Hidden Desires

Charpter I

                                                               Scotland 1565. Eilean Donan Castle

It was a cold night and dark February. The air came in the viewpoints was so sharp that almost became crystals the bereaved tears of Stephanie. Time seemed to suspended without memory. Sadness had gotten the Eilean Donan Castle in the highlands of Scotland: the death of the leader of the Clan MacRae noted.

Stephanie had gaze lost in the soft green hills, now almost crushed between the mist, that you were so familiar. Absorbed in his pain failed to understand the latest events. Only a few months ago had signed a long-awaited peace sought with the Clan MacKay, what it did not do more than add uncertainty to the little news that even were on death row, his father. The room was in near darkness.

The few torches that remained lit, barely illuminated stay. For a long time that had been turned off the fireplace, but Stephanie had not even noticed the cold that is extended as a dingy mantle. I didn't feel anything. Not hungry. Or cool. Or the lack of sleep. It was so great the pain of the loss of her father, who was unable to leave the state of unconsciousness that tea prevents the despair in the first moments.

In his mind not ceased to give laps one and the same idea: she was alone, at the mercy of an uncertain fate and capricious, at the mercy of his uncle Richard, in times in which a woman was less than nothing. He wondered how it was possible that in just six days, his life had been a shift as hopeless. The struggles for having power in the clan would not be expected, and i was sure that his uncle would do everything possible to become the head of the same. And at any price.

Stephanie was the only daughter, had no brothers, was not married… It had been alone… His father had always advised him to marry. Many of her potential suitors had been highly coveted by other young ladies, but she always rejected the idea of a marriage for convenience. Sir Charles, always aware of the needs of his daughter, feared that it was defenseless, unlikely in a time of violent struggles between Scottish clans, and English. In a world of men for men… But she never paid too much attention. Not interested too. However now how much is he repented of not following his advice. Just his father spoke of marriage she smiled and changed item. He managed to evade the issue with as much cunning, until her father willingly accepted their obstinacy. I didn't hurry nor need anyone other than his beloved father. But if at least now, she had a husband, or a pretender, would surely not be so helpless, would have a shoulder where crying and supported, and most importantly, the leadership of the Clan would not be in danger. Stephanie always had a romantic view of marriage and wanted to live one day as his parents love to. Without realizing it to penalties, had forged a world of dreams where there was only space for marriage as imagined they had experienced them. And though scarcely remembered his mother, lady Mariela, his father had not left elapse or an only no talk about how wonderful it was, day of the well that they spent together, of how wanted Stephanie and how much resembled her.

Unfortunately, her mother's only they kept some suits that were relevant with particular suspicion, a portrait that he made in his native Italy a young teacher named Leonardo and a cameo wedding gift of his mother's family, which had very few references. All personal effects which had not disappeared after his tragic death, had been stored carefully and with love in a room of the castle which used to be visited by Sir Charles, in his moments of longing. Lady Mariela was remembered by all how many knew her as possessing great beauty, and not just physical. So perhaps his sudden death caused consternation and confusion in most of the inhabitants of the Highlands of Scotland. And a great and irreparable loss for Sir Charles and Stephanie. How much would have given about his mother! If at least now he could count on his love and his Council, with its support, everything would be different. Now more than ever, it missed the maternal warmth. I knew that they impending hard, difficult times plagued of disagreements, caused by the fighting that would trigger by the lust for power in the Clan. But the worst came to the fall of the evening, when the daily activity ended and silence owned everywhere soon bustling Castle, and all were made in themselves. Lived each of the nights spent without his father as a punishment. The pain of her absence was so intense, that it was impossible to accept that it should continue with their usual routine. Not eating. Not drank. Reconcile the dream was almost a miracle: the nights were eternal, and in those moments of absolute solitude you missed the happy memories to scare her. As if it were possible to recover yesterday. And it was again and again evoking any time that return you your presence. And so, drawing a soft smile on his face, he remembered as Sir Charles MacRae had taught her more than any woman of their condition would have been able to dream. Hunting, horseback riding and to manage in the forest better than any Knight of his age. It could read and knew how to bring a castle… He was the son who never had. After the unfortunate death of his beloved wife, Stephanie was everything.

With much dedication and patience got that Stephanie is good could defend any adversity, was of the type that would be. Her had taught everything you could know about the war, the Council, the Government of his lands, and more importantly, how maintain living and United the interests of the Clan. You have been male, no doubt, would have been worthy replacement for his father. But nobody had taught him to live without him. Nobody had prevented him from this torrent of pain that left him nor breathe without miss you. I wasn't prepared for that. Not yet. No way. Everything had changed so abruptly that she felt despondent. Their expectations had disappeared at once. Now only he was going to be a beautiful damsel into the hands of unscrupulous hyenas. He knew that his uncle, Lord Richard, wanted the title of head and certainly wouldn't have ruthlessly to achieve this. Insurance would already have decided what to do with it: her marry his eldest son, his cousin Alfred. No! God, what horror! No! Marry Alfred. Before I would prefer death. Alfred was a be heinous and cruel that destroyed everything what was playing. Although he had to admit that he enjoyed certain appeal and was popular among the female circles, not could even imagine him not feel chills. Suddenly, the door of his bedroom was opened without prior notice. -Lady MacRae! Lady MacRae! Hurry, Lord Richard is here!-Martha was his nanny from the cradle, which was exhausted by the race. -Do so afternoon?-said drying are those tears with their delicate hands. It was already very late night and didn't expect them until the next day. -Can not be! Martha, these safe? -She asked very estranged. -If milady, one of the peasants came to warn us of your arrival. -But did not expect them until morning!...-said apesadumbrada for pain and cumulative fatigue. Both came down the stairs as fast as they could and once arrived at the doors of the Hall, Stephanie gave orders to her faithful maid so they prepare two bedrooms for Lord Richard and Alfred. -Martha, do it as quickly as possible, please! You know how impatient what Lord Richard. -If milady, do not worry - he replied. He entered the spacious lounge, plunged in a 

half-light that gave it an almost spectral beauty. The fireplace, outside working hours, was the sole focus of light. The torches were extinguished. He was igniting them mechanically and randomly, with reluctance. Fatigue was making a dent in her delicate body. On the emaciated walls, paintings blurred by shadows narrated the best times of the MacRae. But I not recreation in them how to other times. Nerves before the imminent arrival of his relatives the to spin, in circles, by the Hall of weapons where used to meet with her father after dinner. I was restless. Did not understand the reason for the arrival of his uncle to these hours of the night. Insurance that only wanted to bother her.

Suddenly heard the strong blow of heavy and imposing gates of the castle is opened. They were his uncle and Alfred as he had announced. They broke between voices and laughter without any regard to inappropriate time. Probably came a bit drunk. Lord Richard thundered:-Stephanie!! Where this my favorite niece? Is it that you're not going to go out and get your uncle properly? While vociferous headed for great strides towards the Hall of weapons. Once exclaimed there exultant:-magnificent, are here! I thought dear niece, do not you wanted to receive us. It is everything so quiet Eilean appears abandoned his fortune… - dear uncle, how you say it - replied with some acrimony as it came to him to give him a cold kiss on the cheek. The closer he noticed a strong smell of alcohol. -Are prepared and our rooms? - asked impatient.

At that same moment appeared Alfred by the door. Maliciously watching his cousin, said finicky voice:-Hello cousin! Do we go to bed we, already? We are exhausted from the trip. -she snapped challenging. -Your rooms will be immediately -Nervous replied. The presence of Alfred disturbed her. He didn't like his pompous voice, the way they looked at her; even their very presence her old. Much to his regret, I was scared. I knew the vile thing that might turn out to be. -We are tired of the travel and I would like to go to sleep as soon as possible - replied, Lord Richard in a conciliatory tone. -Yes uncle, will only be a moment. Meanwhile, if you want to, I can send to prepare it something for dinner. -No, dear cousin, we did a stop on the way. But… not do we expect? -asked Alfred derisively. -No… Yes - it was quick to correct Stephanie - but not tonight, I thought you will arrive tomorrow. So all is not ready. I ask me excuses. The death of dad… Anyway... - he sighed - preparations for your rooms not be want much. -Do not worry premium. While waiting I can continue to enjoy your company - ladinamente said. Liked how much disturb his cousin. It was so fácil…And it was so exciting to see how a woman so beautiful refolded, which did not in any way be rude - know... the light of the fire… leaves us sense… your charms… Lust in his eyes had almost forgotten how exciting you can become history - I could see clearly.

Stephanie wore a Nightgown and beat whites, subject by thin ribbon of black satin below the chest, that exquisitely made its silhouette. His long, dark mane fell you disorderly fashion by the shoulders making it be delicious. With the nerves had not noticed that the light of fire made that he transparentase his clothes witnessing a harmonious figure, what did but increase even more sickly and little fraternal wishes of his cousin Alfred. Lord Richard stared at his son with disapproval and outlined a slight smile to Stephanie. It was a tense silence that weighed as a slab. Providentially appeared Martha - Milady and milord, Lord... - making a slight bow, he added with suspicion - rooms are ready do want something more? -No, thank you Martha, you can fold. We do not need anything else tonight. I indicate to Lord Richard and my "appreciated" cousin her chambers. -Good. -Stephanie sighed and paused. -Uncle… Alfred… If you follow me I am with them to your bedrooms. I hope that you like our choice - said with more neutral voice who could. The eyes of Alfred were increasingly importunate. How much hated his cousin! But it should ensure that their feelings were not noticed. I had to keep cold. Stephanie came to the corridor with resolute step, trying that they not hearing of how uncomfortable it was his presence. Alfred enjoyed the situation. He seemed to enjoy much exasperating to his cousin. As if it fed up him the discomfort will cause his son, Lord Richard was quick to comment on complacent:-Dear, have no doubt of your good judgment. Insurance which will have been successful. His uncle was not a nice person. Had never been, so she smiled with some gratitude for showing is so polite and sympathetic. It was of the few times that I remembered having heard a kind word to someone. Comforted by his words and his disapproving attitude towards the conduct of Alfred, it fueled the passage more secure. The castle was great and Hall corresponded, which had managed the distance just to not feel the glances of his cousin around his back. To get to the stairs, Stephanie warned despondent that the light of a nearly full moon again betrayed its robust forms of women. He rushed up the stairs, determined not to let his cousin insidious continue with your rude comments.

You felt watching avidly and that repugnant. The castle rooms were spacious and comfortable, but also difficult to heating. The large Windows allowed to have plenty of light of day and great views, but also favoured that the cold was installed in them with free will. The large fireplaces that heated them could avoid that moisture will install in the bones. Stephanie was exhausted but knew that as Mrs the castle played him the work to accommodate them as best as possible, by which he pulled the fire to catch a calientacamas that Martha had already left prepared. -Of course, beloved niece every day happens you look over your mother is in glory - made a brief pause - fire both enhances your charms that no wonder nothing than being lost their composure and some else to your beauty - said Lord Richard reprimanding Alfred with the look. -Said you I father. That our Stephanie has made across a young woman. There is no man who can resist those dark eyes of fair… - said Alfred looking shamelessly consciously ignoring his father's advice. Stephanie towards ignoring the words of Lord Richard and his cousin. Trying to concentrate on the noise of the logs to burn; I watched as the amber light of the fire provided a really attractive play of lights and shadows. -Milord, I preferred to settle on the first floor for your well-being, by bother you as less as possible. I thought that this room would be to your liking - said hesitant to his uncle Richard. I noticed as you were leaving the forces. -Quiet Stephanie, have said before that your choice would seem me appropriate. And so it has been. Thank you dear - the kiss on the forehead to dismiss her. -Until tomorrow. You descanséis. -Good night father - said Alfred with a slight tilt of the head. -Goodnight, milord. You descanséis. -Stephanie politely grateful for behavior so affable that it was demonstrating his uncle with her said. It was not usual in him. Stephanie and Alfred came out of the alcove running is to alone in the long hallway. A great silence was made between them. She felt like burned you the cheeks, but didn't want that his cousin noticing how bullies. They climbed up to the second floor where he was the room that Martha had prepared for Alfred. Following her through the maze of corridors, savoring each hesitation, every hesitation, as if it were a very special trophy. Once they reached the room, she made a gesture indicating the entrance of the same. -Cousin this is your fourth, I hope that you find it to your liking - breathed deeply, trying to hide his nervousness, which served no more than that he grow up. -Dear cousin - looked well, with effrontery, surrounding by the waist it vigorously with his arm, decided to not to let her escape. How it excited her touch, smell... It was certainly time that pay all their insolence. Her came over him and whispered is voice - why not go with me? So we dutifully would welcome my arrival… When Stephanie felt his breath he managed to take a step back. Alfred, trying to kiss her almost lost balance. Wounded in the depths of his ego, he noticed overwhelm his wrath. It could not escape you this time. It would not allow it. -It will be better to start to accept that you are mine… You know perfectly well that as I walked through the door I was waiting for this moment - said Alfred watching it haughtily as he pressed the hug with renewed fury. -That neither dream - said Stephanie tried to rid of his oppression - do not touch me, Alfred.

You are the most despicable being that exists. Let me! Alfred sought to kiss her vehemently. In the struggle she so scratched, leaving marked more than the right cheek, making sebond is. -Okay - said obfuscated by the refusal - this time you've escaped, but you still do not sing victory, because later or sooner you will be mine. -You said aggressively. Stephanie ran by the endless hallway. He climbed the three floors separating him from his cousin, without neglecting an instant, up to what she considered her refuge. His bedroom was on the North Tower of the Castle, away from the rest of the other rooms. He enjoyed some impressive views to the Lake, but that night would have preferred to be far ahead. Once inside, he shut the door with key and supported a Chair in it to block it. He feared that his cousin would visit her at night; He went to the window losing the look in the dark and of his eyes turned to sprout tears inconsolable by sadness that invaded him. He abrumaba him his situation, the loss of his father, his loneliness, his helplessness.

His life had changed so much in an instante… He wondered whether it might be true that the MacKay had killed his father. Would it be possible? Then, why sign the peace treaty. Everything gave laps in his head without finding the answer. The fatigue was unbearable at times. He decided to go to rest. I just wanted to forget. Said it would already think tomorrow what do. And how. It is acurrucó in bed clinging tightly to the pillow. It was more cold than usual. I listened to hit the wind in the broad viewpoints, but everything seemed to finally calm. He closed his eyes without much conviction, fearing another sleepless evening. He wanted to rest.

Day everything would be more fácil… He would talk with…Steph relaxed his shoulders, neck, and without hardly realizing account entered a State of plácido respite, being deeply asleep.