(Callum)
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A cloud seemed to pass over Callum's face.? I hope that will be true.? I canna say that mah father was a lovin' father.? Everything had to be his way, and anything less meant the wrath o' god would be rained down on ye."? The young laird shook the thought away.? "But ah'll do mah best, mah love. Ah swear on all that's holy." He drew Kirstene close and kissed her forehead, adding "And by all that's bonnie and beautiful as well."
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Two days later they were standing in front of the castle's main entrance, watching a carriage make it's way along the road that led up to the estate.? Callum and Kirstene were quietly expectant, but young Jaimie could barely contain his excitement.? "Is that yer sister, mistress?" the boy asked, hopping from one foot to the other.? "Ah dinnae see ony servants wi' her. Wouldn't thay be in a separate carriage? or oan foot?"
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"Don't be getting yer hopes up, laddie," Callum chided the young servant affectionately.? "Ah'm sure the Lady Arowyn will have brought at least one servant to attend to her needs. She's probably in the same carriage. Taking two carriages would be an extravagance."? He glanced at Kirstene, his eyes glinting merrily as he added "We're not royalty, after all." ?
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- Kirstene, Arowyn ¨C
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Kirstene stood entangled in her husband¡¯s arms, one hand on her proudly protruding belly, the other hand wrapped around his back. She too was excited to see her baby sister. She had not seen Arowyn since she married Callum three years ago and he whisked her away from Edinburgh to Aberdeenshire. She stood trying very hard to contain herself, she was the lady of the manner, she had to keep it together.
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¡°Arowyn has no servants, Jaimie.¡± Kirstene said calmly. ¡°She dinna believe in them she says. Mah sister is of that new breed who feels like she is fully capable of taking care of herself and other grown adults shouldna be forced to cater to her needs and beck and calls. Radical thought process is it not," Kirstene said to Callum. Quickly pecking his lips and smiling before turning back to the stopping carriage.?
Once the vehicle stopped, the driver stepped down to put the stepper in front of the door. When it opened the fresh face of Arowyn McIverson smiled and beamed at her sister. Arowyn had large green eyes, honey strawberry blonde hair that was left out to flow upon her shoulders. She was petite, standing only about 5'3" tall with perky breast and soft curves. A stark contrast to Kirstene, fire engine red locks, full-figured shapeliness and 5'7 frame.
"Sissy," Arowyn squealed taking the driver's hands to step down.?
"Baby girl,"? Kirstene said as her sister ran at her and threw herself in her arms.?
"I've missed you," both women said at the same time.?
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Scheherazade blinked up into her friend's concerned faces. "We are so glad you are okay," Greyson said. "We weren't sure after Branson..."
"What is wrong with Branson." Sam asked scared.?
"Nothing," her friend said reassuring him. "He wasn't making any sense when he first woke up, be he is okay now."
"Okay," she said clearly relieved. "What time is it,"
"It is 7pm," Marc said.?
"Friday," Alex said
"Pardon me," Sam said clearly shocked.?
"Both you and Branson have been out for two days," Marc said
"Did you call..."
"A doctor, yes. Miss Charlotte did. He came to look at you both. He determined that you were dehydrated and suffering from exhaustion. And Branson had suffered acute electric shock. But he assured us if we let you rest you would both recover. "
"And he was right," Alex said.
"Branson woke up this morning. He is in his room showering." Greyson said
"Here," Alex said picking up the tray of food and placing it in front of Sam. "You need to eat."
"I need to see Branson first. Can I see him?" Sam asked,?
"I'll tell him you are awake," Greyson said.?
"I'll go let Miss Charlotte know. She was worried about you." Marc said as he moved to follow Greyson out the room.?
"And I will go run you a bath," Alex said standing and moving to the bathroom.??
