brown hair with sprinkles of grey at the temples. I could still see my father's pained eyes as he gripped my hands on his deathbed. Clenching my hands, I clutched the wooden edge of the table. Tears and grief trapped me, as I visibly stiffened. My shoulders shook violently, sobs echoing in the small room. Arthur's hands found my waist, pulling me into an embrace. I couldn't help but clutch the dark fabric of his cloak.

Everything I thought was real about my father evaporated. Who was he really? I sifted through my memories, analyzing my childhood. Doubt creeped in like an unwanted visitor. Caldwell made me question everything I thought was set in stone. He made me wonder if I only knew the surface of the man I called father. What scared me the most was finding out the secret my father hid from everyone, including the people he loved. The sobs became less violent, until all you could hear were miniature hiccups. Gavin's mouth frowned in concern, while Arthur still held me tight to his chest. My brain finally registered how close in proximity Arthur and I were. Heat started spreading across my cheeks to the bridge of my nose. Clearing my throat, I pulled away from his touch.

"Sorry...," I whispered, turning crimson. Gavin smirked, fiddling with the wax on the candle before us. Arthur straightened his back, turning away. An expression crossed his face, seeming conflicted. It was as if he was questioning his own actions.

His striking hazel eyes found mine, causing the corners of his lips to curve upwards. He broke the awkward silence,

"You don't have to be sorry Mary, It's not your fault," I nodded, bouncing my coffee colored hair against my shoulders. Gavin's eyes trailed up and down my body. My hands started to fidget under his scrutiny.

"Did this Caldwell Merek hurt you?" Gavin's question caught me off guard. He looked genuinely worried about my wellbeing. Even though I've only known Gavin for a couple of hours, I felt as if I've known him my entire life. He seemed genuine and caring.

"Yes...," I trailed off, remembering the pain of being smacked against the wooden walls of the wagon. My only source of water was the rain that seeped through the wagon's canvas.

Gavin opened his mouth, but was cut off by the sound of my stomach growling. Almost instantly, a blush stained my cheeks. Arthur's eyes widened in surprise. You could easily hear Gavin lose it. Fits of laughter shook him, causing tears to gather at the corner of his eyes. Gavin laid his head on top of the table, his shoulders shaking with each breath of air. At the same time, Arthur doubled over in laughter also, clutching his side. My blush deepened until I was the color of a ripe tomato.

"It wasn't even that funny," I grumbled in protest, disliking the fact that they were laughing at my expense. Arthur's and Gavin's breaths came out in pants as they tried to gulp in enough air to form words. A smile decided to creep it's way in, trying not to show my amusement at the sight before me.

Neela leaped onto my lap, cuddling the fabric of my stained and tattered dress. A laugh finally bubbled out of my throat, surprising me. All three of us were immediately laughing even harder than before. Arthur looked as if he was about to burst into tears, whereas Gavin just silently giggled. Neela yawned, narrowing her blue eyes and twitching her ears in disgust. She jumped off of my lap, annoyed at the spectacle we were making.