The Veiled Lass

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Within a day Breac's light had been plunged into darkness.

Laird Douglas had made it clear to Breac that at first he was not to see Elspet privately under any circumstances.

Breac spent the following days a mindless drone. The perfect warrior, The perfect son but a broken man.

He went to training, he attended concili with his father; he fulfilled all his duties to his clan while neglecting the ones to his heart. He was a tortured man torn between duty and love.

Laird Douglas had built a quaint chapel on the edge of the manor's grounds for his mother ages ago. It was a beautiful little stone chapel with the most stunning stained glass windows.

Breac entered the beautiful chapel late one night to clear his thoughts and seek guidance.

He froze in the aisle.

It was like a message from God.

Their she was, kneeled in front of the large wooden cross.

Elspet.

His feet moved at their own accord till he found himself kneeling beside her and bowing his head in prayer.

"Ye are catholic I see"

Breac tore himself from his silent prayer to gaze at his lady.

"You say that as if ye are not also catholic.." Breac questioned, Elspet continued to bow her head in prayer; refusing to meet his inquisitive gaze.

"That is because I am not..I am a protestant which is why I seek the house of God in secret where I may pray in peace and not be judged. Why do ye seek council so late.."

Breac spoke softly "My life is becoming ruins as I just stand and watch; helpless to solve anything"

"Why do ye say that,," Elspet questioned as her gaze moved to study the exquisite stained glass behind the cross.

"Because I have lost you.. I am struggling because to protect you is to betray my clan. But to not is to betray my heart.." Breac drew his gaze down to the ground.

Elspet reached one of her clasped hands to brush his cheek.

"I shouldn't have called you a liar or claimed you betrayed me..I was angry and rash and ye were doing the noble thing for your clan"

Breac laid a hand over her's

"It doesn't feel right, When ye put your clan before ye self you are supposed to feel just and prideful by your action..I just feel pain"

Elspet smiled sadly "I am merely a servant lass that thought herself a beast until she met you. I have yet to gaze into a mirror but I dont want to..I merely want to imagine myself as a lass worthy of your care. Breac ye are to be a Laird..a real man of Scotland. You will find another Lass one of station and at first it will hurt..but the pain will fade. I am destined to be a broodmare for a man I donna know. At least one of us deserves happiness"

Breac moved to cradle her face in his large hands gazing into her violet eyes.

"Be mine. even if it is only for a fleeting time. At least give me memories to cling to.."