“Nothin’. Paige told me that she was goin’ to bring the food to me room, but it took too long. So, I came here. I’m sorry, I swear I wasnae doin’ nothin’ wrong.”
“Of course,” Cleo said placing her hand on Jude’s shoulders. “You are not in any trouble. We were just concerned for you.”
“Ye’re to stay with me from now on, do ye hear me?” Jude said, “I daenae want ye out of me sight.”
“Jude, that is a bit much don’t you think? Hugh as you can see is fine,” Cleo said in hushed tones. Jude’s eyes shifted to her as he shook his head. Pressing his lips into a tight line he rose to his feet.
“There is clearly someone in the castle with intentions to harm us. I will nae see either of ye hurt,” Jude said as he rolled his shoulders back. It pained him to have to say the words that he knew he needed to say, but it was the only way that he was going to be able to keep his family safe. Breathing in deeply, he tried to force the horrible thoughts out of his mind of what could happen to them both.
“Until we discover who is behind these attacks, none of ye will leave the castle, is that clear?”
“Faither, please.” Hugh said, as Jude turned sharply to his son shaking his head.
“Nay, ye will be under guard as ye roam from yer room to other parts of the castle. Ye may come to the study and may go to the great hall, but for the most part, I want ye in yer room where ye’re safe and protected. All of yer food henceforth will be tasted and then sent to the healer for testin’ before bein’ delivered to ye.”
“Faither, what has happened?”
“Food was delivered to yer room that had been tampered with.”
“You cannot condemn your son to his room. A boy needs fresh air and to be outside,” Cleopatra said as she stepped forward. Concern flashed across her face and Jude knew exactly what he was saying would hurt her just as badly as it was hurting him.
“I understand yer concerns about bein’ locked in yer room,” Jude said, “but it is for yer own good.”
“My own good? Do you have any idea how many times I’ve heard that spewed out of my father’s mouth? If someone is going to harm us, they will get to us one way or another. We cannot live in fear.”
“I have told ye what is to happen. Ye’re nae to go outside. Ye’re nae to leave yer room without an escort. Do I make meself clear?” Jude said as he stepped closer to Cleo.
He knew that his words were striking her. He knew that being confined to her room would cause her great distress. After all, she had been locked up several times by her own father and yet here he was doing the same, but in his mind, he had no other choice. If he was to keep them safe, he had to take such measures.
“Please don’t do this,” Cleo said as tears began to swell in her eyes.
“Guards,” Jude shouted. In an instant three men stepped into the room. Jude looked at each of the soldiers. He knew them all since he was a boy and knew he could trust them all. “Felix, please take Cleo back to her room and remain posted at her door at all times.”
“Aye, sire,” Felix said as he stepped forward to Cleo and tapped her lightly on the shoulder.
“M’lady this way, if ye will.”
Cleo flashed daggers at Jude before she turned on her heels and followed Felix out of the room.
She will forgive me. Once this is all over. I ken she will. But this is the right thing to do. I ken it is, I cannae lose her, nae when I just found her.
19
“Felix, please. Must you follow me everywhere?” Cleopatra asked without glancing over her shoulder. The sound of the soldier’s footsteps lingered closely behind her and started to aggravate her immensely.
“Ye heard the Laird,” Felix said, “I am to stay by yer side at all times.”
“It has been nearly two weeks with no instances. Surely Jude…” Cleo paused as she glanced at Felix. His eyes squinted as she realized he had not yet been informed about her new status as Jude’s wife to be. “I mean your Laird will allow you and me a reprieve from one another’s company.”
“Are ye statin’ that ye’re gettin’ tired of me?” Felix chuckled as Cleopatra glanced over her shoulder.
“It is not that I am getting tired of you,” she said, “it’s just that even with the added security, this seems a bit redundant, don’t you think? After all, I have been known to take care of myself from time to time. And even with you by my side, I’m still not allowed outside the castle. And don’t get me started on whether or not you have family to attend to. Aren’t they missing you?”
“They ken what I do for a livin’ and they understand,” Felix said as Cleopatra dropped her shoulders and sighed.
“Don’t you ever miss the way mud squished between your toes? Or the feel of the warm breeze on your face? Surely, you must be missing something.”
“Aye, I can agree with ye there. It would be nice to see the sun in the sky instead of through the windows.”
“Then please can we just step outside for a moment? I promise I won’t go far and you’ll be right there with me.”
“I daenae ken. The Laird gave direct orders that ye’re nae allowed outside. And I cannae go against his wishes.”
“But surely five minutes will not be the cause of any issues. Let me run for a few moments and be free. Do you have any idea what it feels like to be trapped?”
Felix dropped his shoulders as he glanced about the open room. With no one around he sighed.
“All right,
